Chapter 1 Chapter 1

Adora Matthews was abducted and trapped in the mountains for three years, tortured to the brink of death before she was finally rescued. The officers who found her drove her home. As Adora stepped out of the car, she stared at the grand estate before her, an unfamiliar glint in her eyes. It felt foreign, almost as if she no longer recognized her own home. She couldn’t be blamed for that. The Matthews residence had been completely redecorated, adorned with festive decorations, and buzzing with the lively atmosphere of a grand celebration. "Is this the Matthews' estate?" the officer driving the car asked curiously. His colleague nodded. "It is! I called her parents several times to tell them we found their daughter, but they assumed it was a scam and hung up every time." Another female officer scoffed, shaking her head. "Their eldest daughter was missing, yet they still had the heart to throw a party?" Standing under the scorching sun, Adora listened to their conversation, her emotions tangled in a complicated mess. But she didn’t dwell on it. All she could think about was the overwhelming joy and relief of finally coming home. "Adora, go on in," the female officer gently urged. "Alright." She nodded slightly, pressing her lips together before stepping toward the estate. She wasn’t sure if it was her brother’s wedding or some other occasion, but the whole place was bursting with joy and celebration. And she just so happened to return today. That was a good sign, right? A double blessing. Her parents would surely be overjoyed to see her! The more she thought about it, the more her excitement grew. Her heart pounded wildly, and her eyes welled up with emotion. Luxury cars lined the driveway, and the lawn was decorated in a warm and romantic theme. As she moved closer, a massive three-dimensional poster came into view. Printed boldly across it were the words: "Engagement Celebration of Eugene Turner & Ruby Matthews." Adora’s vision blurred, her breath catching in her throat. The joy that had filled her chest moments ago froze into a block of ice. Her legs went weak, nearly giving out beneath her. Eugene Turner—the heir of the influential Turner family was her childhood sweetheart. Today, he was getting engaged to her adopted sister, Ruby Matthews. The man who once shielded her, cherished her, and swore to love her for a lifetime was marrying someone else? Adora stood frozen in place, her teeth sinking into her lower lip, unable to believe what she was seeing. "Adora, go on in. Your family will be overjoyed to see you. They’ll probably cry tears of joy," the female officer encouraged, noticing that Adora had suddenly stopped halfway up the path. She assumed it was nerves, being so close to home after everything, but Adora remained frozen. Her body trembled slightly, her gaze locked onto the massive engagement banner. It felt like her feet had grown roots, refusing to take another step. Inside the grand estate, the atmosphere was lively and jubilant. Music played, laughter rang through the air, and a stunning couple stood at the center of the celebration, surrounded by family and friends. Just as the guests started cheering for them to kiss, someone suddenly let out a gasp. "Adora Matthews is back!" The lively chatter and laughter came to an abrupt halt. A hush fell over the crowd as all heads turned toward the entrance. The moment their eyes landed on the woman standing outside, their expressions shifted in shock. "It really is Adora… but what happened to her?""She looks like a beggar who barely escaped a disaster.""Didn’t she get trafficked into the mountains and give birth to some old man’s child? How did she even make it back?""The police brought her here—I saw them." The guests exchanged glances, whispering among themselves, their eyes filled with disbelief and intrigue. At the center of it all, the glamorous couple, Eugene and Ruby, stared toward the courtyard, their faces going pale. "Sister…" Ruby whispered, eyes wide with shock. Adora was alive and she made it back. Outside, Adora remained still, completely unfazed by the countless eyes scrutinizing her. She was once the most dazzling socialite in the city, a woman who could command the attention of any crowd. No matter how grand the occasion, she always stood out—radiant, confident, untouchable. No one could outshine her. Back then, whenever someone spoke of Miss Adora Matthews, they would sigh with admiration. "Oh, that’s the Matthews family’s precious gem, the dream of every wealthy bachelor in the city." But all of that came to an abrupt and brutal end three years ago. That night, Adora and Ruby went out together to attend a banquet, staying out late before finally heading home. Halfway back, their car suffered a blowout. The driver got out to change the tire, while the two sisters stood nearby, holding a flashlight to help. Out of nowhere, a van came speeding toward them. In the blink of an eye, men jumped out and grabbed Ruby, shoving her toward the vehicle. Adora fought desperately, trying to stop them, and with the driver’s help, they managed to wrest Ruby free. But just as the driver was momentarily distracted, one of the kidnappers suddenly threw a sack over Adora, yanking her off her feet. Before anyone could react, she was stuffed into the van and taken away at full speed. At first, Adora thought it was just a standard ransom kidnapping. Once her family paid, she would surely be released. She couldn’t have been more wrong. Her captors weren’t ordinary criminals—they were part of a massive, well-organized human trafficking ring that operated across state lines. After being passed from one buyer to another, Adora was eventually sold