[Dark Family Saga + Fake Heiress + Ruthless Revenge + Emotional Payback] Claire Linwood, an orphan struggling to survive, is suddenly claimed by the wealthy Linwood family as their long-lost biological daughter. For a brief moment, she dares to hope for love and belonging—until she meets Vanessa Linwood, the cherished "fake heiress" who stole her life. Her parents dote on Vanessa while treating Claire like an unwanted shadow. Her own brother fabricates evidence to frame her for a crime she didn’t commit. Even her childhood sweetheart testifies against her in court, sealing her fate. Five years in prison. Abandoned. Beaten. Forgotten. But when Claire emerges, she is no longer the broken girl they betrayed. Now, the Linwoods crawl back—begging for forgiveness they don’t deserve: Her parents sob at her feet: "Claire, we were wrong… Come home." Her CEO brother, pale with guilt, pleads: "Claire, forgive me." Her childhood friend kneels at her door, desperate: "Take my kidney, just give me your heart again." Too late. Five years in hell burned away every shred of love she once had for them. Now, Claire is unstoppable—building an empire, gaining power, and finding a man who worships her unconditionally. And those who destroyed her? They can only watch from afar… because the girl they threw away now reigns far beyond their reach.

Chapter 1In the city of Clearwater, the cold, steel prison doors creaked open slowly.Sunlight spilled over Claire Linwood's gaunt, sallow face.The clothes she had worn into prison now hung loosely on her thin frame.She had spent five dark and endless years inside, but today, she was finally free.Claire dragged her leg, limping slowly out of the prison.Her pace wasn't deliberate; it was simply that she couldn't move any faster.Parked by the curb was a sleek black Bentley. As the window rolled down, a man’s stern and piercing gaze met hers.His eyes swept over her injured leg, and he let out a derisive laugh, his mockery undisguised."Five years in prison, and you still love putting on a show," he sneered.Claire's heart tightened unexpectedly, her eyes stinging with unshed tears.Ethan Linwood.Her own brother.Since she was fifteen, when she was brought back from the orphanage to the Linwood family, she had gone to great lengths to win his approval.Yet, he had testified against her, securing her conviction for attempted murder in order to protect their adopted sister, with whom he shared no blood relation.Five years later, his words were as cutting as ever, his disdain for her unchanged.Claire swallowed her bitterness, pretending she didn't see Ethan, and continued limping forward.Ethan's expression hardened.He was not accustomed to being ignored.In his memory, Claire always sought his favor with eagerness.When he came home, she had slippers ready for him.When he was tired, she would massage his shoulders.When he suffered insomnia, she brewed him calming tea each night.If he was too busy to come home for dinner, she would wait for him outside his office with a thermos, come rain or shine.During those three years she lived at home, his chronic stomach issues had eased; yet, since her imprisonment, he often woke at night from the pain.Upon learning of her release today, he had been somewhat pleased, even rescheduling an international meeting to pick her up from the prison.He imagined she’d be overjoyed to see him and had braced himself for her to pour out her grievances.But he hadn’t anticipated her cold indifference.The worship he once saw in her eyes had vanished, replaced by a distant aloofness.The unfamiliar emptiness gnawed at him, filling him with irritation as he gripped the steering wheel, veins bulging on his hands.With a gruffness that belied his feelings, he ordered, "Get in the car."He regretted his tone immediately, his brow furrowing with frustration, softening it slightly as he added, "Mom and Dad know you’re out today. They’ve arranged a welcome home dinner."Mom and Dad.How familiar yet strange those words felt.At the orphanage, she had dreamed of having parents, believing she would be a cherished little princess.She had hoped and wished for fifteen long years.And after those fifteen years, her wish seemed granted.She had parents now, and a tall, handsome CEO brother.But the cherished little princess wasn’t her; it was Vanessa Linwood, the impostor they had raised.Those people weren’t her parents.They were Ethan and Vanessa’s parents.Claire couldn’t help but scoff at her own naivety.In the three years she lived in that house, she endured endless humiliation and coldness. Knowing she was unwelcome, why would she return to face more of the same?Though her steps were slow, Claire didn’t stop moving.Her indifferent demeanor and stubborn back stung Ethan's eyes, fueling an inexplicable rage within him.He flung open the car door, his long strides quickly catching up with Claire. He seized her wrist, yanking her back, "Have you had enough of this tantrum?"Off balance, Claire fell heavily to the ground, pain shooting through her injured leg, her face turning ashen.Ethan's