The man nudged the woman.She didn’t continue speaking, but her reddened eyes only grew darker, clearly hinting at difficulties at home.Victoria felt uncomfortable hearing this and turned to look at Amelia.It was unclear what Amelia was thinking. Her fingers tapped rhythmically on the table—once, twice, again and again.After dinner, Victoria wanted the couple to stay the night.They shook their heads, saying they had already booked a room at a nearby inn.Before leaving, they left the package with Amelia.Victoria mulled over the situation, unable to even focus on her TV drama. “Your little brother… He sounds very sick.”“Sounds like it.” Amelia turned her teacup between her fingers—a habitual gesture when she was deep in thought.Victoria sat up straighter. “Wan, we should take a trip to River County. It’s time to meet your brother.”“Alright.” Amelia’s smile was calm and refined. “You’re right. It’s time.”Inside the package, even an ID card was included—whether by carelessness o
The man held a cigarette between his lips, idly playing cards on his phone, exuding a careless air. “Alright, at least Mia didn’t lie to us. This girl really is a beauty.”“No matter what, make sure nothing goes wrong on the way tomorrow,” the woman frowned. “Mia never told us she was this sharp. Did you hear the way she questioned me? Every word was a hidden trap!”The couple had been traffickers for years.Especially Grace—she was an expert at acting. Unless they were dealing with a seasoned criminal investigator, ordinary people would find it nearly impossible to see through her.Nathan, on the other hand, was much less skilled. He spoke little and handled most of the transport work. “Relax, we’re taking the old route tomorrow. We’re just ‘reuniting with our daughter.’ It’s perfectly legal—no one will check.”Grace was still bitter. “It’s all because of that damn family! They’ve been watching us for years, ruining so many of our deals. Back then, with all those kids, who the hell k
Thud.Raindrops hit the window.For some reason, Victoria couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling in her heart.Perhaps it was because Amelia wasn’t at home. Despite the many patients she had been seeing, the house felt empty without her.Compared to the heavy rains in South City, the mountain was only overcast with clouds.Grace softly called out to Amelia, “Amelia, do you want to stop at the service area and have some instant noodles?”“Sure.” Amelia seemed to be in a good mood, agreeing easily.But even as they walked over, she still carried her black bag with her.This made Nathan, who was standing a bit further away smoking, glance over a couple more times.The driver also nodded at Nathan.Nathan lowered his voice, “Don’t rush.”What if the girl wakes up halfway through and hasn’t taken the medicine? It’s not safe to do anything on the highway; it’ll have to wait until we get off at River County.The food at the service station was the same few choices as always.Grace made sure to ta
Grace beamed. “Amelia just ran into an old acquaintance.”“An acquaintance? That’s great! Hey, brother, why don’t you come along with us?” Nathan enthusiastically clapped a hand on Dawson’s shoulder.Dawson quickly shook his head. “No, no need, I have my own car.”As he spoke, he glanced at Amelia. “Well then, little doctor, I’ll get going first. On the road… be careful!”He emphasized the last two words, hoping that with the little doctor’s intelligence, she’d realize something was off.Unexpectedly, Amelia just smiled. “Uncle, don’t worry. With my parents taking care of me, I’ll be fine.”After speaking, she lowered her gaze and took a bite of her noodles.Seeing this, Nathan let go of Dawson, his face full of emotion. “My dear daughter…”Dawson was getting anxious. How could this little doctor be so clueless?!But what more could he say? After all, they were her parents.He could report them, have the authorities check if they were real or not.But in the end, he feared that he wou
The town mayor had already seen the girl’s photo.He was very satisfied with her appearance and explicitly stated that he wanted to meet her as soon as possible.Of course, Grace and the others also wanted to deliver her quickly.They had to keep lying—couldn’t let the girl have any thoughts of resisting.Many female students had been unwilling at first, but once the deed was done, they had no choice but to stay in Monterey and raise children.Women—once they gave birth, their hearts settled.As they finally entered Monterey, Grace eagerly contacted the matchmaker.The meeting was set for tonight—after all, the longer they waited, the more chances for things to go wrong.The road to town was rough, full of potholes, and the van shook constantly.Infrastructure development had its blind spots—there was little modernization here, and even the mobile network was weak.By the time Amelia opened her eyes again, the van had already stopped.Grace looked at her kindly. “Wan, wake up, let’s g
“I…” Ziggy hesitated, his young age betraying him. As soon as he heard Amelia’s words, his gaze started to waver.Grace quickly interjected, “He just looks healthy, but his cough hasn’t even fully recovered.”Ziggy did have a slight cold, his voice nasal as he said, “I wanted to see my sister.”“Alright, let’s all head inside.” Nathan chuckled. “Let Amelia try some of our home-cooked food.”The couple was clever, working together seamlessly as they ushered Amelia into the house.Inside, four generations lived under one roof. Nathan introduced each family member—grandparents, uncles, aunts, and… a cousin-in-law.Everyone else seemed normal, except for the young cousin-in-law, who was only two or three years older than Amelia.Her hair was messy, and she held a baby in her arms, looking dazed.Amelia called out to her twice before she finally responded, “Ah, hello.”Her Mandarin was crisp and standard, without any local accent.Amelia glanced at the inside of her forearm and curled her
“Sis-in-law, she knows she was wrong now. The baby still needs milk.” Jack popped a peanut into his mouth. “Relax, she’s been beaten into submission. The town’s village committee dragged her back, and now she understands there’s no point in running there. She’s given up and said she wants to live a good life with me.”Nathan frowned. “Jack, I have to say, it’s been three years. Why haven’t you handled her properly yet?”“She’s a university student—read too many books, makes her harder to deal with.” Jack chuckled. “But bro, the girl you brought back this time… she’s really beautiful! She even looks obedient. How about I—”Grace cut him off. “What do you mean ‘you’?! Don’t even think about it! The mayor has his eyes on this one. He’s coming over soon to meet her. You better wipe that disgusting look off your face!”She sneered. “Luckily, this girl isn’t too bright. Otherwise, with how lecherous you are, I’d have to find a way to fool her first!”“Enough, stop talking.” Nathan turned to
【Something different? But I wanted to join the livestream for a consultation, sob!】Amelia chuckled. “No consultations today. Sisters in the livestream, listen carefully—I’m going to teach you how to prevent human trafficking.”【W-What?】【Did I mishear that? Human trafficking?!】【!! This is intense!!】【Streamer? Hello? Say something!】Amelia didn’t respond. She turned off her headphones, leaving only the microphone on.Grace was naturally vigilant. Noticing Amelia still hadn’t come out, she called from outside the door, “Amelia, have you changed yet? We have guests at home who want to see you!”【Whoa, what’s going on?】【A role-play scenario?】Amelia pushed the door open and stepped out.The camera was aimed directly at Grace’s face.Unaware of the livestream, Grace looked quite satisfied with Amelia’s appearance. “Wan, your third aunt heard you were back and insisted on setting you up with a match. Let’s just meet him first—there’s no pressure to agree.”“A match?” Amelia’s expression
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