The security footage played in the tense silence, showing Chloe grabbing my arm and then hurling herself into the pool. The moment it ended, the whispers turned against her. I pulled back my sleeve. A dark bruise was blooming on my skin.
Grandma stared at the screen. Her lips pressed into a thin line. Chloe stood there, pale and trembling, wishing she could dissolve into the floor. I had only been back in the Heart family for a short while, but I’d already learned one thing: Chloe would stop at nothing to get rid of me.
It didn’t start with the pool. It started eighteen years ago, when I was swapped at birth in a remote region of Ferg and left with a family that never really wanted me—the Reeds. They raised me as Sophia White, their “fake heiress,” always reminding me I was nothing but a charity case. Meanwhile, the Hart family, the wealthiest name in Greenville, raised Chloe, a girl who was never theirs but who soaked up every ounce of their love.
For years, I had a secret. While serving the Reeds, I secretly followed a mentor and learned an arsenal of skills: ancient medicine, martial arts, appraisal, and more. I kept it hidden because a master with no cards on the table is always the most dangerous player. It finally came to a head on the day I turned eighteen.
Henry and Margaret Reed, the man and woman who called themselves my parents, sat across from me in their cold, grand living room. Margaret had tears in her eyes, but the kind of tears she could summon for a performance. “Sophia,” Henry said, sliding an envelope across the table. “We’ve raised you for eighteen years.
Now it’s time for you to repay us. Brett Miller wants you as his bride. He’ll treat you well. Marrying him is your blessing.
”
Brett Miller was a bloated, aging businessman with more money than morals. I didn’t blink. I looked at Margaret. “If he’s such a blessing, why don’t you marry him?
”
Her face flushed with anger. “You spiked my drink, didn’t you? ” I stood, my voice calm. I didn’t give them a chance to answer.
I stepped forward and struck Margaret across the face. The sound echoed through the room. Henry stood up, apoplectic. “How dare you hit Margaret?!
”
“She drugged me,” I said. “Don’t you think that slap was well deserved? ”
That was the moment they kicked me out. “Take this money,” Henry spat, throwing an envelope at my feet, “and go find your real parents out in the countryside.
You’re no longer welcome here. ”
I picked up my backpack. I didn’t touch the money. I walked toward the door.
“Sophia, wait,” Margaret called out. I turned. She came toward me and snatched my backpack from my shoulder. It tipped over, and a few items scattered on the floor.
She bent down and picked up a gleaming Chanel bracelet. “Isn’t this the bracelet your father gave me? ” She gasped. “Open your eyes wide,” I said, taking the bracelet from her and holding it to her face.
I pointed to a tiny letter engraved near the clasp. “Read what’s engraved here. ”
She squinted. “S?
”
“Aren’t you a fan of designer Yvonne? This series lets you customize engravings. Each piece is unique to its owner. ”
Just then, a maid rushed down the stairs, holding another bracelet in her hand.
“Miss Isabella? Is this the bracelet you were looking for? ”
Isabella Reed, their real daughter, stood in the doorway, frozen. “Well, Isabella,” I said, “do you still think I stole your precious bracelet?
”
Isabella’s face contorted. “Sophia, that bracelet is worth a small fortune. How could you afford it? Unless you did something disgraceful.
” She smiled wickedly. “Tell me—did you sleep your way through town before rejoining this family? ”
The room went silent. I didn’t rise to the bait.
“You seem awfully familiar with that line of work. ”
Henry’s face burned with rage. He pointed a shaking finger at the door. “Get out of this house!
Sophia, you insolent brat! Don’t ever come back! ”
I didn’t argue. I hoisted my backpack over my shoulder and looked at him with a sly smile.
“Calm down. Even if you beg me on your knees, I’ll never set foot in this place again. ”
I walked out of the Reed house with my head held high, eighteen years of coldness finally behind me. The air outside was sharp and cold.
Before I could get far, a man stumbled toward me. He was young, with sharp features, but his white shirt was soaked in blood. Behind him, several men in black chased him, daggers glinting in their hands. I stepped back into the shadow.
“Get lost,” I said. The thugs snarled and came at me. I flicked my wrist. Several silver needles gleamed in the low light and sliced through the air.
One by one, the assassins dropped to the ground. The wounded man stared at me, breathing hard. “Who—who are you? ”
I kneeled down.
I didn’t know then that he was Sebastian Knight, heir to the most powerful family in Kaylee. I only saw a dying man. “The wound isn’t serious,” I said, pouring powder onto his cuts. “But there’s poison in your veins.
It will kill you if left untreated. ”
I pulled out a small porcelain bottle and fed him an antidote pill. Footsteps echoed in the distance. His men were coming.
I stood up to leave. “Miss—at least tell me your name,” he called weakly, “so I can repay you. ”
“That won’t be necessary,” I said without looking back. I didn’t like trouble.
I had barely cleared the neighborhood when a Rolls-Royce pulled up beside me, matching my pace. A man in a black suit stepped out and bowed. “Miss, we finally found you. You are the Heart family’s long-lost daughter.
Your parents sent me to bring you home. ”
“The Heart family? ” I asked. “Yes.
You were switched at birth in the Ferg region. The Heart family is now the wealthiest name in Greenville. ”
I looked at the open car door, then back at the empty road behind me. The Reeds had thrown me away.
Why not take a chance on a family that might actually want me? At the mansion entrance, Emma Heart rushed out and pulled me into a tight hug. She was sobbing. “Sophia, my precious daughter.
Mommy has finally found you. ”
William Heart, my biological father, stood behind her, smiling at me. “Sophia, welcome home. ”
And then there was Chloe—Chloe Hart, the adopted daughter who had replaced me.
She greeted me with a sweet smile. But her eyes were hollow and hard to read. Something sinister flickered behind them. Emma slid a stunning emerald bracelet off her wrist and clasped it around mine.
“This bracelet has always been with me,” she said. “Now I want you to have it. ”
I noticed Chloe glancing at my wrist. She bit her lip, so hard that her face went pale.
I would later find out she had asked Emma for that bracelet a dozen times, and Emma always said no. “Sophia, I’m sorry,” Chloe said, her voice dripping with humility. “You must have suffered so much all these years. If my presence is a burden to you, I should just leave.
”
“Chloe,” William said firmly, “you are every bit a part of this family as Sophia. ”
“Sophia,” William continued, “now that you’re back, you should change your name. Sophia Hart. ”
“Okay, Dad,” I said.