deep into the mountains. For the next three years, she was shackled in a filthy pigsty, forced to eat and sleep alongside the animals. She endured unspeakable torment—abuse, starvation, and repeated attempts to violate her. The only reason she hadn’t been violated was because of the man they mockingly referred to as her “idiot husband.” At the last moment, every time, he would step in and stop them from sexually assaulting her. She once believed she would never escape, that she would die in that godforsaken hellhole. But fate had other plans. A nationwide anti-trafficking operation finally led to her rescue. For three years, she dreamed of returning home. She imagined countless reunions, countless scenarios of what that moment would be like. Never had she imagined this. She came home to find her boyfriend and sister celebrating their engagement. The suffocating silence lasted only a moment before a guest awkwardly broke it with forced politeness. “Adora… you’re back?” Adora blinked lightly, shifting her gaze away from the engagement banner to the older woman who just spoke to her. She offered a faint smile. "Mm, I’m back." Someone else chimed in, their voice laced with concern. "You must have suffered a lot… just look at you, so pale and thin." Before the words had fully left their mouth, a family member beside them nudged them sharply, hissing under their breath, "Why are you even talking to her? Didn’t you hear? She’s sick. It might be contagious!""But just talking to her won’t get me infected," the person mumbled, unwilling to back down. The awkward exchange was cut short when members of the Matthews family came rushing out. Her mother, Lillian Rang, froze at the top of the steps, eyes widening as she took in the girl standing below. It was her eldest daughter—the once-stunning young woman whose beautiful long hair had been hacked into a jagged, uneven mess. Her clothes were ragged, so worn that they barely held together. The shoes on her feet were obviously men's, too large and ill-fitting. And the exposed skin on her arms and ankles was riddled with dark bruises and deep red marks from restraints. Lillian's gaze traveled from Adora’s face down to her feet, her breath catching in her throat. The shock hit her like a wave, leaving her speechless. After a long pause, her lips finally moved. "It’s really you… Adora?" The moment she saw her mother, the hope and joy in Adora’s heart reignited. Unable to hold back, she took a step forward. "Mom, I’m home!" As she spoke, she noticed her father and brother emerging as well. Overcome with emotion, she called out again, "Dad! Brother!" Her father, Theodore Matthews, wore a complicated expression as he looked at her. After a brief pause, he gave a small nod. "Mm. It’s good that you’re back." With that, he turned to his wife, their eyes meeting in silent understanding. Both were recalling the information they received last year, when the police first informed them that their daughter might still be alive. They had all gone to the station back then, only for Ruby to see the report. It stated that Adora got trafficked to the mountains and forced into marriage with multiple older men. She later gave birth to a child, one who was born deformed and missing limbs, and she was diagnosed with HIV. The night they returned from the police station, Lillian didn’t sleep a single minute. For an entire month, she was plagued by insomnia, losing over ten pounds, crying until she had no more tears left to shed. But in the end, for the sake of the Matthews family's reputation and the health of everyone in the household, she forced herself to make a painful decision—she told the police to stop searching. And yet, her eldest daughter was still found and brought back. "Mr. Theodore, your daughter has returned. Why are you reacting like this?" The lead officer frowned, his expression dark as he looked between the couple. Their indifference, even coldness, was impossible to ignore. In his years of handling abduction cases, every family they reunited had waited anxiously at the door, rushing to the police car the moment it arrived. They would collapse into a tearful embrace, overwhelmed with emotion. The scenes were always deeply moving. But this family? Their faces were unreadable, distant, almost as if they had no intention of acknowledging her at all. Hearing his name, Theodore finally snapped out of his thoughts. Stepping forward, he forced a polite smile and spoke with the officers. "Officer, we truly appreciate your efforts. It’s just that… well, last year, didn’t you say there was no hope? That the situation was too dangerous?" Back when they had gone to the station, the police explained that the old town was made up entirely of people from the same clan—tight-knit, fiercely protective of each other. Even officers who entered were often beaten mercilessly, making it nearly impossible to rescue trafficked women. "What are you trying to say?" the officer challenged. "Now that we have saved her, you’re not happy about it?""No, no, of course not!" Theodore let out an awkward chuckle, stepping toward his daughter. "Adora, it’s good to have you home. Your mother and I have been worried sick—we’ve probably aged ten years from the stress." Adora looked up at her father, her gaze settling on his face. He didn’t look like a man who had lost sleep over her—no signs of aging, no haggard lines from stress. He looked like the same composed, well-groomed man he had always been. Still, she smiled faintly and rasped, "I missed you too.""Adora…" Lillian stepped forward, parting her lips to speak, but as soon as she got close, an unbearable stench hit her. She instinctively raised a hand to cover her nose.

