Panicking at Her True Colors

When Yelena Sterling, the fake heiress, found me, I was fishing by the river under the scorching sun.She grabbed my hand with tears in her eyes. "Mary, I finally found you!"Before I could react, a group of people yanked me off the fishing boat and shoved me into a luxury car.The moment the car door closed shut, the smile on Yelena's face vanished. It was replaced by an icy glare that seemed to pierce through me like an arrow.She didn't move her lips, but I could hear her thoughts loud and clear."This is infuriating! How is this woman so pretty? She looks absolutely stunning! Pfft, what does it matter? She's just a pawn to take my place and marry that cripple anyway."This is all because of my useless mother. She can't even cancel one stupid engagement! If not for that, I wouldn't have to let this woman return to the family."Even if she comes back to the Sterling family, I'll make sure she never has a good day in her life."Half an hour later, we switched to a private jet

I swept my gaze over the group, then slowly and deliberately corrected them. "I was catching a sturgeon, an endangered species. Its cartilage and spinal marrow contain anti-cancer factors, making it highly valuable for academic research and economic purposes. In fact, every single person here is worth far less than that fish."The socialites bristled as if I had struck a nerve. They glared at me."Hah! Catching an endangered species? You must've been trying to sell it for money to survive. Oh, you poor, pathetic girl.""Just because you returned to the Sterling family doesn't mean you're a real heiress. A barnyard hen perched on a high branch doesn't get to be called an eagle. You'll never be on the same level as Yelena.""Exactly! It was Yelena's kindness and generosity that saved a stray like you from the slums. You should be thanking her on your knees right now."With that, a few of them reached out to press down on my shoulders.I grabbed two wrists, shifted my weight, and, u

Yelena sidled up to Johnny and clung to his arm. She called sweetly, "Johnny."Johnny recoiled as if she were a venomous snake, then pried her hands off and stepped behind their parents for cover.Her thoughts echoed in everyone's mind once more."Has Johnny lost his damn mind too? How dare he ignore me? Does he have a death wish or something?"Frustrated, Yelena shot a look at Cindy and the others. She was silently ordering them to handle the dog for her.Cindy sneered back, then threw the counterfeit handbag Yelena had gifted her into the trash. Then, with the rest of her friends in tow, they flipped Yelena off before striding away together.Yelena was livid. She blamed everything on Lilian. If Lilian had not humiliated her by forcing her to handle the dog, no one would have dared to look down on her!Lilian's sudden outburst had made one thing clear to the smarter guests: everyone could hear Yelena's thoughts.I believed I could use this to my advantage and bait out my real

I briefly explained my objectives to Lilian and Howard.Our team had recently dismantled a large-scale scam operation in Rangoria, but the mastermind was still at large and hiding in Ashborough under a secret identity.He was a high-profile figure with a strong interest in antiques. This mission's objective was to lure him out and take the entire gang down.Lilian spoke up. "With the Sterling-Madden engagement, all of Ashborough's most powerful officials and elite figures are gathered here. Are you planning to use this as an opportunity to screen for potential suspects?"I narrowed my eyes and nodded."I've released some bait. Mrs. Madden Senior, I'll need your people to secretly keep an eye on Yelena. Additionally, I want to take advantage of the Sterling-Madden engagement to host a live auction. "The key item needs to be a thousand-year-old antique—something rare and precious enough to serve as the perfect bait.""Understood. I'll make the arrangements right away," Lilian r

The next morning, Clara prepared a lavish spread for breakfast.Yelena wasted no time stirring up drama the moment she woke up.Lacking any originality, she threw herself down the stairs from the second floor and accused me of pushing her. With blood trickling from her forehead and her face badly swollen, she cried pitifully, "Dad, Mom, Johnny, help me! Call an ambulance!"One by one, my parents and Johnny stepped out of their rooms. But instead of rushing to her aid, they took their time coming downstairs.Yelena's thoughts were deafening."They hate seeing me hurt. Just wait, Mary. You're about to get ripped apart by my three loyal dogs! I barely need to do anything to have these three idiots dancing in the palm of my hand. "The Sterling family fortune will be mine, and Mary won't get a damn cent. Johnny can forget about inheriting anything too!"Johnny was the first to pass her, and Yelena quickly clung to his leg.Before she could speak, he pried her off with a scowl and