Chapter 3 (69%)

Elysia was deeply disappointed in Bella; she valued her adopted daughter more than her own flesh and blood. Elysia couldn't believe such a mother existed.

“Are you saying you don’t want me anymore? My health isn’t great, so I need the sunny room. But just because Emma won’t give it up, you’re making me move out, right?” Elysia asked.

Emma worried about appearing bad to their parents. She quickly explained, “No, it’s not that I don’t want you to have the room. It’s just that…” She hesitated, about to mention Bella's disapproval, then stopped herself.

Elysia laughed. “So, you’re okay with giving me your room?”

“I…” Emma hesitated.

“No?” Elysia pouted and turned to Scott. “Dad, you’re wrong. Sisters should support each other.”

Scott frowned. “Emma, choose another room. Let Elysia have this one.”

“Thank you, Dad,” Elysia said sweetly, affecting obedience.

Scott said nothing more and left the room.

Emma burst into tears. Bella felt heartbroken and gently comforted her, saying, “Don’t cry, sweetheart. There are plenty of rooms. I’ll find you the biggest one and make it perfect.”

Emma nodded, her eyes red. “Thanks, Mom.”

What a loving mother and devoted daughter, Elysia sneered silently.

Mary was shocked to see Emma’s room given to Elysia. She watched in disbelief as Emma’s belongings were moved out, box by box. Given Bella's apparent care for Emma, Mary couldn't believe she'd give Elysia her room—even Scott agreed. Mary realized Elysia was not someone to be trifled with.

That evening, Elysia video-called Jack.

The call connected quickly, and Jack greeted her with a big smile. “Hey, Elysia! How are you doing? Is the Rosewood family treating you well?”

Elysia hesitated. Jack always hoped she’d have a warm, supportive family like other children. She didn’t want to worry him. “They treat me really well,” she finally said, turning the camera. “Look at my room. It’s not bad, right?”

“Well, it’s okay. A bit plain, though. I’m sorry you’re going through this. We hope someone will take care of you when we’re not around,” Jack sighed.

Tears filled Elysia’s eyes—this was what family truly meant. Eighteen years together meant more than what “biological parents” could offer in that cold house.

She missed Silverstream, Jack, Leo, and… But it wasn’t time to return yet. She had a more important mission with the Rosewoods.

14:01 Tue, Jan 28 Chapter 3 (69%)

After the video call, Elysia tossed and turned, unable to sleep. She decided the pink tones in the room weren't her style and would change it tomorrow.

The next morning, the Rosewoods were at the dining table, but Elysia was absent.

“Why isn’t Elysia up yet? Has she developed a habit of sleeping in after being in that awful place?” Emma asked.

Bella snorted. “And that’s not the only bad habit she’s picked up.”

Emma quickly reassured her, “Mom, please don’t be upset. Elysia just arrived. It might take time to adjust. I’ll help her.”

“You’re so understanding, Emma,” Bella said, looking at her with warmth, thinking Emma deserved to be her daughter.

“Good morning, everyone,” Elysia chimed in, dressed in athletic clothes, her hair in a high ponytail. The morning sun highlighted her beauty.

Gone was the floral dress. Her athletic wear accentuated her figure. She didn't look like a country girl; she resembled someone raised in a prominent family.

Emma seethed with jealousy. How could she be so lucky? She’s not only their biological daughter, but she’s also beautiful and well-proportioned.

“She was raised in the country, and yet…” Emma muttered, “Her poise is even more refined than mine!”

“Sorry, I go for morning runs. I hope I’m not late?” Elysia said with a smile.

“No, that’s great. Come have breakfast,” Scott replied, momentarily captivated by Elysia’s beauty. She’s even prettier than Emma. With the right nurturing, she could be a real asset, he thought.

“So, you went for a jog. I thought you’d be used to sleeping in. But the Rosewood family isn’t just any family. You should dress well and avoid anything cheap,” Emma said.

Elysia looked down at her unbranded sportswear and smiled, ignoring her.

Scott pulled out a card. “Use this for anything you want. No need to save money.”

Emma’s jealousy flared. Dad used to micromanage my allowance. Now he’s giving her a card and telling her not to worry about costs! He never treated me like this!

“Thanks, Dad,” Elysia smiled, accepting the card.

“Emma is right. Our family is prominent. You should go shopping for some nice clothes.”

“Okay, Dad.”

“By the way, are you interested in any schools? I can help arrange it.”

Elysia frowned. “No, not really.”

Emma saw her chance. “I heard you dropped out of elementary school. If you go back, doesn’t that mean you have to start from seventh grade?”

14:01 Tue, Jan 28 Chapter 3 (69%)

Dropped out of elementary school? Who told her that? Oh, right. I altered my records after graduating from Harvard. Looks like they’ve done some digging, but none of it is true, Elysia thought.

She’d attended a private school, completing elementary to high school in four years. She entered Harvard at ten and graduated with dual Master's degrees by fifteen.

This made the Clusian newspapers, but she avoided the spotlight, so her picture never appeared.

The thought made her chuckle—Jack and the others had even worried she was too smart and might go bald in middle age.

“Why not consider Emma’s school? It’s a combined middle and high school,” Bella suggested.

“But getting into my school isn’t easy. I had to ace the grade ten piano exam and was a runner-up in a national speech contest. Any special skills, Elysia?” Emma asked.

“Nope,” Elysia replied flatly.

Emma smirked. Just as I expected, this country bumpkin has beauty but no brains or skills.

“But I’ll pick the same school as Emma.” Elysia had initially wanted to avoid it, but Emma’s smug grin annoyed her. She decided to challenge her.