Chapter 2 Chapter 2

Adora felt a sharp sting in her chest at her mother’s reaction. She knew she smelled terrible, but how could she not? Three years of sleeping in a pigsty embedded the stench into her very skin, sinking deep into her pores. The female officer who accompanied her had helped her wash her hair and scrub her body, but no matter how hard she tried, the foul odor refused to fade. Lilian hesitated, struggling to keep her expression neutral. After a moment, she forced a stiff smile and said, "It’s good you’re back… you must have suffered a lot these past few years." Hearing her mother’s words, Adora felt a small sense of comfort. Her eyes burned, her heart heavy with grievance. One of the officers pulled out his phone. "Let’s take a picture together. That way, we can officially close the case." The female officer, seeing Adora’s emotions running high, placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Take a photo with your family. The nightmare is over now, and things will get better." Adora took a few steps forward. The guests watching from the sidelines instinctively stepped back. The Matthews couple, standing stiffly, watched as their daughter moved toward them. Their entire bodies tensed. Every instinct screamed at them to run. But before they could, the officers flanked them on either side, subtly blocking their escape and nudging them toward Adora. "Aren’t there more family members?" one officer called out, waving toward the newly engaged couple. "Come on, let’s get a full family photo." Ruby visibly trembled. She glanced at Eugene, her lips moving soundlessly before she whispered, "Eugene, I’m scared…" Eugene tightened his arm around her, his voice low and reassuring. "As long as you don’t touch her, you’ll be fine. The officers are right here." With that, he took her hand and led her forward, despite her obvious reluctance. The moment Eugene got close enough to truly see Adora, his expression darkened. His gaze flickered with something unreadable—part shock, part pain, but mostly unfamiliarity. In the past, the moment Adora laid eyes on him, she would light up, throwing herself into his arms like a carefree butterfly—radiant, confident, impossible to ignore. But now… She looked dull, lifeless. The vibrancy she once carried was gone, buried beneath layers of exhaustion and hardship. Her sunken features only made her eyes appear larger, but instead of their usual spark, her gaze was empty. It seemed the rumors weren’t exaggerated after all. During her three years in captivity, Adora was likely passed around by countless men, broken beyond repair—both physically and mentally. There wasn’t a single face showing joy or relief when the family photo was taken. Once the officers finished giving a few final reminders, they got into their car and left. The Matthews couple watched them drive off before slowly turning back to their long-lost daughter, their faces twisted with uncertainty. They had never imagined that Adora would actually return. Now, the biggest problem was—what were they supposed to do with her? “Um… Adora, come in,” Lilian finally said, forcing a smile as she gestured stiffly toward the house. But no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t summon the joy she once felt for her eldest daughter. Truthfully, she didn’t even want Adora stepping inside. But she was her biological child—kicking her out would be abandonment, a crime in itself. Adora didn’t hesitate. She turned and walked toward the estate. As she passed the newly engaged couple, her steps faltered. Her gaze landed on her sister, dressed in a couture gown, looking as ethereal as a goddess. For a brief moment, something flickered across her face before her expression steadied. "Adora…" Ruby called softly, her voice uncertain. She shifted her weight uneasily, instinctively stepping back. Adora studied her in silence, scanning her from head to toe. “You look beautiful today,” she said finally. “Congratulations.” Ruby let out a nervous breath. “Thank you, Adora.” Adora’s lips curved slightly. “Are you scared now that I’m back?” The color drained from Ruby’s face. Her eyes darted away, her fingers tightening around the fabric of her gown. "I—I don’t know what you mean…" Adora let out a quiet laugh, but there was no warmth in it. "You really don’t?" Her voice remained calm, but there was something sharp beneath the surface and simmering in the depths of her eyes. "You know exactly what you did, don’t you? I treated you like my own sister, and yet you had the heart of a snake." For three long years, she replayed that night over and over, trying to make sense of it. At first, she was devastated—shocked, unable to believe the truth. But as time passed, heartbreak turned to something darker. Hatred. It grew inside her, festering, feeding off her suffering, snowballing until it became the fire that kept her alive. "Adora… I—I don’t understand what you’re talking about," Ruby stammered, her voice laced with forced innocence, her eyes wide with feigned hurt. The tension in the air was palpable, and the watching guests began murmuring among themselves. Sensing the unease, Lilian quickly stepped forward, her