Victoria didn’t care what others thought.But when it came to education, there was no room for compromise.Everything else could be delayed, but knowledge was one’s own.She especially despised hearing people say that girls didn’t need to study too much, that money should be spent on boys instead—utter nonsense.If Amelia really did well this time, she might actually get into a good university.Amelia hadn’t even washed up yet, but Victoria already seemed to see her bright future unfolding.Her precious granddaughter wasn’t meant to be trapped in this small town, enduring the judgmental stares of others.She should go out into the world and let more people see her brilliance!“Amelia, listen to Grandma. I’ll take care of the shop, and I won’t go soft on the Milton family either. Just focus on your exam, no pressure.”Amelia could tell how much this exam meant to the old lady.To bring good luck, Victoria even brushed her off with a reed leaf—an old folk custom believed to ward off bad
While everyone’s attention was on Amelia, she was still sitting in the taxi, handling her work.She was the one driving the Milton Group’s acquisition case.Setting traps, analyzing data, reeling in the big fish.Once everything was in place, she instructed Chris, “Go contact Jackson. Tell him the Western Construction Group is willing to give him three minutes to say whatever he wants.”Chris got excited. “A crushing negotiation tactic—I got it!”A company whose market value had hit rock bottom was the perfect target for acquisition.By the time she wrapped things up, it was already 9 AM.The exam started at 9:30.Amelia stepped out of the taxi, still looking at her phone.Her chat with the platform’s moderator, 007, was still active.Seeing that she was finally back online, he sent several messages in a row, expressing the platform’s support.Amelia smiled faintly. “I should be thanking you this time. You’ve worked hard.”For the platform to back her and resist the pressure to shut d
Henry felt his scalp go numb. “Grandpa, I think Amelia can handle it herself!”Here it was again—that inexplicable sense of pressure!Amelia chuckled. “That’s true.”With that, she walked into the academic building.Behind her, Dr. Hart yanked Henry’s ear hard. “What do you mean, ‘she can handle it’?! Do you have any idea what her previous grades were?! If she fails, I’ll kick you out of the Hart family, you little brat!”Henry had woken up early, only to get lectured.It’s Amelia’s exam, not mine! Why am I the one getting scolded if she doesn’t do well?!Am I even his biological grandson?!Henry felt wronged.Meanwhile, Dr. Hart was genuinely worried.Situations like Amelia’s didn’t happen often.Most students knew by now that she had been falsely accused of something.But counting from yesterday to today, she had only been out for about ten hours.The official statement didn’t reveal many details, and key aspects of the investigation couldn’t be disclosed just yet.As for what exact
There was no need for a two-day exam; everything could be completed by 3 PM.Since Amelia answered the questions so quickly, the grading teachers adjusted their schedule accordingly. Each subject’s teachers had already decided—they would work overtime tonight just to grade her papers!Amelia took exams straight until noon.The invigilators hurriedly collected the papers, sealed them in front of all the students, ensuring transparency even in the grading process. All of this was to give Amelia undeniable proof of her abilities.After the morning exams, Amelia was starving, and her stomach growled audibly.Henry, following his grandfather’s instructions, came to pick her up for lunch.As soon as he appeared, he attracted a lot of attention."Is that Amelia’s boyfriend? He’s so handsome!"Henry had the kind of appearance that was currently in vogue—monolid eyes, a high nose bridge, and a youthful vibe. He was only three years older than Amelia, still carrying the fresh energy of a studen
Amelia raised an eyebrow imperceptibly.His entrance was way too dramatic.That face alone was already eye-catching enough.And on top of that, his actions were far too intimate.The cafeteria students were all staring with wide eyes.Not to mention Henry, who was experiencing this scene up close—he was so shocked that his chopsticks nearly slipped from his hands.Carl, however, acted as if Henry didn’t exist. He slightly bent over, dressed in a tailored suit, his fingers gently tucking Amelia’s long hair to one side. His low chuckle resonated once more.“Can you ask your classmate to move? I brought you some food.”“He’s not my classmate,” Amelia set down her spoon, propped her chin up, and looked at him. “He’s a brother from the Hart family.”Brother?Carl’s lips curled into a faint, icy smile. He loosened his collar with one hand, his refined voice calm. “Just got off the plane. Didn’t have time to send a message.”As he spoke, he lifted his eyelids slightly, his gaze landing on He
The vast cafeteria.Amelia was biting into a pork rib, while Carl sat beside her, watching.He really did seem like he was only here to bring her food—nothing else mattered.Even as nearly all the female students in the school gathered around to watch, he merely raised an eyebrow. Occasionally, he let out a soft cough, exuding a cold, untouchable air, his presence distant and indifferent.Only Amelia was close enough to him.“You’re not eating?” she asked.“I have a business dinner later.”Unlike the students around them, Carl’s elegance and nobility were impossible to conceal. His presence was commanding as he typed out a message on his phone, his voice carrying a fluent and romantic French accent.Seeing that he was busy, Amelia didn’t disturb him. Besides, braised pork ribs, stir-fried tripe, and pan-seared shrimp dumplings were all more to her taste. His weak stomach, however, would be better suited to something light.Thinking of this, she pushed her bowl of corn and rib soup tow
