Hired by my family Rival

"Why would you do this?" Racheal Louis shouted, her voice trembling with anger and disbelief. Her younger brother Carl stared at the floor, his hands stuffed into his pockets, unable to meet her eyes. "I... I didn’t think Chelsea would actually win," he muttered, his voice barely audible. Racheal's heart sank. Again. "I've told you a thousand times—you're not meant for gambling. You've never won a single game, Carl. We can’t keep going like this." Her tone softened as she sank onto the threadbare couch in their tiny living room. She opened the warm box of pizza she'd brought home for dinner, the only comfort she could afford that night. Carl said nothing. Shame coated his silence. Racheal had fought for everything. Orphaned at fourteen, cast aside by her family who had only wanted her father’s company, she had learned to survive on her own. Life had been brutal—menial jobs, abusive environments, and countless foster homes. She had endured it all, not for herself, but for Carl.

Racheal had spent two days indoors, studying every detail about Anna Daniels. She couldn’t risk being found out—not when everything depended on this deception. The day had finally arrived—the day she would meet Austin’s family.That morning, a luxury box was delivered to her door. Inside, nestled in silk, was a black Dior dress. Her breath caught. She had never worn anything so expensive. For hours, she rehearsed her lines, her posture, her expressions. She perfected her makeup and styled her hair until she barely recognized herself in the mirror.When a car horn sounded, she peeked through the window. There it was: a sleek black Bugatti. And Austin, waiting by the passenger door in a tailored suit that complimented his frame. He looked up, caught her gaze, and smiled. Damn him. That smile could make anyone believe in dreams.Racheal slipped into the dress and stepped outside, her heels clicking softly against the pavement. Austin’s eyes widened. He couldn’t tear them away from her—th

Rachel’s heart raced in her chest as Daisy’s icy tone echoed in her head. She had smiled, lied through her teeth, and barely held herself together. The second Daisy walked away, she rushed through the hallway, frantically searching for Austin.She found him in the east garden, leaning against a column, scrolling through his phone.“Austin,” she called, her voice tight.He turned, immediately alert. “What’s wrong?”“We have a problem,” she said, lowering her voice. “Your mom... her reaction was off. I told her my allergies disappeared when I turned twenty, but—something about the way she looked at me... I think she knows. Or suspects.”Austin’s jaw tensed. “Damn it,” he muttered, standing straight. “She’s testing you.”Rachel nodded. “Maybe we should tell her something. I don’t know—maybe I had an injury when I ran away. Something that affected my memory. Anything.”Austin thought quickly. He could see the panic flickering behind Rachel’s eyes.“I’ll handle it,” he said calmly, placing

Rachel rose before the sun, her hands moving in practiced silence as she prepared a breakfast that could impress royalty—blueberry muffins, tender braised chicken, and sautéed eggplant, all plated with care. She had one goal: win Daisy over, and make sure no new investigator was hired. The closer they got to the truth, the closer she came to losing everything.But when Daisy learned Anna had made the breakfast, she hesitated. Between John’s raised brow and Austin’s warm encouragement, she reluctantly tasted it—and didn’t complain. Rachel made mental notes: Daisy always microwaved her meals first and never touched anything green. She hated cabbage, and she seemed to flinch at certain smells.“Do you remember anything about your childhood?” Daisy asked her one evening, a softness in her voice.Rachel froze. “It’s painful,” she whispered. “I don’t remember much. That’s why I couldn’t find my way home. I must’ve had a family... probably.” She gave a sheepish laugh, brushing it off, though

Racheal hadn’t slept a wink all night. Amanda’s piercing gaze from the dining room lingered in her mind like a bad omen. And Austin—his words, his nearness—clouded everything. She felt trapped, like a ticking bomb beneath layers of secrets and stolen identity. She wanted it to be over, but she wasn’t sure how much more she could endure. She didn’t know if she was expected at the office today. And frankly, she didn’t care. She just needed to breathe. Still, she rose slowly from bed, her movements heavy with dread. She needed a distraction. Bushes, she thought randomly. Anything to take my mind off Amanda. But there were no bushes, no escape—just the mirror, her pale reflection, and the makeup she began applying with trembling hands. Then came the knock. A quick, sharp sound that made her heart skip. “Come in,” she called, trying to sound composed. To her surprise, Sam walked in—with Austin right behind him. “Good day, Miss—” Sam paused deliberately, “Anna.” She stiffened. “I h