Chapter 1

Back in my previous life, I was scavenging for food in the trash when the richest man in Silverton took me in.

As soon as we got home, the impostor heiress who had been pretending to be me for years put on a pitiful face and asked my parents, "Mom, Dad, now that my sister's back, should I leave?"

My newly reunited parents both frowned, clearly troubled by the situation.

Before anyone could react, I dropped to my knees and begged, "Mom, Dad, if you don't want me here, I can just go back to living in the alley."

'Leia, in my previous life, you played the weak and pitiful card to steal my identity and all the love that should've been mine. In the end, I was left to starve on the streets because of you.

'But this time, I'm not just going to kick you out of the Anderson family. I'm going to take back every bit of the fortune and status you conned your way into with your fake tears.

You think you're the queen of playing innocent? Fine, let's see which one of us can fake it better, and who they'll willingly hand over the family fortune and status to.'

*****

On my first day back with the Anderson family, I stood in that massive house, feeling both at home and out of place.

Dad smiled. "Is there any room you like? Just pick one to stay in for now."

I nodded. "Then I'll take the study."

Back then, Leia had claimed the two nicest rooms on the second floor for herself. One was her bedroom, and the other was her private study.

Trying to win over the family, I had no choice but to settle for a gloomy, cramped storage room.

Just as I expected, Dad looked a bit embarrassed. "Noelle, how about picking a different room? This one's your sister Leia's study."

In my last life, I would've caved in without a fight. But this time, I'm done trying to please everyone.

I ducked my head, sounding all meek. "Sorry, Dad. I really thought I could actually choose for myself."

Leia hung her head, her voice shaky as she started to sob. "You don't have to say that. If you want the room, I'll move out. I was the one who stole your spot in the first place."

Seeing this, my brother, Damon, gave Leia a sympathetic look, then glanced at me with a bit of annoyance in his voice. "There are so many rooms in the house. Why do you have to insist on taking Leia's study?"

Mom spoke up, "Leia's schoolwork is really important right now. She needs a quiet place to study. Why don't you pick another room for now?"

I nodded, trying to look all sensible while playing the pity card. "It's really okay. Just having somewhere to sleep is more than enough for me.

"Back in the alley, I was always getting drenched by the rain, and sometimes the only place I could sleep was inside a trash can."

Everyone was stunned by what I said, and Dad's face turned guilty. He quickly turned to the staff and said, "Clear out Leia's study and give it to Noelle. Let her decide how she wants it set up."

Then he looked at me and said, "Don't be afraid. From now on, you're part of this family, and everything here belongs to you too.

"If you ever feel uncomfortable living here, just tell the staff."

I nodded, putting on my sweetest, most obedient act.

Seeing this, the others were left speechless.

Leia looked like she'd just swallowed a fly, her face miserable and uncomfortable. Her eyes shot daggers at me, full of resentment.

But I couldn't care less. I just walked straight into my room.

Last time around, I kept swallowing my pride just to fit in with this family. I backed down at every turn, tiptoed around everyone, and let their misunderstandings pile up without ever defending myself. I thought if I just kept my head down, they'd finally see me as one of their own. But all it got me was even nastier rumors and harsher treatment.

This time, I was taking back everything that belongs to me, on my own terms.

My birthday was just a few days away. So Dad asked my brother to arrange for a few dresses to be tailored just for me.

Once Damon had everything ready, he flung the dresses at me. "Dad told me to get these for you. Make sure you put one on for your birthday party in a few days."

I could hear the annoyance in Damon's voice, but I just gave him an awkward smile, nervously trying to brush off the stains on my clothes.

"Damon, do you think I'm dirty?" I asked softly. "But this is the cleanest thing I own. This dress is really beautiful. Thank you, Damon."

Damon looked guilty, about to say something, but Leia jumped in and cut him off.

"These dresses are so beautiful," Leia sniffled, her voice shaky. "Damon, now that Noelle's back, did you all just forget about me?"