1 After being bound to the "Manipulative Social Climber System," I became a self-taught master of all eighteen arts of manipulation. Yet, my target was a connoisseur of cunning, a master at spotting manipulative acts. All ninety-nine of my attempts failed. At the Caldwell family gala, Arthur Caldwell, the prince of New York society, once again precisely saw through my scheme. He knocked the drugged wine glass from my hand, his voice sharp: “I’ve seen plenty of calculating women like you. Take my advice, don’t waste your energy. Anything you’ve touched, I find disgusting just to look at.” Yet, he was easily swayed by a holier-than-thou act, completely losing his head over a seemingly pure woman. I smiled, furious, and promptly changed my targets. Later, when the entire Caldwell family was fiercely vying for my attention, Arthur was the only one who pointed at me, screaming in frustration: “Can’t you all see she’s just a manipulative fraud?!” The entire Caldwell family stood in front of me, saying in unison: “She’s no manipulative fraud, she’s our little darling.” … The system instantly blared a sharp warning: 【How dare you change your targets without permission? And you picked a whole bunch at once!】 【Arthur Caldwell’s father, his mother, his sister.】 【Oh my god, how about the Caldwell family’s ninety-year-old Grand Matriarch?!】 I spoke with righteous indignation: “If I can’t complete the mission to climb the social ladder in an elite family, I’ll die on the spot anyway.” “This is my last chance, so of course, I have to cast a wider net.” The thought made my teeth ache. I had initially believed that with my perfected manipulative skills, securing Arthur Caldwell would be a piece of cake. Unexpectedly, I failed ninety-nine times. The man was impervious to my charm. Feigning accidental encounters, playing the victim, orchestrating life-saving moments, “accidentally” ending up in his room… Every trick turned into a joke in front of him. He could instantly tell I was a top-tier manipulator. I once thought he was the legendary ultimate challenge in seduction. Until I saw another woman, with far cruder tactics, look down her nose at him and declare, “Get lost. Don’t think being rich makes you special.” Arthur’s eyes, usually like still water, instantly lit up with astonishing brilliance. “Woman, you have successfully captured my attention.” At that moment, it hit me like a revelation. It wasn’t that my methods weren’t sophisticated enough. It was that this socialite prince had never experienced anything truly refined. I patiently explained to the system: “There’s more than one path to securing a place in high society.” “If I can’t be Arthur Caldwell’s wife, I can be his stepmother, his sister, or a close confidante to his great-grandmother.” Just then, distracted, I accidentally bumped into someone around a corner. “Ouch.” I stumbled backward, nearly falling to the ground. However, a distinctly familiar sneer reached my ears: “Scarlett Davies, are you faking a fall again?” I looked up. Arthur Caldwell stood before me, beside him Audrey Windsor, her face aloof, as if untouched by worldly concerns. Arthur tilted his head, his voice laced with disdain, “Save your energy. Don’t try any tricks to seduce me.” Seeing it was the prince and his pure-hearted darling, my face instantly fell, and I simply wanted to turn and leave. But Arthur grabbed me. “You bumped into someone and didn’t even apologize? Still planning to leave?” I rolled my eyes. Who bumped into whom? Just as I was about to retort, the system’s voice chimed: 【Host, attention, first target has appeared.】 I instinctively looked behind me. A young woman was walking down the stairs. She bore a seven-tenths resemblance to Arthur, but her demeanor was more composed and refined. It was Vivian Caldwell, the eldest daughter of the Caldwell family. In a flash, my mind raced. Suddenly, following the direction of Arthur’s pull, I leaned gently towards him, feigning weakness. “Alright, I apologize, Mr. Caldwell. Please don’t be angry.” Arthur was momentarily stunned by my sudden move. Then, as if he’d touched something disgusting, he abruptly shoved me away. “Scarlett Davies, get away from me!” That push was exactly what I was waiting for. I spun around and fell to the floor. My eyes instantly welled up, and my voice, thick with feigned sweetness, filled the room: “Mr. Caldwell, I’m so sorry. I was too clumsy. It’s all my fault. Please don’t hit me.” Arthur’s face flushed with anger. “What? Who’s hitting you? Get up!” He bent down, intending to forcibly pull me up, but just as he