voice was filled with anger, "Still playing the victim, are we?""Don’t forget, five years ago you pushed Irene down the stairs, leaving her in a coma, and tried to frame Vanessa. Five years in prison and you haven’t learned a thing. It seems you weren’t reformed enough!"With that, Ethan roughly pulled Claire to her feet, his frustration evident, "Don’t think that just because you’ve served your time, your debt is paid. As long as Irene doesn’t wake, your crime isn’t absolved.""You still owe Vanessa an apology.""Get in the car; I won't say it again."Claire found those words bitterly ironic.She had explained it countless times—it wasn't her who pushed Irene Cole; it was Vanessa. But no one believed her. They all chose to side with Vanessa.Claire was the real daughter of the Linwood family, yet her entire family only trusted Vanessa's version of events.She felt guilty, indeed—guilty for coming back, for yearning for a family affection that was never truly hers.She realized her mistake. She would change.She would walk away, far enough to never compete with Vanessa for her parents' and brother's love, never again be a thorn in their side.But why was Ethan so displeased?She subtly pulled her hand away from his, stepping back to put some distance between them.Her deliberate withdrawal infuriated Ethan, stirring memories of how she used to trail after him like a shadow, desperate for his approval.He suppressed his anger, striving to soften his tone, "Come home with me."Claire lowered her gaze, her expression indifferent, as if she couldn't be bothered to look at him.Her lifeless demeanor only fanned Ethan's temper.Five years behind bars, and if she hadn't learned anything else, she'd certainly mastered stubbornness.Just as he was about to explode, a soothing voice interrupted them."Claire."Her body stiffened, and her previously calm heart tightened painfully.Even after five years, she recognized that voice instantly—it was her childhood friend, Vincent Lewis.She saw a pair of polished shoes enter her line of sight, and the man's deep, resonant voice drifted down to her."Claire, congratulations on your release."Had anyone else said this, she would have graciously replied with a "thank you." But coming from Vincent, it felt like salt in her wounds.Once her most trusted childhood friend, Vincent Lewis, now a renowned lawyer, had represented Vanessa in court, ensuring Claire was convicted.Before the trial, he had said, "Claire, Vanessa has never suffered. She wouldn't survive prison. Can you take the blame for her?"Vanessa couldn't endure it, but could she?Just because she was accustomed to hardship, did that mean she deserved to bear a false accusation in Vanessa's place?Sending the true daughter of the Linwood family to prison had made him a star attorney in Cresthaven.Five years ago, fresh out of college, he had been a bit green. Now, he was a celebrated lawyer, exuding professionalism from head to toe.They had grown up together in an orphanage, not siblings by blood but bonded as if they were.When other kids bullied her, he would fight them off and solemnly promise, "As long as I'm here, no one will hurt Claire."He had vowed to become a lawyer, to put anyone who harmed her behind bars.But time and again, when Vanessa wronged her, Vincent would dismiss her concerns with, "Claire, you're too sensitive. Vanessa isn't like that."He had protected her tormentor and personally sent her to prison....An awkward silence settled over them.Vincent's smile began to falter, yet he forced himself to extend a hand to Claire, "Claire, I'm here to take you..."Before he could finish, Claire turned to Ethan."You said we were going home. Let's go."She knew there was no escaping her fate now.Vincent had once been the person she trusted and relied on the most, but now he was the one she loathed and wanted to avoid more than anyone else.Faced with the choice of confronting Vincent or leaving with Ethan, she opted for the latter. At least Ethan had always been upfront about his dislike for her.From the very first day she entered the Linwood family, Ethan had made it clear, "Even if we share the same bloodline, to me, Vanessa is my only sister. You'd better behave yourself. If I catch you mistreating Vanessa, I won't let it slide."With Ethan, there was no false hope, and therefore, no excessive disappointment. The psychological wounds inflicted in his presence were minimal compared to those left by someone she once held dear.The prison taught her a valuable lesson.When you're powerless and alone, the only way to survive is by minimizing harm however you can.So, when her cellmates mocked her, forcing her to choose between a disfigured face and a slap, she chose the slap. When faced with the choice between a beating and humiliation, she chose the latter. Between drinking toilet water and barking like a dog, she opted for the latter.She had fought back fiercely at first, but the more she resisted, the worse the beatings became. For the sake of her life, she swallowed her pride and submitted to their whims.See, even when thrown