Chapter 3

She praised Amy for being obedient and graceful, making her proud in social circles.

But I, lively and pursuing my dreams, was seen as unruly and embarrassing. In my last life, she even feared Amy's sadness and announced Amy as the heir during the brand launch, claiming I was a stray they picked up.

Amidst everyone's ridicule, she had me beaten and thrown out. Covered in bruises, I wandered the streets in despair, watching them celebrate Amy's ascension as the new head of the family in a luxury hotel. Meanwhile, Amy's people pushed me into the icy river, where I drowned.

Days later, when Mother finally thought to look for me, my cold body had already washed ashore.

In this life, facing Mother's continued hostility, I sneered, "Mom, this launch was Dad's idea to celebrate my return. Are you really going to be so biased? Aren't you afraid of making Dad angry?"

Dad was supposed to personally pick me up, but the Mayor's sudden visit to inspect the group kept him busy. Not wanting to trouble him, I returned home alone, only to be mistaken for an impostor.

Amy chose this moment for the ribbon-cutting, likely Mother's plan to announce her as the heir while Dad was absent.

Amy clung to the launch ribbon, looking pitifully at me, "Sister, I know you want this new brand, but it's a token from Mom and Dad for me. Blame me, not Mom!"

Instantly, a trendy blonde woman defended her, "Lucy, who do you think you are? If the Johnson family hadn't picked you off the street, you'd still be a filthy beggar. They gave you a meal, and you think you're the heiress?"

"What a joke, why don't you take a good look at yourself? Do you deserve it?"

I turned to see Lily, Amy's childhood follower. After Dad adopted Amy, she lived by flattering Amy, basically a sycophant.

Remembering how she and a gang of thugs bullied me last life, leading to my death, my pupils shrank. I clenched my fists and sneered, "If I'm a stray, then what are you, Lily? An orphan sycophant living off others. If I were you, I'd find a hole to crawl into, rather than pretending to be a socialite."

Lily blushed, ashamed and angry.

Seeing this, Uncle Leo flattered Mother, "Mrs. Johnson, don't let this crazy woman delay the auspicious time for the brand's launch."

Mother coaxed Amy, "Yes, bring out the gift I prepared for Amy."

The next second, Uncle Leo presented a delicate gift box. Opening it, I saw it was the fashion group's stock certificate!

My eyes turned red. This was the largest fashion group in America, founded by my grandfather. Before he died, he gave the stock certificate to me, saying, "This fashion group is yours when you grow up. If you don't like it, sell it and travel the world."

But now, Mother stole it to please Amy.

"Iris Thompson! That's my grandfather's inheritance, and you're really giving it to this stray?" I shouted in anger.

Mother shoved the stock certificate into Amy's arms, glaring at me, "Impertinent brat, this is for my precious daughter Amy. You want to claim it as yours?"