touched my arm— “Arthur Caldwell, stop right there!” An angry female voice rang out. 2 Seeing the newcomer, Arthur instantly reined in his fiery temper. “Vivian, what are you doing here?” Vivian Caldwell, heels clicking, approached. “If I hadn’t come, how would I have known you’re so domineering out here?” “I wasn’t!” Arthur immediately retorted. “She’s staging it all herself!” Before he could finish, I had already flung myself into Vivian’s arms, sobbing softly. “Sister, it’s true, I just tripped and fell. It’s not Mr. Caldwell’s fault. He… he didn’t bully me.” Vivian looked down at me. My eyes and nose were red, tears glistening but not yet falling, and though clearly scared, I was still defending Arthur. A soft spot in her heart gently melted. 【Target Vivian Caldwell affinity score: 30.】 “Don’t be afraid.” Vivian patted my hand, then turned to Arthur and said coldly, “Apologize.” Arthur was absolutely furious. He reached out to grab me. “You manipulative fraud, get out of my sister’s arms!” “You dare bully someone right in front of me?” Vivian shielded me, her face hardening. I quickly stepped between them. “Sister, please don’t argue with Mr. Caldwell because of me. It’s okay if I suffer a little.” 【Target affinity score: 40.】 Vivian’s gaze lingered on my face. The more she looked, the more she found this girl well-behaved and sensible, utterly unlike her rogue younger brother. Just then, Audrey Windsor, who had been ignored, finally spoke, carrying an air of holier-than-thou arrogance. “Ms. Caldwell, you’ve come in and immediately taken sides, jumping to conclusions without understanding the full situation.” “No wonder Arthur always says he doesn’t like you as a sister.” Vivian’s brow furrowed abruptly. Seeing that she seemed about to press further, I quickly interjected: “That’s not true! Sister is clearly so kind, how can you try to drive a wedge between her and Mr. Caldwell?” Vivian’s heart suddenly warmed. She looked back at Audrey, her gaze now scrutinizing. “Who are you? Our Caldwell family matters are none of your business to dictate.” Arthur quickly stepped forward. “Vivian, Audrey is my girlfriend. While she might speak her mind, she’s very innocent, unlike some gold-diggers full of schemes.” He pointedly glanced at me. “Don’t let her trick you.” Vivian scoffed. Her gaze critically swept over Audrey. Dressed in the season’s latest limited edition, carrying a bag that could equal an average person’s annual salary – all likely gifts from her foolish brother. And she had the nerve to call someone else a gold-digger? “This girlfriend you’ve brought back,” Vivian said, her voice laced with sarcasm, “doesn’t seem like a simple character either.” Audrey’s face instantly went ashen, as if she had suffered a profound humiliation. “I knew it! You rich people all look down on me!” With that, she turned and ran. “Audrey!” Arthur anxiously chased after her, casting a furious glare at Vivian before he left. “Vivian, this is all your doing!” Vivian watched her brother’s unhesitating retreat, a flicker of melancholy in her eyes. “This brother of mine, he’s really becoming less and less close to me.” I stood quietly beside her. I’d long heard that Vivian Caldwell possessed exceptional abilities, and there was an intention to groom her as the family’s successor. My voice was soft. “Mr. Caldwell is still young and foolish. He doesn’t see how much effort Sister has poured into this family, and into him.” “The fact that Sister is still willing to guide and teach him now already makes her the best sister in the world.” I lifted my face, revealing undisguised admiration. “If I had such a wonderful sister, I’d wake up smiling every day. I’d constantly be by Sister’s side. If Sister told me to go east, I’d never even glance west.” Vivian paused, then laughed aloud, much of her earlier irritation dissipating. Her gaze towards me visibly softened. “You can stay with me at the gala today. It’ll save you from being bullied by that rascal again.” I nodded obediently, following close by Vivian’s side, my affinity score rising to 70. Just as I was about to press my advantage, the system alert chimed urgently again. 【Attention, target two and target three have appeared.】 