Chapter 5: Who She Really Is

When grandma May heard about the news that her grandson had gone ahead to get married, she felt relieved but sad at the same time. She is relieved that her grandson is not heartless enough to allow all that his grandfather worked for to be donated to orphanages and sad that he got married at long last only because of the situation.

She sat outside on the open terrace of the old mansion and enjoyed nature.

"Matilda"

"Yes, Ma," Matilda, who was standing close, immediately responded; she has been working for the Haywood family for some time now.

"My grandson got married to some girl. Even if she is not a real granddaughter-in-law, I feel I should at least invite her over and see what kind of person she is. What do you think?"

Matilda thought for a while and then nodded. "That is a good idea, Grandma, but due to the issue of last time with Young Master, I suggest that you call him first and reconcile before inviting them over to the house."

She thought about what her maid said and agreed, "Mmmm, I should do that; hand me my phone."

Matilda quickly handed her the phone after dialing the number of the young master.

The phone rang for a long time before it was picked up, and there was complete silence.

Seeing that her grandson was not going to say anything, she proceeded to speak. "If you know you are not going to say anything, then why pick up the call in the first place, you rascal?" She half-yelled.

"What is it, grandma?" He finally spoke.

"How could you just go ahead and marry someone random who is a complete stranger when you could have picked from the list I gave you last year?" She quarried 

Matilda shakes her head. If she knew Grandma would call to scold him as usual, she would have just suggested passing the message along to the young master instead.

"You do realize I’m a busy man, grandma, so I don’t have time for this, so go straight and tell me why you called." He was sure she didn’t just call him to scold him about getting married.

Grandma May cleared her throat. "I called to invite you over for dinner tonight with your new wife. Don’t you think I should meet her?"

Oliver sighed. He should have known, "No, you don’t need to meet her grandma since the marriage will end after a year and six months."

"What!! So you mean to tell me that you plan to divorce her after a year and six months?" Grandma May could not believe her grandson.

Oliver ran a hand through his hair in frustration. "I’m very busy, grandma, so I have to hang up."

"But…. I…" 

Oliver hanged up the phone, telling her not to finish what she was about to say.

"This grandson of mine is as rude as ever," she said, really pissed. An idea came to her mind, and she turned to look at Matilda with a smile on her face.

Knowing Grandma very well, she was sure that whatever she thought would not be a good idea.

"Since he refuses to bring her here, then I should go over to his house; I’m sure she will be around."

Matilda sighed and nodded. "I will tell the driver to get the car ready."

"Good" Grandma May stood up and headed inside to get things ready.

 **************

In one of the poor neighborhoods of H City, Nuella entered her apartment and closed the door behind her. As she stood in her small living space, she couldn't help but feel a mixture of sadness and anticipation.

This place had been her home for the past few months, a haven where she hid her true identity and sought justice for the tragic deaths of her two sisters.

It was only six months ago that Nuella lost her sisters to the hands of her stepmother and stepsister, who were driven by greed and a desire for her and her sisters' inheritance. Upon discovering the contents of their grandfather's will, they ruthlessly pursued Nuella and her siblings. Unfortunately, they succeeded in killing her sisters, but Nuella managed to escape just in time.

Hidden in this poor neighborhood, she had managed to conceal her true identity from everyone around her. No one here knew that she was the sole heir to the Armstrong empire, a position that had put her and her sisters in grave danger.

Reflecting on the events that led her to this point, Nuella couldn't help but blame her father for the tragic turn of events. It was his infidelity that brought her stepmother into their lives, and it was her stepmother's jealousy and greed that led to the deaths of her sisters. Nuella's late mother had pleaded with her grandfather not to disown her father, but now she wished he had followed through with his intentions.

Nuella's grandfather had vowed to leave everything to her and her sisters, but now she was the only one left. They had returned to their home country after completing their degrees abroad, excited to join the family company. However, just weeks later, their stepmother and stepsister descended upon them, fueled by their fear of losing the inheritance.

As Nuella stood before the mirror, her eyes filled with tears as she remembered her sisters. They had bought matching gray scarves while studying abroad, a symbol of their bond and shared experiences. Now, those scarves were a painful reminder of what she had lost. If she had known the fate that awaited them, she would have made sure none of them returned, so they wouldn’t be dead now.

Determined to seek justice for her sisters and make things right, Nuella wiped away her tears and clenched her fists. She will continue looking for the evidence needed to expose her stepmother and stepsister's crimes and ensure they pay for what they have done. Her grandfather has been searching for her, but she can’t return home until she achieves her goal.

She knew the road ahead wouldn't be easy, but she was willing to do whatever it took to honor her sisters' memory and reclaim what was rightfully theirs.

She quickly packed the things she needed into a bag and was ready to leave the house. She plans on still paying rent for this place because it is going to be useful later. She closed the door to the apartment and left.

On her way to the bus and train station that leads to the other side of the city, she immediately received a call. Knowing who it was, she picked up the call, but not after looking around her to make sure no one was close.

"I remember telling you not to contact me until I do," she said with a tiny bit of annoyance.

"It’s important, Ma," the other person said.

"What is it?"

"Someone is running investigations against you, and it is someone powerful, someone no one can go against," the person said in worry.

Nuella knew immediately who the person was, but she never thought he would be so quick to do a thorough investigation of her. "I know who it is and why."

"How did you get involved with such a person?" The person sounded worried.

"That will be a discussion for another day, Matthew. For now, I want you to do all you can to make sure my true identity stays hidden."

"But, Ma, it will be difficult."

"There is a reason why you are a hacker, so make good use of your skills." She cut him short.