The rightful Smithson heiress

The moment Kamila’s eyes landed on Aiden, Kai, and Luca, a strong wave of emotion hit her like crazy.

She barely had time to brace herself before she was enveloped in a fierce, collective hug. She didn’t know when she broke down into heavy sobs.

"Shh, it's okay, Kam. We've got you," Aiden murmured, in a soothing voice as he gently wiped the tears from her cheeks with his handkerchief. "That bastard who made you cry like this – we're gonna break every bone in his body, I swear."

Luca gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze. "Now, now, stop the waterworks, sis. You look like a duck when you cry," he teased, ruffling her hair affectionately.

Kamila snorted with a chuckle, slapping his hand away. "I'm not a baby anymore, Luca. I've been married for five years, remember?"

Luca gave one of his cheeky grins, undeterred. "Ah, but you'll always be our baby sister. Just deal with it."

Kai chuckled, draping an arm around Kamila's shoulders. "Come on, munchkin. Let's get you inside. No more wasting time on that weasel of a husband, okay? It's time to focus on you."

Aiden glanced down at the small suitcase beside her, his brow creasing with a frown. "Is this all you have with you?"

Kamila's expression fell. "My in-laws said I shouldn't take anything Mark bought for me. They wanted me to leave with nothing even."

Kai's face darkened, his jaw clenching in anger. "How dare they? Who the hell do they think they are?"

A deep sigh escaped Luca’s lips as he rubbed his temples. "Yeah, we could literally buy Mark and his old hag of a mom. How dare they try to strip you of everything?"

Aiden took Kamila’s hand briefly and squeezed it. "Don't worry. We'll make sure you have everything you need, and more. You're a Smithson, and you deserve the world."

He bent down, scooping up the suitcase, then gestured towards the grand estate. "Come on, let's get you inside. Dad's been eager to see you."

As they stepped through the doors, Kamila was immediately enveloped in the comforting scent of home – the fragrance of fresh flowers, the faint aroma of baked foods that made her stomach rumble a bit.

Looking closely, she couldn’t believe her eyes. The mansion looked way different. "Wow..” she gasped. “I know this place was always fine as hell but now it’s like I’m in heaven."

Luca grinned, nudging her playfully. "Welcome back home, sis. Wait until you see the new gigantic indoor pool."

Kai chuckled, shaking his head. "Priorities, Luca. First, let's get Kamila settled in, and then we can show her all the upgrades."

"Miss Kamila! Oh, my dear, it's so wonderful to have you home!" one of the older maids exclaimed, clasping Kamila's hands in her own.

Kamila smiled warmly, recognizing the kind, wrinkled face. "Mrs. Finley, it's so good to see you again."

Though there were many new faces among the staff, there were still several old ones.

"Welcome back, Miss Kamila!"

"We're so glad you've returned!"

"The estate hasn't been the same without you!"

Kamila politely nodded and smiled at each of them and then she turned to see her father striding towards her, a warm smile lighting up his stern features. Without hesitation, she rushed forward, throwing her arms around him in a strong embrace almost knocking off his glasses.

"Dad!" she exclaimed, her voice thick with emotion.

Mr. Smithson chuckled, wrapping his strong arms around her and pulling her close. "My darling girl. I've missed you so terribly."

"I've missed you too," she murmured, her voice muffled against his chest. "So much."

Luca clapped his hands dramatically, "Behold, father, your prodigal daughter has returned!" He clapped his hands dramatically. "We should have a feast to celebrate!"

Kamila rolled her eyes, but she couldn't suppress the laugh that bubbled up. "Luca, you haven't changed a bit."

"Well, then, a feast it shall be!"Mr Smithson declared in a commanding voice . "I'll make sure the maids prepare all your favorites, my dear."

At that moment, Kai's phone suddenly chimed, and he glanced down, brow furrowing.

"Uh, Kamila... did you know your ex-husband is running for governor?"

Kamila's lips twisted to the side. "He always wanted a political seat. But why now?"

Aiden chimed in. "Probably trying to use this whole situation to his advantage, play the victim and garner public sympathy."

Mr. Smithson's face hardened, his gaze steely. "Well, that

scumbag of a man won't be stepping on my daughter again." He placed a reassuring hand on Kamila's shoulder. "Don't you worry, my dear. We'll make sure the whole world knows you are the rightful Smithson heiress."

Kamila felt a surge of hope and relief. "Oh my God, for real?"

Kai nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. "That's right,munchkin. You're going to be revealed to the world at the Smithson Charity Gala. No more hiding in the shadows."

*****

As Kamila sipped her steaming cup of English breakfast tea the following morning, she gave a contented sigh.

Sitting there with her family, she felt a warmth spreading through her chest that she hadn't experienced in far too long.

Suddenly, Luca's eyes grew wide, and he let out a sharp gasp, his gaze fixed on the screen of his smartphone. "What the-?"

All eyes turned to him, the table falling silent as the family members exchanged puzzled glances.

"Luca, what is it?" Aiden asked arching his perfectly shaped brow.

"There's a news story going viral about Kamila. Apparently, she's been accused of stealing a valuable jade heirloom from her ex in-laws, the Cadet family."

Kamila's eyes widened in shock, her grip on her coffee cup tightening. "What? They said I did what now?"

"Let me see that," Aiden growled, snatching the phone from Luca's hand.

As Aiden scanned the article, his face turned grave. "This is complete bullshit. The entertainment company that posted this trash is trying to slander Kamila's name."

Mr. Smithson's eyes flashed with an intensity as he leaned forward. "Absolutely unacceptable. No one disrespects my daughter in that manner."

Kai shifted on his chair uncomfortably. "Oh, they're gonna regret the day they messed with a Smithson. I'm shutting that company down, right now."

Aiden handed Luca back his phone, his expression grim. "We need to get ahead of this. The longer this story stays out there, the more damage it's going to do to Kamila's reputation."

Luca nodded, his fingers already flying across the screen. "On it. I'm contacting our PR team, and we'll have a statement ready to go in no time."

Kai placed a reassuring hand on Kamila's shoulder, his warm brown eyes filled with concern. "Don't worry, Kam. We've got your back. We'll make sure the truth comes out, and that those vultures pay for what they've done."