How stupid I was in my past life, always trying to make it up to Tiffany. Her getting lost had nothing to do with me. Why did I have to be the one to pay for it?’ Alicia thought to herself.


    She red at Andrew and said coldly, “First, I didn’t make you lose Tiffany. Second, it was your mother who forced me toe here. She needed a girl around Tiffany’s age to ease her pain. I owe Tiffany nothing. If anyone does, it’s all of you.”


    “There you go again with your tantrums. You know what we can’t stand about you? It’s this entitled attitude. Why can’t you be sweet like Tiffany?” Andrew snapped.


    “Enough. I don’t want to hear any more of your nonsense. Just hand over the painting to Tiffany. Once she’s famous, I might even let you be her assistant.” He spoke as though he were granting Alicia some great favor.


    What a perfect n. Making me Tiffany’s assistant just means painting for her forever. It’s exactly like my past life! Aliciaughed coldly.


    “If that assistant job is so great, let someone else have it. From now on, I won’t do anything for Tiffany.” With that, she mmed the door shut.


    Andrew stumbled backward, but not fast enough. The door still struck his nose. Rubbing the sore spot, he stared in disbelief. Is Alicia possessed? She has always been obedient. This is the first time she has ever refused.


    Then a strange feeling rose in his chest. ‘Why did she say no? How dare she? She owes Tiffany everything!’


    He kicked the door angrily. “Alicia, listen to me. If you ruin this chance for Tiffany, Dad will throw you out of the house. You can go back to being a beggar on the street.” Having said that, he turned and stormed downstairs.


    Alicia nced around her shabby room, smiling sarcastically. Since she had joined the family, they had put her in this room and forgotten all about it. ‘It’s time to go. I’ve been given a second chance. I won’t stay here and be their doormat anymore.


    The room held little that was truly hers: just the newly finished painting, a few pieces of clothing she secretly bought with her own money, and a debit card with her savings.


    Throughout her years with the Lawrences, Alicia had supported herself, without receiving even a cent from the family. She bought her own clothes, made her own meals, and was mostly forgotten by the family.


    The only time they noticed her was when Maria missed Tiffany and remembered she had a recement daughter. Then Maria would dress Alicia in pretty dresses, just like the ones Tiffany used to wear.


    Staring at the two elegant dresses in the wardrobe beside her own sparse belongings, Aliciaughed bitterly. ‘What kind of wealthy youngdy am I? Who has ever seen a daughter of a rich family live like this?’


    She stuffed her own clothes into a backpack, wrapped the finished painting in some old packing paper and tucked it inside too. After onest look around the room, she knew there was noing back. Even if she forgot anything, the Lawrences would never let her return for it.


    To ensure she had taken everything she needed, Alicia checked the whole room. In the corner of one drawer, she found a brooch. It was shaped like a golden leaf, dull andckluster, so in that no one would bother picking it up if it fell on the ground. But Alicia’s eyes widened.


    She recognized that brooch. In her past life, Tiffany had proudly shown it off to her, It was this very brooch that had made Tiffany be the savior of the Yates family’s heir.


    The Yates family was an extremely powerful n. Every member excelled in their field, standing at the top of their professions. George Yates had held a high-ranking official position. Thoughrgely retired, he still carried significant


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    influence in both military and political circles.


    55 vouchers


    George cherished his grandson, Charles Yates, whom he had chosen to lead the family. It was said that Charles had been sent away for rigorous training and forged a strong but cold character. After returning, he took over the reins of the Yates family.


    In her past life, this powerful man was Tiffany’s strongest backer. Alicia had tried repeatedly to escape the Lawrence family, but was always caught. She even called the police once, only to have Tiffany mock her. “Even Charles is on my side. Do you really think the police can help you?”


    Alicia didn’t believe it and managed to call the police. But when they arrived, the Lawrences told the police she was just throwing a fit. The Yates family’s steward also pressured the police to stay out of it.


    After that, no one listened to Alicia’s cries for help. She finally gave up trying to escape. With the Yates family backing Tiffany, she knew there was no way out.


    ‘But why is this brooch with me now? Does that mean it was always mine? I don’t remember saving Charles. But it doesn’t matter. As long as Tiffany never gets this brooch, Charles will never support her. And without him, I still have a chance to get my revenge.’ Alicia thought.


    She picked up the brooch, wiped it clean. Now its surface seemed to brighten slightly; revealing a subtle beauty. She pinned it inside her shirt, then put on her coat to hide itpletely.


    She didn’t know whether Tiffany already knew it could connect her to Charles. But to stay safe, she still had to keep it hidden. She couldn’t risk Tiffany’s bootlickers spotting it and taking it from her.


    But she had to wear the brooch today. From what she remembered, Charles was returning home and would pass by this very


    area.


    She remembered it clearly. In her past life, while resting her eyes from painting by the window, she saw Charles’s car. It even paused for a moment right outside the Lawrence house. <fn80ec> Get full chapters from F?ndNovel</fn80ec>


    She needed to go out before Charles’s car arrived and let him catch a glimpse of the brooch by chance. She had to make sure he knew it belonged to her. Even if he wouldn’t be her ally, she would never let him be Tiffany’s supporter.


    With everything ready, Alicia checked the time. It was almost the hour when Charles’s car would pass by the Lawrence house. She slung her backpack over her shoulder and headed downstairs.


    The entire Lawrence family was gathered in the living room for afternoon tea. Archie Lawrence, the youngest son, held up a photo. “It’s not often we’re all together like this. Someone’s always missing. Look at this family photo. Everyone must get a copy, and I want each of you to keep it in your wallet.”


    Just then, Alicia came down the stairs. Everyone turned to look at her, as if suddenly remembering the adopted daughter who lived upstairs.


    Adam Lawrence, the third-eldest son, looked awkward. “Alicia, you’re home? We thought you were still at school, so we didn’t call you. Well, since you’re here, we can take another family phototer.”


    Alicia lowered her eyes with a faint smile. “That won’t be necessary, I was never really part of this family to begin with. I won’t be in the photo.”


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