brows drawing together. "Adora, what are you saying to your sister?" She sighed, her voice carrying a note of exhaustion. "Do you have any idea how much guilt and remorse Ruby has carried these past three years? She never stopped blaming herself. “She told us everything. You were taken because you tried to save her. The guilt nearly destroyed her. “She was so traumatized that she had to see a psychologist for two years just to recover.""Mom, that night I—" Adora turned to her mother, ready to explain, but before she could get another word out, Ruby suddenly let out a soft cry. "Ouch!" She clutched her stomach, her face twisting in pain. Eugene immediately reached for her, his voice laced with concern. "Ruby, what’s wrong?""I… my stomach hurts," she murmured weakly, her body leaning against him. Lilian hurried forward, worry etched across her face. "I told you not to drink, but you wouldn’t listen! It must be your gastritis acting up again. Come inside and rest." Theodore took the opportunity to turn to the guests, forcing a smile. "Everyone, let’s head inside. The ceremony is about to begin." But before he could finish, several guests exchanged awkward glances and quickly found excuses to leave. Who would dare stay? Everyone had heard the rumors that Adora was tainted, and worse, there were whispers of disease. Who would risk sitting at the same table with her and eating the same food? Lilian was about to follow her youngest daughter inside, but seeing the sudden exodus, she turned back in a desperate attempt to keep the guests from leaving. However, it was useless. Within moments, more than half of them were gone. Adora watched it all unfold, her expression unreadable, but inside, she felt nothing but cold indifference. So, this was how it was. This was what it meant to fall from grace—to go from being the center of admiration to someone people avoided like the plague. Not just the guests, but even the family who once claimed to love her behaved the same way. Her own mother, her father, the people who raised her for twenty years rejected her too. But why? She had never given birth and never been sick. Where had these rumors come from? Could it have been Ruby? Had her own sister orchestrated all of this just to ruin her and make sure she was despised, cast out by society? Meanwhile, Ruby had already reached the steps, but as she glanced back and saw guests leaving one after another, her heart twisted with frustration. Her carefully planned engagement celebration was crumbling before her eyes, all because of Adora’s sudden return. Tears welled up as she stood there, frozen, overwhelmed by grievance. Lilian saw her younger daughter fighting back tears and immediately turned to comfort her. "Ruby, don’t cry… We can always reschedule the engagement party and make it even grander, even more extravagant." Ruby wiped her eyes, looking delicate and sorrowful as she leaned into Eugene’s embrace. With a gracious, self-sacrificing tone, she said, "It’s okay… Having my sister back is what truly matters. This should be a happy occasion—a double blessing. “My little grievance is nothing in comparison.""You’re such a good child. You’re so understanding." Lilian’s voice softened with affection as she looked at her youngest daughter, but when she turned to Adora, the distance between them was painfully clear. Then, as if suddenly finding someone to blame, she frowned. "Adora, why didn’t you tell us you were coming back?" Adora was momentarily stunned before a bitter laugh almost escaped her lips. Was this a joke? She thought back to what the officers told her and replied in a quiet, measured tone. "The police said they called you several times. You thought it was a scam and hung up on them." Lilian stiffened, momentarily speechless. Sensing the tension, Eugene quickly stepped in, his voice gentle. "Ruby’s right. No matter what, it’s a good thing that Adora is back. “The engagement can always be postponed. Madam Lilian, don’t be upset with her.""Exactly," Ruby chimed in, playing the role of the considerate sister. "Adora has already been through so much. She’s suffered enough." Then, as if the thought had just occurred to her, she added casually, "But… where will she be staying now that she’s back? “Given her condition, it wouldn’t be safe to risk the whole family—" Adora’s gaze snapped to her, her voice sharp and unyielding. "If you claim I’m sick, show me proof." Ruby flinched, her eyes flickering with panic before she quickly masked it. Lowering her voice, she muttered, "How could you not be? After spending years in a place like that… besides, we saw the reports at the station…" Adora cut her off before she could finish. "And the child? If you’re so sure I had one, bring them to me. Let me see them." A tense silence fell over the room. Even Peter Matthews, the heir of the family, could no longer stay quiet. His expression was heavy as he spoke. "Adora, we know what happened to you. We understand your pain, and we feel for you. But you don’t have to lie to us." Adora turned to her brother, staring at him in disbelief. Disappointment and heartbreak surged in her chest, weighing down like a stone. There was