Chapter 2

My arch-rival Valerie recognized me right away:

“Scarlett? Why aren’t you still stuck in that back alley? What are you doing at Mr. Thorne’s place? Don’t tell me you’re here to steal something? A street rat like you doesn’t belong here.”

I clenched my fists, ready to fire back a retort.

Mr. Thorne slowly descended the grand staircase, his gaze sweeping over all of us.

“For years, I’ve failed as a father. I owe all of you an apology.”

“So I’ve prepared $200,000 for each of you as compensation. Those who want it can register with Alfred, the butler, to collect.”

The mansion erupted in excited murmurs:

“Thank you, Father!”

“I really needed this money! You’re the best, Dad!”

Watching everyone swarm toward Alfred, Valerie scoffed from the sidelines:

“A bunch of greedy fools. Do they honestly think they can compete with me for the inheritance?”

After Valerie stole my adoption chance, she’d been living in luxury with a wealthy family.

Two hundred grand was pocket change to her.

But for me, who was used to eating stale bread every day, $200,000 could buy my freedom.

Seeing me hesitate, tempted to join the money line, Mom quickly warned:

“Scarlett, this is just the first test.”

“Anyone who takes the $200,000 is short-sighted and gets disqualified immediately.”

“Those who walk away from the money show they’ve got the ambition to compete in the real challenges.”

I froze mid-step and sneaked a glance at Mr. Thorne.

Sure enough, he was watching the line of daughters with a critical eye, shaking his head in disappointment.

Just then, Alfred announced:

“Those claiming the $200,000 must sign this inheritance waiver.”

Without hesitation, I stepped out of the line.

But the waiver didn’t stop most of them.

Watching most of the daughters fixated on the quick $200,000 payout, eagerly signing the agreement, Mr. Thorne sighed, disappointment written across his face, and turned his gaze to the remaining few.

When Mr. Thorne and I accidentally locked eyes, Mom’s voice echoed:

“See? I wouldn’t lie to you.”

“Just trust me and do as I say. I never got a cent from that deadbeat when I was alive, so you have to make me proud and fight for this.”

The next moment, Mr. Thorne announced in a stern voice:

“Twenty of you have chosen to forgo the $200,000. Please follow the guards upstairs.”

Spotting me among them, Valerie looked stunned:

“Scarlett, you’re an illegitimate daughter too? So we’re half-sisters?”

I ignored her.

Because right then, Mr. Thorne was announcing the first round challenge:

“To be my heir, financial management and earning potential are essential.”

“I’ll give each of you $100,000 in seed money. In one hour, the ten of you with the most remaining funds will move forward in the succession process.”