I immediately looked up. Vivian by my side had already quickened her pace, respectfully greeting the distinguished middle-aged couple ahead. “Dad, Mom, you’re here.” 3 On the left, a man of commanding presence. On the right, a graceful, elegant woman. These were Arthur Caldwell’s parents. Mrs. Caldwell’s gaze immediately fell on me. “And who is this?” Vivian was momentarily speechless, unsure how to introduce this poor girl who had been bullied by her brother. I immediately stepped half a pace forward, my voice sweet and gentle. “Hello, Uncle and Auntie. My name is Scarlett Davies, and I’m Vivian’s friend.” I made no mention of the earlier conflict with Arthur. Vivian gave me a grateful look. “Vivian rarely brings friends home,” Mrs. Caldwell’s smile grew even warmer. “I can tell you must be a good child.” Mrs. Caldwell’s initial affinity score was already 20. As she spoke, she actually took off a beautifully translucent mutton-fat jade bangle from her wrist, took my hand, and gently slipped it on. “It’s our first meeting, and Auntie didn’t prepare anything. This bangle looks lovely on your skin. Consider it a gift.” I stared blankly at the bangle, then looked up at Mrs. Caldwell, my eyes instantly reddening. Large tears, without warning, rolled down my cheeks. “Oh, why are you crying?” Mrs. Caldwell jumped, her tone a little flustered. “Don’t you like the bangle?” “No, it’s not that.” I shook my head. “The bangle is very beautiful, I love it. It just made me think of my mother.” “After my mother disappeared, no one had ever been so kind to me.” I lifted my tear-filled eyes to Mrs. Caldwell. “Auntie, thank you.” 【Mrs. Caldwell affinity score: 35】 【Vivian Caldwell affinity score: 80】 【Mr. Caldwell affinity score: 30】 Hearing my pitiful story, Mrs. Caldwell and Vivian’s affinity scores increasing was expected. Mr. Caldwell’s sudden affection, however, made me slightly pause. The system provided a timely explanation: 【Mr. Caldwell is henpecked. He saw Mrs. Caldwell’s clear liking for you, and thus developed a favorable impression of the host.】 There’s such a good thing? My heart soared with delight, and I became even more diligent in pleasing Mrs. Caldwell. Therefore, when Arthur finally appeased Audrey and brought her back, what they saw was this scene: Mrs. Caldwell, her face full of pleasure: “Scarlett, I didn’t know you had such skill?” I, while massaging her arm, shyly replied: “I specifically sought out an experienced Traditional Chinese Medicine doctor to learn. I originally wanted to learn to massage my mother, but before I could use it, she…” My voice trailed off sadly. Mrs. Caldwell immediately squeezed my hand, her eyes full of sympathy. “My dear child, you’ve truly suffered.” “Fortunately, you’ve met Auntie now. You’re so kind to me, just like my mother.” “Scarlett Davies!” Arthur roared. “Oh, so you’re trying to deceive my parents now too?!” I immediately stood up, looking frantic and helpless. “Mr. Caldwell, please don’t be angry. Auntie and I are not what you think.” Arthur’s chest heaved with rage. “I heard everything! How disgusting! Not only are you trying to seduce my sister, but now you’re saying my mother is like your mother? Do you even deserve that?!” “Arthur!” Mrs. Caldwell’s face darkened, and she sharply rebuked him. “How dare you speak like that? You have no manners at all!” Vivian immediately shielded me. “Don’t you dare insult my friend!” “Friend? Vivian Caldwell, have you lost your mind?!” Arthur, furious, laughed, then pointed abruptly at me. “Do you know what kind of person she is? She’s a manipulative gold-digger who’ll stop at nothing to climb the social ladder! She even drugged me once!” “Arthur Caldwell!” Vivian’s voice suddenly rose. “What nonsense are you spouting?!” “I’m not spouting nonsense.” Arthur stood his ground. “On the contrary, you, knowing nothing, brought this kind of person in front of Mom and Dad!” Seeing the siblings at daggers drawn, the atmosphere was taut to the extreme. Audrey Windsor, who had been standing silently behind Arthur, seemingly detached from it all, finally opened her crimson lips. “Scarlett Davies, you’re causing chaos in other people’s homes, yet you hide away. At this point, shouldn’t you come out and explain yourself?” 4 I looked at Audrey’s malicious eyes and inwardly cursed, you sanctimonious fraud. However, my past history of pestering Arthur was undeniable. Even if I denied it today, if the Caldwell family found out later, my affinity scores would plummet. Arthur pointed at me. “Scarlett Davies, you tell them yourself, what I just said, do you admit it or not!” Vivian shielded me. “Scarlett, don’t be afraid. If he’s slandering you, Sister will protect you.” I looked at Vivian, then swept my gaze across the Caldwell parents, whose expressions had subtly darkened. Taking a deep breath, I said, “Mr. Caldwell is right. I did pester him for a long time.” Vivian instinctively released her grip. Disappointment flickered