?Chapter 1:


    “Elena, our family has given you everything for the past twenty-three years, yet this is how you repay us? Such ingratitude! Gather your things and return to that rundown vige to find your real parents!” In front of Elena Reed stood a wealthy middle-aged woman draped in an exquisite gown, her wrists adorned with gold and diamond bangles. Her sharp gaze bore into Elena with evident contempt.


    This woman, Cecily Reed, was the one Elena had called “mother” her entire life. Now, Cecily clung to another girl who bore an uncanny resemnce to her.


    Sylvia Reed looked up at Cecily, her toneced with mock concern. “Mom, don’t be mad. I’m sure Elena didn’t mean any harm. She’s just struggling to ept that your love and Dad’s belong to me now. Please don’t hold it against her…”


    Cecily’s expression softened as she looked down at Sylvia. Then she turned to Elena with a look of scorn. “She’s the imposter—the one who stole the life meant for you. While you suffered all these years, she basked in wealth and privilege. It’s only right that she faces the consequences!” A fleeting glint of triumph shed in Sylvia’s eyes, quickly reced by a perfect mask of innocence.


    Earlier, Sylvia had shattered a ss downstairs, letting the shards cut her skin, and then med Elena for it. Sylvia’s parents immediately assumed Elena was responsible, giving her no chance to defend herself.


    Determined to get rid of Elena for good, Sylvia watched her with revulsion. Elena had stolen her rightful ce for too long. Elena’s wless features only fueled Sylvia’s resentment.


    Elena’s—now Sylvia’s—father, Benjamin Reed, frowned at Elena, his face full of distaste. “To think you’d be capable of such cruelty—trying to scar Sylvia’s face! With a heart as wicked as yours, you don’t deserve to stay in Foiclens. I’ve already sent for your real parents. Gather your belongings and prepare to return to Cloudstream Vige immediately.”


    For a time, Benjamin had considered keeping Elena. After all, they had invested years in raising her. Even if she wasn’t suited to marry Darren Griffiths, the wealthy heir, she could have been useful in securing another alliance through marriage.


    But Elena had supposedly hurt Sylvia and ruined every matchmaking attempt he arranged for her. Now that Elena was of no use, Benjamin saw no reason to keep her.


    Elena lowered her gaze, a bitter smirk ying on her lips. The true colors of the Reed family had be painfully clear. The Reeds had risen to prominence in Foiclens years ago.


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    Two months earlier, Benjamin had fallen ill and required a blood transfusion. That was when they discovered Elena’s blood type was Rh-negative—proof that she wasn’t their biological daughter.


    Immediately, the Reed family used every connection they had to locate their real child: Sylvia.


    During Cecily’sbor, a fire had broken out in the hospital, causing chaos in the maternity ward. In the aftermath, newborns had been mistakenly swapped. Cecily had unknowingly taken Elena home, while Sylvia ended up with a working-ss couple.


    Now that the Reed family had retrieved their real daughter, Sylvia, they treated her like a treasure. Cecily, in particr, was filled with guilt over Sylvia’s years of hardship and held Elena responsible for it all. As for Elena, the girl they had raised? Now that she was of no benefit, they cast her aside without hesitation.


    Their investigation revealed that Elena’s actual parents were destitute farmers from a remote area of Cloudstream Vige, struggling just to get by.


    Sylvia’s lips curled into a seemingly kind smile. “Elena, you don’t want to return to that isted vige, do you? It’s understandable. No one willingly tradesfort for hardship. You’ve enjoyed the luxury of being a Reed, while your real family has barely managed to earn a living. The contrast must be overwhelming.”


    But Elena felt no attachment to the Reed family. If not for her, theirpany would never have thrived as it had. She let out a quietugh and, without another word, turned and walked upstairs, stuffing a few outfits and essories into a bag.


    By the time Elena descended the stairs, Sylvia’s minor injury had already been neatly wrapped. Had she taken any longer, the wound might have healedpletely.


    Sylvia, feigning concern, tilted her head. “Oh, Elena, next month is Darren and my engagement party. Even though you’ll be back in that remote vige, I hope you’ll attend.”


    Darren had been Elena’s childhood sweetheart, her once-promised fiancé. But ever since Sylvia’s return, his attitude had changed. He now doted on Sylvia while treating Elena with increasing coldness.


    Seeing Darren for who he truly was, Elena had long since lost interest. Still, Sylvia continued in her syrupy tone. “You and Darren grew up together, but now he belongs to me. Elena, you’re not upset, are you?”


    Elena turned, barely concealing her disgust. “It’s shocking that even garbage can have admirers. If you want him, he’s yours. I don’t make a habit of collecting trash—you’re actually doing me a favor.”


    “You!” Sylvia’s smile faltered, but she quicklyposed herself. Turning toward Cecily, she pouted. “Mom, Elena must still have feelings for Darren. Otherwise, why would she say that?”


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