Chapter 1

Three years ago, one of the most powerful families in Cheshire, the Sutton family, fell apart overnight.

Kenny Sutton and Sapphire Lloyd died in a car accident, leaving behind only their recently grown daughter.

Kenny's will vanished without a trace. And that only daughter was struck mute from the shock.

That poor daughter was me, Bella Sutton.

Preston Gray, a close friend of my parents, took me in and raised me at the Gray residence.

No one knew I was faking it. Well, no one except Ronald Hayes. But it didn't really matter that he knew.

After three years of silence, I suddenly started talking again.

Before anyone even had time to process it, rumors started flying all over Cheshire.

People said I was nothing but trouble dressed up as innocence.

A supposedly mute girl who had somehow caught the attention of the Gray family's youngest son, earned the protection of Ronald, the Hayes family's right-hand man, and even drew the interest of his older brother. Even the Gale family heir had stepped in on her behalf.

And on top of that, they called me an ungrateful wretch. The Gray family took me in when I had nothing, and yet, they said I destroyed them overnight.

Yes. That was right. I had a talent for destruction.

So to everyone hiding in the shadows, waiting to twist the knife, watch closely. The real show was just beginning.

*****

"Hey, mute girl. Your birthday's coming up next month. What do you want? I'll buy it for you," Anson Gray, the second son of the Gray family, said.

He pushed open my door with all the confidence in the world, walked in, crossed his arms, and leaned against the doorframe, looking down at me.

"A-Anson..." I forced out, my voice rough and barely audible.

After three years at the Gray residence, if I learned anything, it was how to act pathetic and play the victim.

"Bella, you can finally talk!" Anson shot upright, rushed over, and grabbed my shoulders. He couldn't hide how thrilled he was.

Before I could get another word out, he dragged me downstairs.

We sat in the living room, waiting, while he called everyone in the family back home.

It wasn't long before Mindy Gray showed up. The youngest daughter of the Gray family was all hair and no brains.

"Well, well, look who finally found her voice. Bet you were just faking it all along," she sneered, looking down at me with that smug, superior attitude.

I kept my head down, picking at my fingers, looking like I couldn't even defend myself.

The moment Anson saw that, he shot up and snapped at his sister, "What are you talking about? Mindy, all you ever do is pick on people."

The two of them started bickering back and forth. After listening for a while, I was getting sleepy.

Then, their parents, Preston Gray and Amelia Ford, came home, fussing over me like everything was perfect.

After all the concern and fuss died down, I slung my backpack over my shoulder and left the Gray residence.

Three years ago, I got into Cheshire University and majored in finance.

The driver dropped me off at the school gate. I got out, but instead of heading back to campus, I walked off in the opposite direction.

I went back to Rygates Villa. This was where I stayed during my college years. It was my other home given by Ronald.

The accident three years ago happened all of a sudden. My parents died just when everything was on the line.

Back then, everyone was circling my dad's shares like vultures. Anyone with any interest tied to my dad was off my trust list.

Desperate and out of options, I suddenly remembered a promise from way back.

I decided to roll the dice and went to Ronald.

Turned out, I bet on the right guy. He actually agreed to help.

For the past three years, I used the excuse of living on campus to stay at Rygates Villa. I only went back to the Gray residence during holidays.

Playing mute was my way to make the real masterminds drop their guard, so I could finally uncover what really happened.

But if I hadn't accidentally caught Preston and his eldest son having a secret talk in the study, who would've guessed the real villain was right beside me all along?

Thinking about it, I couldn't help but clench the pen in my hand, my knuckles turning red from the pressure.

"Preston Gray, just wait. I'll pay you back, one step at a time. I hope you savor the taste of losing everything, even your family. Just like I did."

Beep, the door swung open.

Ronald was back.

I looked up and saw him put the cheesecake on the table. After a slight hesitation, he came closer and slowly slid the pen from my grip.

"Get some rest. Good night," he said before heading to his room.

Yeah, a good sleep was exactly what I needed.

The real drama was just about to kick off.

*****

At the birthday party the Gray family threw for me, Mindy showed up in a flashy red dress. Anyone who didn't know better would think she was the star of the night.

She was surrounded by a bunch of clueless rich boys and heiresses, all falling over themselves to flatter her, and she was absolutely loving it. Honestly, that idiot just loved being fawned over.