Chapter 2

My older brother, Thomas, looked at me with a mix of affection and guilt, gently taking my hand. "Sierra, I swear, I won't ever think about taking you out alone again."

Just imagining what might have happened if he'd taken Sierra out today sent chills down his spine. He was genuinely terrified by the thought.

I looked at my still-young parents and my vibrant, spirited brother, and my heart surged with warmth.

In my previous life, I sacrificed everything for Hector, and all I got in return was ten years of his resentment.

This time, I wouldn't save you. You didn't owe me anything. I'd focus on my family and enjoy my own life.

*****

Ten years later, I had become the Reyes family's famous daughter in Kingston. I was beautiful, talented, and from a prestigious family. My life was everything I could wish for.

As for the Sherman family, the kidnapping of their eldest son left them deeply shaken.

Political upheaval forced them to move away for work, and it was only years later that they welcomed another child, slowly beginning to recover from the tragedy.

At my grandmother's birthday party, the Sherman family made a prominent appearance.

And to everyone's shock, they brought along someone nobody expected: Hector.

When he was finally found, he walked with a limp, his movements awkward and strained. The way he looked at me, his eyes burned with a hatred that wouldn't fade.

"Long time no see, Sierra," Hector said, his tone cold and hard to read.

I lifted my gaze and said flatly, "Who are you to address me as 'Sierra'? Do you really think you deserve to call me that?"

Mom softly called my name from behind, signaling me to mind my manners. She explained gently, "This is Mr. Sherman. He's a guest today, so don't be rude."

I gave a respectful nod, my voice indifferent. "Mr. Sherman." And I said nothing more.

To my shock, Hector suddenly pointed his cane right at me, stopping just short of my face, every word laced with poison.

He snapped, "Sierra, you stood by and did nothing. If you hadn't turned a blind eye back then, how would I have ended up in their hands, tortured and left like this."

Hector stood in the middle of the room, shaking slightly, both from agitation and because his lame leg could barely support him.

His mom, Natalie, stepped forward at that moment, dabbing at the corners of her dry eyes with a handkerchief, her voice trembling with grief. "My poor Hector...

"Miss Reyes, you were raised in privilege, but do you have any idea what Hector has endured these past ten years? Every single day has been torment for him.

"We aren't asking for much, but today, in front of everyone, we just want you to give our family some justice, to give Hector an explanation."

The guests broke out in an uproar. Everyone here either worked with my dad in government or was a family member.

All eyes locked onto me, some shocked, some suspicious, and some even looked like they were enjoying the spectacle.

The cheerful atmosphere at my grandmother's birthday party evaporated.

Dad and Thomas's faces grew grim, and Mom's arm around my shoulders tightened a bit.

I gave her hand a gentle squeeze, letting her know she didn't need to worry.

Then, with all eyes on me, I walked forward, calm and composed.

The jasmine embroidery on my dress—my favorite—fluttered slightly with my movements, but I remained perfectly poised, not a trace of nervousness showing.

I approached Hector, close enough to catch the medicinal scent coming from him.

I lifted my head, my gaze steady and unflinching, locking eyes with him. His face was pale from years of bitterness and being shut away from the sun.

"Mr. Sherman," I said calmly, "you accuse me of standing by and doing nothing during Halloween. But may I ask, how old was I at the time?"

He snapped, "Don't think you can hide behind your age."

Meeting everyone's gaze, I said, "I'm sixteen now, so ten years ago, I was just six.

"How could a six-year-old girl possibly save a boy four years older than herself from dangerous kidnappers?"

Many in the room began to nod, acknowledging the logic in my words.

As the tide started to turn in my favor, Hector blurted out desperately, "You had guards in your carriage. If you'd just spoken up, I never would've been taken."

All eyes snapped back to me, everyone's attention locked on my next move.

I smiled calmly. "You said you saw me clearly, sitting in the carriage with maids and bodyguards by my side.

"But tell me, was there anyone else there?"

Hector shot me a look full of hatred. "After all that's happened, what excuse do you have left? There's never been any bad blood between the Sherman and Reyes families.

"Back then, you had two servants with you. If you'd just told one of them to distract the kidnapper, I wouldn't have ended up like this."

After hearing what you said, my suspicions were confirmed. I answered, "Since you insist, let me clarify for you, Mr. Sherman.

"At that time, I was in the carriage with my mother, but you only mentioned seeing two maids by my side. You conveniently forgot that my mother was pregnant with my little sister then."

I paused, letting my gaze sweep across the guests, their faces showing all kinds of emotions, before finally meeting Hector's eyes, burning with rage.

I continued, "There was chaos in the streets, everyone was afraid, and carriages could barely move.

"You claim I saw you being taken, but realistically, could a six-year-old girl truly recognize you through the window in all that confusion? Even if I did, Mr. Sherman, please tell me—"