Chapter 2

Evelyn didn't believe it, but reality matched those past-life memories exactly. She really was the Bennett daughter who had been taken away, and the Bennetts really did have an adopted daughter.

Out of curiosity, she chose to return and see how this farce would play out if the one who came back wasn't that weak, timid girl.

"Thank you." Evelyn smiled and slipped her hand free. Then she pulled a tissue from her pocket and carefully wiped the hand Lauren had touched three times right in front of everyone.

Her movements were elegant and unhurried, like she was wiping off something dirty. The room went quiet for a full second.

Lauren's smile froze.

Mary was stunned, Andrew looked up at Evelyn with open hostility, and Richard's cigar stopped halfway to his mouth.

"Evelyn, what are you doing?" Lauren's eyes reddened again, this time from real anger.

"Sorry, I'm a clean freak." Evelyn tossed the tissue into the trash can beside her, her tone flat.

Mary's expression changed at once. "Evelyn, watch your mouth. Lauren was only being nice."

Evelyn turned to her with a small smile. "I know she was being nice. That's why I thanked her."

She paused, her gaze sweeping over everyone present before settling on Leanne Lin. Her smile widened slightly. "Besides, all I did was wipe my hand. Why are you all reacting so strongly?"

Lauren bit her lip, tears spinning in her eyes, looking unbearably wronged.

Andrew slammed his phone onto the coffee table. "Evelyn, don't push it. Lauren has been in this family for eighteen years. She's done more for this family than you ever have. Who are you giving attitude to?"

Evelyn looked at him without the slightest panic. and said, "Andrew, when did I give anyone attitude? I said thank you. I said sorry, I'm a clean freak. Which part of that was rude?

"Or is it that in this family, I don't even have the freedom to wipe my own hand?"

Andrew was stumped. After all, Evelyn had spoken calmly and politely the whole time. Still, that quiet distance and rejection humiliated them more than any curse could have.

Lauren tugged on Andrew's sleeve and said softly, "Andrew, don't blame Evelyn. She just got back. Maybe she still isn't used to things."

"Look at Lauren. See how sensible she is?" Mary pulled Lauren into her arms and glared at Evelyn. "Can't you learn something from her?"

Evelyn only smiled. Learn from Lauren? Learn how to smile sweetly to someone's face while stabbing them in the back?

Learn how to play weak and pitiful? Learn how her real mother planted her in this house eighteen years ago so she could steal Evelyn's place?

Richard finally stepped in. "All right, enough. Stop talking. Evelyn just got back. We're family, so let's get along. Lauren, take your sister upstairs and show her her room."

Lauren nodded obediently and walked over, reaching out to link arms with Evelyn again.

Evelyn sidestepped without making it obvious and said lightly, "I can walk on my own. Point me in the right direction."

Lauren's hand hung awkwardly in midair, and Mary had to swallow her anger under Richard's warning look.

On the way upstairs, Evelyn walked ahead while Lauren followed behind.

Halfway up, Lauren suddenly lowered her voice, sounding like a different person altogether. She said, "Evelyn, don't get cocky.

"You think coming back to the Bennett family makes you some rich heiress? Nobody in this house wants you here."

Evelyn didn't stop walking or turn around. "I know."

Lauren froze.

Then Evelyn suddenly stopped, turned, and looked down at her from two steps above. "I never planned to treat this place like home anyway." She walked on, leaving Lauren pale with shock.