Unveiling Her Mysteries

In March, the pear blossoms at the Elliott family's residence were strewn across the ground, wet from the rain.

Inside the hall, the atmosphere was unusually somber.

Today marked the first family breakfast since the real daughter of the Elliots had been found.

Jeremy Elliott called out impatiently to a servant. "Go upstairs and see if she's ready."

He still wasn't accustomed to referring to Danielle Gordon, his biological sister, by name. Noticing the unease on Tricia Elliott 's face, he reassured her quietly, "Don't be afraid. I'm on your side."

Tricia smiled gratefully at him, feeling a surge of pride. Even if she wasn't the biological daughter, someone still cherished her.

After a short wait, a figure appeared at the stairway. It was Danielle, the real daughter of the Elliots. She looked graceful and beautiful without any makeup, in stark contrast to Tricia, who had worn a full face of makeup in an attempt to outshine her.

Danielle effortlessly outshone Tricia regardless.

Overcome with jealousy but maintaining a facade of calm, Tricia said, "Danielle, you're here."

Danielle glanced at her without a word.

When she took her seat, the room fell silent.

Tricia's eyes welled up with tears.

Jeremy's expression grew stern. "Why are you so cold to Tricia?"

"Do I have to respond with a bow or something?" Danielle countered. She sensed Tricia's dislike for her, which bordered on hostility.

Jeremy was pissed off at Danielle's remarks. Trying to ease the tension, Tricia intervened, "Jeremy, I'm fine. Maybe Danielle just got back and isn't familiar with the family rules..."

Her words hinted that Danielle was a country girl and lacked of manners.

Danielle remained silent, choosing not to respond. She was new to the Elliott family and, although not fearful, preferred to avoid conflict.

Her parents, Steve Elliott and Rhonda Elliott, exchanged a few words to ease the tension. Finally, they began their meal.

At the table, Steve mentioned, "Danielle, it's been busy lately. It might take some time to change your last name."

Danielle nodded, understanding the Elliotts hesitated about having her family name changed.

Though Danielle was their biological daughter, it was Tricia they had raised. They needed to consider her feelings.

Once Danielle's last name was changed, Tricia would become the real outsider. Anyway, the name change didn't seem crucial to Danielle.

"I understand."

Relieved by her response, Steve finally relaxed and offered her more food, feeling a twinge of guilt. "Danielle, have some more."

"Thank you, Dad." Danielle thanked him but avoided eating the food he offered. She was not accustomed to such gestures.

Watching them behave like a family, Tricia couldn't bear it. She suddenly began to sob.

Danielle instantly knew Tricia was about to cause a scene.

Jeremy dropped his utensils and comforted her, "Tricia, are you okay?"

"I feel guilty," Tricia said, turning to Danielle with tears in her eyes. "If it weren't for a mistake, Danielle wouldn't have grown up in the countryside. Maybe I should move out. It feels like the right thing to do."

"Who said it's right?" Jeremy frowned, clearly upset.

As Tricia continued to cry, he glared at Danielle and declared, "No matter what anyone else says, you're my sister. Your last name is Elliott. If anyone asks you to move out, I'd be the first to disagree!"

Danielle couldn't help but smile. Her brother seemed somewhat naive.

The expressions of the others at the table grew inscrutable, their eyes shifting between Danielle and Tricia, slowly piecing things together.

Steve, who initially felt a pang of guilt towards Danielle, now intervened, affirming, "Jeremy is right. Tricia, you will always be an Elliott."

Danielle observed the unfolding drama, finding it as intriguing as watching a play. She couldn't understand why they had brought her back if they didn't truly welcome her.

They finished their meal in a strained silence.

Afterward, Jeremy planned to drive Danielle and Tricia to the Harper family's residence.

Tricia had been engaged to Chris Harper, the second son of the Harper family. Yet, the recent turmoil had shattered their plans to marry. Despite this, Carolyn Harper, Chris's grandmother, moved by pity for Danielle's long-standing struggles, chose to intervene, substituting Danielle as Chris' new fiancée.