Emma looked at me gently. “Sophia, I heard you didn’t finish high school. Have you thought about going back to complete your studies? ”
“I’ll help you find a suitable school,” William offered.
“Isn’t Kaylee University the one Chloe goes to? ” I asked. “Quite prestigious. ”
“Kaylee doesn’t admit students based on connections,” Chloe said, a smug smile creeping onto her face.
I put down my fork. “If you think it’s a good fit for me, I’ll go. The Kaylee University president has already reached out to me. I just need to confirm my attendance.
”
Chloe’s fork clattered on her plate. “Are you serious? The same Kaylee University? ”
“Yes, Chloe.
I understand your concerns. No need to worry. Dad, Mom, I’ll make all the arrangements myself. ”
Chloe’s smile completely froze.
The next morning, I went shopping at a high-end boutique called Moda Style. I was browsing through the racks when I heard two familiar voices behind me: Margaret Reed and Isabella. Isabella held a cup of coffee. “Sophia,” Margaret said with a sneer.
“Do you even know how much these clothes cost? ”
Isabella stepped closer. She grabbed my sleeve and yanked it. A spray of coffee splattered across my trench coat.
She smirked. “The $100 it’s worth should cover a new one. ”
I didn’t even raise my voice. I snatched the coffee cup from her hand, stepped back, and splashed the lukewarm drink directly in her face.
“Verify it. This is Moda Style’s limited-edition coat. ”
A sales assistant rushed over, eyes wide. She scanned the tag on my coat and bowed her head.
“This is indeed Moda Style’s limited edition. ”
“What? The code is genuine? ” Isabella stammered.
I held up a card. “Put it on my card. I don’t have time for this nonsense. ”
The sales assistant swiped the card.
Her brow furrowed. “My apologies, miss, but the card shows insufficient balance. ”
“How can that be? ” I said, playing my part.
“I have over 100,000 on it. Isn’t that enough for a cleaning fee? ”
“The cleaning fee for this particular item is 200,000. ”
“What?
200,000? ” Isabella repeated. Margaret looked like steam was about to pour out of her ears. “What’s wrong?
Struggling with the cleaning fee? ” I said, enjoying every second. “Get down on your knees and bark like a dog. Do that, and I’ll consider waiving the fee.
”
Margaret’s face went red. She dialed a number, begged someone for a loan, and transferred the money to me. Right then, my phone buzzed. It was Henry, furious.
“WHERE ARE YOU? GET BACK HERE NOW! ”
When Henry and Margaret reached home, Brett Miller stood in their living room, his bloated face twisted with fury. “HOW DARE YOU SET ME UP?
”
Margaret stammered. “It—it was Sophia’s doing! ”
Brett slapped Isabella across the face. “The security camera caught you sneaking photos of my room with your phone.
Just wait—I’ll bankrupt the Reed Group. ”
Henry collapsed onto the floor. Back at the Heart mansion, Emma made me ravioli by hand. The moment I tasted it, warmth flooded my chest.
I had never felt a mother’s love before. But Emma’s hands were too frail, her breathing too shallow. I pressed my fingers to her wrist while she watched me eat. “Mom, your health isn’t looking good,” I said.
“I’ll write you a prescription later. ”
Chloe scoffed from the side. “Sophia, don’t act like you’re a miracle worker. Mom’s seen renowned specialists.
If they couldn’t figure it out, you certainly won’t. ”
I smiled. “We’ll see. ”
A few days later, I went to Nightfall Bar with Felix, my assistant.
It was a front for a high-stakes underground auction. The final item was a piece of jade, rumored to calm the mind and ward off bad health. Several big players had shown up for it. I caught a glimpse of the next booth.
Sebastian Knight sat there, looking cool and unbothered. “Final item: one piece of jade,” the auctioneer announced. “Starting bid, 5 million. ”
“20 million,” a voice called out.
I didn’t look. I raised my paddle. “30 million. ”
“40 million.
”
Felix leaned over. “Sophia, our budget is 50 million. ”
I gritted my teeth. “50 million.
”
“80 million. ”
I turned. Sebastian Knight stared back at me, a faint smirk on his lips. I set my paddle down and stood.
“Sebastian Knight, is it? I’ll remember that name. ”
As I walked out of the auction, a group of men waited in the alley. “Pretty little thing.
Out so late alone? Why don’t you come with us? ”
“Get lost,” I said. One of them reached for my shoulder.
I grabbed his arm and twisted it. He screamed. The others rushed me. I swept my leg, and all of them hit the ground.
When one scrambled upright, I said, “Stay far away. ” Then I walked off into the night without looking back. In the shadows behind me, Sebastian watched. He recognized me instantly.
“It’s her,” he whispered. “The woman who saved me. Find out who she is. Immediately.
”
Before I registered for school, the Hart mansion buzzed with preparations for my birthday banquet. Moda Style delivered a rack of brand-new gowns. Chloe snatched up the pink off-shoulder dress first. I took a simple white one.
When I stepped out wearing it, the waist fit perfectly, cutting a slender, elegant silhouette. Chloe’s fists clenched tight. On the morning of the banquet, I pulled the white dress from my closet. A huge, jagged tear ran across the waist.
“What do we do? ” I asked, feigning panic. Chloe strolled by, all concern. “Sophia, I have other gowns in my closet.
You can borrow one. ”
I smiled. “I have standards. I don’t wear hand-me-downs.
I’ll have a friend bring one. You go ahead. ”
At the Hayes estate, I walked in through the main entrance, already drawing eyes. But I was stopped at the door by a voice full of venom.
“Sophia, this is no place for a lowlife like you,” Isabella said. “Breaking off our engagement was the right thing to do. Isabella and I are in love. Stop bothering us.
”
I turned. Lucas Bennett. My former fiancé. Isabella stood next to him, gloating.
I laughed. “Who said I was here for you? Don’t flatter yourself. I have no interest in the man you snatched from me, Isabella.
” I looked at Lucas. “You two belong together. ”
I stepped past them and entered the gala hall. Inside, my white dress glowed under the lights, drawing everyone’s attention.
Chloe sidled up to Olivia Hayes, the eldest daughter of the Hayes family, and whispered, “My sister was just found recently. The place she stayed before, it wasn’t quite up to this level. ”
Olivia’s face pinched with contempt. Soon enough, Chloe led a group of socialites toward me, clearly planning an ambush.
