Chapter 8

Hearing Emma was about to appear, the crowd buzzed with speculation.

“I heard Emma, Mateo’s eldest daughter, is a complete screw-up,” one remarked contemptuously. “She finished an exam in just thirty minutes yesterday. Can you believe that?”

“Think about it,” another replied. “Mateo left her mother and married Nora. Then they had Aria. And Aria—wow, she’s got it all: looks, grace, the whole package. Emma’s been estranged from the Wilson family for years. How could she possibly compete?”

“But rumor has it Liam’s interested in her,” someone asked.

“Liam? Interested in her? No way. He’d go for Aria,” someone muttered disbelievingly.

Before descending the stairs, Emma surveyed the gathering from above. Many faces were familiar. She recalled a similar party in her past life, where Mateo had publicly lauded Aria's grades and then shamelessly awarded her a two-million-dollar inheritance.

Scanning the room, Emma spotted that same teacher and representatives from the trust company her mother had hired. The trust company’s team looked sharp and elegant, but one person stood out: Daniel Rivera. An investment genius who handled billions as if they were pocket change, Daniel was a global stock market legend.

The crowd erupted again.

“Even though Liam Hall didn’t show, Daniel Rivera is here!”

“The Wilsons must have incredible influence to attract Daniel. They say any stock he touches skyrockets. A few tips from him, and I’d be set for life.”

“There he is!”

People pointed, too intimidated to approach. “Yeah, that’s him, but Daniel keeps his distance. His assistant will eject anyone who gets too close without permission.”

Then, someone revealed, “I heard Daniel’s here about the inheritance from Mateo’s late ex-wife.”

“Mateo’s late ex-wife? Who’s that?” someone asked curiously.

Daniel was Emma’s uncle, Stella’s younger brother. In her past life, upon seeing Emma, Daniel had immediately recognized her and showered her with attention. However, the Wilson family had manipulated Emma into believing he was a ruthless capitalist. She’d fallen for their lies, distrusting her uncle and refusing his help, resulting in her mother's hard-earned money lining Aria and Nora's pockets. The memory hardened Emma's gaze with icy contempt.

As Emma descended the spiral staircase, she ensured Daniel saw the birthmark on her neck. Across the room, Daniel, usually composed, froze mid-sentence. “Emma!” he exclaimed.

The Rivera family had four sons; Stella was their only daughter. While her brothers focused on their careers and remained unmarried, Stella had fallen for Mateo and had Emma. Stella's brothers adored Emma, their only niece. After Stella's death and Emma's disappearance, they had searched the world for her. Now that she was back, they would support her unconditionally.

Reaching the bottom, Emma saw Mateo at the microphone, affecting a smile. “And here’s my eldest daughter, Emma.”

Insincere compliments followed.

“Wow, she’s stunning.”

“Not at all like the rumors, huh? She has a classy vibe Aria lacks.”

“Mr. Wilson, congratulations.”

Emma wore a sleek black gown. In her past life, her sun-kissed skin was deeply tanned. Now, she’d cultivated a fairer complexion and chosen black—not the flashiest color, but it set her apart elegantly amidst a sea of vibrant gowns, making her resemble a regal black swan.

Mateo and Nora exchanged a glance. Nora turned to Maya Baker, Emma and Aria’s homeroom teacher. “Hey, Maya, why not share some good news on this happy day?”

The Vark College exam results were in, and Nora planned to showcase Aria’s supposed superiority.

Maya hesitated. “Mrs. Wilson, with so many people, perhaps we should skip it.”

“Skip it? Why? It’ll enhance the celebration. Go ahead, Maya, announce it,” Nora insisted.

Maya, knowing Aria well, warned, “Announcing it publicly might hurt your daughter’s feelings!”

Nora, mistakenly assuming Maya referred to Emma, sneered. “Hurt feelings? Please, she’s got thick skin. Just say it.”

Aria, nearby, quivered with excitement. Finally, a chance to crush Emma, she thought.

Aria whispered to her classmates, “Watch this. Emma’s a total idiot. Poor, dumb, and ugly. I’m the real Miss Wilson.”

“Yeah, you’re the bomb,” a classmate agreed.

“Emma’s braindead. What good’s a pretty face without brains?” another added.

“Who does she think she is, trying to compete with Aria?” a third exclaimed.

Maya produced the report cards. “Aria scored 1570,” she announced, to gasps of amazement.

“1570 out of 1600? She can get into any top university!” someone marveled.

Praise poured forth. “Mateo, your daughter’s grades are exceptional!” “Congratulations! Such an outstanding daughter is a true blessing.” “Aria is absolutely remarkable.”

Even at Zoe’s birthday party, with Emma's much-anticipated return, Aria was clearly Mateo’s favored daughter. Attention showered Aria, while Daniel’s expression toward Aria and Nora turned icy.

Zoe exclaimed, “Wow, Aria is amazing! Having her in the Wilson family is a godsend. Emma, look at your sister! We must send her to a top university abroad!”

The Wilson family’s plan to flaunt Aria’s success and extract two million dollars from Emma for Aria's overseas education was now clear.

Chapter 9