Chapter 3

"Miss Franklin, wake up. Please, wake up."

I gasped, snapping awake, my forehead drenched in cold sweat.

I looked around. Cute, childish drawings were taped to the warm-colored walls, making the room look cozy.

A somewhat familiar face leaned in. "Miss Franklin, I'm the director of the orphanage."

The agonizing pain of having my eyes gouged out and my throat slit was completely gone!

I had traveled back in time!

Right now, I was holding the DNA report, visiting the orphanage for the very first time.

"Thank you for taking care of Julian all these years. It wasn't easy finding him."

Director Higgins poured me a cup of tea. I tried to calm my racing heart.

Suddenly, the door was slammed open.

A boy and a girl walked in.

The boy was lean but tall, with tanned skin and messy hair. His eyes were filled with hostility and defensiveness.

The girl beside him was petite and fragile, wearing dark sunglasses and holding a small cane.

My lips curved into a cold smile. Julian.

I didn't expect to see him again so soon.

"Julian, perfect timing! This is Jennifer, your older sister!"

The director turned to me, smiling apologetically.

"He's usually a very polite boy. He was probably just eager to meet you."

Before Julian could say a word, Aria sank to her knees.

"Jennifer, please, take me with you! I beg of you, Julian and I can't be separated!"

Aria cried so hard she looked like a delicate flower in the rain. Julian's eyes filled with pure heartache.

In my past life, seeing this scene, I immediately helped her up.

Julian assumed I had agreed. But when he realized I was only bringing him home, he secretly started hating me.

This time, I just sat quietly on the couch, watching Aria put on her little show.

Oh, yes. Her fragility was an act, and so was her blindness.

She thought she had fooled Julian, the director, and everyone in the orphanage.

But I knew the truth. Aria acted so pitiful because she wanted Julian to protect her forever.

Knowing Julian was about to be taken back by the wealthy Franklin family, she was determined to latch onto us.

Aria started coughing from crying so hard, looking like she was about to faint.

Seeing that I didn't react at all, Julian couldn't hold back anymore.

"Jennifer, Aria is crying like this. Haven't you had enough?"

No, not even close.

I picked up my tea and took a slow sip. "Do I owe you something? Why on earth should I take her with me?"

Choked by my harsh words, Aria collapsed onto the floor, sobbing.

"It's my fault for being useless and blind. I only bring trouble..."

Tsk. Still acting. What a manipulative bitch.

But Julian was completely brainwashed by this act.

He clenched his fists and marched over to me.

"I'm only going if Aria goes. If you don't take her, I'm staying here!"

Hearing this, I almost laughed out loud.

Julian, you really are pathetic.

Just like a stray dog who desperately wants to go home but can't leave his stray buddy behind.

How can you expect to have your cake and eat it too?

You're being way too greedy.

Besides...

This Aria was far from innocent.

I let out a soft laugh and looked at the director. "Who said I'm here to take Julian home today?"

I slid the DNA report back into my bag and stood up, looking around.

"This orphanage is poorly managed, the environment is sub-par, and the kids are incredibly undisciplined."

"I came here today to let you know that Franklin Enterprises will have to reconsider our investment in your expansion project."

With that, I turned on my heel and walked out.

The crying behind me abruptly stopped. Just as the door swung shut, I heard the director scream in fury.

"You two dared to offend our biggest investor? I'm going to beat you to death!"