Charlotte, Chloe’s best friend, looked me up and down then let out a gasp. “She’s wearing a Moda Style design that hasn’t even launched yet,” Charlotte whispered. “It’s more exclusive than anything we have. That can’t be real.
It must be a fake. ”
I met her eyes calmly. “Moda Style dresses are woven with handcrafted golden silk thread. Impossible to copy.
Aren’t you a super fan, Charlotte? You didn’t even know that? ”
Chloe’s smile froze. Then a cry rang through the ballroom.
“Mr. Hayes fainted! ”
An old man lay on the floor, clutching his chest, his face turning blue. No one dared to move.
I pushed through the crowd and knelt by his side. “Sophia, you’re out of your mind! ” Chloe shrieked. “You’re trying to kill Mr.
Hayes! ”
“Let go of my grandfather! ” someone yelled. I ignored them all.
From the hidden clasp of my bracelet, I took out a silver needle. I slipped a pill into the old man’s mouth and pressed the needle into a precise point on his temple. The room went dead silent. Five minutes passed.
He coughed twice and slowly opened his eyes. Everyone gasped. “I’m fine,” he croaked. He stared at me.
“You saved me? ”
I nodded. “Your heart failure is severe, sir. No more stress.
With proper care, you’ll be fine. ”
A private doctor rushed over, inspecting the equipment. “Mr. Hayes’ heart failure has actually improved!
” He looked at me in disbelief. “Doctor Miller, you’ve treated me so many times,” the old man said, “and never once was it as effective as this young lady’s single treatment. Miss, you saved my life. I owe you greatly.
”
From the side, Chloe gritted her teeth. This was supposed to be her night. I had stolen it. Before school started, a butler rushed into the dining room.
“Madam, Mr. Frazier from Kaylee University is here in person to deliver Miss Sophia’s acceptance letter. ”
“Impossible. Must be a fraud,” Chloe said.
Mr. Frazier stepped forward and handed me the letter. “The principal instructed that this be delivered to Miss Sophia personally. On behalf of Kaylee University, we welcome you.
”
Emma glowed with joy. Chloe’s face went pale. At Kaylee University, the principal himself waited at the gate. “Sophia, you’ve finally come,” he said.
“I should have greeted you at the gate. You swept the International Math Olympiad and won every competition at age eleven. It’s an honor to have you. ”
He put me directly in the honors class.
My homeroom teacher, Lucy, frowned when she saw my file. “This student gained admission through connections? What does Mr. Johnson think the honors class is?
”
I walked into class with my hands in my pockets. The room went silent. A boy called out, “Here’s the new hot girl. ” Charlotte, from the banquet, sat in the front row.
She glared at me. “Sophia? Why are you in the honors class? Using connections to get in?
Shameless. ”
Chloe stood next to her. “Don’t say that. I’ll help my sister.
”
I didn’t respond. I walked to the empty seat in the back row. “She actually sat in Ethan Carter’s seat! ” someone whispered.
“The school bully. ”
Just then, a tall boy with chestnut hair walked in. He looked at me with annoyance. “Who gave you permission to sit there?
Get lost. ”
I didn’t move. “Did you put your name on the desk or chair? ”
He stared at me, stunned by my calm.
Chloe began, “Ethan, I’m sorry—my sister didn’t know your rules. ”
“Stop yapping,” he said. To everyone’s shock, Ethan quietly moved to the seat next to me. The whole class went quiet.
After school, I saw a classmate, Kelly, surrounded by three thugs outside the gate. “Hey, girl, let me buy you a drink. ”
I picked up a water bottle, flicked my wrist, and it smacked the leader right in the head. “Get lost now if you know what’s good for you.
”
They rushed me. A few moves, and all three hit the ground. The leader kneeled, begging for mercy. Kelly stared at me, jaw open.
“Sophia, thank you so much. ”
“Be more careful from now on,” I said. That weekend, I went to the private hospital for Sebastian’s treatment. At the entrance, his assistant James waved me off.
“Go play somewhere else. We’re waiting for a miracle doctor here. ”
“I am the miracle doctor,” I said, walking past him. Inside the room, Sebastian shot to his feet when I walked in.
“The woman who saved me—she’s actually the legendary Yancy. ”
“The jade from the auction is in your hands, isn’t it? ” I said. “This consultation fee will be that.
”
“Deal,” he said without hesitation. “You can take it anytime. ”
I opened a silver box. A row of gleaming needles sat inside.
I raised my hand and placed them with practiced precision. Sebastian’s private doctor, a seasoned expert, gasped. “Is this Yancy’s legendary silver needle treatment? ”
Sebastian’s skin flushed back to color.
I put away the needles. “The first stage of the poison is cleared. One more session in half a month, and you’ll be fully healed. ” I handed him a small porcelain bottle.
“Take one pill a day after meals. ”
Thomas, another doctor who had been watching, rushed forward and bowed. “Please accept me as your student. Or your errand boy.
Anything. ”
I took the jade box and left. Sebastian watched me go. Back home, I put the jade around Emma’s neck myself.
“Mom, wearing this calms the mind. It’ll help your condition. ”
Tears welled in her eyes. “Thank you, Sophia.
I love it. ”
Just then, Grandma Eleanor returned from vacation. She walked in, gave me a cold once-over, and turned to Emma. “Have you properly investigated?
Are you sure she is your daughter? ”
“We did a DNA test,” Emma said firmly. “It’s confirmed. ”
Grandma didn’t smile.
A few days later, the Hart family held a recognition banquet for me, gathering the extended family together. I stepped outside for some fresh air near the pool. Chloe followed me. “Sophia,” she said, dripping with false sympathy, “are you upset about what the relatives said?
That you come from a nouveau riche family with no class? It’s the truth; you can’t change it. ”
I answered calmly. “That’s none of your business.
”
Chloe’s expression shifted. She lunged forward, grabbed my arm hard, pulled me close, and then jumped into the pool herself. “HELP! Sophia, why did you push me?!
”
People ran over. Grandma Eleanor stomped toward me. “You brat! Kneel!
”
“I lost my balance and fell,” I said. “It’s not Sophia’s fault,” Emma insisted. I looked at Grandma. “There’s a security camera by the pool.
Let’s check the footage. ”
Chloe looked smug. She thought she had broken the camera. But I pulled out a remote and pressed a button.
