Chapter 2

After returning to the Harrington estate, my biological parents treated me incredibly well.

They gave me credit cards to swipe as I pleased, bought me expensive jewelry and designer bags, and even set up a trust fund for me.

But their generosity didn't last long.

Their business ventures were plagued by one misfortune after another, leaving them struggling to keep their heads above water.

"What did you say?"

At the breakfast table, my father slammed his hand down after taking a phone call, his voice filled with fury.

"Our newly signed artist is in trouble again? That, plus the plane crash last month, and the food poisoning incident… how many times has this happened in just two months?!"

"Lower your voice," my mother scolded him, then turned to pat my hand. "Maya, your father and I need to discuss work. You can go back to your room."

I nodded obediently, preparing to leave the dining room.

But as I reached the stairs, I suddenly remembered I’d forgotten my phone. Just as I was about to turn back, I overheard my father’s voice.

"Honey, what do you think is going on? Ever since Maya came to live with us, our business has been plagued by such strange occurrences. It’s like we’re cursed! Do you think… maybe Maya and I just don't have good karma together?"

"Don’t be ridiculous!" My mother instinctively retorted, but her tone was laced with uncertainty. "But things have been truly awful lately. Several of our subsidiaries have already gone bankrupt. If this continues, our cash flow will dry up completely…"

I heard my father furiously kick the coffee table. He shouted.

"No, this can’t go on! I need to find a mystic to take a look!"