Chapter 2

I answered, and Richard's voice came through, stern and a little impatient. "Emily, where are you right now? Get to the Carter Estate immediately."

His tone was pure command, like he was tossing me a bone.

I replied softly, "Okay, Dad."

There was a brief pause on the other end. He probably hadn't expected me to be so obedient.

After hanging up, I flagged down a cab and gave the address, the one I had yearned for in my previous life yet ultimately became my grave.

The Carter Estate. I've returned.

The car stopped outside the ornate iron gates, and I could see figures shifting in the living room.

Their family of four was waiting to pass judgment on me.

I took a deep breath, composed myself, pushed open the car door, and walked step by step toward that gilded cage.

The crystal chandelier in the living room was so dazzling it hurt my eyes. Richard and Helen sat at the center of the sofa, their faces grim.

Olivia was nestled against Helen, her eyes red and swollen, looking like a frightened little rabbit.

And Andrew, the man I hated to my very core, stood behind Olivia, his gaze sharp as a hawk's, fixed right on me.

As soon as I walked in, Helen snapped, her voice sharp, "Emily, you finally decided to show up. Did you see what's going on online? Liv already apologized to you. What more do you want?"

I didn't look at Helen. Instead, I fixed my gaze on Olivia.

Olivia flinched under my stare, timidly shrinking into Helen's arms, her voice so soft it was barely audible. "Em, I'm sorry. I..."

"Olivia," I said gently, cutting her off.

Everyone was stunned.

I walked right up to her, leaned in slightly, and met her gaze, speaking slowly and clearly. "I don't blame you. You were a kid back then. You were a victim too."

My voice was soft, tinged with the right amount of hoarseness and fragility, like a breeze could knock me over.

Olivia's pupils constricted, her rehearsed sorrow freezing on her face.

Helen and Richard were visibly taken aback, clearly not expecting this reaction from me.

In my previous life, I was like a furious trapped animal, raging and demanding answers here, only to be met with their indifference and blame.

This time, I chose to become exactly what they wanted, obedient, docile, even humble.

Only this way could I stay.

And only by staying could I grind their bones to dust and drain their blood dry.

"What did you say?" Helen asked in disbelief.

I looked up at her and Richard, my eyes glistening with unshed tears, and offered a weak, obedient smile. "Dad, Mom, I don't blame Olivia. I'm glad to have you back in my life. Let's let the past be the past."

Deep inside, my heart was a storm of hatred, but on my face, I wore nothing but pure, childlike adoration.

Richard's tense expression finally eased a bit. He scrutinized me, as if trying to determine the truth of my words.

He said, clearing his throat and regaining his authority as the head of the household. "Glad to hear it. Since you're back, you'll stay here from now on.

"Olivia's room is on the second floor. Yours, I'll have Nanny Doris Haver fix up a room for you on the third floor."

The third floor, that's where the nannies stayed.

In my previous life, I refused to take that room to prove a point, and they ended up kicking me out.

This time, I nodded sweetly. "Thank you, Dad."

My obedience made everyone in the Carter family breathe a sigh of relief.

They figured a nobody from some country orphanage could be handled with a few crumbs tossed her way.

They thought this whole drama would be settled like that.