Chapter 3

When I got home after school that evening, the first thing I saw was Vanessa sitting comfortably on our living room sofa as though she belonged there.

She was seated right beside my mother, her fingers constantly brushing over the replica necklace around my mother's neck.

The jealousy and anticipation in her eyes were barely concealed.

"Nina, your skin is so fair. That necklace looks absolutely gorgeous on you. I'm so jealous you have a husband who spoils you this much."

My mother put on a shy smile.

"That's just his way of showing he cares. I've been wearing it for days and can hardly bear to take it off."

My father listened from the side and exchanged a subtle glance with Vanessa.

Neither of them could hide the satisfaction tugging at their lips.

They were convinced their plan was foolproof.

All they had to do was wait until after the gala, when Vanessa would steal my mother's body and take over her fortune, status, and entire life.

My father even put on the act of a loving parent as he walked over and patted my shoulder.

"Crystal, your grades improved quite a bit on the last exams. What would you like as a reward? I will buy it for you."

He looked as though the family fortune was already in his pocket.

I raised my eyes and smiled faintly.

"Thanks, Dad. You’ve already given me what I wanted."

He completely missed the meaning behind my words and happily wandered off to cut up some fruit.

Not long afterward, Vanessa stood to leave.

Before she left, she deliberately added, "I'll definitely be at tomorrow night's charity gala. I've even prepared a very special surprise for you."

My mother smiled and walked her to the door.

The moment it closed behind her, every trace of warmth vanished from her face, leaving only icy contempt.

"A surprise? She's just waiting to take over my life."

I leaned against the doorframe and pulled out my phone, sending Samuel a message inviting him to the charity gala that evening

His reply arrived instantly, filled with exclamation points and dancing emojis.

[Crystal! Once I turn into a beautiful woman, I'll be your best friend forever!]

I slipped my phone away and curled my lips into a cold smile.

The main event was about to begin and I could already imagine how spectacular it was going to be.

…

The charity gala was held in the grand ballroom of a luxury hotel in the city center.

My mother wore a custom wine-red mermaid gown, with the nearly flawless replica diamond necklace resting around her neck.

With her arm linked through my father's, she entered the ballroom at a leisurely pace and instantly became the center of attention.

The room buzzed with compliments and admiration.

My father was grinning from ear to ear, his eyes filled with confidence and ambition, as though my mother was already firmly under his control.

Across the ballroom, I immediately spotted Vanessa making her entrance.

She had deliberately chosen a gown in the same color palette as my mother's.

With glamorous waves, dramatic makeup, and a show-stopping outfit, she looked more eager to be the lady of the house than a guest.

The moment she saw my father, they exchanged a quick glance.

Their smug anticipation was written all over their faces.

Vanessa had been dreaming of this moment for a long time.

In her mind, she would soon take my mother's place, inherit her wealth, and enjoy the admiration that came with it.

Just then, my phone vibrated.

A message from Samuel popped up.

[I'm at the hotel entrance!]

I left the ballroom and found Samuel standing nervously outside.

He was wearing a navy pleated skirt, white slouch socks, and polished Mary Jane shoes. His hair was styled with meticulous care.

Around his neck hung the diamond necklace, glittering brilliantly beneath the lights.

"Crystal, my heart's racing. Are you sure this is really going to work?"

His voice trembled with nerves.

I patted him lightly on the shoulder.

"Relax. If you start feeling dizzy later, just lean on me. Don't fall and hurt yourself."

I led him into the ballroom through a side entrance.

The large clock on the wall struck exactly seven o'clock.

At that very moment, Vanessa, who had been watching my parents cut their anniversary cake, suddenly grabbed her head and staggered.

Her eyes rolled back, and she collapsed to the floor.

Beside me, Samuel's legs gave out as well, and he slumped against my shoulder.

The ballroom instantly erupted into chaos.

My father was the first to rush forward. He dropped to his knees beside Vanessa and pulled her into his arms.

"Vanessa! Are you alright? Don't scare me!"

I helped Samuel sit against the wall.

About thirty seconds later, the two unconscious figures slowly opened their eyes almost simultaneously.

The first to wake was Samuel, now occupying Vanessa's body.

He froze for two seconds before frantically touching his face, running his fingers through his long hair, and staring down at his new figure.

His eyes lit up instantly.

He spun in a delighted circle on the spot, unable to contain his excitement.