The Fake Heiress's Downfall
I squinted, watching the city skyline below gradually sharpen into focus.
Three years. I have returned, at last.
My fingertip lightly traced the scar inside my cuff, a mark of that accident from three years ago.
That night, I nearly died in the icy river.
Had someone not rescued me, I would have become just another Jane Doe.
To survive and to secretly investigate the truth, I was forced to vanish from everyone's sight.
For three years, I lived in a foreign land, a ghost with a new identity and name.
Now, the moment is ripe. I can return.
A flight attendant pushed a beverage cart past, softly asking if I desired a drink.
"No, thank you." I shook my head, my gaze returning to the scenery outside the window.
Suddenly, the phone screen of the passenger in front illuminated.
A local news alert flashed, particularly glaring: "The Green Family's Heiress Bullied by Nanny's Daughter; Heartbreaking Scene Unfolds."
My heart plummeted. I approached swiftly, stating with civility, "Hello, may I examine this news report?"
The passenger in front paused, momentarily stunned, before relinquishing their phone.
The video depicted a frail little girl being violently shoved by a lavishly dressed girl, causing her to fall onto the cold floor.
Fear dominated the little girl's face, yet she didn't dare cry out.
That little girl is my daughter—Ann!
My fingers began to tremble, my voice acquiring a rasp: "When was this news released?"
"Apparently, it was released just this morning. I heard the matter has already spread throughout the region." The passenger replied.
I turned immediately toward the flight attendant, my tone urgent: "Excuse me, is it possible to reroute the flight and land directly at the airport near the Green Family Estate?"
The flight attendant appeared troubled: "Madam, flight paths are pre-approved and cannot be altered arbitrarily."
"I am willing to assume all responsibility, provided I can reach the Green Family Estate with utmost haste." I produced a black card from my bag. "Whatever the cost, I will settle it."
The flight attendant hesitated momentarily. "Please wait," she said, "I will contact the captain."
Several minutes later, the flight attendant returned. "The captain has agreed to attempt to secure a temporary flight path, though it will require some time."
"Thank you. Your assistance is appreciated." I breathed a sigh of relief, my mind consumed by a single imperative: to return to Ann's side and shield her.
Each minute of waiting stretched into an unbearable eternity.
I sat in my seat, hands clenched so tightly my knuckles were white.
The image of Ann being bullied flashed repeatedly in my mind, my heart writhing with pain.
Three years ago, when I left, Ann was only five.
So small, so innocent; how could she endure such torment?
Finally, the announcement crackled: "Attention passengers, due to unforeseen circumstances, this flight will be rerouted."
Through the porthole, I saw the plane banking, heading towards the Green Family Estate.
A measure of relief washed over me, yet an even more potent emotion was now taking hold—rage.
The Green Family, that nanny and her daughter: everything you did to Ann, I will repay in kind, and then some!
The instant the plane landed, I wasted no time.
I swiftly collected my luggage, exited the airport, and flagged down a taxi.
"To the Green Family Estate, and make it quick." I instructed the driver.
Throughout the journey, my eyes remained fixed on the passing scenery.
Familiar streets and buildings stirred recollections.
The events of that night, three years prior, flashed before me—
That day was my birthday, and Mike Green told me he had a surprise.
Filled with anticipation, I followed him to the riverside villa.
I had no idea it was a carefully constructed trap.
I will never forget the frigid river water, the howling wind, or Mike Green's cold, indifferent gaze as he stood on the shore.
If a stranger hadn't appeared and pulled me back from the brink of death, I would have long since been buried at the bottom of the river.
From that day forward, I swore to uncover the truth and return for vengeance.
The taxi halted before the gates of the Green Family Estate.
I inhaled deeply and alighted from the vehicle.
The estate gates were firmly shut, three young men in suits positioned at the entrance.
I recognized them instantly – Mike Green's adopted sons: Alex Carter, Finn Collins, and Leo Wilson.
I treated them generously in the past; I never anticipated they would obstruct my path now.
"Stand aside. I intend to enter." I stated icily.
Alex Carter appraised me with a derisive gaze, a sneer twisting his lips: "Who are you? Do you even comprehend where you are? Do you imagine you can simply trespass upon the Green Family Estate?"
I frowned, not expecting them to feign ignorance. "Alex Carter, look me in the eyes. Do you truly not recognize me?"
Finn Collins stepped forward, his tone forceful. "We have no idea who you are. Leave immediately, or we will call the police."
"Call the police?" I sneered. "I am curious to see whether the police will arrest me, the mistress of this manor, or you lot, obstructing my path."
Leo Wilson said impatiently, "Stop talking nonsense and leave. Don't delay our business."
Just then, cheerful music drifted from within the manor.
Through the gate's opening, I observed the brightly lit banquet hall, where a reception appeared to be underway.
"Is there a banquet being held inside?" I inquired.
Alex Carter's eyes flickered, and he stated, "This is not your concern. Depart immediately."
My concern deepened; Ann must be within.
I can no longer afford to linger with them.
I forcefully shoved Alex Carter aside and dashed toward the manor grounds.
"Halt her!" Alex Carter commanded.
Finn Collins and Leo Wilson immediately gave chase, attempting to seize me.
Relying on the self-defense skills I had acquired over the years, I nimbly evaded their pursuit.
I ran toward the banquet hall, passing through the garden and circling the fountain.
Each step felt like treading on a knife's edge: urgent and furious.
The banquet hall doors were slightly ajar; I gently pushed one open a crack.