The screen on the wall flickered, showing exactly what had happened: Chloe grabbing my arm, then throwing herself into the water. The crowd erupted in whispers. I raised my arm. A dark bruise stained my skin.
“Grandma, if I hadn’t pulled away, my arm would be ruined. ”
Grandma stared at Chloe, speechless. Chloe turned white, wishing she could disappear. Back at school, Charlotte sneered at me.
“I heard you dropped out of high school. Why did you choose the honors class? The regular class suits you better. ”
I looked at her steadily.
“Let’s make a bet. If I score lower than you, I’ll leave the honors class. If you lose, you kneel and apologize. ”
Charlotte laughed.
“Deal. You think I’m afraid of a loser like you? ”
On exam day, the entire class stared in shock at the paper. It was an extremely difficult comprehensive test.
I finished in less than half an hour, put down my pen, and laid my head on the desk for the rest of the period. A few days later, the results were posted. Charlotte scored 702. She smirked, imagining she had the highest grade in the class.
Then came my name: Sophia Hart, full score. All correct. Not a single wrong answer. “What?
” Charlotte’s face fell. “That’s impossible. ”
I stood, calm. “Kneel.
A bet is a bet. ”
“Sophia, it was just a joke. Why take it so seriously? ”
“A joke?
Why didn’t you call it a joke earlier? ” I looked at Chloe. “Do you want to kneel for her? ”
Charlotte kneeled, muttered an apology, and ran out of the classroom covering her face.
At Coastal Port one afternoon, I ran into Isabella and Lucas with the Bennett family. “Sophia, what are you here doing? ” Isabella sneered. “Let me guess—you’re working as a waitress, right?
”
I nodded. I didn’t want them to disturb me. “Go ahead, don’t let us interrupt,” Isabella said smugly. “We’re having dinner with the Bennetts here.
You’ve already been kicked out of the Reed family. You have nothing to do with us anymore. From now on, don’t tell anyone you know us. It’s embarrassing.
”
I ignored them and walked past. Isabella frowned, watching me walk toward the most luxurious private room. “Why is she going there? That’s the most expensive room at Coastal Port.
”
I entered the room. Sebastian sat inside, waiting. He covered a fake cough for a moment, his skin suddenly pale. “Sophia,” he said quietly.
“I need to introduce you to my uncle, Michael. ”
We spent the evening pretending I was no one important. That weekend, Dad took Chloe and me to an antique appraisal fair. Chloe spotted an ancient Greek black-figure vase and gushed, “Dad, this is an original fifth-century BC treasure.
I want to bid on it. ”
A gray-haired expert stepped forward, puffing his chest. “This vase is genuine. I’ve appraised antiques for decades.
”
I looked at the vase and said, “It’s fake. A modern replica. Worth maybe a few dozen dollars. ”
The expert’s face flushed.
“Who are you, young lady? The craftsmanship and aging marks on this vase are authentic. ”
I didn’t argue. I walked to the display table, grabbed the vase, raised it high, and smashed it against the floor.
“Are you crazy? ” someone shouted. “That artifact is worth millions! ”
I bent down and picked up a shard.
“Look closely. What’s engraved on the inside? ”
The crowd leaned in. “Modern replica.
Napoli 1990. ”
The expert’s face turned red. The whole room fell silent. “Sophia, since you’re so knowledgeable,” Dad said with pride, “why not pick something to show us?
”
I glanced around the fair until my eyes landed on a painting in a distant corner that no one had touched. “That one,” I said. “The painting with the chaotic black scribbles. ”
“That’s not even a painting.
A child’s doodle would be better,” Chloe said. I asked for a bowl of white vinegar and sprayed it evenly over the canvas. Slowly, the black paint began to dissolve. Beneath it, an exquisite Renaissance sketch emerged.
The lines were fluid; the shading was masterful. “Oh my god,” the expert whispered, shaken. “This is a genuine Renaissance sketch from the Leonardo period. The black paint on top—it was reversible.
The vinegar dissolved it. ”
He turned to me, his earlier arrogance gone. “Young lady, please take me as your student. ”
Chloe’s face burned with shame.
Her fingernails dug deep into her palms. At home one evening, Aunt Grace, my father’s sister, whispered to Emma in the parlor. “Sophia grew up with improper guidance. She may have picked up bad habits.
Don’t let her shame the Heart family. ”
I walked in and heard them. “Who are you talking about, Aunt Grace? ”
Her daughter, Mia, sneered at me.
“I heard you’ve got a bit of a reputation for causing trouble. Just don’t tarnish the Heart family name, all right? ”
“Mia, what nonsense are you spouting? ” Emma said firmly.
“Mother, please,” I said calmly. “Mia, who told you about me? ”
Chloe looked away, guilt written all over her face. “You’re old enough to take responsibility for the words you say,” I told Chloe.
Then I turned to Aunt Grace, my voice ice-cold. “If I hear this kind of nonsense again, I’ll call the police. ”
Their faces went ashen. That night, Chloe went to the school anniversary office and added my name to the piano solo sign-up sheet.
I had no clue. She planned to humiliate me in front of the entire school. On Saturday, Grandma Eleanor’s 70th birthday rolled around with a grand banquet. Chloe presented grandma with an agarwood bracelet.
“Such a rare piece. How thoughtful of you, Chloe! ” The relatives showered her with praise. Chloe turned to me, smug.
“Sophia, stop being mysterious. Show everyone your gift. ”
The relatives snickered. “I wonder what her gift is,” one murmured.
A man in a formal suit walked up to me, carrying an exquisite black velvet box. “Miss Hart, I have delivered the item as requested. Would you like me to present it now? ”
He opened the box, lifted the yellow silk cloth, and revealed another agarwood bracelet.
Identical to Chloe’s. “I bought mine at Gradwell Auction House,” I said calmly. “It cost 10 million. ”
The room gasped.
“Mine too! ” Chloe snapped. “I have a receipt! ”
“I’m sorry, Miss Chloe,” the man said.
“Mr. Hughes, the agent who handled your purchase, was fired for fraud. I’m afraid you’ve been scammed. You bought a fake.
”
Chloe’s face drained of color. The day after, Emma suggested a family shopping trip. She bought me five bags at Moda Style without blinking. “These all look beautiful on you, Sophia.