This man—was he attacking her taste again?Amelia wasn’t about to let anyone manipulate her like that.Just as she was about to speak, she noticed that he had been staring at Henry the whole time.Finally understanding his train of thought, she suddenly chuckled. “You think I’m interested in Henry?”The man didn’t respond, just gazed at her silently, his deep eyes unreadable.Amelia raised an eyebrow. “You don’t like Henry?”“The Hart family has good upbringing,” the man said, avoiding a direct answer.Amelia let out a light laugh. “So that means you don’t like him? Henry is a good person—honest, pure, and full of youthful energy.”“Oh?” The man’s lips curled up slightly, but the chill around him only deepened.Amelia didn’t bother hiding anything. “I just see him as a little brother.”Little brother?Carl processed the meaning of that phrase, and the dark clouds in his eyes dissipated significantly.His behavior today had been quite unlike himself.Perhaps because of what he had seen
The butler maintained perfect etiquette. “Miss.Cromwell, the young master is currently in a meeting. However, he instructed that if you wake up, you may call his private line, and he will answer.”“No need. Let him focus on his meeting.” Amelia smiled. “I have an exam to take as well. Thank you for the coffee—it was delicious.”The butler responded with a polite smile. “It is my honor to serve you, Miss.Cromwell.”To be treated so meticulously by the young master and still remain so composed and indifferent—this Miss Cromwell was indeed extraordinary.Amelia entered the examination room five minutes early.Afternoon exams were usually the hardest to focus on, but today, she had rested exceptionally well.Her answer speed was even faster than in the morning.By 4 PM, she had finished everything and submitted her paper.The grading teachers had been waiting specifically for her responses.Once all the papers were collected, Dr. Hart made an announcement through the school’s broadcasting
Back then, she and the lady of the Jenkins family had dominated the entire New York elite circle.And now, someone who looked just like her had returned.Before, when they saw Abby, they thought she somewhat resembled how the Miss Amelia had looked as a child.But now… there was no comparison.Their aura couldn’t be more different.This was what a true the Cromwell family heir should be like.No one questioned if she was real anymore.Instead, they couldn’t take their eyes off her.From the moment she entered the estate to when she walked into the study, she carried herself with grace and confidence, her features strikingly refined.Amelia hadn’t expected that her mere appearance would immediately win over the household staff.But she had bigger concerns—like how much poison had already accumulated in her grandfather’s system.—The study doors swung open.Mr. Cromwell immediately stood up, his face breaking into an uncontrollable smile.“Amelia! Come, let Grandpa see you! Are you col
Damon nodded. “So sudden—it’s hard for anyone to accept.”Rowan had a different view. “Bro, the Cromwell family was just sponsoring an orphan’s education. So many orphans saw them as family—should the Cromwell family adopt them all? Now that their biological daughter is back, Amelia should leave on her own.”“Shut up,” Spencer muttered through clenched teeth.Damon tried to mediate. “The whole thing is strange. If they really found her, why was there no news at all? Could she be fake?”“What news do you expect? They picked her up from the mountains, and she probably doesn’t even know how to read.” Spencer’s expression was indifferent, but his tone was filled with disdain. “Who knows what she even looks like? The the Cromwell family probably has to teach her etiquette first before making an announcement—otherwise, who would accept her?”Damon stroked his chin. “Then compared to Abby, she really is worlds apart.”“She’s not even worthy of being compared to Abby.” Spencer sneered.Rowan
Inside the study, Mr. Cromwell remained seated, listening to the voice message from Amelia.She was telling him not to get angry.He didn’t even bother opening the door.Instead, he raised his voice:“If you don’t make me angry, I’ll be fine! Let me warn you—if you still want to call yourself Mr. Cromwell, then get lost!”Zane stepped forward anxiously. “Dad, I’m just worried about your health!”“Worry about your brain first.” Mr. Cromwell slammed his dragon-headed cane on the floor, lowering his voice. “Get out.”Zane clenched his fists.He didn’t understand why his father had never valued him.In the old man’s eyes, he was always a failure.Zane turned slightly. “Fine, I’ll leave. But at least leave a doctor with you.”Mr. Cromwell ignored him.Zane left, humiliated.Even now, he hadn’t told his wife that Amelia had been found.He didn’t know how to break it to her.He worried it would trigger her illness.And why was Father so adamant about sending Abby away?It felt like a direct
