Chapter 1

Elysia Rosewood lay stretched out on an ancient tree, a piece of dogtail grass protruding from her mouth, a colorful floral shirt draped over her. She appeared relaxed, but her eyes were laser-focused on a nest in the branches above.

"Elysia, are you really considering returning to the Rosewood family? What's so special about them? Their fortune is insignificant," said Damon Warren, an overweight man who followed Elysia.

After a pause, worry etched on his face, he added, "I heard they have an adopted daughter. What if they give you a hard time?"

Yisrael Donnell affectionately ruffled Elysia's hair, his tone softening. "If the Rosewood family mistreats you, don't hesitate to speak up. Silverstream has your back."

Silverstream was a village nestled at the foot of the mountains. Twenty years ago, Jack Lewis, a former mafia leader, arrived. Leo and Max, his associates, adopted his surname, though they weren't related by blood. The mafia abandoned their illicit activities, operating from the shadows instead. Under Jack's leadership, they settled in Silverstream, branching into various industries and offering a surprisingly diverse range of services.

Eighteen years ago, Jack found Elysia in the forest east of Silverstream—frozen and near death. As the renowned "Magic Doctor" of Clusia, he saved her life. Jack, Leo, and Max adopted her and raised her as their granddaughter.

"Don't worry. No one can bully me," Elysia said with a mischievous smile, tossing the dogtail grass aside and dashing toward her cabin.

Inside, Jack waved. "Elysia, you're just in time. Come and check what you need." Elysia nodded. Before she could move, Damon approached with a bag. "Take this with you."

Elysia saw a collection of high-tech weapons—handguns, sniper rifles, explosives—and thought, Am I going to a family reunion?

"Just in case someone tries to mess with you," Damon explained. "If so, just shoot them."

Elysia was speechless. Do they think the laws here are a joke? This needs discretion!

"You silly boy, Elysia's going to a family reunion, not a fight!" Jack snapped, digging through the bag. He pulled out a small handgun. "If you really need one, this is enough."

Elysia sighed, putting it in her backpack. "Don't worry. I'll be fine, and I'll come back."

Jack ruffled her hair. "Don't let anyone push you around."

"Got it," Elysia replied, looking around. "Where are Leo and Max?"

"Those two old geezers went hunting," Jack grumbled.

Elysia chuckled. "I'll video call you once I'm settled. Take care."

Jack pretended to frown. "Stop nagging and hurry up. Don't keep the Rosewoods waiting."

Elysia arrived at the village entrance. The driver took her suitcase, opened the car door, and bowed. "Ms. Rosewood, please."

Elysia turned and saw Leo and Max. Smiling, she hopped into the backseat.

Honestly, Elysia didn't dwell on not having parents. She sometimes envied children showered with love, believing Jack might be right; some feelings, especially family bonds, couldn't be replaced.

The Rosewood residence was a three-story villa (around 10,000 square feet) in the city center, with gardens and a pool front and back. Elysia found it modest compared to her home on Yoris Island.

"Jason, who is this? She looks like she's been living under a rock—full of germs!" a voice interrupted Elysia's thoughts.

"Ms. Emma Rosewood, this is Ms. Elysia Rosewood. Mr. Rosewood instructed us to bring her home," Jason replied.

Emma frowned. "Ms. Elysia Rosewood? She's been missing for eighteen years. Are you sure this isn't an imposter?"

Jason's gaze dropped. "Mr. Rosewood gave the orders. There's no mistake."

Emma scrutinized Elysia's braids and floral dress. But Elysia's flawless skin surprised her.

How can a girl from the countryside have such skin? Emma thought jealously.

Elysia eyed Emma with disdain. She'd researched the Rosewoods and knew Emma was the adopted daughter. Elysia was curious to see how her parents would compare her to Emma.

"Impersonate?" Elysia chuckled softly. "You, an adopted daughter, dare question the Rosewood family's biological daughter's identity? Have you forgotten your place?"

"Who gave you the nerve to talk like that?" Emma sputtered.

"She's your sister! How can you be so rude?" Bella Rosewood interjected, arriving with her husband, Scott, having overheard the argument.

Emma, hurt, grabbed Bella's arm. "Mom, she's really my sister? Why didn't anyone tell me?"

"I planned to introduce you," Bella said softly. "I didn't expect this."

"It's my fault. I should have reached out first," Emma said. "I'm just adopted, she's your flesh and blood."

Elysia thought, What a two-faced woman.

"Emma, you are my daughter, the lady of the Rosewood family. I won't let anyone look down on you," Bella insisted, glaring at Elysia. What an unrefined country bumpkin. She's nothing like Emma, Bella thought. "Elysia, Emma is your sister. Where are your manners?"

Elysia's hope for her parents faded. She realized not all parents love their children equally.