Chapter 3

Sarah P.O.V

It's been a week since I arrived in NYC. As soon as I landed in my birthplace, I got busy unpacking and setting up my home. This house was bought by my mother before she died. She wanted to keep it as a home, yet now, no family member is here with me today.

My family knew about my arrival, but no one had tried to meet me or contact me.

I brushed off those thoughts and continued sipping my coffee while sitting in the living room when I heard my phone ring.

I quickly stood up and grabbed the phone lying on the desk. A smile formed on my lips when I saw the name on the screen, and I answered the call.

"Hello, Grandpa! How are you? How is Grandma doing?"

"We're both fine, dear. How are you? Have you settled into your new home?" he asked excitedly.

"Yes, Grandpa, I've settled in. I just wish you both were here with me," I replied, a bit sadly, making my grandpa chuckle.

"We'll be coming to NYC this weekend, sweetheart. It's time I finally hand over the company to you," Grandpa said in a serious tone.

"Yes, Grandpa, I remember that. I just hope I can handle the responsibilities well."

"You'll do great, my dear. You're perfect for leading the company," Grandpa assured me.

"Well, let's hope for the best," I said, trying to stay positive.

"OK, sweetie, see you this weekend," Grandpa said.

"Sure, Grandpa. Say hello to Grandma for me. Bye."

I disconnected the call and started reflecting on how different things are now.

My grandpa, Stephen D'Amario, never trusted my father after what he did to me when Mom died. My grandpa started this company when he was in his 20s, and my mom was the legal heiress since she was an only child. After she married my father, they both managed the company well until my mom was diagnosed with cancer.

Gradually, my mother spent most of her time at home or in the hospital, while my father managed our company. But my grandpa made sure that once I turned 21, the company would be legally transferred to me.

I remembered how badly Lisa treated me so that she and her daughter could get all the benefits from the company—money was all she cared about.

Lisa made sure I didn't fit the criteria to handle the company in the future. She even manipulated my father into trying to stop my education after high school, and she was somewhat successful. My father told me I wasn't capable of attending university.

Although I always maintained good grades—I wasn't the top of my class, but I was among the few good students who consistently performed well throughout high school.

I still remember those dreadful memories, which haunt me with nightmares to this day.

FLASHBACK

I had just come back from high school and was busy finishing my assignments when Jessica and Chloe burst into my room.

"Hey, ugly bitch. I heard you called Adrian last week," Jessica said angrily.

"Yes, I did. I was missing him, and it's been a long time since we talked," I replied without looking at her.

"Well, an ugly duckling like you doesn't deserve a friend like Adrian. I don't know why Adrian even decided to be your friend," Chloe said loudly.

"I guess he chooses his friends regardless of how they look or how rich they are. Let him decide who he wants to be friends with," I said. As soon as those words left my mouth, I felt something hard hit my face.

I felt blood at the corner of my lips. Before I could comprehend what had happened, Jessica punched me in the stomach.

Before I could defend myself, Chloe grabbed my arms from behind. Jessica slapped me again, and when she was done with the abuse, she spat in my face.

"I guess you've learned your lesson, bitch. Stay away from Adrian, or next time, the consequences will be worse," Jessica said angrily before they both left my room.

Before leaving, they made sure to ruin my assignment, tearing it apart even though I needed to submit it the next day.

I sat there crying, hugging myself. I didn't understand why they had a problem with my friendship with Adrian. He was the only friend I had left. I wiped my tears and decided to start my assignment over from scratch.

Finally, after three hours, I finished my assignment. When I noticed the time, it was already 1 a.m. My stomach rumbled, but I chose to go to bed. I didn't want any more drama that night.

FLASHBACK ENDS

I sighed, remembering those memories. I hated myself back then for not standing up against the abuse.

Maybe I was weak—I didn't have any support at that time.

Although Grandpa and Grandma always suspected something was wrong, I didn't want them to stress over me.

Today, I'm a stronger person. I can protect myself now. I even learned basic self-defence when I enrolled in university. Seeing how strong and decisive I am today gives me the confidence to take on the responsibility of being the heiress of D'Amario Enterprises.