into a den of ruthless criminals, she managed to scrape by with her knack for avoiding greater harm.Claire made her way to Ethan's black Bentley.As she brushed past Vincent, her expression remained neutral, not even sparing him a glance. The oversized T-shirt barely touched Vincent's fingertips, feeling as empty as if it were draped over a hanger rather than a person.Vincent's hand froze in mid-air, and in that moment, the world around him seemed to come to a standstill, leaving only the cold, hollow sensation at his fingertips.His eyes flickered with pain and loneliness, his heart constricted by an invisible force, each beat accompanied by a dull ache.Once upon a time, her gaze would follow him everywhere, filled with trust and dependence.They had grown up together in the orphanage, supporting each other through thick and thin. Whenever he called out to Claire, she would respond with a bright smile, "Vincent, I'm here."But now, times had changed. She treated him like he didn't exist, not even sparing him a glance.Vincent's lips quivered, wanting to speak, but he found his throat constricted, unable to utter a single word.Claire settled into the back seat of the car, her eyes taking in the traces of another woman's presence. The passenger seat was adorned with a fluffy pink cushion, and a row of adorable strawberry bears lined the dashboard. The woman in the rearview mirror was more mature and alluring than the last time Claire had seen her.Her radiant smile revealed a life of privilege and care, like a cherished daughter of a wealthy family.That image of happiness seemed to mock Claire, reminding her that she was the impostor.She had thought she could face it all with indifference, but seeing it with her own eyes still made her heart ache at the injustice.Claire averted her gaze, only to find her eyes landing on the handbag beside her.Inside was a pristine white dress, adorned with feathers so exquisite that even without seeing the whole thing, she could tell it was beautiful.Her fingers instinctively brushed over her rough denim jeans.Every detail inside the car screamed that she didn’t belong.From head to toe, she wasn't worth as much as the dress in that bag.She looked out the window, watching the scenery blur past.Ethan, still driving, didn't miss the chance to warn her, "Mom and Dad have missed you terribly these past five years. Their hair’s turned gray from worry. When you get back, drop the attitude. I don't want to see you playing games with Vanessa or causing any trouble for them. If you behave, the Linwood family will treat you well."Chapter 2In the city of Clearwater, the cold, steel prison doors creaked open slowly.Sunlight spilled over Claire Linwood's gaunt, sallow face.The clothes she had worn into prison now hung loosely on her thin frame.She had spent five dark and endless years inside, but today, she was finally free.Claire dragged her leg, limping slowly out of the prison.Her pace wasn't deliberate; it was simply that she couldn't move any faster.Parked by the curb was a sleek black Bentley. As the window rolled down, a man’s stern and piercing gaze met hers.His eyes swept over her injured leg, and he let out a derisive laugh, his mockery undisguised."Five years in prison, and you still love putting on a show," he sneered.Claire's heart tightened unexpectedly, her eyes stinging with unshed tears.Ethan Linwood.Her own brother.Since she was fifteen, when she was brought back from the orphanage to the Linwood family, she had gone to great lengths to win his approval.Yet, he had testified against her, securing her conviction for attempted murder in order to protect their adopted sister, with whom he shared no blood relation.Five years later, his words were as cutting as ever, his disdain for her unchanged.Claire swallowed her bitterness, pretending she didn't see Ethan, and continued limping forward.Ethan's expression hardened.He was not accustomed to being ignored.In his memory, Claire always sought his favor with eagerness.When he came home, she had slippers ready for him.When he was tired, she would massage his shoulders.When he suffered insomnia, she brewed him calming tea each night.If he was too busy to come home for dinner, she would wait for him outside his office with a thermos, come rain or shine.During those three years she lived at home, his chronic stomach issues had eased; yet, since her imprisonment, he often woke at night from the pain.Upon learning of her release today, he had been somewhat pleased, even rescheduling an international meeting to pick her up from the prison.He imagined she’d be overjoyed to see him and had braced himself for her to pour out her grievances.But he hadn’t anticipated her cold indifference.The worship he once saw in her eyes had vanished, replaced by a distant aloofness.The unfamiliar emptiness gnawed at him, filling him with irritation as he gripped the steering wheel, veins bulging on his hands.With a gruffness that belied his feelings, he ordered, "Get in the car."He regretted his tone immediately, his brow furrowing with