Adopted, And I Refuse To Return

Synopsis

When my family finally acknowledged me, I was already a middle-aged woman. They sent only a rickety little carriage and a single maid to fetch me, every detail dripping with disdain. The moment my father saw me, he warned me not to dream of replacing Rowena, the impostor who had taken my place. He said, "Rowena is now a baroness. The advantages she brings to our family are far beyond your reach. To the outside world, you will remain my adopted daughter. "As for your little charity, close it at once. Those children are of uncertain origin. Who knows if they'll try to take advantage of our family?" Rowena, adorned in pearls and jewels, stood gracefully by my father's side. She said, "Sybil, don't blame Father. People are talking about how you adopted those children to satisfy your own whims. It damages our reputation. "My daughter Matilda is already engaged to Lord Ashfield. At a time like this, we cannot afford any scandal." But I had used my charity to help countless orphans. The very Lord Ashfield she mentioned had grown up in that charity. Grateful to me as his benefactor, he now had influence throughout the court and had become the tutor to the crown prince, his future limitless. And my family were foolish enough look down on the connections I had built.