Chapter 2

"Elodie, I swear you're the only daughter I have. Don't fall for their ridiculous lies," Dad insisted.

I dismissed my suspicions after seeing Dad put his hand up as if he were taking an oath.

I'd grown up spoiled, with Dad treating me like a princess and overseeing most aspects of my life.

He'd told me bedtime stories, made sure I had three meals a day, and even held a coming-of-age party for me when I was old enough to go to school. He actively participated and contributed to every big and small moment of my life.

He took such good care of me that he'd bring me everywhere, even when he was grinding at the company. Because I was constantly by his side, the company staff of all levels got to know me, too.

Among them were staffers who just couldn't keep their mouths shut. One of them had been caught whispering about my being Dad's "little deadweight".

That person was fired on the same day, even though he was a core technician whom the company went to great lengths to poach.

When I grew older and understood the unspoken rules of society, I stopped shadowing Dad. He'd bemoaned the lonely fate awaiting him, for if I were distancing myself from him at my age, he dreaded how much more detached I'd be once I started dating.

Then, he grew worried that some no-good punk would steal me away, so as a preventive measure, he gave me half the company shares. "I won't have you running off with someone who can't provide for you as I can."

I'd become the second-largest shareholder in the company at the tender age of ten, yet Dad rejoiced in it more than I did.

When I started attending an international high school, Dad made it a point to donate a building to the school so everyone on campus would know I was the beloved daughter of the CEO of Chapman Construction Group. It became clear that I was not to be bullied.

How could a man who loved his daughter so fecklessly and unconditionally have an illegitimate child?

The thought reassured me.

"Alright, then, Chapman. I'll let you off the hook just this once. But if I find out you're secretly raising another child, you're dead!" I ground out.

Dad swore over and over that he hadn't done anything wrong. He looked so small and humble, nothing like his usual formidable self.

"By the way, I ran into problems during admission. Could you take me to school to go over the paperwork once you're back?"

"Oh, of course, Your Royal Highness. Did the person in charge offend you? I'll make them apologize once I get home," he promised.

I laughed, then decided not to burden him any further with my concerns after I saw the dark circles pooling under his eyes. This could wait until his return.

When the call ended, I planned to relish in a few more days of fun before starting school, only to get a call from the new school itself. The teacher in charge from earlier was on the other end of the line, requesting my presence at school.

I was surprised by how quickly Dad resolved this. Had he called the school and put an end to this farce for me?

My plan to have fun was put on hold, and school was in session. I wanted to check out the new school anyway, so I headed over.

…

The teacher in charge, who went by Ms. Lowenstein, was waiting for me outside the school gates. When she spotted me, she led me through the gates without so much as a greeting.

"The welcoming ceremony has been set up, and all the students have gathered in the hall to meet you. Go on, then."

I was baffled. "Surely there's no need for you to hold a welcoming ceremony for a transfer student like me."

Even if Dad had donated a ton of money to the school, I doubted I had to present myself on stage.

Ms. Lowenstein snorted, then added a touch sinisterly, "The ceremony's specially prepared for you. You said you were Mr. Chapman's daughter, right? Ms. Elodie Chapman, successor to Chapman Construction Group."

She then half-shoved me onto the stage in the assembly hall, leaving no room for protests.

The students gathered below the stage whispered among themselves.

"This is the impostor who told everyone she's the heiress of the Chapman family? She's not much to look at, is she?"

"She doesn't have half of Annabel's beauty and grace!"

I frowned at this discussion, but I regained my composure and graciously addressed the crowd, "Thank you for holding this welcoming ceremony for me, ladies and gentlemen. As you can see…"

The whispers grew louder after I'd introduced myself. Suddenly, there was a loud noise, and a young lady stood up among the audience.