across the Caldwell family’s faces. Arthur finally looked triumphant. “Hear that? She admitted it! This ill-intentioned person, hurry up and kick her out!” “But!” I sharply cut him off, my voice even more choked with sobs, yet I forced myself to stand tall. “I grew up without anyone to care for me. Mr. Caldwell was the first person to ever be kind to me, and I wanted so desperately to hold onto that kindness.” I covered my face, my shoulders trembling slightly. “I had already made up my mind, planning to quietly leave and put an end to my past mistakes.” “But then I met Vivian, who protected me. I met Auntie, who loved me like a daughter. I met Uncle…” “I was too greedy. Greedy for this warmth, which is why I didn’t dare to reveal the truth.” I took a step back. “I’m sorry, I was too despicable. I’ll leave now.” I turned to walk away, but inwardly, I was counting down. Three, two, one. “Wait,” Almost as soon as I counted to one, Vivian’s voice rang out. She pulled me tightly into her embrace. “I’m sorry, Scarlett. Sister didn’t know you were carrying so much pain. It’s my fault.” She turned to her parents, her tone firm. “Dad, Mom, Scarlett is just too starved for love; she took a wrong path.” Arthur was practically insane with rage. “Vivian Caldwell, are you blind?! Can’t you see she’s acting?!” Mrs. Caldwell also spoke now. “Scarlett is a guest of our Caldwell family.” She looked at me. “Scarlett, don’t listen to him. Stay with us.” Mr. Caldwell naturally followed his wife’s lead. “Ms. Davies, it’s good to admit mistakes and correct them. I believe Arthur will forgive you too.” Seeing the situation reverse, Audrey stepped forward, her voice rising. “With all due respect, doing something wrong is doing something wrong. There’s no excuse for forgiveness.” “A woman so morally bankrupt, even attempting to reform, is still rotten to the core! Their very being is tainted!” The words were extremely harsh and grating. Mrs. Caldwell’s face completely darkened. “Can you guarantee that you will never make a mistake in your entire life?” Audrey raised her chin, like an aloof, pure white snow lotus unafraid of authority. “Of course! My actions are always open and above board. I despise your elite family’s twisted games the most.” “And I utterly despise those who scheme and manipulate to climb the social ladder!” Arthur’s eyes were shining brightly. “Mom and Dad, Audrey is right. This is the woman I love. She’s different from other women. Look how real and pure she is!” The entire Caldwell family’s faces turned grim. They looked at Arthur as if he were the foolish son of a rich landlord. Mrs. Caldwell finally lost patience. “Butler, show them out.” “Mom!” Arthur panicked. “Audrey is my guest!” I spoke softly at the opportune moment. “Oh, I wonder if Sister Audrey knew she was coming to a family gala today?” “Why is she wearing all white? It looks so solemn, like she’s attending a funeral.” Everyone’s gazes instantly focused on Audrey. She was indeed wearing a pure white dress. The Caldwell parents’ faces grew even darker. Audrey’s face flushed then paled. She bit her lower lip tightly. “You Caldwells just look down on people! I refuse to stay in this place!” With that, she turned and ran. “Audrey!” Arthur chased after her without hesitation. After this turn of events, the Caldwell family’s affinity scores for me had changed again. 【Mrs. Caldwell affinity score: 75】 【Vivian Caldwell affinity score: 90】 【Mr. Caldwell affinity score: 60】 I was formally invited to stay for the Caldwell family gala. Vivian told me that the Caldwell Grand Matriarch would also be attending today. My heart stirred; she was one of my targets. Suddenly, a commotion erupted in the hall. Several black-suited bodyguards secured the banquet hall’s exits. The guests exchanged puzzled glances. Vivian’s face changed drastically, and she stood up. “What’s going on?” Just then, Arthur Caldwell and Audrey Windsor reappeared. Arthur’s gaze swept across the room, finally landing on me, a cold smirk on his lips. He raised his voice. “I apologize for interrupting your enjoyment. Just now, the Phoenix and Dragon jade pendant, most cherished by our Caldwell Grand Matriarch, was stolen. The thief is very likely among us.” A gasp rippled through the crowd. I had a bad feeling. I instinctively looked down. Sure enough, a jade pendant was hidden beneath my chair. Before I could react, Arthur, sharp-eyed, rushed over. The moment he saw the jade pendant, his face filled with triumph. “Caught red-handed! Guards, seize this thief!”
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