I’ll take them all. ”
Chloe burned on the side but couldn’t say a word. Mia whispered to her, “Don’t be upset. We’ll embarrass her later.
”
Mia led the group to a French restaurant. “Sophia probably has never tried French food,” Chloe said with a smile. “Let her taste something new. ”
The waiter brought out the dishes.
Chloe and Mia deliberately left their utensils untouched. “You go first, Sophia,” Chloe said, waiting to see me struggle. But I handled the knife and fork with perfect ease. “She’s skilled?
” Chloe muttered. Suddenly, the head chef walked over, excited, and embraced me. “Sophia! It’s really you.
Long time no see! ”
“David,” I said. “How have you been? ”
“I’m great.
” He placed a plate in front of me. “Please try this black truffle and give me your honest feedback. ”
I took a bite. “Perfectly balanced.
A touch more salt would elevate it. ”
Chloe’s smile stiffened. “Black truffle is a premium ingredient, Sophia. You’ve never had it before, have you?
”
I picked up a piece for Emma. “I’ve had it maybe a few dozen times. It’s fine. ”
David smiled.
“She’s my savior. I always cook for her. ”
The entire table froze. The day of the school anniversary arrived.
Kelly ran up to me in a panic. “Sophia, your name is on the program! Piano solo is the finale! ”
“I didn’t sign up,” I said.
I didn’t need to look far for the reason. “This must be Chloe’s doing. ”
“What do we do? ” Kelly asked.
“Can you play the piano? ”
“A little,” I said. “I’ll just play. ”
I called Felix to bring a performance outfit.
Chloe approached me before the performance, dripping confidence. “Sophia, I’m really looking forward to your performance. ”
“You signed me up, didn’t you? ”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.
”
I looked straight through her. “You know exactly what you did. ”
Chloe’s smile flickered. But she had no doubt I couldn’t play.
Up in the VIP section, Sebastian sat. He had decided to come when the school sent the invitation to the Knight household. The lights dimmed. I walked to the piano in a white feather mask.
I placed my fingers on the keys. The first chord rang out, and the entire hall fell silent. The Moonlight Sonata flowed through the room—smooth, delicate, powerful. When I finished, the audience stood, applauding so hard their hands hurt.
“Professional level,” someone said. “She reminds me of the international pianist King. ”
In the back, Chloe’s face twisted in rage. After the performance, Sebastian came to the backstage.
Chloe, who had changed into a new dress, intercepted him with a bright smile. “Mr. Knight! I’m Chloe Hart—I danced earlier.
”
“Do you know Sophia? ” Sebastian asked. Chloe’s face stiffened. “Get in the car,” Sebastian said to me when I appeared.
“I’ll take you home. ”
Chloe hid in the shadow of the building entrance and snapped photos. Back at the house, she confronted me with a fake smile. “Sophia, you’re finally back.
I was so worried. I heard you left in a luxury car. The world is full of bad people. ”
“I took a taxi home,” I said dryly.
“I’ve never seen a Porsche used as a taxi. ”
“Then you’re just ignorant. ”
The next morning, Emma announced a family trip to the suburban resort. Chloe and Mia dragged me toward the hot spring pool.
A waiter brought three glasses of fruit tea. Chloe handed me one. “Sophia, try this fruit tea. ”
I lifted the cup, sniffed it, and my instincts flared.
The tea was drugged. “Is there a snake in the pool? ” I gasped. “I felt something slide over my foot!
”
Chloe cried out in horror, and they both froze, looking at the water. In that moment, I switched the glasses. I drank mine, pretending to sway. “I’m a little dizzy.
I’m going back to my room. ”
Chloe’s eyes lit up with satisfaction. Once I was gone, she told Mia, “Go get the family. Let them watch Sophia embarrass herself.
”
I walked to my room, turned the corner, and slipped into the shadows. Chloe stumbled back to her own room, dazed. She pushed open the door in the dark. A man pounced on her, the punk she’d hired.
Mia rushed back with the family. “Mommy, Sophia said she wasn’t feeling well! ”
Animal noises came from behind the door. Mia flung it open.
Chloe lay tumbled up with the punk, screaming in horror. “No—I—I went to the wrong room! ” The man fled through the crowd. Chloe took a cold bath at home and ended up with a fever.
She stayed quiet about the whole thing, too scared to ruin her reputation. She was barely recovered when the Hayes soirée arrived. I wore a light blue tailored dress, and all eyes fell on me. Isabella stormed over.
“Sophia? Why are you here? Do you know what kind of place this is? Only true socialites come here.
”
“What? Do you own the place? ” I asked. “I came with Mrs.
Bennett. What about you? ” She smiled cruelly. “Oh, I know.
You’re working as a waitress again, aren’t you? ”
“Don’t say you know me,” she added. “It’s embarrassing. ”
“What I do here is none of your business,” I said.
Isabella stomped away in a rage. But throughout the evening, I kept drawing attention. Frustrated, Isabella convinced her friend Olivia to rig the tea ceremony. Olivia arranged for a marked slip to ensure I would be selected.
When I opened my slip and saw the word “yes,” I looked at Isabella with amusement. “Isn’t this exactly what you wanted? ” I walked up to the platform, sat down gracefully, and began to explain tea culture—from its origins in ancient China to its history in the West. Everyone was captivated.
Isabella stood up, desperate. “Sophia, everything you said can be found online. Why not brew some tea for everyone? ”
“No problem,” I said.
I brewed the tea using all seven steps. When everyone tasted it, they burst into praise. “Perfect color, aroma, and taste! Even better than a professional tea master!
”
Isabella’s face turned livid. After the soirée ended, Isabella cornered her mother. “Mom, Sophia showed off again. ”
“How did she end up at that gathering?
” Matilda snarled. “That girl must be up to something. Otherwise, she wouldn’t keep showing up at high-end places every single time. ”
A few days later, a Rolls-Royce Phantom pulled up outside school.
Sebastian stepped out. “Sophia, I’ve been wanting to take you to dinner. Are you free today? ”
I hesitated, but he insisted.
I got in the car. On the other side of the gates, Chloe snapped a photo on her phone, careful not to show Sebastian’s face. She sent it to Charlotte. “Look—Sophia is getting into that luxury car again.
Maybe there’s something shady about him. ”
That evening, Sebastian’s friend Benjamin walked into the private dining room. “Sebastian, I heard you brought a girl. This friend?
