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Ten years later, I ran into Liam Carter again at a class reunion. All our classmates, successful now, were married with kids. Only Liam was still single. “Serena, Liam’s waiting for you. He hasn’t dated or gotten married in years.” They’d barely finished speaking when Liam walked in. He walked in, sharp in a suit, and everyone gasped. Ten years later, Liam was still drop—dead gorgeous. The youthful arrogance was gone, though. A calm maturity now settled in his brow. Knowing our history, they made sure Liam and I sat together. He kept sneaking glances at me, like he had a million things to say. But all he managed was a soft, “Rena, long time no see.” “Yeah, long time no see.” I responded blandly, my face completely devoid of any emotion about our long—awaited reunion. Childhood sweethearts, totally inseparable, but we ended up like strangers. I remembered the party after high school graduation, when he cut a slice of watermelon for the new transfer student. This time, I didn’t cry. I just quietly ended things. “All because of a piece of watermelon?” “Yeah.” He scoffed. “Fine. Just try to stick with it for more than a couple days this time. Give me some peace.” I didn’t say anything. I just grabbed my bag and left the private room. This time, he didn’t immediately follow me out like he always did. He figured I was just throwing another tantrum, that in a few days, once I cooled down, I’d naturally come crawling back to him, just like before. After all, that’s how all ninety—nine previous breakups went. But what he didn’t know was that it was the straw that broke the camel’s back. My heart, repeatedly stung and already riddled with holes, had finally run out of its last shred of warmth and hope. With that ninety—ninth breakup, I was truly done with him. Liam and I had always been known throughout the school as a match made in heaven. He was the school’s golden boy, tall with long legs, a face so chiseled it was almost intimidating. He always rocked a cool, black windbreaker, all swagger and charm, drawing girls in like crazy. But his eyes? They were always, only, on me. We were childhood sweethearts, practically glued at the hip growing up. At our baby party when we were just one, it was like we picked each other, destined from the start. By seven, our parents had already joked about our marriage. At fourteen, we were passing love notes. Sixteen, he officially asked me out. Eighteen, we promised to get into the same college... Everything was perfect until our senior year. That’s when Tiffany Hayes, a new transfer student, showed up in our class. When the homeroom teacher set up the “buddy system” for new students, she specifically paired Tiffany with Liam. She made it crystal clear: “If you don’t take this on, you can forget about dating Serena Reed anywhere on campus.” Liam, who was usually so aloof and distant, had no choice but to take on the assignment. At first, it was just regular tutoring sessions and showing her around campus. But little by little, things started to feel really off. When Tiffany mentioned she craved a cake from that trendy bakery in Soho everyone queues for, he ditched football training to get it for her. When Tiffany posted on Instagram that she was feeling down, he stayed on the phone with her all night. And get this: one time, when she had period cramps, he borrowed money from me to buy her hot cocoa... I was furious. We fought. And that’s when I started breaking up with him, over and over again. The first time I dumped him, it was on the phone. There was this long silence on his end, then I heard his breathing, ragged and fast. It was a total downpour that night. He showed up at my place, soaked to the bone, and stood outside all night. His voice hoarse, he kept calling my name, begging me to forgive him. The second time I ended things, he skipped a whole day of classes, posted up outside my classroom door, his eyes bloodshot. He shoved a thick, messily written but totally heartfelt love letter into my hands, begging me to get back together, all humble and desperate. But as it happened more and more often, he finally seemed to figure out my bottom line... that I couldn’t actually leave him! So, his apologies started getting lazier and lazier. What used to be an instant makeup turned into a day later, then three days, then a week... Until the ninety—ninth time. All that pent—up disappointment and heartache, simmering for way too long, just burst. I finally decided to leave him for good. The first thing I did when I got home? Fired up my laptop and, without a second thought, changed my top choice on the application. It was supposed to be NYU, our dream school, but I switched it to UCLA, clear across the country. Next, I started clearing out everything that reminded me of him. Limited edition plushies he’d given me, matching couple bracelets, little notes filled with sweet nothings, a thick stack of photos... Each one held a memory – sweet, bittersweet – but now they all felt impossibly heavy. I shoved it all into one massive cardboard box. The next day, I