Reborn Young Miss: Phoenix Burning Red-Chapter 127: Circle of Friends (1)

In the end, Irina remained by Adrienne’s side. Aside from asking to run a few errands for her, Adrienne never bothered to strike a conversation with Irina. As she said, she didn’t trust this new aide Lennox had given her. Adrienne knew that whatever Irina witnessed or heard would be reported to Lennox eventually.

Adrienne didn’t like the idea of being watched at all, but she tried to ignore it as she and Irina arrived at the Xia Residence. It was Valerie’s birthday and she only invited a few close friends to celebrate it at home.

This was the first time Adrienne had been in this place and she could already understand why the adopted daughter of the Xia family coveted everything Valerie had.

Valerie Xia was the epitome of a young miss from an affluent family. Though her friends could be counted with fingers, they all came from prestigious backgrounds. Adrienne was pleased that she could become acquainted with them through Valerie.

"What’s wrong, Addie? You look distracted." Valerie suddenly asked and everyone around the table turned to look at Adrienne curiously.

Most of Valerie’s guests had already left after giving their greetings and gifts, so only three young women, that Adrienne was only familiar with their names, remained to accompany them.

"I was just thinking how nice it would be to have friends like yours. You must have heard things about me and because of it, others tried to distance themselves from me." Adrienne smiled weakly.

Myrtle raised a slender brow while Valerie’s lips curled up. They both knew Adrienne wasn’t truly bothered by the rumors around her. She was merely trying to get others’ sympathy by saying these.

"That’s right. When Addie celebrated her recent birthday, she had no one else but me. Looks like you’re finally opening up and trying to make friends, Addie!" Myrtle commented, only adding fuel to the fire.

"Then, is it true that your stepmother mistreats you?" Diana Zhou asked. She was the only daughter of the magistrate at Changshi City. Establishing a connection with her meant that Adrienne could dig dirt about Prosecutor Ji, who was trying to harm her brother.

"Miss Zhou probably doesn’t know that if the father is willing to turn a blind eye to his legal wife, it’s easier to forget the existence of his children with her." Adrienne said helplessly.

"Di, how could you ask Adrienne like that? How could Adrienne get along with the mistress her father brought home? I heard from my aunt that both Miss Rosemary and Camilla Yan attended the same university and were dating Adrienne’s father back then."

The person who spoke was Katherine Shen. Her father and older brother were both military men, and because she grew up in a military family, her words might appear crude but sincere. She was the perfect contrast to Diana, who appeared like a gentle and kind princess.

"This is the case with me." Adrienne started. "Once Aunt Camilla moved into our home, she tried to erase anything that could remind my father of my mother. She also tried to sow discord between me and my father. Because of this, my father and I couldn’t be on the same page and would argue whenever we see each other."

"If that is true, I wouldn’t be surprised if the rumor about Elise Jiang being your father’s illegitimate child with Camilla Yan is true. It seems like that sister of yours is also following in Ayla’s footsteps these days."

The last young woman was called Stephanie Chu. Her family ran a media agency focusing on business and entertainment. However, they could also tap into the murky waters of politics if needed.

In Adrienne’s past life, the Chu family was renowned for possessing confidential information not available to the public. Alistair once told her that having the Chu family on their side was like controlling the rumors and news to their favor.

With the Chu family’s vast network, it would be easy for them to validate the information one would need. There were also rumors that the Chu family made a hefty amount of money by selling this information.

"Well, wouldn’t it be entertaining to see who is better at wearing the same mask?" Valerie chuckled. "With her current reputation, Ayla is trying to keep a low profile these days. Even Raelin Xi has already distanced herself from her."

"Ayla Jiang is a cunning person. She knows how to borrow someone else’s hands to attack her enemy. She only needs to say a few words and someone would step forward to defend her." Katherine hummed, lifting her teacup to wash away the sweetness the cake left in her mouth.

"Why is Adrienne being surrounded by that kind of people?" Diana frowned. In her white dress and makeup free face, she still looks angelic when upset.

Adrienne laughed at that. "I was even deemed to be born under the Star of Calamity by my father when I was younger. I really want to know why I am so unlucky to be born into the Jiang family."

"Star of Calamity?" Diana gasped. "How could that be?! They’re just trying to make you the scapegoat for their misfortunes. If they sowed goodness in others, they wouldn’t have to face such repercussions from their actions."

"Di, some people are just like that. When something doesn’t go their way, they blame others. They are too arrogant to admit their mistakes. If I may be bold enough to say, Adrienne..." Katherine glanced at Adrienne. "It’s not wise to face an enemy unprepared. Since you’ve already offended your stepmother and cousins, they won’t stop until they tear you apart."

Adrienne gave her a slight nod. Of course she was aware of it, but she wanted to see how they would proceed now that she didn’t play her expected role.

"Thank you for your concern, Miss Shen. I will keep it in mind." She answered.

"Don’t worry, Addie. If your cousins and Elise try to bully you again, I’ll rip their masks apart for everyone to see how ugly their hearts are."