a time when her brother doted on her endlessly, indulging her every whim without question. But now, he looked at her as if she were something venomous and dangerous. "I’m telling the truth," Adora said firmly. "Before I came back, the officers took me for a medical checkup. If you don’t believe me, you can ask them. Or better yet, I can go to the hospital and get tested again." She turned to her family, making one last attempt to prove her innocence. But all she got in return were distant, skeptical gazes. Doubt was written all over their faces. Suddenly, as if struck by an idea, Ruby looked up at Eugene. "Eugene, isn’t your uncle a doctor? He must know the signs of someone with… well, that disease. Why don’t we have him check Adora?""Right! That’s a great idea. I completely forgot about him." Eugene nodded enthusiastically before glancing around the room. His eyes landed on a man sitting in the living room, his presence imposing despite his silence. "Uncle!" Eugene called out respectfully. Adora frowned. Eugene’s uncle? Since when did he have an uncle? Before she could piece it together, a tall, commanding figure emerged from the villa. His features were sharp and defined, his gaze piercing and unreadable. There was a quiet intensity about him—one that exuded authority and an air of untouchable indifference.

Chapter 3 Chapter 3

Adora suddenly remembered that Eugene had an uncle who was only five years older than him, a child born unexpectedly to his grandparents when they were nearly fifty. It was said that because he was a late-in-life child, he was spoiled beyond reason. He grew up with a nasty temper—moody, unpredictable, impossible to please. Eventually, he was sent abroad to fend for himself. So, he had returned and become a doctor? Adora was a little surprised. Louis Walker stepped forward, towering over Eugene by more than half a head. His gaze was indifferent as he looked down. "What do you want?" Eugene had always been wary of his uncle. Despite being only five years older, Louis was calculating, sharp-tongued, and had a habit of pulling rank. Growing up, Eugene was forced to take the blame for countless things, thanks to him. Seeing Eugene hesitate, Ruby quickly stepped in, flashing a sweet smile. "Mr. Louis, could you do us a favor and check on my sister? That way, she won’t feel like we’re all accusing her unfairly." Louis’ expression turned amused. "So, you’re afraid of dying, but you assume I’m not?” Eugene finally mustered up the courage to speak. "But you’re a doctor—this is your field. And don’t you always carry emergency antiviral meds with you?" Louis was a renowned surgeon, and due to the nature of his work, he did indeed carry HIV post-exposure prophylaxis with him at all times. Many surgeons did. "Mr. Louis, please," Ruby coaxed again, her voice soft and syrupy. But Louis didn’t even spare her a glance. Instead, he followed the conversation to its natural conclusion and turned his attention toward the woman standing in the courtyard—Adora. He vaguely remembered her from the past. The radiant, untouchable socialite, the pride of the city’s elite. And now, she had fallen so far. Sold into human trafficking, gone without a trace for three years, only to return in a state like this. Silence hung heavy in the air as Louis took a slow, measured step forward, descending the stairs at an unhurried pace. Adora tensed, her brows furrowing as she watched him with wary eyes. For some reason, the moment he approached, the suffocating summer heat seemed to dissipate, replaced by an unsettling chill. It felt as if a storm cloud had rolled in overhead, pressing down on her with an invisible weight. Weren’t doctors supposed to be compassionate? This man—cold, detached, and utterly indifferent—seemed far better suited for something else. A butcher, perhaps. "Give me your hand." Louis lifted his hand slightly, his lips parting to issue the command in a voice devoid of warmth. Adora instinctively pulled her hand back, her brows knitting together. Ruby’s eyes lit up at her reaction, seizing the opportunity. "Sis, just let Dr. Walker check you. He’s the youngest medical professor in the country. His reputation is unmatched." Adora glanced at the man’s outstretched hand. His skin was pale, his fingers long and well-defined, exuding an air of precision. At the sight of Adora’s hesitation, Ruby’s smile sweetened, her tone dripping with faux concern, laced with quiet provocation. "Are you nervous? You don’t have to lie, you know. We’re family. No one here is looking down on you. “But if you just tell the truth, we can at least take precautions. After all, we wouldn’t want the whole family—" Before she could finish, Adora lifted her hand and extended it toward Louis. Without hesitation, he wrapped his fingers around her slender wrist, his cold, impassive face showing no reaction as he examined her arm, checking her joints and skin. Faint whip marks crisscrossed her forearm, some healed, others fresh, telling a silent story of past torment. But her skin itself appeared healthy—no open sores, no lesions, no warts. After finishing with her arm, Louis shifted his gaze to her neck. "Have you had a fever