The shopping mall buzzed with activity.

Isabella Valentine strutted proudly. "Sophia, you're just my replacement."

"The arranged marriage was meant for your sister," a cool female voice interjected from behind. "Only after her death did you get close to Ethan."

Sophia turned.

Audrey Sullivan approached in stiletto heels, her black trench coat radiating authority.

"Mom," Sophia greeted softly.

Isabella's face paled before she forced a sugary smile. "Aunt Audrey! When did you return?"

She rushed forward to link arms, but Audrey deftly sidestepped. "I'm here to buy my daughter-in-law a purse."

Isabella's smile froze.

"Some people judge solely by appearances." Audrey's pointed glance at Isabella spoke volumes. "My daughter-in-law would look stunning even in burlap."

A sales associate respectfully presented a milkshake-white Birkin bag.

Audrey immediately handed it to Sophia. "Stop worrying about saving money."

"Thank you, Mom." Warmth flooded Sophia's chest.

She quickly offered the birthday gift she'd prepared.

Audrey swapped bags on the spot. "I'll carry this every day—it's from my daughter-in-law."

Isabella's nails dug into her palms.

As mother and daughter-in-law departed together, the sales staff's gazes toward Isabella shifted noticeably.

Inside the café...

"These past years must've been difficult." Audrey stirred her coffee. "Even I couldn't tolerate his temper."

Sophia shook her head. "He needed an outlet."

Audrey suddenly summoned a server with a gift box.

"Wear this to the birthday banquet." She opened the lid. "Let those shallow people see true elegance."

The galaxy gown shimmered under the lights.

Sophia's eyes grew moist.

Her phone rang abruptly.

"With my mother?" Ethan's tense voice demanded. "Give her the phone."

Audrey accepted the device to hear her son's warning: "Don't give Sophia a hard time."

"A hard time?" She arched a brow at her daughter-in-law.

Sophia was carefully tracing the dress's embroidery, her eyes sparkling like scattered starlight.