” He looked at me with a grin. I studied him for a moment. “Mr. Carter, I notice something dark around you.
My sixth sense says you might encounter some bloody misfortune today. To offset it, I suggest eating raw chili or garlic. ”
Benjamin laughed. “I don’t believe in that.
”
No sooner had the words left his mouth than his chair tipped over, his cup shattered, and he sliced his finger on a shard. He went pale. I handed him the chili and garlic. “You might want to eat these now.
”
He forced them down his throat. Sebastian smirked. After Benjamin sat panting, I leaned over to him. “That was just a prank.
”
“He needs to be taught a lesson,” Sebastian replied, fully entertained. The moment I stepped through the door, a teacup flew past my head. I dodged, letting it smash against the wall. “Wretch!
” Grandma Eleanor snarled. “Chasing after men at your age! Bringing shame to the Heart family! ”
Chloe held up the photo, all innocent.
“Sophia, someone saw you getting into a man’s car. ”
I looked at the photo and let out a cold laugh. “The man who picked me up is Sebastian Knight. Should I call him here to confirm?
”
The room went silent. “Don’t say things you’re not sure about,” Grandma snapped at Chloe. “Trouble comes from careless words. ”
Chloe’s face burned as she slunk away.
Weeks passed. I kept my head down, focused on school, treated Sebastian once more until he was fully healed, and kept the word “doctor” out of family conversations. But Chloe couldn’t let it go. She got two tickets to see Daniel, the pop king.
She dangled them in front of me at breakfast. “Sophia, Daniel’s tickets are impossible to get. I got two. Want to go?
Too bad—there’s no way you could get one. ”
I shrugged. “Going or not doesn’t matter to me. ”
That afternoon, I met my friend Daniel in a quiet café.
He had booked the whole place out. “Sophia,” he said, handing me a ticket, “front row, right by the stage. Promise you’ll come cheer for me? ”
I took it with a smile.
Just then, looking through the window, Chloe walked by. She froze when she recognized me with the pop idol. She snapped photo after photo. That night, she logged into an anonymous account and posted: “Pop King Daniel secretly meets mysterious girlfriend!
”
The post exploded. The commenters had a field day, calling me a scheming girl who had seduced their idol. Felix called me immediately. “Sophia, someone’s trashing you online.
”
I turned on my laptop. My fingers flew over the keyboard. Within minutes, the poster’s origin IP was traced. The anonymous account was linked to Chloe’s real name.
The next morning, a new post went up on Chloe’s own account. Leaked screenshots of everything she’d sent, all with her handle on display. Hundreds of selfies from her account followed. Chloe stared at her phone, face pale.
“Who did this? ” she shrieked. At school the next day, Chloe was pointed at and whispered about. “Look, it’s her.
The photos are so embarrassing. ”
Chloe’s parents decided to pull her out of school temporarily. The night of the concert came. Daniel walked out on stage.
“I want to thank someone important to me,” he said. “Who helped me most when I was growing up. Sophia—thank you. ”
The camera panned to me in the front row.
The crowd screamed. Chloe sat in the back, nails digging into her palms, watching me on the screen. Back at the mansion, Chloe cornered me in the hall. “Sophia, it must have been you.
Everything—the posts, the leak—it was all you. ”
I looked at her calmly. “You dug your own grave. I just helped you climb in.
”
Chloe retreated, her hands shaking with rage. She stormed upstairs to her room. Under the guise of night, she dialed a number on her phone. “Dragon?
It’s Chloe. I have a job for you. A big reward. ”
I was at the DY Group headquarters when I got a message from Felix.
“Boss, Chloe’s called in some outside muscle. Figured you should know. ”
I typed a quick reply. “Let them try.
”
Days blurred into each other. I kept moving through the rhythm of school and family. One afternoon, I took a shortcut home and passed an alley where a girl was crying for help. Two thugs had her cornered.
I picked up a loose stone, flicked it, and it hit one thug in the head. “Get lost,” I said. They turned, smiling. “A beauty.
Perfect. ”
I didn’t blink. In seconds, both lay groaning on the ground. A girl with wide eyes rushed up to me.
“Thank you so much. Please—can you walk me home? I’m terrified. ”
I studied her for a beat, then nodded.
“Of course. ”
At her apartment, she poured me a glass of water. “Miss, have some water before you go. ”
I stared at the glass.
My instincts screamed. Lily slowly said, “Miss, are you feeling sick? ”
I let my eyes flutter closed, let my breathing go shallow, and slumped back in the chair, pretending to pass out. Lily clapped her hands.
“Come out! She’s out cold! ”
Three men stepped into the room: the two from the alley and a bald one. “She’s beautiful.
Can’t wait to have fun with her. ”
I snapped my eyes open just as his hand reached for me. “You’re—you’re not out? ”
“Sorry.
I poured that glass down the drain. ” I flicked my wrist; a needle appeared between my fingers. “You’re terrible actors. I knew something was wrong the moment you asked me to walk you home.
” I pulled out my phone. “The police are already on their way. ”
The men bolted. Later that evening, Alexander called.
“Sophia, I sent a gift to the house. Deliver it to the Hale family for me. It’s for Humphrey Hale’s birthday. ”
“Of course,” I said.
Chloe suddenly appeared at my side, all sweetness. “Dad, I want to go with Sophia. ”
“Fine,” William said. “You can go together.
”
At the Hale estate, I carried the gift box toward the gift table. Unexpectedly, a waiter slammed into me. The box split open. I kneeled to gather the pieces, and my blood ran cold.
The gift was gone. In its place was a slip of paper with a single word written on it: die. I silently called Alexander. “Alexander, what was the gift you sent?
”
“It’s a calligraphy piece by Oakland. I paid a fortune for it. ”
I looked at the paper, eyes hardening. Oakland was my own artist name.
I turned to Chloe, who stood by the entrance. She averted her gaze. She had the only motive to swap the gift. I went to the main hall and asked the butler for brush, ink, and paper.
When the toast was made, Humphrey clapped his hands. “I heard Alexander prepared a piece from Oakland for me. Bring it here! ”
Chloe smiled with anticipation.
“My brother did get you an Oakland piece,” I said calmly, stepping forward. “But there was a hiccup along the way. ” I spread a blank piece of paper. “So instead, I’ll offer you a gift of my own making.