frustration, softening it slightly as he added, "Mom and Dad know you’re out today. They’ve arranged a welcome home dinner."Mom and Dad.How familiar yet strange those words felt.At the orphanage, she had dreamed of having parents, believing she would be a cherished little princess.She had hoped and wished for fifteen long years.And after those fifteen years, her wish seemed granted.She had parents now, and a tall, handsome CEO brother.But the cherished little princess wasn’t her; it was Vanessa Linwood, the impostor they had raised.Those people weren’t her parents.They were Ethan and Vanessa’s parents.Claire couldn’t help but scoff at her own naivety.In the three years she lived in that house, she endured endless humiliation and coldness. Knowing she was unwelcome, why would she return to face more of the same?Though her steps were slow, Claire didn’t stop moving.Her indifferent demeanor and stubborn back stung Ethan's eyes, fueling an inexplicable rage within him.He flung open the car door, his long strides quickly catching up with Claire. He seized her wrist, yanking her back, "Have you had enough of this tantrum?"Off balance, Claire fell heavily to the ground, pain shooting through her injured leg, her face turning ashen.Ethan's voice was filled with anger, "Still playing the victim, are we?""Don’t forget, five years ago you pushed Irene down the stairs, leaving her in a coma, and tried to frame Vanessa. Five years in prison and you haven’t learned a thing. It seems you weren’t reformed enough!"With that, Ethan roughly pulled Claire to her feet, his frustration evident, "Don’t think that just because you’ve served your time, your debt is paid. As long as Irene doesn’t wake, your crime isn’t absolved.""You still owe Vanessa an apology.""Get in the car; I won't say it again."Claire found those words bitterly ironic.She had explained it countless times—it wasn't her who pushed Irene Cole; it was Vanessa. But no one believed her. They all chose to side with Vanessa.Claire was the real daughter of the Linwood family, yet her entire family only trusted Vanessa's version of events.She felt guilty, indeed—guilty for coming back, for yearning for a family affection that was never truly hers.She realized her mistake. She would change.She would walk away, far enough to never compete with Vanessa for her parents' and brother's love, never again be a thorn in their side.But why was Ethan so displeased?She subtly pulled her hand away from his, stepping back to put some distance between them.Her deliberate withdrawal infuriated Ethan, stirring memories of how she used to trail after him like a shadow, desperate for his approval.He suppressed his anger, striving to soften his tone, "Come home with me."Claire lowered her gaze, her expression indifferent, as if she couldn't be bothered to look at him.Her lifeless demeanor only fanned Ethan's temper.Five years behind bars, and if she hadn't learned anything else, she'd certainly mastered stubbornness.Just as he was about to explode, a soothing voice interrupted them."Claire."Her body stiffened, and her previously calm heart tightened painfully.Even after five years, she recognized that voice instantly—it was her childhood friend, Vincent Lewis.She saw a pair of polished shoes enter her line of sight, and the man's deep, resonant voice drifted down to her."Claire, congratulations on your release."Had anyone else said this, she would have graciously replied with a "thank you." But coming from Vincent, it felt like salt in her wounds.Once her most trusted childhood friend, Vincent Lewis, now a renowned lawyer, had represented Vanessa in court, ensuring Claire was convicted.Before the trial, he had said, "Claire, Vanessa has never suffered. She wouldn't survive prison. Can you take the blame for her?"Vanessa couldn't endure it, but could she?Just because she was accustomed to hardship, did that mean she deserved to bear a false accusation in Vanessa's place?Sending the true daughter of the Linwood family to prison had made him a star attorney in Cresthaven.Five years ago, fresh out of college, he had been a bit green. Now, he was a celebrated lawyer, exuding professionalism from head to toe.They had grown up together in an orphanage, not siblings by blood but bonded as if they were.When other kids bullied her, he would fight them off and solemnly promise, "As long as I'm here, no one will hurt Claire."He had vowed to become a lawyer, to put anyone who harmed her behind bars.But time and again, when Vanessa wronged her, Vincent would dismiss her concerns with, "Claire, you're too sensitive. Vanessa isn't like that."He had protected her tormentor and personally sent her to prison....An awkward silence settled over them.Vincent's smile began to falter, yet he forced himself to extend a hand to Claire, "Claire, I'm here to take you..."Before he could finish, Claire turned to Ethan."You said we were going home. Let's go."She knew there was no escaping her fate now.Vincent had once been the person she trusted and relied on the most, but now he was the one she loathed and