recently?" "No." Louis didn’t respond. Instead, he reached out with his free hand, fingers grazing her jaw before pressing lightly behind her ear. He was checking for swollen lymph nodes—one of the key indicators of late-stage HIV. The courtyard went completely silent. Everyone stood frozen, watching as Louis conducted his impromptu examination, the tension thick enough to choke on. Ruby’s grip tightened around Eugene’s hand. Her heart pounded in her chest as she silently prayed, “Please, let him find something. Let him confirm she has it.” But then, Louis straightened, turned to face the Matthews family, and spoke in that same indifferent tone. "She’s fine. She has no illness." What? A collective gasp rippled through the crowd. Theodore's eyes widened in shock. "How is that possible? When we went to the police station, we saw the report—it said she had a child, that she was infected with HIV…" Louis’ expression darkened with irritation. "You asked me to check her, but now you don’t believe me? What, am I just here for your entertainment?" Technically, he and Theodore were of the same generation, so he had no reason to be polite. Theodore quickly backtracked, shaking his head. "No, no, Dr. Walker, that’s not what I meant." Ruby, still unwilling to accept the truth, quickly added, "Maybe it just hasn’t shown symptoms yet? Even if she’s only a carrier, it’s still dangerous!" Louis checked his watch, his tone completely disinterested. "Even if she did have HIV, you wouldn’t catch it from casual contact." Adora, already irritated by the entire ordeal, snapped, "I don’t have HIV." Louis turned his gaze on her, the corner of his mouth twitching in amusement. "Why are you yelling at me? I’m not the one doubting you—your family is." With that, he turned back to Theodore. "Since the engagement’s off, I’ve got things to do. I’m leaving." Theodore, worried he had somehow offended him, immediately tried to smooth things over. "Dr. Walker, since you’re already here, why not stay for a meal?" Louis had already reached his Bentley. Without so much as a backward glance, he got into the driver’s seat and shut the door. "Not interested in your family’s mess." Theodore’s smile stiffened, his face twisting with embarrassment. Still, he forced himself to maintain his polite demeanor. "Take care, Dr. Walker, take care." Adora had no fond feelings toward the man. Seeing her father all but groveling to him only reinforced what she already suspected—someone from a family as powerful as the Walkers didn’t need to earn their reputation. With enough influence, they could make people believe whatever they wanted. After sending Louis off, Theodore turned back to the house, deciding to dismiss the few remaining guests altogether. The last thing he needed was more people gossiping about their family drama. Adora followed her family up the steps, preparing to enter the house only to be stopped again. "Adora… wait a moment." Lilian stopped in her tracks and called toward the house. "Mary, go prepare a room." The housekeeper, Mary Smith, immediately acknowledged the order and hurried off. Lilian turned back to her eldest daughter, clearly uneasy about letting her step inside just yet. "Just wait a little, Adora. It’ll be ready soon." With that, she pulled Ruby into the living room, the two whispering closely as if they were the only ones who mattered. At this moment, Ruby didn’t seem to be in any stomach pain. Adora remained at the doorstep, her face devoid of expression, standing like an abandoned child no one wanted. Eugene stood off to the side, his dark eyes fixed on her, a mix of shock and pain flickering across his handsome face. But from start to finish, Adora never once spared him a glance. Before long, Mary returned, offering a polite smile. "Miss Adora, this way." Adora followed her inside, assuming she was being taken upstairs to her old bedroom. But instead of leading her up the grand staircase, Mary guided her through the living room, out the back door, and into the courtyard. They stopped beneath the covered walkway, where she gestured toward a small structure tucked into the corner. "Miss Adora, Mrs. Matthews said… you’ll have to make do with this for now." Eugene, who had been trailing behind, froze. His expression darkened as he turned sharply toward his mother-in-law. "Madam Lilian, what is the meaning of this?" Lilian pursed her lips, rising from the couch and walking over with an air of disinterest. The barely concealed look of disgust on her face made it clear how she truly felt. "Eugene, this has nothing to do with you." The room they arranged for Adora wasn’t a room at all. It was a doghouse. A custom-built pet villa, crafted for the Matthews family's beloved dog. It was about waist-high, with just over a hundred square feet of space—more luxurious than what most people lived in. A classic case of a pet being treated better than a person. Adora stared blankly at the structure before her. Then, as if needing confirmation that she wasn’t imagining things, she turned back to her own mother. "You’re telling me… to live with the dog?" The words came out tight, caught between a bitter laugh and sheer disbelief.