Today marked Danielle's first encounter with the Harper family.

While Danielle remained indifferent to the engagement, she could not ignore Carolyn's persistent efforts.

On the other hand, Tricia seethed with bitterness. Freed from her engagement, she now faced the scorn of those who had once envied her-a thought that soured her mood even more.

Throughout their journey, Tricia brooded, itching for a confrontation with Danielle, but no chance arose.

Meanwhile, Danielle gazed at the passing scenery outside the window, occasionally capturing moments on her phone, her demeanor calm and untroubled.

This only fueled Tricia's anger.

Their destination, the Harper family's residence, sat atop a mountain. The view was spectacular, the air crisp, and their two-hour drive to this tranquil retreat seemed to stretch on forever.

After getting out of the car, Tricia swallowed her anger, eager to flaunt her familiarity with the Harpers. She took the lead and said to Jeremy, "Jeremy, you can go greet Walter. I'll take Danielle to Carolyn."

Jeremy paused, then seeing that Tricia appeared calm, he consented. "Okay, I'll be there soon."

Once Jeremy had left, Tricia turned to Danielle with a proud smile. "Danielle, let's go."

After a while, Tricia said with a smirk, "Be careful when we meet Carolyn. She doesn't like foolish people. I've warned you. "But it doesn't matter. She likes me. Even if you upset her, she won't hold it against you for my sake."

They entered the hall.

A servant approached them. Tricia, raising her chin slightly, said, "Is Carolyn on the second floor? We can go-"

The servant interrupted her, "Miss Elliott, Mrs. Harper has instructed you to wait in the living room. Miss Gordon, please come with me."

Feeling humiliated in front of everyone, Tricia flushed with embarrassment.

Scrambling for an escape, she asked, "Where's Chris? I need to see him."

The servant shifted uncomfortably. "Mr. Harper isn't here today."

Danielle raised an eyebrow.

It seemed Chris was also unhappy with the engagement? That could work to her advantage.

With the news of Chris' absence, Tricia's embarrassment faded, replaced by a surge of relief.

She turned to Danielle with feigned concern. "It's okay, Danielle. Just because he's not home today doesn't mean he dislikes you."

"Please take me upstairs," Danielle said to the maid, finding the situation somewhat amusing.

......

In the study on the second floor, the air was lightly scented with coffee. Carolyn sat with a stern expression and asked, "Have you called Chris?"

Kathleen Moss, the maid standing beside Carolyn, was caught in a bind. "I couldn't get through, Mrs. Harper."

"That bastard!" Carolyn exclaimed, anger flaring up, causing her to cough.

Kathleen quickly stepped forward to assist her. Between coughs, Carolyn vented, "He is obviously defying me. Does he think he can cancel the engagement this way?"

"Shawn, how can you just let your nephew behave this way?"

Carolyn couldn't help but scold the man sitting opposite her, who had remained silent until then.

Shawn Harper chuckled at her remarks and appeared nonchalant.

"Mom, you don't have to be so angry," he said, lifting his eyes to pour her some coffee. "If you don't like the Elliotts' biological daughter, there will be no need to continue the engagement. Later I'll take him home and get him to apologize to you."

Carolyn's mood lightened upon hearing this. Shawn was right. She needed to meet Danielle herself to decide whether to continue the engagement.

"Go and bring her in," Carolyn addressed the servant. She turned to Shawn and added, "You're not getting any younger. You should think about getting married and having children."

"There's no hurry," Shawn said, his voice steady. "Let's prioritize Chris first."

Clearly, he was not to be swayed easily.

Carolyn opened her mouth to argue, but a sharp knock on the door cut her off.

The door swung open, and Danielle entered cheerfully. "Good day, Mrs. Harper."

Hearing her voice, Shawn looked up from his bracelet. He caught a glimpse of Danielle and his expression turned to stone.