”
With swift, practiced strokes, I painted a masterpiece in minutes. Everyone leaned in. Humphrey’s face went pale. “This is identical to Oakland’s brushstyle.
It’s exactly like his work. ”
He stared at me. “Are you—you’re Oakland? ”
Before I could answer, Chloe snapped, “Impossible!
She’s a daughter of the Heart family. My sister was just found. Her upbringing was poor. She’s studied nothing.
”
Humphrey turned cold. “So you are the fake? The one who replaced her? ” He shouted to the guards: “Escort her out!
”
Chloe begged, “Humphrey, I’m a Heart daughter, too! Sophia! Say something! ”
I watched, saying nothing.
As the guards dragged her out, I walked over to the table and picked up my brush again. At the exit, Sebastian stood by his car. “Leaving so soon? And you’re Oakland, aren’t you?
”
I smiled slightly. “That’s right. And I’m leaving. ”
That night, I treated Sebastian to the last course of his therapy.
Within a week, he was perfectly healed, the poison gone from his veins. A few days later, I headed to a jade market. Isabella spotted me as she walked past with Lucas on her arm. “Sophia, why are you here?
This isn’t a place for a country bumpkin. ”
“Do you own the place? ” I asked. “Sophia, you dare compete with me at stonepicking?
Loser kneels and barks like a dog,” Lucas said. I smiled. “Fine. Let’s play.
”
Lucas picked a rough stone and paid the merchant. “This is quality. ” He held it up triumphantly. I squatted, picked up a small black stone from the throwaway pile, and handed the merchant a few bills.
The crowd mocked me. “She’s betting on that trash? ”
The merchant cut Lucas’s stone first. A thin layer of green appeared along the surface.
“It’s green! ” someone cried. “That’s worth millions! ”
Then the stone was cut through.
Gray, worthless rubble underneath. Lucas’s jaw dropped. I took my stone. Instead of a blade, I used sandpaper, polishing slowly.
After a moment, everyone gasped. A brilliant, deep green emerged, richer than anything else in the market. “Top-grade jadeite! ” the auctioneer shouted.
“Trash to treasure! ”
I held up my jade and smiled at Lucas. “A bet is a bet. ” I looked at Isabella.
“Kneel. Bark. ”
Lucas refused, but the crowd pressed him. His knees gave way.
Two low, humiliated barks escaped. He grabbed Isabella and ran. The next day, I happened to pass a large screen in the square. A singing competition was playing.
Isabella stood on stage, singing a song that froze me in my tracks. It was my melody. The one I had composed under my stage name. I pulled out my phone and searched.
The song, titled “Shadow,” was #1 on the charts. In an interview, Isabella smiled. “This song is my original composition. The inspiration came to me suddenly, like a whisper in the wind.
”
Those words sparked something inside me. I opened my laptop that night and logged into my composer account, untouched for years. In my private library lay the original file: “Shadow,” uploaded over a year ago with a clear timestamp. I made it public.
I pinned it. I posted a single message: the time code and the file name. The internet exploded with evidence. Isabella’s plagiarism was undeniable.
The show released a statement: Isabella is out, due to personal reasons. Henry called me within the hour. “Sophia, you wrote that song? Come out and admit you plagiarized.
”
“I’m listening,” I said dryly. “I’ll give you 500,000 if you admit it. ”
“500,000? That’s an insult.
20 million. Take it or leave it. ”
“Are you insane? ”
“Can’t afford it?
Then shut up. ” I hung up. The next day, I noticed a man in a black cap watching me outside the market. He kept glancing my way, but he never stepped forward.
I memorized his face just in case. Later that week, I saw an old man clutching his chest on the sidewalk. He was well-dressed but alone. No one stopped.
I broke through the crowd and knelt. “Sir, can you hear me? ” I tilted his head back. He was having a cardiac emergency.
I opened a small case and pulled out a pill. “Open your mouth. Swallow. ”
“Miss, you can’t just give him medicine!
” someone shouted. “What if something happens? ”
The man’s eyes fluttered open. He grasped my hand.
“Young lady… this medicine is miraculous. I feel better instantly. ”
I studied his pupils. “Do you often have blurry vision?
”
“How do you know? Many doctors say it’s a brain tumor pressing on my optic nerve. But I’m too old; no one will operate. ”
“This can still be operated on,” I said.
“You can’t wait any longer. I can help you. ”
He wanted to say more, but his butler rushed over. “Mr.
Carter, I finally found you. We have to get you to the hospital. ”
I stood and disappeared into the crowd before anyone could ask my name. The next morning, Benjamin, Sebastian’s good friend, barged into the hospital room, frantic.
“Grandpa! Are you all right? ”
“I’m fine, son. A young woman saved me.
She said she could perform the surgery. ”
Benjamin pulled up the surveillance video. When he saw the woman’s back, he froze. He dialed a number.
“Sebastian, Sophia saved my grandfather. She says she can operate on his brain tumor. ”
The next evening, Benjamin and Sebastian invited me to dinner. I accepted, exhausted from the week.
“Thank you so much, Sophia,” Benjamin said. “If it weren’t for you, my grandfather would be dead. ”
“It was nothing. ”
“Sophia, can you operate on my grandfather?
” Benjamin asked. “The tumor in his brain? ”
I steadied my chopsticks. “Yes.
Let him stay in the hospital for a week to build up his strength. Then we’ll do the surgery. I have an 80% success rate with this type. ”
“That’s incredible,” Benjamin said, beaming.
“Whatever you need, just name it. ”
Sebastian peeled a shrimp and placed it onto my plate. I glanced at him. “Sebastian, you’re peeling shrimp for someone?
” Benjamin said, popping a dumpling into his mouth. “Can’t you just eat? ”
We were nearly done when Margaret and Isabella walked past the entrance. Margaret stopped cold when she saw me.
She took in the luxurious restaurant, the company of two striking young men, and me in an elegant dress. “Well, well,” she said. “This one’s not bad-looking. Is he a gigolo from a club?
” She laughed. “Sophia, this is the best you can do? A country girl like you finding a man here? Birds of a feather flock together.
”
Sebastian slowly turned his head. A cold fury passed over his face. His voice dropped an octave. “Watch your words, or you’ll regret it.
”
The sheer menace in his tone silenced them both. They scurried away. Sebastian drove me home. Margaret watched us leave, clutching Isabella’s arm.
