Chapter 4 No.4

Neil slammed the door of his small, messy apartment. Inside, his parents were at it again.

His father, William Owen, was slouched in a stained armchair, while his mother, Nancy Clark, stood over him, her face red with anger.

"Another thousand dollars gone!" Nancy shrieked, waving a betting slip in the air. "When will you stop? We have nothing left because of your gambling!"

"Quiet, woman! It was a sure thing! The horse just got unlucky!" William grumbled, not even looking at her.

"Stop it!" Neil yelled, his own anger from the night bubbling over. "Just stop fighting!"

His parents turned to him, surprised by his outburst.

"What's wrong with you?" Nancy asked, momentarily forgetting her fight with William.

Neil took a deep breath. "You won't believe what just happened. Brianna... she's not my sister. Not really."

He told them everything. About Caleb Owen showing up. About him calling Brianna his daughter.

William sat up straight, his eyes suddenly wide and clear.

"Caleb Owen?" he whispered. "The richest man in the city?"

"Yes!" Neil said, kicking a dirty laundry basket in frustration. "And now she's going to live in a mansion! She'll have everything! And we're stuck in this dump!"

For a moment, the room was filled with bitter silence. Then, a slow, greedy smile spread across William's face.

"Stuck?" William said, his voice sly. "No, son. This is our chance."

"What do you mean?" Neil asked in confusion.

"We raised that girl for eighteen years, didn't we?" William explained, getting to his feet. "We fed her, clothed her. That has cost a lot of money. Don't you think her real father should... pay us back for all our hard work?"

Neil's eyes lit up. "You're right! We should ask him for money! A lot of money! How about... one million?"

Nancy's greed was even bigger. "A million? Don't be stupid! For eighteen years? We should ask for ten million! Caleb can afford it!"

William nodded eagerly. "Ten million is fair. Absolutely fair." He rubbed his hands together. "Let's find out where he lives. We're going to pay him a visit."

Meanwhile, the black car carrying Brianna drove through the iron gates of the Owen estate.

The gates swung open silently. Inside, it was like another world.

The driveway was long and winding, lined with perfect green lawns and colorful flower beds. The car drove for a full three minutes before a huge, white mansion came into view.

The car stopped. A man in a suit-the butler-opened the door.

"Welcome home, Brianna," Caleb said, his voice soft.

Brianna stepped out and followed Caleb and Abbie towards the grand entrance.

A line of servants in neat uniforms stood waiting.

"Welcome home, Miss Owen," they said in unison.

Brianna's face showed no emotion. She had seen this all before.

They walked into a massive living room. It was filled with expensive-looking furniture and sparkling chandeliers.

Suddenly, a girl came running down the curved staircase.

"Mom! Dad! You're back!" the girl cried out. She was dressed in a beautiful, brand-name dress. She rushed over and linked her arms with Caleb and Abbie, hugging them tightly. "I missed you!"

Brianna knew exactly who the girl was-Cassie. She just watched quietly.

The three of them looked like a perfect family. She was the outsider.

But instead of feeling hurt, she felt nothing. In her past life, this scene had broken her heart.

Now, it only made her more determined. She was here to take back what was hers.

Abbie seemed to feel uncomfortable under Brianna's calm stare. She gently pulled her arm away from Cassie and walked over to Brianna. She took Brianna's hand.

"Brianna, this is Cassie," Abbie said. Then, she turned to Cassie. "Cassie, this is Brianna. She is your..." Abbie stopped, remembering that Cassie was not really her daughter.

Cassie's eyes widened in fake surprise. "Oh! Is this the girl you told me about, Dad?"

Caleb nodded. "Yes, Cassie."

Cassie immediately put on a sweet smile and walked towards Brianna, her arms open for a hug. "Brianna! Welcome home!"

Brianna took a quick step back, avoiding the hug.

Cassie's smile vanished. Her eyes instantly filled with tears. "Do... do you hate me?" she asked, her voice trembling. "I know I took your place. But it wasn't my fault! I was just a baby like you when we were swapped!" She began to cry softly.

Instantly, Abbie's heart melted. She pulled out a handkerchief and started wiping Cassie's tears. "Oh, darling, don't cry. It's not your fault." She looked at Brianna. "Brianna, please. Can't you two try to get along? None of this is Cassie's doing."

Inside, Brianna laughed coldly. Cassie was already playing her games. But she was ready.

She shook her head, looking down at her own clothes. "It's not that," Brianna said softly, her voice sounding shy. "I just... my clothes are old and dirty. I didn't want to ruin your beautiful dress, Cassie. It looks like a limited edition."

Her words made Caleb and Abbie really look at her for the first time. They saw her faded jeans and her old, dark blouse, which had some wine stains. Next to Cassie's sparkling perfection, Brianna looked pitiful.

A wave of guilt washed over Abbie. She had been so quick to scold Brianna for being cold.

"Oh, my dear," Abbie said, her voice full of regret. "I'm so sorry. I didn't think..."

"It's okay," Brianna said, offering a small, understanding smile. "I understand."

Cassie watched, her tears drying up. She was inwardly furious.

In just a few sentences, Brianna had made their parents feel sorry for her!

Cassie thought, "No, this cannot stand. I am the only daughter of this house. I have to get rid of her."

Just then, the butler walked into the living room. He looked serious.

"Mr. Owen," the butler said. "There are three people at the front gate. They are demanding to see you."

Caleb frowned. "Who are they? What do they want?"

The butler hesitated. "They say... they say you have taken their daughter."