hauled that heavy box over to his place. His butler, who knew me well, showed me straight into the living room. In the spacious living room, he and Tiffany were sitting side—by—side on the plush carpet, playing the latest video game. They were super close, and Tiffany kept letting out excited squeals and sweet, flirty giggles. “Wow, Liam, you’re incredible! I’ve been stuck on this level forever!” My eyes instantly fixed on the oversized black T—shirt Tiffany was wearing. It was the limited edition one I’d hunted down for his birthday last year, hitting up multiple malls just to find it. When he got it, he was so surprised he picked me up and spun me around a few times, then whispered in my ear, his breath hot against my skin, “Rennie gave this to me. I’m gonna wear it every single day.” Turns out, his “wear it every single day” promise actually meant he could just casually lend it to another girl like this. Tiffany must’ve felt my stare, because she turned around. Saw me standing there with the box, and a sweet, innocent smile bloomed on her face. “Oh, hey Serena! You’re here? Liam asked me to come over and play some games. And he even cooked me pasta himself! But I’m such a klutz, I accidentally knocked over my juice, so he lent me his shirt to wear. Hope you don’t mind?” Liam didn’t even flinch. He just lazily lifted his eyes, giving me a quick glance. His fingers were still flying across the controller. His voice was totally casual. “What do you want? Didn’t we break up?” Watching him act like he didn’t care at all, a wave of bitter self—mockery washed over me. I remembered the first time I’d brought up breaking up, how he’d been a mess in the pouring rain, practically begging me. Then I remembered how it took him longer and longer to win me back after our fights. And the last time, he’d just sent a WhatsApp message: “Stop being dramatic. I’ll take you for BBQ tonight. He kept pushing my boundaries, and because I kept caving and forgiving him, he just got bolder and bolder. But he had no idea that even a camel eventually gets broken by the last straw. This time, the ninety—ninth breakup, I was genuinely done with him. “Exactly because we broke up, I wanted to return some of your stuff.” “If you’re just gonna be dramatic, you can just toss it. No need to bring it all the way over.” “Okay.” I nodded, no hesitation. Carrying the cardboard box, crammed with memories, I walked over to the giant dumpster nearby. Without a second thought, I just pitched the whole thing in. The box hit the empty bin with a dull thud. 2 I turned to leave. “Wait.” He stopped me. “Take your stuff from my place too.” He probably thought I’d be hurt by that, just like always. That my eyes would well up and I’d ask, “Liam, what the hell?” And then he’d smoothly say, “Let’s not fight,” and everything would just blow over again. But I didn’t say anything. I just turned around, silent, and started to systematically clear out my stuff from this house – a place I’d once known so well, practically called it my second home. By the front door, those fuzzy bear slippers he’d specially bought with my initials; on the kitchen mug rack, the cute strawberry mug that was exclusively mine; on the living room couch, the light gray throw blanket I always used... I picked them out one by one, calmly tossing them into another empty cardboard box, as if I were just clearing out some irrelevant trash. Meanwhile, his little game with Tiffany started up again, a fresh round. During a break in their game, Tiffany announced she was thirsty, then very casually picked up his half—empty water glass and took a sip. And he, the serious germaphobe who used to cringe even at my half—finished boba tea, just glanced over and said absolutely nothing. Tiffany then pouted, saying she was hungry, craving specialty tacos from some old, far—off spot. He didn’t hesitate, immediately getting up, grabbing his car keys, and walking right out the door. I watched it all, but my heart, strangely, didn’t ache anymore. Just a numb, icy coldness remained. I grabbed the packed box and headed upstairs, needing to get the last few things from his room. The moment I pushed open his bedroom door, a figure blocked my path. It was Tiffany. A smirk plastered her face, triumph and challenge in her eyes. “You broke up with Liam. What are you even doing here, still trying to get a reaction?” I didn’t want to get into it with her. “I’m just here to get my stuff. Make a clean break.” “A clean break?” She scoffed. “You think playing these mind games is going to make Liam even look your way? He’s so over your dramatics. Every time you threatened to break up, you just knew he’d come begging, didn’t you? What else can you do besides cling to him?” “Let me tell you something. Everything you like, everything you want, I’m taking it. You copied his applications, hoping to cling to him forever, right? Well, too bad. I got into NYU too.” I’m gonna take him from you, piece by piece, until he’s completely mine. And you’ll get a front—row seat to watch yourself lose.” I wasn’t going to entertain her bullshit. Clutching the box, I