“That was a Rolls-Royce. How does Sophia know a man like that? ”
“Probably rented,” Isabella said, though she sounded uncertain. “Mom, I saw Cynthia Hayes today,” Isabella added.
“She gave me an invitation to the debutante ball. ”
Margaret’s face lit up. “The debutante ball? This is our family’s chance to break into high society.
Isabella, make the most of it. ”
“I will, Mom. I’ll get a new gown. I won’t let you down.
”
Back in my room, Emma knocked softly. She handed me a velvet box. “Sophia, your father and I used to attend this event every year. You’re the rightful heir of our family now,” Emma said, opening it to reveal a stunning necklace of pink diamonds.
“You’ll surely be the brightest star there. ”
I kissed her cheek. “Thank you, Mom. ”
Chloe sat in her room, scrolling through photos of the debutante ball invitation online.
Her eyes burned. She whispered to herself, “This is where I outshine Sophia. This is where I win. ”
The day arrived.
I stepped out in a floor-length sapphire gown. Emma gasped with pride when she saw me, her hand over her heart. At the entrance to the hall, Isabella saw me first. “Sophia?
What are you doing here? ”
A butler announced us with a loud voice: “Miss Sophia Hart, daughter of the Heart family of Greenville. ”
Isabella’s face went pale. “She’s… the Heart family’s daughter?
”
One of the attendees turned to her and said, “Yes, that’s Sophia Heart. The newly found daughter. ”
Isabella’s jaw clenched. Inside, Victoria Hayes, the eldest daughter of the Hayes family and a famous violinist, watched me approach.
The famous Victoria, who had loved Sebastian since they were children. Chloe came over and whispered in Victoria’s ear. “That’s my sister, Sophia. Just found her.
She grew up in a nouveau riche family, no manners. No idea what trick she used to latch onto Mr. Knight. ”
Victoria’s gaze hardened.
“So, it’s her. ”
At one point during the evening, a waiter walked past me carrying a tray and stumbled. Red wine splashed across my gown. “Miss, I’m so sorry!
” he said. “It’s fine,” I said gracefully. “I’ll go to the restroom. ”
When I returned to the ballroom, I noticed Victoria had come back from the powder room.
Moments later, she gasped dramatically. “My ring is gone! It’s a birthday gift from my father. I just saw that young lady in the blue dress put a ring into her bag in the restroom.
”
Everyone turned to look at me. Chloe tapped her chin with false concern. “Sophia, open your bag so everyone can see. ”
I opened my bag calmly.
There it was, sitting on top of my compact. A diamond ring. “The Heart daughter is a thief,” Victoria said, her voice shaking with false emotion. “Just return it, and I won’t press charges.
”
I smiled. “I didn’t steal your ring. This is a setup. Call the police.
”
A moment later, the police arrived. They lifted fingerprints from the ring. The officer looked confused. “The ring only has Miss Hayes’ fingerprints on it.
”
Victoria gasped. “Maybe she wore gloves! Or wrapped it in cloth! That’s why there are none of her prints.
”
I stepped forward and pulled up my sleeve. A red rash covered my skin. “I’m allergic to metal,” I said. “Especially platinum.
I can’t even touch it without breaking out. The ring is platinum. A doctor can verify it right now. ”
A doctor examined me in front of everyone and confirmed the diagnosis.
Then I looked Victoria dead in the eye. “I can’t touch platinum. How could I have stolen it? Or maybe the person who framed me simply didn’t bother to check.
”
Victoria’s face went scarlet. She was mortified, wishing the floor would swallow her. After the ball ended, everyone streamed out of the hotel. A Porsche pulled up.
Sebastian’s tall figure stepped out. The crowd parted. Chloe put on a bright smile. “Sebastian, why are you here?
Did you come to pick me up? ”
Sebastian barely looked at her. He had already spotted me. “Get in.
I’ll take you home. ”
He opened the passenger door. The entire crowd froze. Victoria’s smile collapsed.
I slid in beside him. The velvet interior smelled faintly of cedar and mint. I found myself smiling as the car pulled away into traffic. The next afternoon, Victoria sent me a message through a mutual friend.
“Sophia Hart. Just so you know—Sebastian was mine long before you came. ”
I read the message in one glance and deleted it. I had no time for theatrics.
A week later, I found Chloe sitting on the sofa in the living room, scrolling through her phone. A live stream was playing on the screen. It was Isabella and Margaret. Isabella was crying into the camera.
“Hello everyone. I’m Isabella Reed. Today, I’m going to expose my sister Sophia’s true colors. ” Margaret stood beside her, dabbing at her eyes.
“We raised her with so much effort,” she wept. “But after she found her real parents, she turned her back on us. We went to see her, and she had us thrown out. ”
The comments flooded in, accusing me of ingratitude.
I watched it for a moment, then let out a cold laugh. Felix called. “Sophia, everyone’s trashing you online. Should we do something?
”
“No need. Let them shine for now,” I said. When I got home, Chloe was still watching. “Sophia, are you okay?
I’m so worried about you. ”
“How thoughtful,” I said. “Those women who came today—you had them thrown out, didn’t you? ” I asked.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Chloe said, her eyes darting to the side. Just then, the live stream screen changed. The comments were flooded with screenshots of Isabella’s plagiarism scandal. “Isn’t this the girl who stole a song?
” one comment read. The internet had a memory. Isabella’s face turned ashen as she frantically shut the live stream down. The next day, Chloe’s face was gray when she checked her phone.
An anonymous account had gained a million followers overnight. They had dug up everything about Isabella’s plagiarism and everything Margaret and the Reeds had done to me. “Their company has collapsed,” Chloe muttered, scrolling. “It’s over for them.
”
She looked at me, eyes narrowed. “How did you do it? ”
I gave her a patient smile. “I didn’t need to.
They lit their own fire. I just walked away and let them burn. ”
Chloe didn’t speak another word all day. Later that evening, Isabella tried one more live stream to clear her name, but the internet shredded her and her mother.
They went silent forever. Henry’s company filed for bankruptcy. Emma hugged me tightly. “Sophia, I’m so proud of you.
You’re stronger than anyone I’ve ever known. ”
“Thank you, Mom. ” I squeezed her back. From the corner, Chloe watched.
Her smile was gone. Her nails dug into her palm so hard they drew blood. My family pulled me close, and I looked over at her, calm as ever. “Chloe,” I said softly, “sorry to disappoint you.
”
