Lily pursed her lips unhappily.

Even later that night, the aroma still wafted around the villa.

The front door was opened again, and Vivian Jenkins stepped inside. She and her parents had just returned from the concert.

“Wow! What is that amazing smell?"

Vivian's eyes widened in delight as she Looked at Lily excitedly.

“Lily, what on earth did you cook? Go and cook some more for me!”

Vivian ordered at once.

Hearing this, Lily bit her lip.

Of course, she could cook Vivian a simple noodle dish, but it wouldn't be nearly as appetizing as whatever Maria had cooked!

Before Lily could even say anything, a dignified-looking woman entered and patted Vivian on the shoulder.

"It's so late already. No midnight snacks," she chastised.

Vivian stuck out her Lower Lip in disappointment. Then, she sighed in disappointment and said reluctantly, “Fine, Mom..."

The woman was Vivian's mother, Julie.

Despite the elegant dress and flattering makeup, she had a coldness about her. As her gaze swept around, her eyes narrowed as though she had caught something displeasing.

There was an unmistakable look of disgust the moment her eyes Landed on the bowl of popcorn on the coffee table. There were even some stray pieces of popcorn scattered on the carpet, as though some barbarian had passed through their home.

“Are you responsible for this?"

Noticing the displeasure in the hostess's tone, Lily panicked. She didn't want to face the wrath of an angry boss, so she decided to lie through her teeth. "No, ma'am... It was Miss Maria."

“She just Left her trash there? Where is she?"

Julie's eyebrow shot up in surprise mixed with annoyance. Her first impression of their adopted daughter was instantly shattered thanks to Lily's selfish lies.

Swallowing hard, Lily stammered, "Miss Maria has gone out. I don't know where she went.”

Julie shook her head and didn't want to hear anymore. She then turned to her husband with a disapproving expression. “She is so unruly," she commented in disgust.

With a long face, Bill sighed and nodded. "You're right. I will lay some ground rules for her. She can't just do whatever she wants, not under our roof."

After expressing their disappointment, the couple retired to their bedroom on the second floor.

Outside, the scenery was breathtakingly beautiful. The river glimmered under the moonlight, and the sound of flowing water was so calming.

This area was without a doubt a villa district for the wealthy. Even though Maria was alone, she didn't feel worried about her safety in the slightest.