Chapter 4

The Watson family certainly lived up to their reputation as the wealthiest family in Vinelake. The estate spanned over 1.3 acres, and the luxury car drove past a blooming garden and a private golf course before stopping in front of a brightly lit mansion. The driver opened the door, shielding the upper part of the door frame with his hand, ensuring that neither Norah nor Elisa bumped their heads as they got out.

"Licia, we're home," Norah said, her voice brimming with joy.

She was about to take Elisa's hand and lead her in when the doors of the mansion swung open. Maids lined up on either side as two figures hurriedly stepped out. It was Lucas and Isabelle.

"Licia, this is your father, and this is your "

Norah hesitated when introducing Isabelle. The two girls were born on the same day. Otherwise, they wouldn't have been mistakenly swapped at birth. Calling Isabelle her older sister didn't quite feel right, but neither did calling her her younger sister. Isabelle, however, was quick to fill the awkward silence. With a sweet, innocent smile, she called out, "Welcome home, my dear sister!"

Elisa looked at her, and everything seemed eerily similar to her previous life. It was the same settings, the same words, and the same innocent face.

However, only Elisa knew what evil lay beneath that seemingly harmless facade. She knew how much scheming hid behind those smiling eyes.

"Hello again, Isabelle. Let's see how long you can keep up the act this time," she thought to herself.

Elisa studied Isabelle for a few seconds, then tilted her head. In a voice that was even more naive and playful, she said, "Hmm, we don't look anything alike. How could they have mixed us up?"

Even newborns often resemble their parents. Given that the Watson family was the wealthiest in Vinelake, Norah had her delivery at the best hospital. Hence, the whole "accidental switch" story sounded far-fetched.

Nonetheless, the impossible still happened. Could it really have been an accident? Was it truly an accident?

Elisa's seemingly casual remark made both Norah and Lucas freeze. They exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with doubt.

After learning about the mix-up, they had launched an investigation. However, as it had already been 18 years, it was concluded to be a mistake. The truth of what happened that day had long been buried, and no substantial evidence could be obtained. Isabelle, caught off guard, looked hurt and on the verge of tears. "Are you blaming me? I was just a baby at the time. I didn't know I was a fake."

The word "fake" stung, and Norah's heart ached. Just as she was about to speak, Elisa calmly said, "When it comes to the mix-up, you and I are both victims. No one's blaming you, so there's no need to cry."

For a moment, Isabelle didn't know whether to cry or not. Just like that, her tears never fell.

Back then, they couldn't control their fates when they were mixed up as babies. What about now? Isabelle's sly tricks and underhanded tactics were well-known to Elisa. On top of that, that accidental mix-up all those years ago had never been an accident, to begin with. Lucas, lost in thought, quickly snapped out of it and smiled at Elisa. "Licia, I'm so glad you're home. Your room is all set up. Do you want me to bring you to see it?"

Norah, a little frustrated with her husband's calm demeanor, chided, "Is that any way to act? We just got our daughter back, and you're not more excited?"

"I am excited! I was pacing around the living room when I heard we found her!" When Norah didn't seem to believe it, Lucas turned to Isabelle to prove his point. "Isabelle, you're the witness. Wasn't I excited?"

"He really was, Mom. Dad was thrilled when he heard Elisa had been found," Isabelle said, smiling sweetly. No one noticed the tight fist hidden behind her back.

Only then did Norah let it slide.

As the family prepared to take Elisa inside, a maid suddenly ran over, looking anxious. "There's a family outside causing trouble, Mr. and Mrs. Watson. They injured two of our security guards and are yelling that Ms. Isabelle is their daughter. They're demanding to take her home!"

The warm atmosphere was disrupted, and Isabelle's face turned pale.

At the front gate, Shawn clung to the iron bars, his greedy eyes scanning the mansion. It was as huge as a park, complete with gardens, a golf course, and even a private pool. "Mom! Dad! We're about to be rich!" Shawn said excitedly.

He had it all planned out. Given that they were so wealthy, five million wouldn't be nearly enough. He was going to demand 50 million, and he wouldn't accept a cent less. Robert Watson, his father, took a drag from his cigarette and nodded firmly. "Ask for it! And if they don't give it, I'll tear this gate down!"

Olivia Smith, his mother, puffed out her chest, proud. "I told you I made the right decision! If it wasn't for me back then-"

"Alright, alright," Robert cut her off. "They're coming."

She fell silent immediately.

The maid, having received orders, opened the gate, casting a disdainful glance at them. "Mr. and Mrs. Watson are expecting you. Follow me."

The three of them stepped inside, taking in the mansion's opulent interior. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, and every detail of the décor screamed luxury and taste.

Despite the shared surname, the difference in their statuses couldn't have been more stark.

Though momentarily dazzled by the wealth, Shawn didn't forget why they were there. He scanned the room and immediately spotted Norah and Lucas on the sofa.

Straightening his back, he said loudly, "Mr. and Mrs. Watson, we're here to take our family home! You've raised my younger sister for 18 years, and we've raised your daughter for 18 years. Now that everything's been cleared up, it's time for everyone to return to where they belong!" The phrase "where they belong" made Isabelle so exasperated that she burst into tears. Hiding behind Norah, she said, "Mom, I don't know them! I don't want to go with them. This is my home. I won't leave!"

Her sobbing immediately caught Robert and Olivia attention.

So, that was their daughter? Dressed in an elegant gown, she looked like she had been showered with love and attention her whole life.

The couple exchanged a glance, then hurried toward her, calling out, "Oh, my dear daughter! How could you say such a thing? We're your real parents. Come on, let's go home!"