Chapter 3

By the time I returned to my senses, the emerald pendant was already in pieces.

My head buzzed. My body took over before my brain could catch up, and I slapped Michael across the face. I snapped, "Are you crazy, Michael? Why did you destroy my pendant?"

However, he didn't fight back. Instead, he just looked at me.

"Forgive her, everyone," he apologized. "She's my girlfriend. That pendant was just a cheap knockoff she bought online for nine bucks.

"She has delusions and always imagines that she's from some wealthy family. Here are her medical records. Everything I've said is true. Please don't hold it against her."

The papers were passed around, met with sighs.

"This poor girl has gone crazy. She thinks she can strike it rich by pretending to have family ties. Honestly, she almost had me convinced for a second."

"Who in their right mind would try to scam the Slaters? Fortunately for her, Mr. Slater Senior is kind. Any other rich family would have buried her alive."

The records finally landed in Daniel's hands. His face darkened as he flipped through them, then he resignedly waved his hand and said, "Enough. Take her away. We don't trouble ourselves with the sick."

Anna sighed in relief. A smug smile tugged at her lips. "You heard him. Security, throw her out already!"

The guards inched closer, but Michael blocked their way. He reached for me and pleaded, "Zoe, this world of the wealthy isn't ours. I just want a quiet life with you. Please come with me."

Comments exploded before me.

"Oh my god, Michael loves her so much. He's risking everything to protect her. I'm sobbing."

"Girl, stop being stubborn. The only way you'll survive is if you go with him!"

Every eye in the room looked at me like I was a fool.

I understood everything.

This had been his plan all along. Michael wanted to get rid of me. He wanted to clear the way for Anna to secure her place as the heiress.

I slapped his hand away and faced Daniel. "If none of you believe me, then I demand a DNA test."

After I woke up, I desperately searched for my family. I had studied everything I could about proving our ties. DNA testing was the one thing no one could dispute. I refused to let myself be dismissed.

Gasps echoed across the room.

"What's going on? Could she really be that missing aunt?"

"You're just stalling. Why should we listen to you?" Anna retorted. Her smile had faded, and there was panic in her eyes.

"That's enough." Daniel banged his cane against the floor twice, immediately silencing the chatter. He instructed, "Anna, get the doctor. We'll do the test."

Anna bit her lip. She was reluctant, but she didn't dare disobey him. "Yes, Grandpa."

The comments blew up again.

"She's really pushing her luck. If she keeps this up, she's going to regret it."

I ignored it all and took a seat to let the doctor take my sample.

Before long, the doctor returned with the results. "The results are out. I conclude that…"

The room held its breath. I lifted my chin and braced myself for the truth.

"Ms. Zoe and Mr. Slater Senior are not related," the doctor announced.

Laughter erupted.

"Seriously? I thought we'd get a twist, but she really is just a clown."

"She's been putting on quite the show. Now let's see how she explains this one."

My face drained of color. I lunged forward and snatched the report. But there it was in black and white: "No blood relation between Zoe Slater and Daniel Slater."

My hands shook as I clutched the page. "Impossible! I'm Daniel's sister. This report is wrong! I demand a retest!"

"Enough!" Daniel's command cut through the noise. He slammed his cane against the floorboard.

Silence fell once more.

"Many know my name. Many know that I've been waiting for my sister. You're still young, yet you've chosen the wrong path. Lies and deceit never end well." Daniel sighed.

He looked at me, disappointment clouding his eyes.