Chapter 1 Leaving The Reed Family

"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 village 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 middle-aged woman, Cecily Reed, was the one Elena had addressed as "mother" her entire life. Now, Cecily clutched another girl who bore an uncanny resemblance to her.

The girl, Sylvia Reed, looked up at Cecily, her tone tripped with mock consideration. "Mom, don't be mad. I'm sure Elena didn't mean any harm. She's just struggling to accept 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, Cecily shot Elena a look with 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 flickered in Sylvia's eyes, quickly replaced by the perfect mask of innocence.

Earlier, Sylvia had shattered a glass downstairs, letting the shards cut her skin, and then framed Elena for it. Sylvia's parents immediately jumped to the assumption that Elena was to blame, dismissing any chance for Elena to defend herself.

Determined to banish Elena for good, Sylvia watched her with revulsion. Elena had stolen her rightful place for too long.

Elena's flawless 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. Get your belongings together and prepare to return to Cloudstream Village 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 playing on her lips. The true colors of the Reed family had become painfully clear.

The Reeds had risen to prominence in Foiclens years ago.

Then, two months prior, Benjamin had fallen ill, requiring a blood transfusion. That was when they discovered Elena's blood type was Rh-negative-proof that she wasn't their daughter.

Immediately, the Reed family had pulled every string to locate their biological child: Sylvia.

It turned out during Cecily's labor, 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-class couple.

Now that the Reed family had retrieved their real daughter Sylvia, they treated her like a treasure.

Cecily, in particular, was filled with guilt for 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, she was cast aside without hesitation.

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

Sylvia's lips curled into a seemingly kind smile. "Elena, you don't want to return to that isolated village, do you? It's understandable. No one willingly trades comfort 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, their company wouldn't have thrived the way it had.

"Heh..." Without another word, Elena turned and walked upstairs, stuffing a few outfits and accessories 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 healed completely.

Sylvia, feigning concern, tilted her head. "Oh, Elena, next month is Darren and I's engagement party. Even though you'll be back in that remote village, 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 shifted. He now doted on Sylvia while treating Elena with increasing coldness.

Seeing Darren for what he truly was, Elena had long since lost interest.

Yet, 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 twitched, but she quickly composed herself. Turning toward Cecily, she pouted. "Mom, Elena must still have feelings for Darren. Otherwise, why would she say that?"