The lost heiress never forgiven

The Lost Heiress 1

Chapter 1 Bloodline

the least I can do.” “Thanks,” Sierra replied politely. His words sounded nice, but she didn’t believe them. When she was first brought back to that house, she had thought they genuinely welcomed her. Later, she realized that no one in that house wanted her—not even her own mother. She was their real daughter, yet everyone preferred the child that had been switched at birth. Her mother told her, “Denny has been with us since she was a baby. It’s hard for us to adjust right away, but it’ll get better. You’re our real daughter. As long as you behave and stay obedient, why wouldn’t we love you?” So Sierra did what she was told. She was well-behaved, careful, and tried her best to fit into the family. But when she got first place in school, there were no words of praise—only criticism. “Don’t mention your grades in front of Denny. Are you trying to show off?” “Denny isn’t worse than you. She just has health issues.” “You’re hurting her feelings.” She stopped talking about her achievements. Getting first place lost all meaning because no one would be happy for her. Back then, she still thought she had to be the bigger person. She was the older sister. She had to give in to her younger sister. Her parents and brothers just needed more time to accept her. If she was patient, if she behaved, they would treat her like they treated Denny. But in the end, all her waiting led to was Denise Xander driving without a license, causing an accident that killed someone, and forcing Sierra to take the fall. “Denny isn’t well, and she doesn’t have a license. She’ll get a heavy sentence. You’re the only one who can help her.” Sierra refused, but Bradley brought up her grandmother. “You know your adoptive family’s situation. Your grandmother is still in the hospital. Her treatment is expensive, and they can’t afford it.” Bradley continued, “If you agree, I’ll get the best doctors for your grandmother. I’ll hire the best lawyers for you. You won’t be in any real trouble—at worst, it’s just a few months in prison.” Bradley tried to persuade her further. “I would never let anything happen to you. You’re my real sister. Trust me.” She had still held onto hope back then. She had waited. And waited. She spent three years waiting for someone to take her home. Now, she wouldn’t believe them again. The atmosphere in the car was suffocating. Bradley glanced at Sierra through the rearview mirror. She was sitting quietly in the farthest corner of the backseat, taking up as little space as possible. His brows furrowed. She hadn’t been like this before. She used to trail behind them all the time, always trying to find something to talk about. If they so much as spoke a few words to her, she would be happy for days. But now, she was completely silent. Thinking about the three years she had spent locked up, Bradley felt an unfamiliar pang of guilt. He tried to make conversation. “Dad’s on a business trip, but everyone else is home. They’re all waiting for you. Aren’t you happy?” Happy? If she had heard this before, she would have been ecstatic. But now, she felt nothing. She had long since stopped hoping for their love. She didn’t respond to Bradley’s question. Instead, she asked in a soft voice, “Can you take me to see my grandmother?” Right now, the only person she wanted to see was her grandmother—the only person in the world who had ever been good to her. After that, she needed to find a way to get back to school. She didn’t care about family anymore. She just wanted to resume her studies in chemistry and biology. Only by developing more medications could she gain the ability to bring her grandmother out