Chapter 1

At once, my arch-nemesis, Sophia Carter, recognized me.

"Jill, what are you doing here? You belong in the pigsty," she spat, her expression filled with contempt. "Don't tell me you're here to steal. Do you think a beggar like you belongs in a place like this?"

Her impeccable outfit made something stir inside me. Just as I clenched my fists and was about to retort, my biological father, Frank Gibson, walked up to the second floor and looked down at us.

"Over these years, I've failed to fulfill my duties as your father, and I owe all of you an apology.

"So I've prepared 20,000 dollars for each of you as compensation. If you want the money, go find the butler, Gregory Pike."

The mansion immediately erupted into chatter.

"Thank you, Dad!"

"I'm actually in desperate need of money. You're the best, Dad!"

As everyone rushed to Gregory, Sophia scoffed from the side.

"What a bunch of greedy fools. And they think they're worthy of competing with me for the position of the heir?"

After stealing my chance at being adopted, Sophia had grown up in a wealthy family and lived a life of luxury. So, naturally, 20,000 dollars meant nothing to her.

But to me, someone who had survived on nothing but plain bread every day, 20,000 dollars was enough to buy my life.

Seeing me itching to join the others, Mom quickly stopped me with a line of text that appeared before my eyes.

"This is the preliminary round, darling.

"Anyone who accepts the 20,000 dollars will be seen as short-sighted and immediately disqualified.

"But those who give up the 20,000 dollars will be viewed as ambitious and driven. Only they will qualify for the actual competition."

I stopped in my tracks and secretly glanced up at Frank.

Sure enough, he was scrutinizing the women lining up to collect the money, shaking his head in disappointment.

Just then, Gregory announced, "Anyone who wants the 20,000 dollars must first sign this agreement relinquishing their right to inherit."

Without a moment's hesitation, I hurried out of the line.

However, the agreement didn't scare everyone off. Most of the illegitimate daughters only had their eyes on the 20,000 dollars right in front of them and eagerly signed the agreement one after another.

Frank let out a disappointed sigh before turning his attention to those who remained.

When my eyes happened to meet his, another line of text appeared before me.

"See? Mom would never lie to you.

"Just do as I say, and don't worry. I never managed to get a single cent out of that deadbeat while I was alive, so you have to make me proud and fight for what you deserve."

The next second, Frank announced solemnly, "There are currently 20 people who have given up the 20,000 dollars. Follow the bodyguards upstairs."

When Sophia saw me following behind them, she froze.

"Jill, you're an illegitimate daughter too? So, we're half-sisters?"

I ignored her.

At that moment, Frank was announcing the rules of the first round.

"If you want to become my heir, financial management and the ability to make money are both crucial.

"I'll give each of you 100,000 dollars in starting capital. After one hour, only the ten people with the most money remaining will have a chance to become my heir."