Chapter 3

In my previous life, I'd been forced by Vivian to stand outside as punishment for breaking her favorite vase.

Vivian made her threat clear: she'd keep my mother locked in the basement until I stood there long enough to satisfy her.

So for my mother's sake, I remained standing for three days and three nights.

In the bitter cold of deep winter, dressed in little more than rags, I finally collapsed. That was when Yves saved me.

He said I reminded him of someone from his past. I thought it was just something he'd said casually—until he saw my mother.

Yves's gaze softened as he looked at my tear-filled eyes, mistaking them for fear. "Don't be afraid. I'm here."

I trusted Yves completely. In my previous life, he'd been the only one besides my mother who ever showed me true kindness.

Eugene suddenly demanded loudly, "Who is he?" His face was dark with anger, as if he'd caught them in some shameful act.

Yves calmly adjusted his wristwatch, his frosty gaze fixed on Eugene in a way one might look at a dead man.

Then my mother took Yves's hand, shaking her head at him. Holding my hand with her other one, she met Eugene's gaze calmly. "You've lost any right to ask questions about our lives."

Without another glance at Eugene's furious expression, she turned and led us away.

Once outside the restaurant, my mother blushed slightly and released Yves's hand. "Sorry, Mr. Jo... I mean, Yves."

Yves gave a soft, understanding chuckle.

During the ride home, my mother gazed at the passing scenery with a distant, thoughtful expression.

I knew she was finally letting go.

My mother was never one to depend on a man for survival. When Eugene decided to leave, her main concern had only been my future.

Having grown up as an orphan herself, she wanted nothing more than to give me a complete and happy family.

That was why she'd endured Eugene's divided attention and daily neglect.

Remembering how my mother had suffered at the hands of Eugene and Vivian in my previous life, I tearfully buried my face in her embrace.

I secretly vowed to make my mother happy in this lifetime.

*****

When my grandparents publicly announced they'd found their long-lost daughter, the news spread through high society like wildfire.

Several wealthy families began making discreet inquiries about my mother, hoping to arrange advantageous marriages.

The story dominated the headlines as my grandparents made certain everyone understood my mother's significance.

Meanwhile, my mother immersed herself in her studies. She'd always regretted not finishing her university degree.

My grandparents had great ambitions for her, hoping she'd eventually take over the Lewis Group and become a tremendously successful businesswoman.

My mother studied relentlessly, juggling university courses with management training at my grandfather's company.

My grandfather even took her overseas to attend financial conferences and seminars.

Whether through natural talent or relentless effort, my mother soon commanded respect in boardrooms.

After successfully leading her first project on her own, she glowed with pride and took me out shopping to celebrate.

Seeing her so radiant—a side of her I'd never witnessed in my previous life—brought tears of joy to my eyes.

The only shadow on the day was when we ran into Eugene.

He was buying a bag—an expensive latest model, according to the sales assistant. No doubt it was for Vivian.

When he saw us, his face hardened like steel. "Do you have a tracker on me, Yvonne? I can't seem to go anywhere without you turning up."

My mother, now using her birth name Elaine, didn't react immediately to her old name, her attention still fixed on the handbags.

Eugene grew impatient and tugged at my mother's arm. "Could you even afford these? Stop pretending. Your little games won't work on me."

My mother finally looked up at Eugene.

That single glance made him falter slightly.

Since returning to the Lewis family, surrounded by love and luxury, my mother had transformed. Her natural beauty now shone with a new radiance.

Eugene spoke with condescending generosity, "Yvonne, I know you and Norma can't live without me, but you're unworthy of me.

"If you beg properly, I might consider taking you as my mistress."

His words turned my stomach. My mother looked equally revolted.

She had moved beyond romantic attachments and had long seen through Eugene's true nature.

"Mr. Chapman, what nonsense are you spouting?" she said calmly.

Eugene frowned with arrogant certainty. "I'll give you one month to consider. If you beg me within that time, I'll generously make you my mistress."

In his distorted view, he believed his elevated status would make my mother desperate to become his mistress.

After he strode out with his purchase, my mother absently picked up another bag. "Norma, you were right. A man like that doesn't deserve to be your father."

Initially, despite her deep hatred for Eugene, my mother had tried to shield me from hating him—he was still my father, after all.

But I'd clearly stated that he had never truly been a father to me.

Now my mother finally understood. She channeled that realization into her studies with renewed focus.

My grandmother noticed her relentless drive and remarked how my mother reminded her of my grandfather in his younger days.