Chapter 1

Chapter 1 Chapter 1 Elysia Rosewood lay stretched out on an ancient tree, a piece of dogtail grass poking out of her mouth and a colorful floral shirt draping over her. She looked relaxed, but her eyes were laser–focused on a nest in the branches above.

“Elysia, are you really thinking about going back to the Rosewood family? I mean, what’s so special about them? Their family fortune is just a drop in the bucket,” said Damon Warren, a fatty guy who followed Elysia After a pause, he added, worry etched on his face, “I heard there’s an adopted daughter there. What if you go back and they give you a hard time?”

Yisrael Donnell affectionately ruffled Elysia’s hair, his tone softening. “If you feel mistreated by the Rosewood family, don’t keep it to yourself. You’ve got Silverstream backing you up.”

Silverstream was a village nestled at the foot of the mountains. Twenty years ago, Jack Lewis, the leader of the mafia came to this place. Leo and Max, who followed him here, took on his surname, though they weren’t related by blood.

Back then, the mafia decided to move away from shady dealings and operate from the shadows instead. Under Jack’s leadership, they settled in this beautiful spot to focus on their work. Over the years, Silverstream had blossomed into leadership, they settled in thi various industries, offering a surprisingly wide range of services Eighteen years ago, Jack discovered Elysia in the forest east of Silverstream–frozen and barely clinging to life. Fortunately, Jack was the famous “Magic Doctor” of Clusia, saving her from the brink of death. Since then, Jack and his two “brothers,” Leo and Max, adopted her and raised her like their own granddaughter.

“Don’t worry. Nobody can bully me.” Elysia flashed a mischievous smile, tossed the foxtail grass to the ground, and dashed toward her little cabin.

As soon as she walked in, Jack waved at her and said, “Elysia, you’re just in time. Come over and check what you still need.”

Elysia nodded. But before she could take a step, Damon approached with a bag. “Take this with you, Elysia.

Elysia glanced down and saw a bunch of high–tech weapons–handguns, sniper rifles, explosives, and so on. She thought helplessly, Am I going to a family reunion?‘

“Just in case someone tries to mess with you,” Damon explained. If so, just shoot them,”

Elysia was at a loss for words. ‘Do they think the laws here are just a joke? This kind of stuff has to be handled with discretion, okay?‘

“You silly boy, Elysia’s going for a family reunion, not to start a fight, Jack snapped. After digging through the bag, he pulled out a small handgun and handed it to Elysia. “If you really need one, this is more than enough.”

With a sigh, Elysia took it and stuffed it into her backpack. “Don worry. Tll be fine, and I’ll come back.”

Jack ruffled her hair. “Just don’t let anyone push you around out there.

“Got it, Elysia replied as she looked around. “Where are Leo and Max?”

Grandpa huffed. Those two old geezers went hunting this morning.

Elysia chucked. I’ll video call you once I get settled. Make sure take care of yourself, Jack Jack pretended to frown. Stop nagging and hurry up, Dort keep the Rosewood family’s men waiting, 14:01 Tue, Jan 28 Chapter 1 As Elysia reached the village entrance, the driver hurried over to take her suitcase and place it in the trunk. He then swung the car door open and bowed. “Ms. Rosewood, please.”

But Elysia didn’t budge. Instead, she spun around and, sure enough, spotted those two familiar figures. A smile crept onto her face–Leo and Max were just as playful as ever. Then she hopped into the back seat of the car, ready to roll.

Honestly, Elysia didn’t sweat not having parents. She just got a little jealous sometimes of kids who were showered with love and care. She figured maybe Jack was onto something; not every feeling could be swapped out, especially when it came to family bonds.

The Rosewood residence was a three–story villa located in the heart of the city. It wasn’t too large–around 10,000 square feet–

with gardens and a pool both in the front and back.

As Elysia scoped the place out, she figured it was pretty down–to–earth compared to her fancy digs on Yoris Island.

“Jason, who’s this you got with you? She looks like she’s been living under a rock. She could be carrying all sorts of germs. A.

voice cut through Elysia’s thoughts.

“Ms. Emma Rosewood, this is Ms. Elysia Rosewood. Mr. Rosewood told us to bring her home, Jason replied.

“Ms. Elysia Rosewood?” Emma frowned. “She has been missing for eighteen years. Are you sure this is not an impostor?”

Jason lowered his gaze, his voice firm. “Mr. Rosewood gave the orders himself. There’s no mix–up here.”

Emma scrutinized Elysia, who was adorned with braids and a large floral dress–she certainly appeared quite unrefined.

But when Emma’s eyes landed on Elysia’s face, she couldn’t hide her surprise. No makeup, but that skin was next–level-

flawless, smooth, and soft. Even Emma couldn’t take her eyes off her.

“How can a girl who’s been kicking it in the countryside for eighteen years have skin that good?” Emma thought, feeling a pang of jealousy.

Elysia eyed Emma with disdain. Before coming here, she had read up on everyone in the Rosewood family. So, it didn’t take long to realize that this arrogant girl was the adopted daughter.

Suddenly, Elysia’s curiosity was piqued–she was even kinda excited to see how her long–lost parents would stack her up against Emma after all these eighteen years.

“Impersonate?” Elysia chuckled softly. “You, an adopted daughter dare to question the identity of the Rosewood family’s biological daughter? Has the family taken care of you for so long that you’ve forgotten your own place?”

My place? The Rosewood family’s adopted daughter? Emma fraze on the spot.

“Who gave you the nerve to talk like that, Elysia? She’s your sister How can you be so rude? Bella Rosewood chimed in.

She and her husband, Scott, had been waiting in the living room Elysia were arguing in the garden, they bolted over just in time for Elysia. When the servant told them that Emma and catch Elysia’s frosty remarks.

Emma quickly grabbed Bella’s arm, her face full of hurt. Mom she really my sister? Why didn’t anyone tell me before? *I’m sorry, sweetheart Bella said, her voice soft I planned to introduce you two when she got here, I didn’t expect you two 14:01 Tue, Jan 28 W Chapter 1 to run into each other in the garden.

9 “No. Mom. It’s my fault. I should have reached out first instead of clashing with her. Don’t blame her for this. After all, I’m just the adopted one, and she’s your flesh and blood, Einma said, her words tumbling out in a rush.

Elysia stood there, taking it all in, and thought to herself, ‘What two–faced woman.

“What are you saying. Emma? You are my daughter, the lady of the Rosewood family. I won’t let anyone look down on you,”

Bella insisted, casting an annoyed glance at Elysia.

Inside, she thought. What an unrefined country bumpkin. She’s nothing like Emma, who has been raised by my side. “Elysia, we adopted Emma, and she’s your sister. Is this how you treat her? Where are your manners?” Bella scolded. Feeling the stark difference in Bella’s attitude toward her and Emma was painful for Elysia. She had envisioned many scenarios for reuniting with her parents but never thought Bella would show such favoritism toward Emma.

Elysia’s heart sank as the flicker of hope she had for her parents quickly faded. She realized not all parents love their children equally.

14:01 Tue, Jan 28