chapter 1

On the first day back from studying abroad, my parents brought home a poor student interning at their company—and made her their adopted daughter.

But after Kristie Jynn moved in, everything changed.

My parents called me a spendthrift and sent me to a remote town to "experience real life."

My fiancé said I wasn't considerate enough, then got close with Kristie, like they shared everything.

I thought I just wasn't good enough—until I saw them throw her a birthday party and announce her engagement to my fiancé. That's when I realized... they had completely abandoned me.

I wandered into the street, dazed—and was hit by a car. When I opened my eyes again, I was back on the first day I came home from abroad.

...

Inside the mansion, Kristie wore a simple T-shirt and jeans that stood in sharp contrast to my designer outfit.

"Lyria's back! Come over here and say hello!" my mom called out to me.

"This is Kristie. Your father and I have decided to adopt her as our daughter!" My mom announced with a radiant smile.

In my previous life, I hadn't thought much of it. I figured if Kristie could win my parents over, she must have possessed something special about her.

Later, I discovered that her "something special" was being a master manipulator.

Right on cue, when I remained silent, Kristie's eyes immediately filled with tears. "Mrs. Veyne, it seems like Lyria doesn't like me. Maybe I should just leave.

"I suppose it makes sense. Lyria grew up privileged—even studied abroad. I'm just a poor girl from the countryside. Of course, Lyria would look down on someone like me."

I hadn't spoken a single word, yet Kristie had already cast me as the villain.

My mom's expression immediately darkened. "Lyria Veyne, what's gotten into you? Get over here and apologize to Kristie right away!"

Before they had even officially welcomed her into the family, Kristie had already captured my mom's heart.

It made perfect sense. I had attended boarding school overseas since middle school, only returning during holidays. Even during those brief visits, I didn't spend much time at home, so my parents and I had never developed a close bond.

Kristie must have taken advantage of this time to talk trash about me behind my back.

I looked at my mom calmly and replied with detachment, "I apologize. Having a stranger suddenly appear in my home makes me uncomfortable.

"Since you both want this, I have no objections."

My reaction left Kristie speechless. She had prepared an entire speech that was now completely useless. Meanwhile, I grabbed my suitcase and headed upstairs.

"Oh, one more thing." I paused at the top of the stairs and looked down at my mom. "Don't touch anything in my room. Everything there was a gift from Grandma."

My grandmother had loved me dearly when she was alive. This time, I intended to protect everything she had left me.

My mom's face immediately turned soured.

"Lyria, about that set of diamond jewelry, I ... "

"Mom, that jewelry set was specifically left to me by Grandma. It's mine according to Grandma's official will. Please return it!"

Kristie jumped at the opportunity. "Mrs. Veyne, Lyria is your daughter. How can a mother using her daughter's jewelry be considered borrowing?"

My mom got angry immediately. "Lyria, you've gotten too full of yourself! What's wrong with me borrowing it temporarily?"

"You're right, nothing's wrong with that. Unless you don't mind being the laughingstock of those wealthy socialites."

I sighed. "Kristie isn't part of this social circle, so she wouldn't understand. But you do. If the CEO's wife from Greenpeak Group saw you wearing that jewelry, she'll probably mock you again."

The moment she heard that, my mom released Kristie's hand and hurried after me.

"Lyria, what should I do then? I can't show up without a decent piece of jewelry!"

In elite circles, everyone understood that jewelry served as your calling card.

I shrugged. "Mom, you can just buy something new! It's only a few million dollars. The Veynes can certainly afford that!"

Kristie apparently thought she had caught me in a trap. She immediately rushed forward and exclaimed, "That's outrageous!"

My mom turned to look at her, and Kristie put on a righteous expression. "Lyria, you live in luxury. You have no idea what life is like for ordinary folks.

"A few million dollars? You say it like it's pocket change. But that's more than what ordinary people earn in a lifetime. Why not do something meaningful with that money instead?"

I listened to her lecture, then ignored my mom's sour expression and took her hand. "Mom, Kristie makes an excellent point. This time, let's skip buying anything new."