Under the heiress facade

Chapter 2

Hera felt completely stunned.

All of a sudden, the sound of an approaching aircraft grew louder. Bernard’s backup had arrived.

Hera looked up and saw a helicopter hovering above. The helicopter’s door slid open, and a ladder lowered down. A man dressed in camouflage, similar to Bernard’s attire, descended from above.

Hera swiftly dashed away.

Bernard pushed himself up, his eyes following her disappearing figure. With a pleased grin, he mumbled, “So, you were hiding here. I’ll be back for you.”

…

At the foot of the mountain, two sleek black BMWs were parked in front of a rundown house. The yard was bustling with curious bystanders.

In the living room, Catherine welcomed the Everetts, who had arrived from the city.

James Everett, Lilith Cresswell, and their daughter, Giselle Everett, who had been mistakenly taken at birth and raised by them, were here.

The three’s impeccable attire clashed sharply with the shabby state of the living room.

Giselle scowled at the worn cup before her, feeling a wave of repulsion. She glanced around the living room, taking in the peeling paint on the walls and the chaotic mess of herbs scattered across the floor.

To make matters worse, there wasn’t even an air conditioner in the house on this scorching summer day. Instead, an old ceiling fan whirred above, its irritating squeak only adding to her discomfort.

The idea that Giselle was part of this rundown family was unbearable to her. She was firmly convinced that she was meant to be an Everett.

Giselle clung to James’ arm, looking upset. “Dad, it’s sweltering in here. Does Hera not want to see me because she thinks I stole her parents?”

“What are you talking about? It wasn’t your fault to be mistakenly taken at birth. Why would she blame you?” James snapped.

had called to say they were coming to take Hera back to their home. As for Giselle, they had raised her for

long?” Giselle seemed even sadder. She turned to Catherine. “Um, could you go find Hera? And ask her to

like she was instructing

observed Giselle’s behavior. She was about to stand up, but James intervened, “It’s fine. Let’s give her five more minutes. If she hasn’t returned by then,

their biological daughter had been an arduous journey, and she wasn’t going to let this visit slip

speak persuasively, a clear voice was heard speaking from outside,

toward the doorway, where a tall, slender young woman stood. Her figure

carried herself with a certain aloofness which hinted that it wouldn’t be wise to

age, Catherine’s eyes were sharp. She noticed the large tear in her dress as soon

what’s wrong?” Catherine

Catherine and reassured her,

dress and added, “I just… accidentally tore my

realized Hera’s dress

even having decent clothes to wear. She

one for you,” Catherine assured. She gestured toward the group and said, “Come meet your real parents and their daughter who

had thick hair, and was slightly overweight. Despite being in his late 40s, he looked more

been waiting for over half an hour in the sultry and rundown place, only to be greeted

lack of courtesy. She didn’t bother to offer a greeting. Impatiently, James questioned, “Why did you keep

cast downward. Her long eyelashes covered her cold gaze, making her look like a regretful

much she resembled Lilith and how sorry she seemed, James couldn’t

bit messy. Come on,

to

stepped forward and gently took Hera’s hand, checking for injuries. “Hera, I’m your mother. Let me see if you’re

concerned expression mirrored that of Hera’s

Thank you,”

and attempted to pull Lilith

Lilith nodded. She then turned to Hera

nodded and said goodbye to