Danielle was unlike Tricia who always showed up at the Harper family's residence in flashy attire, drenched in overpowering perfume that announced her arrival from the distance, craving the spotlight.

In contrast, Danielle opted for a simple yet graceful dress. Her hair was casually tied back, showcasing her striking collarbone and graceful neck. Her appearance was effortlessly pure, devoid of any makeup.

A flicker of surprise passed through Shawn's eyes as he recalled the voice of the woman in the background when he had spoken to his competitor. A mischievous twinkle lit up his eyes.

His future niece-in-law was turning out to be more intriguing than he had expected.

Carolyn was taken aback for a moment. She hadn't expected the biological daughter of the Elliotts to be so striking.

Danielle was not only beautiful but also polite and graceful, unlike Tricia, who she considered two-faced.

Pleased, Carolyn smiled at Danielle and invited, "You must be Danielle. Come here. Let me have a closer look at you."

As Danielle approached, Carolyn examined her more thoroughly and her appreciation grew.

The backstory of Danielle's return to her family was filled with complications. Recently she had discovered to have been switched at birth due to hospital negligence, the truth coming to light after Tricia fell ill and her blood type did not match her family's.

It had not been an easy adjustment for Danielle since her return.

As she reflected on this, Carolyn's smile dimmed slightly. It appeared that not only her grandson but also the Elliott family lacked discernment.

Carolyn's gaze softened with sympathy as she regarded Danielle.

"How has it been since you went back home?" she asked, holding Danielle's hand with a warm smile.

She felt almost certain that she was the right match for her grandson.

"My family has been very kind to me," Danielle stated, her expression unchanging.

Danielle chose not to speak ill of others behind their backs, a stark contrast to what Tricia might have done-likely filling the air with complaints.

As they conversed, Danielle looked up and caught Shawn's gaze. He fiddled with his coffee mug. Even seated, he maintained a straight posture, his rolled-up sleeves revealing his muscular arms.

Danielle felt like being targeted by a predator. When she looked again, Shawn had looked away, his face betraying no emotion.

"Is this Chris Harper?" Danielle wondered.

According to Tricia's description, she thought Chris must be a loser. However, he seemed different from what she had imagined.

"This is Shawn, Chris' uncle," Carolyn introduced. "After you marry Chris, he will be your uncle."

Hearing that name, Danielle's eyes flickered with emotion briefly before returning to normal.

Turning to her son, Carolyn prompted, "Shawn, say hello."

Contrary to expectations, Shawn disregarded her suggestion.

He casually swirled his teacup, a smile playing on his lips, and said, "It's hard to say what the future holds."

His response left Carolyn both awkward and slightly displeased. She wanted to retort, but just then, Shawn's phone lit up.

He grabbed the phone, one eyebrow arched, and said, "Mom, I've got something else on my plate. I'll catch you another time."

With that, he stood and made his exit.

As he strode past Danielle, Shawn's piercing gaze fixed on her momentarily, a deliberate pause that seemed to stretch longer than necessary, before he continued on as though nothing unusual had occurred.

Danielle breathed a sigh of relief once Shawn was gone. His brief look had sent a ripple of discomfort through her.

Carolyn, on the other hand, was visibly irritated. With Chris' absence, she had roped Shawn into staying. Her aim was to ensure Danielle didn't feel snubbed by the Harper family. Unfortunately, she miscalculated, possibly leaving a negative impression instead.

"Don't mind him," Carolyn said, squeezing Danielle's hand gently.

She paused, struggling to find the right words to explain. "He..." She trailed off, unsure of what to say.

Both her son and grandson were really troublesome.

She could demand Chris return and scold him, but she couldn't do anything to Shawn.

The Harper family was large with many members. It was Shawn who single-handedly supported the Harper family when Bryan Harper, his father, passed away. Shawn overcame all the obstacles and silenced those who sought to seize control. Without him, the Harper family would have fallen apart long ago. More importantly, he was indifferent when relatives came seeking favors.

