Chapter 4

Back in those days, I thought years of tranquility had ensured my safety. But now, it dawns on me that the chapter is far from closed.

The door swung open again, revealing my second brother, Jasper:

"Mom, Dad, you see it too. Adeline is truly my sister. We’ve wronged her enough and can’t continue living in this uncertainty!"

I was so shocked I nearly choked on my drink. Jasper, of all people, was the first to turn on me?! Could he be connected to Adeline’s sudden appearance?

With someone speaking up for her, Adeline burst into tears, no longer exhibiting her previous arrogance. To an outsider, it might seem I had wronged her:

"I'm sorry, Mom and Dad. I got carried away earlier. After enduring such a tough life, finally finding a warm home made me lose my composure..."

She spoke while observing my parents' reactions closely.

Mrs. Su frowned at Jasper:

"Jasper, what’s going on? Did you know about this all along? Was today's drama your doing?"

Jasper hesitated:

"The first time I met her, I noticed the peace talisman she wore. I wasn’t sure, so..."

I recalled the time when our identities were switched; he had secretly visited both of us. He had placed a peace talisman around Adeline’s neck, which was now used as proof against me.

I was speechless, but Adeline thought my silence was guilt:

"See! She has nothing to say! She’s taken my place for so many years; it’s time to step aside!"

My parents seemed at a loss, facing such a situation for the first time.

Jasper continued to stir things up:

"Adeline has suffered so much. I can’t bear to see her unable to even enter the house. Let’s bring her to live with us!"

I could hardly believe what I was hearing. This is preposterous!

Thankfully, my older brother retained some sense. He rubbed his temples in frustration:

"Alright, until we figure everything out, having her move in will only invite ridicule. Isn't there a villa in the suburbs? Let her stay there for now. Once we investigate, we’ll determine the next steps."

Yet, Jasper continued to defend her:

"We’ve wronged Adeline in the past. If she’s seen living elsewhere, wouldn’t that look bad?"

My mom softened, biting her lip:

"Fine, fine. They’re all my children. Let her stay. But one thing, Nora can’t leave. She’s the daughter I’ve cherished for so many years, and I can’t bear to let her go!"

This solution seemed fair enough, but Jasper still wasn’t satisfied:

"That imposter has had a good life for years. She's had it easy!"

I looked at him in disbelief. The brother who had loved me for so many years now seemed like a stranger, his eyes filled with disdain and dissatisfaction towards me.