wanted to avoid more than anyone else.Faced with the choice of confronting Vincent or leaving with Ethan, she opted for the latter. At least Ethan had always been upfront about his dislike for her.From the very first day she entered the Linwood family, Ethan had made it clear, "Even if we share the same bloodline, to me, Vanessa is my only sister. You'd better behave yourself. If I catch you mistreating Vanessa, I won't let it slide."With Ethan, there was no false hope, and therefore, no excessive disappointment. The psychological wounds inflicted in his presence were minimal compared to those left by someone she once held dear.The prison taught her a valuable lesson.When you're powerless and alone, the only way to survive is by minimizing harm however you can.So, when her cellmates mocked her, forcing her to choose between a disfigured face and a slap, she chose the slap. When faced with the choice between a beating and humiliation, she chose the latter. Between drinking toilet water and barking like a dog, she opted for the latter.She had fought back fiercely at first, but the more she resisted, the worse the beatings became. For the sake of her life, she swallowed her pride and submitted to their whims.See, even when thrown into a den of ruthless criminals, she managed to scrape by with her knack for avoiding greater harm.Claire made her way to Ethan's black Bentley.As she brushed past Vincent, her expression remained neutral, not even sparing him a glance. The oversized T-shirt barely touched Vincent's fingertips, feeling as empty as if it were draped over a hanger rather than a person.Vincent's hand froze in mid-air, and in that moment, the world around him seemed to come to a standstill, leaving only the cold, hollow sensation at his fingertips.His eyes flickered with pain and loneliness, his heart constricted by an invisible force, each beat accompanied by a dull ache.Once upon a time, her gaze would follow him everywhere, filled with trust and dependence.They had grown up together in the orphanage, supporting each other through thick and thin. Whenever he called out to Claire, she would respond with a bright smile, "Vincent, I'm here."But now, times had changed. She treated him like he didn't exist, not even sparing him a glance.Vincent's lips quivered, wanting to speak, but he found his throat constricted, unable to utter a single word.Claire settled into the back seat of the car, her eyes taking in the traces of another woman's presence. The passenger seat was adorned with a fluffy pink cushion, and a row of adorable strawberry bears lined the dashboard. The woman in the rearview mirror was more mature and alluring than the last time Claire had seen her.Her radiant smile revealed a life of privilege and care, like a cherished daughter of a wealthy family.That image of happiness seemed to mock Claire, reminding her that she was the impostor.She had thought she could face it all with indifference, but seeing it with her own eyes still made her heart ache at the injustice.Claire averted her gaze, only to find her eyes landing on the handbag beside her.Inside was a pristine white dress, adorned with feathers so exquisite that even without seeing the whole thing, she could tell it was beautiful.Her fingers instinctively brushed over her rough denim jeans.Every detail inside the car screamed that she didn’t belong.From head to toe, she wasn't worth as much as the dress in that bag.She looked out the window, watching the scenery blur past.Ethan, still driving, didn't miss the chance to warn her, "Mom and Dad have missed you terribly these past five years. Their hair’s turned gray from worry. When you get back, drop the attitude. I don't want to see you playing games with Vanessa or causing any trouble for them. If you behave, the Linwood family will treat you well."Chapter 3In the city of Clearwater, the cold, steel prison doors creaked open slowly.Sunlight spilled over Claire Linwood's gaunt, sallow face.The clothes she had worn into prison now hung loosely on her thin frame.She had spent five dark and endless years inside, but today, she was finally free.Claire dragged her leg, limping slowly out of the prison.Her pace wasn't deliberate; it was simply that she couldn't move any faster.Parked by the curb was a sleek black Bentley. As the window rolled down, a man’s stern and piercing gaze met hers.His eyes swept over her injured leg, and he let out a derisive laugh, his mockery undisguised."Five years in prison, and you still love putting on a show," he sneered.Claire's heart tightened unexpectedly, her eyes stinging with unshed tears.Ethan Linwood.Her own brother.Since she was fifteen, when she was brought back from the orphanage to the Linwood family, she had gone to great lengths to win his approval.Yet, he had testified against her, securing her conviction for attempted murder in order to protect their adopted sister, with whom he shared no blood relation.Five years later, his words were as cutting as ever, his disdain for her unchanged.Claire swallowed her bitterness, pretending she