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.

their home. As for Giselle, they had

She turned

tone sounded like she was instructing a housekeeper on

but James intervened, “It’s fine. Let’s give her five more minutes. If

been an arduous journey, and she

she was about to speak persuasively, a clear voice was heard speaking from

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

certain aloofness which hinted that

eyes were sharp. She noticed

Catherine approached with

Catherine and reassured her, “Grandma,

looked down at her dress and added, “I just… accidentally tore

then everyone realized Hera’s dress was dirty and

disgust. She hadn’t anticipated Hera not even having decent clothes to wear. She made a firm decision never to return to this shabby

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

overweight. Despite being in his late 40s,

rundown place, only to be greeted by Hera, who was dressed in tattered

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

while coming down the mountain,” Hera explained, her eyes cast downward. Her long eyelashes covered her cold gaze, making her look like

sorry she seemed, James couldn’t bring himself to scold her

on, let’s get into the

to leave as soon as

forward and gently took Hera’s hand, checking for injuries. “Hera, I’m

that of Hera’s adoptive mother, Daphne

fine. Thank you,” Hera

to pull Lilith

then turned to Hera and said, “Let’s head

and said goodbye to