Chapter 3

Back to the present, Dad asked for my opinion just like he did in my previous life.

He said, "I know it's not fair to celebrate your birthday early, but it's better than having it late. How about letting your sister share the celebration this time? Next year, we'll celebrate them separately."

Before I could say a word, Leia was at it again, putting on her usual act. She said, "If you don't want to, I can just share the birthday with you. It's fine for me."

As she spoke, Leia started to whimper and act all pitiful again.

Damon said, "Noelle, it's just one day early. Why do you always have to give Leia a hard time?"

I didn't bother responding to Damon and just turned to Dad instead. I said, "I never said I was against it. No one's ever celebrated my birthday anyway, so it's whatever to me now."

When Damon heard that, he looked pretty uncomfortable.

Dad gave Damon a sharp look. "Shut up!"

Then he turned to Leia and said, "Leia, we'll celebrate together with Noelle this time. It's too much for the company to throw two parties back to back."

Leia nodded, her eyes brimming with tears, looking utterly crestfallen. "I understand."

Dad said, "Alright, since Leia agreed, that's settled. Go get ready, everyone."

After everyone scattered to get ready, Leia remained where she was, her gaze turning icy. "Noelle, don't get ahead of yourself."

A few days later, the party was underway. Not everyone had arrived yet when Leia came over with a bright smile, faked a clumsy stumble, and splashed her drink all over me.

She said, "Oh, Noelle! I swear I didn't mean to! Come on, let's get you cleaned up in the bathroom."

I didn't look the least bit suspicious. I just smiled and nodded, "Alright."

Leia shot me a wicked grin as I walked into the bathroom with the clothes she'd prepared. "What a fool!"

While I was changing in the bathroom, I heard some loud clanging noises, and suddenly found the door was stuck shut.

The outfit I'd left hanging on the doorframe had vanished. I called out, trying to keep my voice steady, "Leia?"

There was no response.

I unfolded the outfit Leia had handed me; it was a janitor's uniform.

If I dashed out like this, I'd just make a total fool of myself, and drag the Anderson family down with me.

On the other side of the hall, all the guests had arrived. My dad, Adriel, picked up the microphone and cleared his throat. "Welcome, everyone, to my daughter's birthday celebration.

"Today isn't just Leia's birthday. It's also the birthday of my long-lost daughter, Noelle."

The crowd erupted in excitement.

"Mr. Anderson has another daughter? How come we've never heard about her before?"

"Didn't you hear? She's his long-lost real daughter. So the other girl isn't his real daughter after all."

"No wonder. Guess I should go introduce myself to the real heiress."

As the whispers reached Leia, her face clouded over, eyes flashing with resentment.

"Now, let's give a warm welcome to my two daughters as they join me on stage," Adriel announced.

The moment Adriel finished, the crowd erupted into thunderous applause.

Leia stepped onto the stage with all eyes on her, but Noelle was nowhere in sight.

The guests started whispering and glancing around, a restless buzz filling the room.

"Where's Mr. Anderson's real daughter?"

"I heard the Andersons' newly found heiress used to dig through dumpsters for food."

"No wonder she's too freaked out to get on stage. She probably hasn't seen anything this fancy in her whole life."

Adriel looked uncomfortable as the gossip swirled around him. He asked Leia quietly, "Where's your sister?"

Leia pretended to be confused. "I haven't seen her all night."

Adriel frowned and quickly said to the bodyguard next to him. "Go get Noelle back, now!"