The scene within ignited my fury.
Ann stood in the corner of the banquet hall, wearing an ill-fitting, old dress.
Lydia Lopez—the nanny's daughter—was surrounding Ann with several friends.
She held a glass of red wine, poised to spill it on Ann.
Lydia Lopez's mother, the nanny, stood by, watching with a beaming smile instead of intervening.
"Ann, if you don't kneel and apologize to me, I will pour this red wine all over you." Lydia Lopez said with haughty arrogance.
Ann bit her lip, tears brimming in her eyes, but stubbornly refused to kneel.
"Do not push this further!" I pushed open the door, strode to Ann's side, and shielded her.
Lydia Lopez regarded me with a momentary pause, then said dismissively: "Who are you? How dare you meddle in my affairs?"
"I am her mother." My gaze fixed on Lydia Lopez, glacial and unwavering. "What were you about to do to my daughter?"
The nanny hastily interposed herself, shielding Lydia Lopez. "Madam, I believe you are mistaken. This is a family matter for the Green Family; it is not your concern."
"The Green Family's matter?" I scoffed. "It seems you have come to regard the Green Family as your own."
Lydia Lopez's countenance shifted momentarily, but her arrogance swiftly returned. "So what if you are her mother? This is the Green Family's residence, and what I say is law!"
I turned to look at Ann; her eyes were filled with surprise and grievance.
After three years, my daughter was noticeably thinner, her face pale, and her eyes held a fear unbefitting her age.
My heart ached as if lacerated by a knife.
"Ann, Mother has returned." I knelt and embraced her gently.
Her body trembled, clutching my clothes tightly, as if fearing my imminent disappearance.
"Mother, I am so afraid." Ann whispered, burying her head in my arms.
"Fear not, for your mother is here. No one will bully you again." I raised my head, my gaze as sharp as a knife, and fixed Lydia Lopez and her mother. "You will pay for your actions."
Startled by my gaze, Lydia Lopez quickly feigned composure. "Stop trying to intimidate us. The Green Family will not believe you."
Just then, Alex Carter, Finn Collins, and Leo Wilson rushed in.
Their expressions visibly changed upon seeing me.
"How did you get in here?" Alex Carter demanded.
"Why am I forbidden entry?" I fixed them with a stare. "You know precisely who I am, yet you feign ignorance and obstruct my access to my daughter. What is the nature of your deceit?"
Alex Carter's eyes darted away, avoiding mine. "We... we simply do not recognize you. Cease this unwarranted disturbance."
"Unwarranted disturbance?" I retrieved a photograph from my bag: a picture of Mike Green, Ann, myself, and the three of you together. "Surely this image is familiar? A mere three years ago, you were so quick to address me as 'mom.' How is it you now claim ignorance?"
The sight of the photos caused the three of them to pale even further.
Seeing this, Lydia Lopez quickly said, "So what if you know them? I'm in charge of the Green Family now. Leave immediately, or I'll call security."
"You're in charge?" I sneered, "Lydia Lopez, who do you think you are? Do you actually believe you're the Green Family's heiress?"
Lydia Lopez's face paled. "You... What nonsense are you spouting? I am the Green Family's heiress."
"Really?" I fixed her with a stare. "Then tell me, what is the Green Family leader's token? Where is it kept?"
Lydia Lopez's eyes flickered, and she stammered, "I... I don't know about any such token. I only know that I am Mike Green's daughter."
"You are not Mike Green's daughter at all!" I declared loudly, "Your mother was merely a nanny for the Green Family back then. You are her daughter, born out of wedlock. To remain within the Green Family, she falsely claimed you were Mike Green's daughter. Mike Green, concerned for his reputation, permitted you and your mother to stay."
Those present were stunned and erupted in murmurs.
The nanny, her face ashen, quickly retorted, "You're lying! You're slandering me! Lydia is Mike's daughter!"
"Whether I am making false accusations or not is something you know perfectly well." I fixed my gaze on the nanny. "When you gave birth in the hospital years ago, I had someone investigate. The timeline of your delivery simply does not align with Mike Green's business trip. Furthermore, your daughter's blood type is incompatible with Mike Green's. How do you account for that?
The nanny opened her mouth, speechless.
Lydia Lopez, now frantic, clutched the nanny's hand. "Mom, what she's saying isn't true, is it? I am a Green, aren't I?
Tears streamed down the nanny's face as she looked at Lydia Lopez. "Lydia, I am so sorry. I lied to you. You are not Mike Green's daughter."
Lydia Lopez was struck as if by lightning, frozen in place, unable to believe what she had heard.
Alex Carter, Finn Collins, and Leo Wilson also panicked; they had not expected Lydia Lopez to be anything other than the Green Family's heiress.
"Don't listen to her nonsense. Even if Lydia isn't Father's daughter, he won't allow her to be mistreated." Alex Carter said, attempting to appear calm.
"Is that so? We shall see what Mike Green actually does." I stated icily.
Just then, the doors to the banquet hall were thrown open, and Mike Green entered.
He wore an expensive suit, his hair meticulously styled, his face displaying its customary air of authority.
"What is happening here? What's all this commotion about?" Mike Green frowned, surveying those present.
The moment he saw me, his expression shifted dramatically, his eyes betraying surprise and panic.
"You... What are you doing back here?" Mike Green's voice trembled as he spoke.
"Why shouldn't I be?" I fixed him with a stare. "I've returned to see my daughter and to assess your stewardship of the Green Family."
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