Chapter 4 Chapter 4

Lilian shot a brief glance at her eldest daughter, keeping her distance as she spoke in a clipped, indifferent tone. "Adora… it’s just you. That should be more than enough space." Adora remained silent. Not in her worst nightmares had she imagined this—spending three years locked in a pigsty, only to come home and be placed in a doghouse. It was as if she had escaped one hellhole, only to be thrown into another. And this time, there was no escape because this place was supposed to be her home. "Madam Lilian, this is too much!" Eugene finally spoke up, his voice carrying a rare edge of anger. "Adora is your daughter. How can you treat her like this?" Ruby immediately tightened her grip on Eugene’s arm, her brows furrowing as she looked up at him. "Eugene, why are you so concerned about my sister? Do you still love her?""I…" Eugene hesitated, turning his gaze toward Adora. Her face was pale, her expression carefully controlled, but he could see the pain she was trying so hard to suppress. They grew up together and were childhood sweethearts. Their love was once effortless, sweet, and unshakable until the night she vanished. Even now, deep down, he knew that he had never stopped loving her. But the woman standing before him was no longer the dazzling socialite, the brightest star in the city. She was no longer the brilliant girl who had once been the envy of their entire university. She had been tainted—defiled by countless filthy old men, forced to bear a child for a fool. And worst of all, she carried an incurable, contagious disease. A heaviness pressed against his chest, suffocating him. In the end, he forced himself to say, "No… I just think she’s pitiful.""She is," Ruby agreed, nodding, her face painted with just the right amount of sympathy. "Adora’s been through so much… but we can’t let pity cloud our judgment. We still have to think about the family’s health. “It’s already generous enough that we’re letting her stay." She spoke of "letting her stay" as if Adora were nothing more than a burden they had taken in out of pity. Ruby had conveniently forgotten that she was the adopted one. Eugene opened his mouth, but the words never came. It was clear now that none of them truly heard a word Louis said. In their minds, Adora was already infected. Lilian’s voice softened slightly, as if coaxing a child. "Adora, you can use the downstairs bathroom for washing up. “For now, just stay in the pet villa. In a few weeks… we’ll have a small house built for you in the backyard." The downstairs bathroom was for guests and servants. The official members of the Matthews family all lived upstairs. Even so, Lilian still found it repulsive. But there was nothing she could do. Adora stood stiffly in place, every word her mother spoke slicing into her like a blade, carving deeper wounds into an already shattered heart. Just moments ago, she still held onto a sliver of hope, telling herself that maybe her family was just overwhelmed, unsure how to react to her sudden return. But now, she understood that they had considered her dead three years ago. And in her place, Ruby stepped in seamlessly, filling the void, becoming the Matthews family’s beloved heiress. Ruby’s act of replacing her was a complete success. In three years, she erased Adora’s existence entirely, claiming her title, her position, and her family as her own. The realization burned like acid, but Adora didn’t cry. She simply took a deep breath, forcing herself to stay composed before walking over to the couch and sitting down. "If anyone wants to stay in the doghouse, be my guest. I’ll sleep here in the living room.""You—" Lilian turned to her, momentarily speechless. She stumbled over her words before finally sputtering, "Sleeping in the living room? What kind of behavior is that? Are you deliberately trying to make things difficult for us?" Adora had no energy to argue. Her heart ached so much that even speaking felt like it drained the last bit of strength from her. So, she simply turned over, lay down on the couch, and closed her eyes right there, in front of everyone. The entire room fell into stunned silence. The Matthews family members exchanged looks of disbelief, unsure how to react. Only Ruby, standing off to the side, let a small, cunning smile slip into her expression. She wanted Adora to stir up trouble. The more she acted out, the more their parents would resent her. Eventually, they’d kick her out for good. And just like that, Adora spent the rest of the day lying there in the middle of the living room, as if the entire family didn’t exist. The lingering scent of the pigsty still clung to her, and after hours of her