Chapter 4

When I turned a corner, only journalists who sensed gossip followed me. No one from the Jackson family came after me.

I refused to answer any questions.

I then took out my phone and started looking for the number of the University of Quiles' Admissions Department.

"I'm sorry, I regret turning you down before. Is it too late for me to apply to go to the University of Quiles?"

The person on the other end of the line was stunned at first, but quickly became overjoyed. "You're Laura Jackson? Back then, I tried my best to convince you to come to our university, but you insisted on going to an ordinary local university. Why did you suddenly change your mind? It's already past the application deadline, so technically speaking, you won't be able to enroll at our university anymore, but I'll talk to my superiors and see if there's any other way."

I was overjoyed when I heard those words and quickly thanked the person on the other end of the line.

Over the past couple of years, I had always tried to prove that I was better than Lily and let my parents see how good I was, so I had always given myself high standards.

But what I didn't expect was that when I came home with my top exam results, my parents had already gone on holiday with Lily.

I called them to tell them the good news, but my parents said angrily, "You knew Lily didn't do so well in her exams, why are you still trying to upset her by bringing up the exam results? Just hang up already! You're making Lily upset for no reason! So what if you've got good grades? You're still a useless country bumpkin!"

Those memories were so overwhelming that I found it difficult to breathe.

Just when I felt suffocated, my phone rang.

"Laura, I've spoken to my superiors and was able to get you a chance to make a transfer! Congratulations! You'll be able to enroll with us in two weeks' time!"

After hearing those words, I finally felt relieved. Tears began streaming down my cheeks.

It was tears of joy. I could finally leave this city and the Jackson family.

I thanked the staff from the University of Quiles and was about to head home to get the necessary documents to make the transfer.

What I didn't expect was that when I opened the door, the house was filled with dazzling lights. It was a party.

Lily was wearing heavy makeup and was swaying coquettishly to the music. All the boys and girls looked at me simultaneously when I opened the door.

Seeing that it was me, Lily turned off the music and furrowed her brows.

"Well, Laura, what are you doing at my house?"

I couldn't be bothered to argue with her, so I went back to my room.

"I came back to get my own ID and documents. It's none of your business."

Lily grabbed my wrist, and the anger was evident in her eyes.

"Let me get this straight. This is my house, not yours! What right do you have to come to my house and take things that don't belong to you? Did you regret what you said at the press conference and come to apologize to Mom and Dad? It's a pity that they're at the airport right now. I'm in charge now, so get out of my house!"

With that said, she pushed me to the ground. I didn't hesitate to get back up and fight back.

Seeing that I actually dared to fight back, Lily was infuriated.

"Are you all blind? You guys leech off me all the time, and now you're not helping out?"

With that said, the crowd surrounded me and began beating me up.

Seeing that I was at a disadvantage, I tried to leave, but Lily grabbed my hair.

"You've been kicked out of the Jackson family, Laura! And now you come back to my house and try to steal things? You deserve a beating, you thief!"

Amongst the chaos, someone smashed a beer bottle on my head. My vision became blurred by the warm blood.

Seeing that my face was covered in blood, Lily screamed. Then I was thrown out of the house.

Before I lost consciousness, I heard Lily's trembling voice.

"Oh no. She'd better not die. If anybody asks, just say Laura tried to beat me up, and I was just defending myself. Got it? Throw her into the back alley. Not many people would go there. That way, we won't be responsible if she dies from excessive bleeding."

When I opened my eyes again, all I could see was white walls.

My grandma, who had been living alone in the countryside, was sitting next to me.

"Bradley, you bastard! Your daughter is now hospitalized because of your adopted daughter! What the hell are you doing right now? How could you not come and check on your own daughter?"