tried to walk past her. But she wouldn’t let up. She grabbed my arm, her words turning even nastier. “What, did I hit a nerve? Cat got your tongue? Serena, seriously, have some shame! Your clinging is just disgusting! No wonder Liam got sick of you. Looks like your parents didn’t teach you squat, raising a...” SMACK! The sharp sound of a slap echoed, cutting off Tiffany’s vicious rant. I’d had enough. I lifted my hand and slapped her hard. I could handle being messed with, but no one, no one insulted my parents! She clutched her cheek, eyes wide with disbelief. Then her face contorted with rage, and she raised her hand to hit me back! Just then, I heard the front door open downstairs, followed by footsteps. He was home. Tiffany’s eyes gleamed, a wicked idea already forming. She shrieked, then yanked my hand, dragging me down the stairs with her. “Aargh!” We both tumbled, hitting the first—floor landing with a sickening thud. My whole body screamed, every bone feeling shattered. My forehead slammed into the corner of a step, and warm blood instantly streamed down. Tiffany had taken a nasty fall too, but she scrambled up in a flash. Before I could even move, she clutched her face, strategically exposing the bright red slap mark I’d given her. Tears welled up instantly, gushing down as she sobbed dramatically, a perfect picture of distress. “Liam... Serena... she... she just came at me and hit me, then pushed me down the stairs... I’m in so much pain...” Liam’s eyes swept over the chaotic scene, his face hardening into a grim mask. He strode over, his eyes first landing on Tiffany, who was sobbing hysterically. Then his gaze, colder than ice, shot to me, struggling to get back on my feet. His voice was laced with frost. “Serena! What the hell is wrong with you?! This is my house. Who gave you the right to lay a hand on my guest?!” I bit back a gasp, fighting the searing pain and dizziness. “She insulted my parents first, that’s why I—” “Enough!” He didn’t even want to hear it, cutting me off sharply. His eyes were full of disappointment and impatience. “I don’t want to hear any excuses! Butler! See her out!” The Butler looked visibly uncomfortable, but still stepped forward, gesturing for me to leave. I watched him turn away without hesitation. He gently helped Tiffany up, then carefully cradled her to the sofa. He pulled out the first—aid kit and gently cleaned and dressed her wounds, as if she were some fragile, precious jewel. In that moment, my heart felt like it had been carved out of my chest. The pain was so intense, I could barely breathe. He used to treat me like that. I remember one time, I busted my knee in gym class. He went white as a sheet, totally panicked, and without a word, scooped me up and sprinted to the med center. The whole time, he kept whispering, “Don’t be scared, Rennie, it’ll be okay, the pain will be gone in a second. Back then, all his tenderness, all his frantic concern, it was all just for me. But now? All that care, all that patience, it was being showered on some other girl. All my explanations, all my hurt, they just choked in my throat, dissolving into a cold, crushing despair. I didn’t say another word, just dragged myself out, every inch of me aching and humiliated. I went to the hospital alone. The check—up revealed a mild concussion and a bunch of soft tissue bruises all over. The doctor wanted me to stay for observation. While I was recovering in the hospital, my phone kept buzzing. It was Tiffany, sending all sorts of taunting messages, along with photos and videos of him doting on her. He spoon—fed her porridge, peeled apples for her, and even took her for strolls in the garden. I just stared at them, my face blank, not replying to a single one. My heart was totally numb. Her provocations didn’t faze me one bit. 3 After I got out of the hospital, the class organized a graduation party. I really didn’t want to go, but my friends talked me into it. The moment I walked into the private room, I saw Liam and Tiffany sitting glued to each other. Tiffany was smiling, feeding him a piece of fruit. He didn’t refuse. When my classmates saw me, they all looked a bit awkward. They quickly gathered around, whispering, “Serena, what’s going on? You and Liam... fighting again?” I calmly shook my head. My voice wasn’t loud, but it was clear enough. “Not fighting. We broke up.” “What? Broke up?!” Everyone looked stunned. “Why? Liam was always so good to you!” “Yeah, seriously! When you got sick in senior year, he almost fought the dean just to get you a long medical leave!” “Oh, and! The surprises he’d plan for you every holiday? We were all so jealous!” “You two were the couple everyone thought would go from school uniforms to wedding gowns! How could you break up now, right before graduation?” Listening to them rattle off all his past ‘greatness,’ my heart felt like it was shriveling up in a pool of acid, bloated and throbbing. Yeah, he was that good to me once. Good enough that I genuinely believed he was my forever. But that’s precisely why his later coldness and favoritism felt so utterly brutal. I paused