Secretary Frank hid nothing from Amelia.He reported every entry and item brought into the room in full detail.“Yesterday, the Cromwell family’s sponsored student, Miss Abby, wanted to bring soup to the chairman.”Amelia raised an eyebrow. “Soup?”“Yes. She has been delivering it regularly, starting at the company.”Amelia’s voice remained calm. “It wasn’t the soup. Grandpa probably didn’t drink it.”“Indeed, he didn’t.” Secretary Frank continued, “I didn’t allow her in. After that, only the chef and Mr. Cromwell entered.”Amelia’s gaze darkened. “Mr. Cromwell?”“Your father.” Secretary Frank’s tone held undisguised reluctance. “The chairman and Mr. Cromwell argued.”Amelia fell into thought before finally saying, “Secretary Frank, please prepare some traditional medicine. Stay with Grandpa. Until I arrive, do not let him see anyone, including Mr. Cromwell.”She had deliberately called him Mr. Cromwell.Secretary Frank immediately understood her stance—she had no intention of acknowl
Zane still wanted to argue, but Mr. Cromwell was so furious that he could hardly breathe.The moment someone tried to help him, he started coughing violently.Zane had never intended to push his father to this extent—he only wanted to reason with him.But then, Mr. Cromwell coughed up a mouthful of blood.The dark red stain splattered onto Zane’s shirt.He panicked.“Dad! What’s wrong?! Dad!”“Leave.” Mr. Cromwell gasped for air.Just then, Secretary Frank rushed in.“Mr. Cromwell! It’s a call from Miss Amelia! She’s already on the New York-Frank Expressway—she’ll arrive in the city by this afternoon! Would you like to—Mr. Cromwell?!”The excitement on Secretary Frank’s face instantly vanished when he saw Mr. Cromwell’s condition.His voice turned frantic.Mr. Cromwell barely managed to catch his breath. “Amelia is calling? Hurry, hurry, give me the phone!”“Chairman, your health—” Secretary Frank hesitated.Amelia could hear the conversation from the other end. Her brows furrowed.“G
At the same time.Cromwell Family Villa.Aunt Ashford placed a bowl of silver ear soup by Abby’s bedside. “Miss, you should eat something. I looked into it—she’s nothing but a wild village girl.”“She was found in River County.” Aunt Ashford’s tone was full of disdain. “That kind of impoverished place could never produce someone decent. Miss, you have nothing to worry about. You were raised with the utmost care and refinement—you’re leagues above her.”Hearing this, Abby finally peeked out from under the covers and mumbled, “Emma, it’s fine to say that here in my room, but don’t go spreading it outside. After all, she’s the real daughter of the Cromwell family.”“She may be the Cromwell family’s real daughter, but compared to you, she’s worlds apart! Why shouldn’t we speak the truth? She’s just flaunting her background.” Seeing that Miss was finally willing to speak, Aunt Ashford felt relieved.“Just wait and see. Even if she enters the Cromwell family, she won’t be able to enjoy the
When she first returned to town, she was in an utterly miserable state.Her son and daughter-in-law had drained her dry, squeezing every last bit out of her.The whole neighborhood had been furious just watching.Later, even her son and daughter-in-law stopped coming around.She had no pension or welfare and survived solely by running a small massage shop.Yet, despite her hardships, Victoria was kind-hearted—she barely had enough for herself but never took advantage of others.And she even took in a young apprentice.Now, that very apprentice—her granddaughter—had managed to expand the business all the way to New York!Not a single person wasn’t happy for them.Emma and Granny Oak stood by Victoria’s side, reluctant to part. “Milton, you must come back often. When the mulberries ripen next year, we’ll make mulberry cakes together.”“I will, I will,” Victoria said, patting their hands affectionately.Meanwhile, Amelia was also surrounded by people, including many of the elders from th
Meanwhile, Abby bit her lip, lowering her gaze to hide the hatred in her eyes.Why? Why did Grandpa wait until now to say this?Did he ever consider her situation?Zane was too caught up in his thoughts to notice.This sudden revelation was overwhelming.But Abby?She was only thinking one thing—Who exactly is the real Cromwell heiress? And if she’s coming back… what will happen to me?That night, at the Cromwell family villa.Aunt Ashford had never seen Miss so furious before.Even her most cherished rose-patterned vase was shattered into pieces on the floor.Aunt Ashford hesitated at the door, wanting to console her, but she was afraid.Miss had gone to the Cromwell family estate, but why did she come back like a completely different person?She didn’t understand, and there was no one she could ask.Even Mr. Cromwell hadn’t returned with her—wasn’t he supposed to discuss the adoption?Aunt Ashford grew uneasy and decided to find out what had happened.Having worked in the Cromwell f
The only reason he had stopped them earlier was because Abby was not a Cromwell.This subtle rejection made Abby’s face turn pale as she stared daggers at Secretary Frank.Secretary Frank couldn’t care less—he was already being pressured to resign. Did they think he wouldn’t push back?Zane frowned. “Secretary Frank, Abby will be part of the Cromwell family soon. You should be more mindful of your attitude.”“Yes,” Secretary Frank responded mildly, adjusting his glasses. “Once Miss Abby officially becomes part of the Cromwell family, I will be mindful of my attitude.”Zane narrowed his eyes.But he decided to let it go.Convincing his father to agree to the adoption was more important than arguing with a secretary.That night.Cromwell Family Estate, Study Room.Mr. Cromwell was happily placing online orders.His precious Amelia was coming home—the house couldn’t remain so lifeless!Especially her room—it had to be decorated perfectly!As he cheerfully spent money, his son and grandso