The Phantom Heiress Rising From The Shadows

Chapter 1

Chapter 1 Being Kicked Out

At the Barrett family's residence in Shirie.

The grand living room on the first floor buzzed with conversation, guests swirling gasses of champage as they exchanged pleasantries. A towering banner with the words "Welcome Home, Beloved Drevent

across the entrance.

Meanwhile, in the cramped, airless attic on the third floor, Brenna Barrett was packing her belonging

indian

Alec Barrett, Brenna's adoptive father, stood before her, an envelope in his hand. He set it down wendy before Brenna, his face lined with feigned reluctance, "Brenna, why must it come to this?" he said, "Yes, we've found our biological daughter, but that doesn't mean you have to leave. You know our family's wealth- taking care of one more person isn't a burden. If you ask me, you should stay. Your mom and I will treat you no differently than before. But if you're determined to leave, 1 won't stop you. Still, your family is barely scraping by. I doubt they can even send a car to pick you up. Take this money-at least let it cover your travel expenses."

Brenna's eyes flicked to the slim envelope. She was already certain it held no more than a thousand dollars. Without a hint of hesitation, she pushed it back toward Alec, her expression cold. "I don't need it. My parents have already sent a car for me."

She scoffed inwardly, What a laughable attempt to make her stay. Persuading her to stay while already offering her travel money?

The Barrett family had taken her in when she was barely past her second birthday, a replacement for the daughter Ruby Barrett had lost-a child stolen from the hospital the day she was born. Drowning in grief, Ruby had grasped at the idea of adoption, convincing herself it would ease the ache of her loss.

for the Barrett family in anything more than name. She had spent her childhood in hand-me-downs from discount racks,

stumbled upon her natural flair for design. Even her casual

family had stopped her from going to school. She had become their hidden asset, locked away to draft blueprints for car

never broken into Shirie's elite circles, never had the means to throw this lavish welcome party for their biological daughter, with influential figures from

just begun to flourish, they didn't want to keep Brenna anymore. The Barretts were eager to kick her

sighed and shoved the envelope into Brenna's

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1 Being Kicked

sons, and your only uncle is bedridden, unable to care for himself. They live in a struggling village-barely making ends meet. They don't have the luxury to come pick you up. You've been living in comfort here, spending freely. Are you sure you're ready for that kind of

money..."

and placed

Barrett, Alec and Ruby's biological daughter,

of her backpack.

glance, Brenna hoisted her black backpack over one shoulder

the Barretts behind.