presence, the stench had seeped into the air, filling the entire space. By evening, Lilian finally caved. Lilian tossed a set of clean clothes onto the couch with visible impatience. "Go take a shower. There’s a spare maid’s room. You can stay there for now." Adora didn’t open her eyes. But she was awake for a while, lying still as she strategized on how to shamelessly stay in this house. She needed to find ways to expose Ruby’s lies and exact her revenge, to put those traffickers behind bars, finish the education that had been taken from her, and most importantly, she had to figure out her next move. One thing was clear: she couldn’t stay in this house forever. She wasn’t delusional—her so-called family was dead to her. When Lilian didn’t get a response, her patience wore thin. She called out again, voice sharper this time. "Adora, did you hear me?" Finally, Adora opened her eyes. There was no warmth and emotion, only an eerie coldness that sent an inexplicable shiver down Lilian’s spine. Adora sat up and glanced at the clothes beside her. "These aren’t mine.""They’re Ruby’s," Lilian admitted, hesitating for a moment before adding, "Your clothes… were all thrown out when we renovated the house." Adora’s brow arched. "Renovated?""You weren’t here, and the room was just sitting empty. So, we connected it to Ruby’s room and turned it into a walk-in closet." Lilian’s explanation lacked confidence, as if she knew how absurd it sounded. Adora let out a quiet, humorless laugh. How fitting. Not only had Ruby taken her place in the family, but she even took her room. "You really did treat me like I was dead," she said, her voice eerily calm. Lilian stiffened. Adora chuckled coldly. "But even if I had died, I was still your daughter. And yet, you didn’t leave behind a single thing, not even a memory." Knowing she was in the wrong, Lilian quickly added, "Of course, we kept your valuables as a way to remember you." Adora lifted her gaze, her voice calm but firm. "Give them to me." Lilian bristled at her eldest daughter’s commanding tone, but she wasn’t in the mood to argue, especially not while standing in the middle of a room tainted with that unbearable stench. Without another word, she turned and headed upstairs. The so-called valuables were Adora’s jewelry—gifts she received every year for her birthdays, carefully selected by her family. But now, they all belonged to Ruby. Lilian stepped into her younger daughter’s room, unlocked the safe, and pulled everything out. Ruby’s eyes widened, her expression shifting instantly to one of reluctance. "Mom…" she whispered, unwilling to part with them. "Sweetheart, just give them back to her," Lilian soothed, her voice dripping with indulgence. "Let her have them, so she doesn’t make a scene. We’ll buy you more—better ones. Tomorrow, we’ll go shopping." At that, Ruby’s entire demeanor changed. She immediately softened, nodding obediently. "Mom, these belonged to my sister in the first place. Since she’s back now, it’s only right that she gets them back. Come on, I’ll go with you to return them." Lilian beamed with pride. "You really are so considerate. Your sister… she’s like a completely different person now, every word she says is like a dagger straight to my chest.""Mom, don’t be upset," Ruby consoled her gently. "She’s probably suffered too much and isn’t in the right state of mind. We just need to be patient and show her kindness.""Thank goodness I still have you," Lilian murmured, patting Ruby’s hand affectionately. Together, they carried down the jewelry cases—over a dozen sets of expensive pieces. "Adora," Ruby called sweetly as they reached the bottom of the stairs, flashing an angelic smile. "While you were gone these past three years, I kept these safe for you. Now, they’re all yours again." Her words sounded generous, but her tone was laced with smug and taunts as if saying, “See? While you were gone, I had everything that once belonged to you. Adora glanced at the jewelry, already calculating how much she could sell them for. Then, she turned to Ruby with a smile. "Thank you, sister. You must not feel great to cough up something you’ve already swallowed, huh? “But you don’t have to feel too bad. You’re the real Matthews heiress now. Jewelry isn’t something you’ll ever be short on. Mom and Dad will just buy you more." Lilian visibly stiffened, quickly averting her gaze. On the other hand, Ruby acted as if she hadn’t caught the underlying sting in Adora’s words. Smiling sweetly, she asked, "Which set do you like? I’ll help you put it on." Adora studied her carefully, then tilted her chin toward her. "I like the one around your neck. What should we do about that?"