Thinking of this, Carolyn sighed and looked at Danielle with care. "If anyone dares to bully you, just tell me."

"I will," Danielle responded.

"Chris happens to be busy today. When he returns and you two meet again, I will ask him to apologize to you."

......

After their lengthy conversation, Danielle left the study. The maid escorted her to the garden.

For some reason, Danielle suddenly thought of Shawn. She had been in Andstin previously and didn't know much about Croyta. However, she had heard a bit about the Harper family.

Rumor had it that Shawn was a ruthless man. Austin Gilbert, her friend, had clashed with him and suffered greatly. Without her assistance, he might have faced financial ruin.

With these thoughts, she sent a message to Austin.

To her surprise, he replied quickly, "What? You're at the Harper family's place? And you met Shawn Harper? Is he as hideous and mad as they say?"

Danielle could tell Austin still harbored anger and resentment towards Shawn. Back then, Austin, ambitious and newly venturing into business, deceitfully took two hundred million dollars from his own brother, and lost it all to Shawn.

Consequently, every time he went home, he consistently avoided his brother.

"You need to be cautious though. When I was on the phone with Shawn, I ended up boasting about the stock market whiz at my firm. You spoke just then, and I inadvertently let it slip. But no worries, I never mentioned your name," Austin assured.

Danielle's expression turned relieved as she pieced together Shawn's earlier reaction, realizing he probably hadn't recognized her voice.

Just then, she heard a man's icy voice from ahead.

Lost in thought, she didn't notice her surroundings until she abruptly found herself alone in a garden.

Shawn stood under the flower rack, draped in wisteria that bloomed around him. Under the dazzling sunlight, he appeared distant and imposing, sending a shiver through her. His voice held no emotion, yet it conveyed a sense of cruelty. "Clean it up. Don't leave any trouble."

"Oh my god! Did I run into a significant secret?" she contemplated.

Danielle thought about sneaking away, but just then, Austin sent her another message. "You haven't answered my question yet. Is he especially unattractive?"

Shawn turned his head, revealing a cigarette between his fingers. His black suit suited him perfectly, his eyes were deep, and his features were sharply defined, like a sculpture.

He had managed to keep his composure. Once he saw it was Danielle, the murderous intent in his eyes vanished like smoke in the wind.

After studying him for a moment, lowered her gaze with a playful smile. He was just her type.

"Uncle Shawn," she began, "I'm lost. Can you help me find my way out?"

Shawn stubbed out his cigarette, and looking at Danielle, he felt somewhat dry in his throat. "You may not marry into our family. Don't call me that."

What should she call him, then? Daniella didn't respond. It was rude to eavesdrop on someone's phone conversation, but Shawn was perceptive enough to know she had overheard him.

She would be wise to maintain a wide berth from him, like ships avoiding treacherous waters.

Now, her utmost priority was self-protection.

The March sky was cloaked in gloom and whispered of impending rain.

No sooner had the thought crossed her mind than the rain began to fall.

It was unfortunate.

Shawn, ever stoic, wasn't one to dash through the rain.

It appeared they would have to trek back together in the rain.

Fortunately, the rain was more a gentle drizzle than a deluge, unlikely to soak them through.

Just as Danielle was about to speak, Shawn had already unfurled an umbrella, hoisting it protectively over his head.

Danielle cast a glance in his direction.

"Care to share?" Shawn murmured, his voice low, masking his feelings beneath a veneer of calm.

The rain was getting heavier.

Reluctant to endure the ridicule of being drenched, Danielle nodded.

"And how do you know Austin Gilbert?"

His suspicion was evident.

Danielle's expression flickered, barely perceptible, before she regained her composure. She tilted her head up, feigning ignorance. "Austin Gilbert? I'm fresh from the countryside. I hardly know anyone here. Is he a friend of yours?"

