Zoey didn't dare step out of the car at first.This place was where her nightmare began.Even though she had escaped, her life could never return to normal.Why had she been so foolish back then?Why did she believe that old person's words and allow herself to be taken into the mountains?She had been violated, had even given birth to a child.Meanwhile, her former classmates all had bright futures ahead of them.Two years of fear and shame had been etched deep into her bones.But when she saw the girl standing in the dark, grinning fearlessly, looking straight at her—It was as if a fire had ignited in her heart."Yes! Purity is not the only thing that defines a woman's worth!"Amelia smirked lazily and glanced at the courtyard with red lanterns hanging from its eaves."Then let's go in. The Morton family must be getting impatient for their new daughter-in-law."What happened next—Frank didn’t dare to watch anymore.Every word this girl spoke was enough to turn the entire county ups
Amelia was all smiles. “Alright then.”As she spoke, she shoved Joe forward and let go of the rope in her hand.“Now, Mayor Morton, you should be able to handle this fairly, right?”Mayor Morton caught his son, but the moment he saw Joe’s crippled legs, his expression darkened.Forget about a wedding—he was going to arrange a funeral for this damned girl instead!He forced a sinister, yet falsely kind smile. “Girl, let’s talk this through. What exactly did my son do to you?”Then his voice dropped into a chilling tone. “He took a liking to you—that’s your blessing. Instead of being grateful, you dared to hurt him?”Amelia raised an eyebrow. “He tried to force himself on me, and I’m supposed to thank him? Is there no law in this place?”Mayor Morton’s face twisted. “In Monterey, the Morton family IS the law!”The fat on his face trembled as he stepped closer. “You were trafficked because you looked like the perfect idiot to be deceived!”Amelia toyed with the purple jade pendant in her
For a moment, Mayor Morton couldn’t understand why Mr. Anderson was here.In his mind, this was just a minor issue—why would the county chief need to intervene?Could it be because of the online video?As he speculated, he put on a smile and stepped forward.“Mr. Anderson, I—”“Tell your men to back off! Now!” Frank had barely stepped out of the car before he leaned in and hissed into Morton’s ear.Mayor Morton thought this was just an act for Mr. Monroe, so he remained indifferent.“Mr. Anderson, any video that threatens our county’s reputation, I can handle. Come over to my place later, have a few drinks, sleep it off, and this will all be over.”Frank nearly collapsed from rage!This idiot, Joe Morton, even exposed him!And it was on a nationwide livestream!Ignoring him entirely, Frank strode forward to the center of the crowd.“Miss, don’t worry. As long as I’m here, River County will never let you suffer injustice.”But Amelia merely glanced between him and Joe Morton, then smir
“Dad? You’re worried? Why worry about them?”By now, Joe’s intelligence had been severely impaired by the drugs, leaving only his raw, violent instincts.“Just kill them all! This is River County! I’d like to see who dares challenge me here! What New York the Cromwell family? If they dare ruin my fun, they can all go to hell!”“What nonsense are you spouting?!”Mayor Morton was utterly horrified by his son’s outburst.He clamped a hand over Joe’s mouth and looked at Benjamin’s cold expression, filled with deep regret.“Mr. Cromwell, we were blind and failed to recognize who you were.”As he spoke, he crawled over and clutched Edgar’s leg, his face full of pleading.“Hey, manager, you’ve been to our town a few times. My son and I truly had no malicious intent—we would never dare harm Mr. Cromwell.”Edgar kicked him off in disgust.“No malicious intent? You and your son steal wives and daughters, shelter human traffickers, and you call that ‘no bad intentions’?”Clearly, the Cromwell fa
Amelia’s voice was calm and measured.“At your four o’clock, there’s a small path. Take Zoey and my brother and leave. There’s someone waiting to receive you.”A special operations unit had indeed been on standby.The note Amelia had written before leaving LA wasn’t for nothing.However, these special teams never revealed themselves easily.Every action they took was in the shadows.Even the highest-level task forces had no authority over them.That was because the cases they handled were too classified for ordinary people to even know about.And at the center of it all—was Amelia.“Why hasn’t Boss given us the signal yet?”A young man with long black hair and a flowing robe stood on the mountainside, chewing bubble gum. Behind him were two heavy motorcycles.“Is she deliberately avoiding us?”A sweet-looking girl with a black knife in her hand turned her head back.“You disgusting men make me sick. Even those filthy scumbags dared to leer at Boss.”The boy raised a hand in surrender.
As his short black hair fluttered in the air, it only made him look even more noble and striking, as if he had descended with the moonlight itself.Despite suffering from years of illness, aside from his cold, pale complexion, there was no sign of weakness in the way he landed so effortlessly.Especially since he landed on one knee, his gloved hand steady.The gold-rimmed glasses on his nose made him look less like an ordinary man and more like the youngest godfather of the medieval era.As soon as he touched the ground—Figures emerged from the mist, one after another.Not just ordinary vehicles, but heavily modified off-road vehicles, each marked with a striking red insignia.Seven or eight of them, engines roaring like thunder.“Mayor Morton! What the hell is going on!?”Panic set in.The villagers had never seen anything like this before.Even Frank hadn’t.This level of mobilization—it only happened in cross-border operations on TV!Mayor Morton’s eye twitched, unease creeping in
Mayor Morton had completely collapsed.The other side knew too much—so much that no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t clear his name.The elderly villagers had no idea who this young man was.They didn’t even dare to guess.But as they stared at the small military aircrafts and the off-road vehicles parked not far away, their hands trembled.To be able to mobilize such forces—Just what level of power was this?!And this kind of person… was that girl’s boyfriend?!The Morton family had even tried to abduct her?!The villagers were terrified.And the Morton family—they were regretting everything.Especially Jessica.Her mind was buzzing, unable to process what she had just witnessed—her own brother being taken away.She had thought that girl was just some naïve, small-town student, easy to manipulate.A little money, a little coaxing, some force if necessary—and she’d break her in.That’s what Grace had told her too—Said the girl was nothing like Mia.That Mia was now a wealthy yo
Hearing this, Amelia paused, her fingers lightly twirling the purple jade pendant.At the same time, Edgar turned to look at her, his mouth slightly open.If that was the case… then his second sister…Amelia didn’t need to guess what her elder brother was thinking.She frowned slightly and said, “I was switched at birth, not trafficked.”According to that couple, that was the truth.But their words were obviously unreliable.Amelia didn’t bother explaining further.She had no feelings toward the girl the Cromwell family had been raising.Her brother had once said it was because the girl looked too much like Miss Amelia.Cromwell when she was younger.So, the Cromwell family showered her with love.To Amelia, this felt like nothing more than a substitute story.Not being able to find a lost child was understandable.Back then, the internet wasn’t widespread, facial recognition technology was nonexistent, DNA sampling wasn’t common, and even the household registration system was lax, esp
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