Chapter 1

I was living in the countryside when I suddenly discovered I was the long-lost heiress of the Hart Family.

When I was hauled back, bound hand and foot, Vivian Hart, the fake heiress, was snuggled up in her parents' arms, quietly sobbing.

My father said coldly, "Your sister ruined the painting the Prince from the Kingston Family gave to his own sister. You're going to take responsibility for her mistake."

Vivian, her eyes red from crying, said, "Don't worry, sis. If something happens to you, I'll be a good daughter to Mom and Dad for you."

And there was my so-called fiancé, staring at me with pure disgust. "As I thought, a wild country bumpkin, looking all shabby."

"Viv is too delicate for this kind of thing. If you dare to refuse, I'll make sure you pay for it," he threatened.

Poor? Seriously?

I glanced down at my designer outfit, utterly confused.

All I did was play in the dirt for a bit. How does that make me "poor"?

Is the Charles really as ruthless as everyone says?

Vivian only ruined the painting he gave me by accident. Is it really necessary to tie me up and make me kneel to apologize?

*****

"Wait." Just as I was being escorted out with a bodyguard on each side, Samuel Reed suddenly spoke up.

"I'll go with her," He said. "Kingston Estate isn't any place. The rules are really strict.

"This wild country girl doesn't know how things work. What if she tries to pull some stunt and runs off, or starts talking nonsense and ends up offending someone from the Kingston Family?

"If that happens, it won't only be her in trouble. We'll all be screwed."

He paused, his face still full of contempt.

"Remember, you have to kneel at the Kingston Estate for twenty-four hours to prove you're really sorry. Otherwise, your foster mother from the countryside..." he trailed off, but the threat was obvious. He didn't finish, but the message was clear.

Foster mother from the countryside?' I froze for a second.

What foster mother from the countryside? Where did that even come from?

When I got lost as a kid, I happened to run into my mom at the temple while she was praying.

She said I was a child sent by the Buddha, blessed with a special spirit. So she didn't even hesitate and got all the paperwork done and took me home.

Funny thing was, the year after I came back, my brother, who'd been sick for as long as I could remember, suddenly got better, like a miracle.

Everyone in the family thought I'd brought good fortune to my brother. So they treated me like I was the most precious thing in the world.

Did they really mistake the nanny who went back to her hometown for a visit for my foster mother?

"Sweetheart, you still matter to us. Once this is all over, we'll treat you better," my dad said. "Your sister's never had to suffer, so you'll have to bear it for her this time."

Maybe it was just that little bit of family bond left.

With an awkward cough, one of the men finally spoke up.

Treat me better? Seriously? I let out a cold laugh.

My mom kept my file at the police station for over twenty years, so they could easily track me down whenever it suited them.

Funny how they waited until the fake heiress screwed things up before coming to find me.

Isn't that just way too convenient?'

So she's never suffered, but I have?'

Well, whatever. At least now I know exactly how much this so-called family bond is really worth.

Once I get back, I'll tell Mom there's no point keeping that file at the police station anymore.

"Sam, you're so sweet," Vivian arched her brows at me in a taunting way, clearly trying to get under my skin.

Then she smugly hooked her arm through Sam's, looking all proud of herself. "Why don't I go with you?" she suggested.

"My sister's been out in the countryside for so long. She's a real wild child. Having another person along is extra insurance, right?"

"You really are a little rascal," Sam said, his tone indulgent. He playfully tapped her nose, his eyes full of fondness.

"Wild child?" I looked at her in surprise.

If the Kingston Family ever heard her call their one and only darling that, I bet the Hart ancestors would be rolling in their graves,' Thinking of that, I pressed my lips together to hide my smile.

I put on a show of fear and timidity as I spoke up. "Sam, don't worry. I won't run off. I'll listen to you, I promise. Wherever you want me to go, I'll go. "

"Shut up. Who do you think you are, calling him Sam?" Vivian totally flipped out, her face twisted with rage as she spoke.

"Enough. Get in the car," Sam's expression softened a bit.

I couldn't help but laugh as I caught the flash of jealousy and envy in Vivian's eyes.

Can't handle it already?

The car slowly pulled away.

"Bitch, your time's up," Vivian leaned in close, her lips almost brushing my ear. Her eyes sparkled with barely contained excitement.

"Charles Kingston won't let you get away with this. Let's see what you'll have left to compete with me for Sam and the Hart Family," she sneered.

"Let me make this clear. Everything in the Hart Family is mine. Once we get to Kingston Estate, you're done for."

Kingston Estate, huh?' I thought, a smirk tugging at my lips. That was my old stomping ground where I used to run wild and do whatever I wanted as a kid.

And as for Charles Kingston, the one everyone says is cold-blooded and all-powerful.

If I remember right, he actually helped me sneak into Grandpa's study and steal his antique pocket watches when we were kids. We both got punished and had to stand inthe corner for ages.

I couldn't wait to see the priceless look on my fiercely protective brother's face when he saw me hauled into the Kingston Estate, bound hand and foot like this.

Would he snap their legs first? Or maybe he'd just break their bones right off?