Gazing into Danielle's clear, unsuspecting eyes, Shawn gave a wry, knowing smile. "He's nobody important."

Had he believed her?

While Danielle was still piecing her thoughts together, Shawn's voice floated down from above. "Step closer!"

Without a second thought, she moved nearer, taking refuge under the shared umbrella.

Their proximity forced them closer, and although Danielle tried to keep a slight distance, avoiding contact, the faint rustle of their clothes brushing against one another was inevitable.

Was this pathway stretching on endlessly?

To avoid an awkward silence, she decided to break the ice by bringing up a topic. "What's with the umbrella?

Did you know it was going to rain?"

"No."

"Then," Danielle said after a brief pause, lightening the mood with a playful jest, mimicking the innocence of the young girl. "Did you pull that umbrella out of thin air?"

She immediately cringed at her own tone.

Before she could utter another word, Shawn had already cast her a meaningful glance. "You have quite an imagination."

A subtle hint of cologne clung to him, mingling with the scent of rain, creating a pleasant ambiance that dispelled Danielle's nervousness.

Yet, Shawn's presence also sent shivers down her spine, a mix of danger and unease.

"You're afraid of me," Shawn stated plainly.

"How could I be?" Danielle's heart raced, her palms growing clammy.

This sensation, unfamiliar and intense, had never gripped her in anyone else's presence before.

As they neared the end of the road, the distant call of a servant summoning Danielle drifted into earshot.

Just as she prepared to respond, Shawn intervened, halting her in her tracks.

His gaze was intense as he inquired, "Do you like it here?"

Danielle hesitated before shaking her head, guided by her true feelings.

"Let me take you away from here then."

Confusion clouded Danielle's expression as she pondered Shawn's true motives.

She offered a small smile and said, "Well, thank you... Shawn?"

Elsewhere, Tricia was plotting with several girls from the Harper family. They were determined to intimidate Danielle thoroughly.

The table before them was laden with an assortment of exquisite desserts.

"That country bumpkin, Danielle-she's probably never even seen desserts like these, much less tasted any! I can't wait to see her embarrass herself," Tricia mused with a self-satisfied smirk. She exaggerated Danielle's simplicity.

Her remarks were so cutting that many took her words as truth.

Tricia had been waiting for a while, but Danielle had yet to show up.

Growing impatient, Tricia scanned the room and her eyes landed on Jeremy, who had just rushed in.

Upon seeing Jeremy's troubled face, she questioned him and discovered that the project renewal talks with Shawn had fallen through. To her dismay and growing jealousy, Danielle had climbed into Shawn's car and they drove away together.

Why?

The question echoed in Tricia's mind, igniting a fierce jealousy that threatened to consume her, though she managed to mask her turmoil with a calm demeanor.

With a sigh of disappointment, she remarked, "Danielle didn't even bother to say goodbye. I had all these desserts prepared, thinking she'd join me for them."

Jeremy turned to look at Tricia.

He viewed her as truly innocent.

Despite having recently lost her fiancé, she had prepared a pastry spread, yet Danielle had pointedly ignored the invitation.

"Tricia, don't worry. I'll make sure you get what you desire," Jeremy assured her, his eyes resolute. A sense of satisfaction washed over Tricia.

"Thank you, Jeremy. You're always so supportive."

Confident with the backing of the entire Elliott family, she felt secure that Danielle couldn't undermine her position.

Meanwhile, Danielle's phone buzzed.

Austin had been waiting for a response and, growing impatient, he sent another text.

"Name your price to do me this favor."

"I want the new code you developed," Danielle replied.

Austin was furious. "You might as well demand everything I have!"

After pondering for a moment, Danielle inquired, "Will you give it to me?"

Austin was rendered speechless and texted back. "I'm being sincere. Please do me this favor."

"Go ahead, tell me."

"Kill Shawn Harper!"

Upon reading this, Danielle was left in utter disbelief.