didn't see Ethan, and continued limping forward.Ethan's expression hardened.He was not accustomed to being ignored.In his memory, Claire always sought his favor with eagerness.When he came home, she had slippers ready for him.When he was tired, she would massage his shoulders.When he suffered insomnia, she brewed him calming tea each night.If he was too busy to come home for dinner, she would wait for him outside his office with a thermos, come rain or shine.During those three years she lived at home, his chronic stomach issues had eased; yet, since her imprisonment, he often woke at night from the pain.Upon learning of her release today, he had been somewhat pleased, even rescheduling an international meeting to pick her up from the prison.He imagined she’d be overjoyed to see him and had braced himself for her to pour out her grievances.But he hadn’t anticipated her cold indifference.The worship he once saw in her eyes had vanished, replaced by a distant aloofness.The unfamiliar emptiness gnawed at him, filling him with irritation as he gripped the steering wheel, veins bulging on his hands.With a gruffness that belied his feelings, he ordered, "Get in the car."He regretted his tone immediately, his brow furrowing with frustration, softening it slightly as he added, "Mom and Dad know you’re out today. They’ve arranged a welcome home dinner."Mom and Dad.How familiar yet strange those words felt.At the orphanage, she had dreamed of having parents, believing she would be a cherished little princess.She had hoped and wished for fifteen long years.And after those fifteen years, her wish seemed granted.She had parents now, and a tall, handsome CEO brother.But the cherished little princess wasn’t her; it was Vanessa Linwood, the impostor they had raised.Those people weren’t her parents.They were Ethan and Vanessa’s parents.Claire couldn’t help but scoff at her own naivety.In the three years she lived in that house, she endured endless humiliation and coldness. Knowing she was unwelcome, why would she return to face more of the same?Though her steps were slow, Claire didn’t stop moving.Her indifferent demeanor and stubborn back stung Ethan's eyes, fueling an inexplicable rage within him.He flung open the car door, his long strides quickly catching up with Claire. He seized her wrist, yanking her back, "Have you had enough of this tantrum?"Off balance, Claire fell heavily to the ground, pain shooting through her injured leg, her face turning ashen.Ethan's voice was filled with anger, "Still playing the victim, are we?""Don’t forget, five years ago you pushed Irene down the stairs, leaving her in a coma, and tried to frame Vanessa. Five years in prison and you haven’t learned a thing. It seems you weren’t reformed enough!"With that, Ethan roughly pulled Claire to her feet, his frustration evident, "Don’t think that just because you’ve served your time, your debt is paid. As long as Irene doesn’t wake, your crime isn’t absolved.""You still owe Vanessa an apology.""Get in the car; I won't say it again."Claire found those words bitterly ironic.She had explained it countless times—it wasn't her who pushed Irene Cole; it was Vanessa. But no one believed her. They all chose to side with Vanessa.Claire was the real daughter of the Linwood family, yet her entire family only trusted Vanessa's version of events.She felt guilty, indeed—guilty for coming back, for yearning for a family affection that was never truly hers.She realized her mistake. She would change.She would walk away, far enough to never compete with Vanessa for her parents' and brother's love, never again be a thorn in their side.But why was Ethan so displeased?She subtly pulled her hand away from his, stepping back to put some distance between them.Her deliberate withdrawal infuriated Ethan, stirring memories of how she used to trail after him like a shadow, desperate for his approval.He suppressed his anger, striving to soften his tone, "Come home with me."Claire lowered her gaze, her expression indifferent, as if she couldn't be bothered to look at him.Her lifeless demeanor only fanned Ethan's temper.Five years behind bars, and if she hadn't learned anything else, she'd certainly mastered stubbornness.Just as he was about to explode, a soothing voice interrupted them."Claire."Her body stiffened, and her previously calm heart tightened painfully.Even after five years, she recognized that voice instantly—it was her childhood friend, Vincent Lewis.She saw a pair of polished shoes enter her line of sight, and the man's deep, resonant voice drifted down to her."Claire, congratulations on your release."Had anyone else said this, she would have graciously replied with a "thank you." But coming from Vincent, it felt like salt in her wounds.Once her most trusted childhood friend, Vincent Lewis, now a renowned lawyer, had represented Vanessa in court, ensuring Claire was convicted.Before the trial, he had said, "Claire, Vanessa has never suffered. She wouldn't survive prison. Can you take the blame for her?"Vanessa couldn't endure it, but could she?Just