Chapter 1

The hall buzzed with chatting, plates clicking as people devoured delicacies and soft music played beneath.

Sophia Sterling in her green knee-length gown that spoke volumes of wealth sat across from her three big brothers, chatting happily.

Suddenly, a commotion broke out from outside the hall, the voice of a security guard trying to stop someone from entering, filled the air.

“Ryan, I thought you gave instructions to the guards. They're about to spoil my birthday,” Sophia's voice cracked with emotions.

Ryan, the eldest son of the Sterling household, who could do anything to make his sister happy, rose angrily and dashed out.

“That's my brother, allow me in!” A tiny voice screamed, struggling to free herself from the grip of the two security guards.

The voice sounded familiar.

Ryan moved forward, his presence commanding respect and at once, the security guards released the girl and stood still.

The young lady hung her head low, her fingers fidgeting.

No words, Ryan simply grabbed her chin and raised her head. Strands of hair clung to her face, tangled and wild, covering it. She looked tattered in old jeans and a faded top.

Ryan's eyes narrowed as he felt the familiarity of the young lady. He gently pushed her hair off her face, and his eyes grew wide in shock.

“Audrey!” He exclaimed, stepping back.

“Ryan, it's me. Your only sister,” Audrey’s lips trembled.

‘Like I care,’ Ryan hissed. ‘You’re the last person I want to be seen with.’

She leaned in for a hug, but Ryan pushed her without hesitation, leaving her staggering for balance.

It had been five years since she left the house and this was how she could be welcomed.

“Ryan, who is that?” Immediately Audrey heard Sophia's voice, her face darkened.

‘The imposter is here,’ her fingers clawed into her palms, nails digging deep as anger swelled in her.

But she forced a calm breath.

“A..udrey,” Sophia stammered as she sighted her.

‘Is she back to fight me again and take her place?’ she growled silently, her eyes flashing with anger. Then unexpectedly, her face softened, her lips curling up in a smile. “You're back,” she exclaimed with a wide smile.

Audrey didn't say a word, she sniffled and moved to her second brother, Oliver.

“Don't touch me with your smelly body,” Oliver stopped her halfway.

“Fine!” Audrey's voice raised, frustration boiling over. “Where's Dad and Mom?”

“Audrey, I missed you. You are welcome back.” Sophia attempted to hug her, but Audrey hissed and shoved her back.

Sophia stumbled, her legs betraying her as she landed hard to the floor, a loud cry erupted from her throat.

“Did you return to kill her!” Alex, who had been watching quietly yelled into Audrey's face.

“No, I don't have her time,” Audrey replied with her nose flaring.

“I'm here to have my family back. Oliver, Alex, Ryan, I am your only sister, not her.” Her voice sliced through the air.

Alex and Oliver hissed and pushed her aside. They joined Ryan, hovering around Sophia, who kept screaming in pain.

Audrey's fist clenched with anger as she stared at Sophia. She knew she was faking the tears.

Since Sophia was adopted, they forgot Audrey was their true sister and transferred the love to Sophia.

Sophia was so good at faking her personality.

“Seems the lost biological daughter is back”

“Why are her brothers treating her like that and treating the adopted lady better?”

“Why would a billionaire daughter look so tattered. Where has she been?”

The crowd had gathered around them, whispers swirling.

Audrey felt more frustrated and she regretted coming back.

But she needed to, she couldn't tolerate the harsh conditions again. Eating once in a day when she could eat more than five times in her father's house.

“If anything happens to Sophia, you’ll rot in jail.” Oliver whispered harshly into Audrey's ear before scooping Sophia up.

As Sophia's eyes met Audrey, she pushed out her tongue, a satisfied smile dancing on her lips. ‘You may be their blood, but they'll choose me.’

“Ouch, my leg,” Sophia's expression flipped as Alex faced her.

“It's okay, we’ll take you to the doctor now.” Alex said gently.

Oliver carried her to the car and she was driven to the hospital, leaving Ryan standing with Audrey.

“Let me see my parents at least….” Audrey's voice trailed off as Mr. Smith Sterling walked out of the hall, his eyes blazing with anger.

Mrs. Evangeline's frown deepened at the sight of her daughter.

Audrey's shoulders sloped, her eyes brimming with tears as she met her parents' cold gaze.

“You didn't search for me, Mom,” Audrey's voice cracked, shaking her head in disbelief.

“You expect me to search for a thief, so she can come back to steal more of my gold….” Mrs. Evangeline's voice dripped with disdain.

“I didn't steal your gold, Mom.” Audrey's voice rose in a sharp tone, that got everyone gasped.

“Audrey Sterling had run away from home because she was accused of stealing.”

“Did she really steal or was she framed?”

“Why would you believe Sophia over your own biological daughter?”

“Audrey!!” Mr. Smith yelled, having had enough of the conversation. His teeth clenched as he glanced around and saw the crowd with phones, ready to create content from the scene.

He leaned closer to Audrey and whispered in a harsh tone. “You almost killed Sophia, you're not just a thief but a murderer.”

Audrey's brow furrowed in shock. How could her father say that to her.

‘Why couldn't they see Sophia's manipulations?’

The young lady had a talent for winning hearts, she'd even turned the family against their own daughter.

A message alert sounded on Ryan's phone, his face squeezing in shock as he scanned the screen. ‘Audrey must not leave!’

His gaze flicked to Audrey, then back to his phone, his expression unreadable. He stepped closer to his father and bent to whisper in his ears.

Audrey watched in confusion as her father's expression changed and also whispered to his wife.

A small, forced smile spread across Mrs. Evangeline's face. “Audrey, you need to show love to Sophia like she did to you. Her late father helped this family, let’s be grateful.”

Audrey's face scrunched in confusion.

Why was her mother smiling suddenly?

“You're the biological daughter of this family, no one will take that place. Let's go inside,” Mrs. Evangeline added, her smiles spreading wide.

Ryan stretched out his hand to Audrey, his expression softened and a smile danced on his lips.

Audrey hesitated, rolling her eyes in confusion, before placing her hand in his.

She glanced from her mother to her father, and then to Ryan, each of them wearing a convincing smile.

A shiver ran down her spine. Why the sudden change? What was going on?