because she was accustomed to hardship, did that mean she deserved to bear a false accusation in Vanessa's place?Sending the true daughter of the Linwood family to prison had made him a star attorney in Cresthaven.Five years ago, fresh out of college, he had been a bit green. Now, he was a celebrated lawyer, exuding professionalism from head to toe.They had grown up together in an orphanage, not siblings by blood but bonded as if they were.When other kids bullied her, he would fight them off and solemnly promise, "As long as I'm here, no one will hurt Claire."He had vowed to become a lawyer, to put anyone who harmed her behind bars.But time and again, when Vanessa wronged her, Vincent would dismiss her concerns with, "Claire, you're too sensitive. Vanessa isn't like that."He had protected her tormentor and personally sent her to prison....An awkward silence settled over them.Vincent's smile began to falter, yet he forced himself to extend a hand to Claire, "Claire, I'm here to take you..."Before he could finish, Claire turned to Ethan."You said we were going home. Let's go."She knew there was no escaping her fate now.Vincent had once been the person she trusted and relied on the most, but now he was the one she loathed and wanted to avoid more than anyone else.Faced with the choice of confronting Vincent or leaving with Ethan, she opted for the latter. At least Ethan had always been upfront about his dislike for her.From the very first day she entered the Linwood family, Ethan had made it clear, "Even if we share the same bloodline, to me, Vanessa is my only sister. You'd better behave yourself. If I catch you mistreating Vanessa, I won't let it slide."With Ethan, there was no false hope, and therefore, no excessive disappointment. The psychological wounds inflicted in his presence were minimal compared to those left by someone she once held dear.The prison taught her a valuable lesson.When you're powerless and alone, the only way to survive is by minimizing harm however you can.So, when her cellmates mocked her, forcing her to choose between a disfigured face and a slap, she chose the slap. When faced with the choice between a beating and humiliation, she chose the latter. Between drinking toilet water and barking like a dog, she opted for the latter.She had fought back fiercely at first, but the more she resisted, the worse the beatings became. For the sake of her life, she swallowed her pride and submitted to their whims.See, even when thrown into a den of ruthless criminals, she managed to scrape by with her knack for avoiding greater harm.Claire made her way to Ethan's black Bentley.As she brushed past Vincent, her expression remained neutral, not even sparing him a glance. The oversized T-shirt barely touched Vincent's fingertips, feeling as empty as if it were draped over a hanger rather than a person.Vincent's hand froze in mid-air, and in that moment, the world around him seemed to come to a standstill, leaving only the cold, hollow sensation at his fingertips.His eyes flickered with pain and loneliness, his heart constricted by an invisible force, each beat accompanied by a dull ache.Once upon a time, her gaze would follow him everywhere, filled with trust and dependence.They had grown up together in the orphanage, supporting each other through thick and thin. Whenever he called out to Claire, she would respond with a bright smile, "Vincent, I'm here."But now, times had changed. She treated him like he didn't exist, not even sparing him a glance.Vincent's lips quivered, wanting to speak, but he found his throat constricted, unable to utter a single word.Claire settled into the back seat of the car, her eyes taking in the traces of another woman's presence. The passenger seat was adorned with a fluffy pink cushion, and a row of adorable strawberry bears lined the dashboard. The woman in the rearview mirror was more mature and alluring than the last time Claire had seen her.Her radiant smile revealed a life of privilege and care, like a cherished daughter of a wealthy family.That image of happiness seemed to mock Claire, reminding her that she was the impostor.She had thought she could face it all with indifference, but seeing it with her own eyes still made her heart ache at the injustice.Claire averted her gaze, only to find her eyes landing on the handbag beside her.Inside was a pristine white dress, adorned with feathers so exquisite that even without seeing the whole thing, she could tell it was beautiful.Her fingers instinctively brushed over her rough denim jeans.Every detail inside the car screamed that she didn’t belong.From head to toe, she wasn't worth as much as the dress in that bag.She looked out the window, watching the scenery blur past.Ethan, still driving, didn't miss the chance to warn her, "Mom and Dad have missed you terribly these past five years. Their hair’s turned gray from worry. When you get back, drop the attitude. I don't want to see you playing games with Vanessa or causing any trouble for them. If you behave, the Linwood family will treat you well."