for a beat, then said softly, “We weren’t a match, so we broke up. Nobody’s indispensable. Besides,” My gaze flickered to him across the room, pouring Tiffany a drink. “He and Tiffany seem to be doing just fine now, don’t they?” He happened to catch what I said, frowning as he looked my way, his eyes unreadable. For the rest of the night, it was like he was deliberately trying to spite me. He went out of his way to be even more overtly affectionate with Tiffany, super attentive, practically glued to her side. He probably expected me to get jealous, to get mad, maybe even storm over and break them up like I used to. But I didn’t. I just sat quietly in my corner, chatting occasionally with whoever was nearby, my gaze calm and unruffled. As if he genuinely was just some random stranger, completely irrelevant to me now. But that utter silence, my complete dismissal, seemed to spark a kind of panic in him he’d never felt before. He instinctively started to move toward me, but Tiffany, right there beside him, grabbed his arm. Tiffany stood on her tiptoes, whispering something in his ear. He stopped cold, a deep frown creasing his forehead, and finally, just sat back down. Soon enough, someone suggested a round of Truth or Dare. A few rounds later, Tiffany lost. Her dare? Kiss the tallest guy in the room for three minutes. All eyes instantly snapped to him. Tiffany’s face flushed, but her eyes held a challenging glint as she walked straight up to him. The other classmates gasped, whispering, “Whoa... this is totally messed up, right? Serena’s literally right here!” Tiffany, though, shot a glance at me in the corner, her voice sickeningly sweet. “Serena, you and Liam are totally over. So, you’re cool with us playing a game and kissing, right?” Her best friend immediately chimed in, “Seriously! She’s his ex now, what right does she have to tell Liam who he can kiss?” Instantly, every eye in the room, including his, was on me like a spotlight. His gaze was intense, holding an unspoken pressure, as if he was waiting for my reaction. I lowered my head, my long lashes veiling any emotion in my eyes. My voice was barely a whisper, yet it cut through the silence, clear to everyone. “...Yeah, it has nothing to do with me.” Those words drew a definitive line. His face instantly darkened, his eyes blazing with fury and a simmering rage from being defied. He let out a sharp, cold scoff, then abruptly pulled Tiffany by the waist. To everyone’s shocked gasps, he slammed his lips onto hers! A wave of suppressed gasps and sharp intakes of breath swept through the private room, only to be swallowed by an eerie, deathly silence. I just watched as they full—on made out under the lights, practically glued to each other. Tiffany’s hand even snaked up around his neck. My heart felt like it was caught in a vice, a sharp, cramping pain that nearly buckled me. I dug my nails into my palms, digging in so hard it hurt, desperately trying to keep the crushing bitterness and despair from totally drowning me, from making me lose it right then and there. It felt like an eternity, but that agonizingly long kiss finally broke. Tiffany’s best friend practically yelled, “So, Liam, how was that? Kissing our Tiffany... gotta be a whole lot more exciting than with some other girls, huh?” His gaze swept over my pale face, a cold, cruel smirk playing on his lips. His voice was low, but every word cut deep: “No comparison. Tiffany... total knockout.” 4 Tiffany’s smugness was practically oozing off her. After a few more rounds, Tiffany lost again. This time, her dare was to sit on a guy’s lap and complete a specific task. Tiffany didn’t even hesitate, her eyes immediately darting back to Liam. I couldn’t take it anymore. I shot up, muttered something about needing the restroom to my friend, and practically sprinted out of that suffocating private room. I hid in the restroom, splashing cold water on my face again and again, but the tears just kept coming, mixing with the water. It took forever to get myself somewhat together. I just wanted to go home. As I turned the corner down the hall, I heard familiar voices coming from the patio. It was Liam and his closest buddies. “Liam, dude, wasn’t that a bit much back there? Serena looked ghost—white. Aren’t you gonna go check on her?” “Check on her?” He scoffed, a cold sound. “So she can break up with me again in a few days? Am I a glutton for punishment?” “True... it’s your own fault for spoiling her, though. She’d always pull the breakup card. Maybe this is a good chance for her to finally learn her lesson.” Exactly. Once classes start at NYU, she’ll be in a new city, won’t know anyone. She’ll definitely come crawling back. Then you just throw her a bone, and she’ll beg for you back. After this, she won’t dare threaten to break up with you again. Perfect. Standing outside the door, every drop of blood in me turned to ice. My hands and feet went completely numb with cold. So, in his eyes, all those times I tried to break up with him, all that pain and disappointment? It was just me ‘throwing a tantrum,’ just ‘a way to manipulate him.’ And his ‘lesson’ for me? To humiliate me in front of everyone by kissing another girl! I silently turned and walked away, down the stairs. The summer night wind brushed against me, but it was so cold it made me tremble. As I walked, memories flashed through my mind like a silent film. There was a time when, if I so much as frowned, he’d get all anxious, asking if I was feeling unwell. Back then, girls would constantly try to give him love letters. He’d always refuse them without even glancing, then come straight to me, looking for praise. “Rennie,” he’d boast, “I rejected another one today, all on my own. Praise me!” I’d gotten so used to his kindness, to him treating me like I was his one—of—a—kind treasure. When did it all change? It started the day Tiffany showed up. He’d break his own rules for Tiffany, again and again, completely ignoring my feelings. It wasn’t like I didn’t notice how Tiffany was special to him, or how he treated her differently. I was just clinging to that last sliver of hope, using breakup threats again and again to test him, to try and win him back. But all it did was make him see me as annoying and childish. Turns out, once I wasn’t his one and only anymore, even my tears were wrong. Lost in my thoughts, I barely noticed I was almost home. From a distance, I spotted a mail carrier standing by my front door. Guess my acceptance letter finally arrived. I took a deep breath, just about to step forward, when I saw a tall, familiar figure standing with the mailman. It was him! He was holding one of the envelopes, clearly marked with UCLA logo, and he was about to rip it open...
Ten years later, I ran into Liam Carter again at a class reunion. All our classmates, successful now, were married with kids. Only Liam was still single. “Serena, Liam’s waiting for you. He hasn’t dated or gotten married in years.” They’d barely finished speaking when Liam walked in. He walked in, sharp in a suit, and everyone gasped. Ten years later, Liam was still drop—dead gorgeous. The youthful arrogance was gone, though. A calm maturity now settled in his brow. Knowing our history, they made sure Liam and I sat together. He kept sneaking glances at me, like he had a million things to say. But all he managed was a soft, “Rena, long time no see.” “Yeah, long time no see.” I responded blandly, my face completely devoid of any emotion about our long—awaited reunion. Childhood sweethearts, totally inseparable, but we ended up like strangers. I remembered the party after high school graduation, when he cut a slice of watermelon for the new transfer student. This time, I didn’t cry. I just quietly ended things. “All because of a piece of watermelon?” “Yeah.” He scoffed. “Fine. Just try to stick with it for more than a couple days this time. Give me some peace.” I didn’t say anything. I just grabbed my bag and left the private room. This time, he didn’t immediately follow me out like he always did. He figured I was just throwing another tantrum, that in a few days, once I cooled down, I’d naturally come crawling back to him, just like before. After all, that’s how all ninety—nine previous breakups went. But what he didn’t know was that it was the straw that broke the camel’s back. My heart, repeatedly stung and already riddled with holes, had finally run out of its last shred of warmth and hope. With that ninety—ninth breakup, I was truly done with him. Liam and I had always been known throughout the school as a match made in heaven. He was the school’s golden boy, tall with long legs, a face so chiseled it was almost intimidating. He always rocked a cool, black windbreaker, all swagger and charm, drawing girls in like crazy. But his eyes? They were always, only, on me. We were childhood sweethearts, practically glued at the hip growing up. At our baby party when we were just one, it was like we picked each other, destined from the start. By seven, our parents had already joked about our marriage. At fourteen, we were passing love notes. Sixteen, he officially asked me out. Eighteen, we promised to get into the same college... Everything was perfect until our senior year. That’s when Tiffany Hayes, a new transfer student, showed up in our class. When the homeroom teacher set up the “buddy system” for new students, she specifically paired Tiffany with Liam. She made it crystal clear: “If you don’t take this on, you can forget about dating Serena Reed anywhere on campus.” Liam, who was usually so aloof and distant, had no choice but to take on the assignment. At first, it was just regular tutoring sessions and showing her around campus. But little by little, things started to feel really off. When Tiffany mentioned she craved a cake from that trendy bakery in Soho everyone queues for, he ditched football training to get it for her. When Tiffany posted on Instagram that she was feeling down, he stayed on the phone with her all night. And get this: one time, when she had period cramps, he borrowed money from me to buy her hot cocoa... I was furious. We fought. And that’s when I started breaking up with him, over and over again. The first time I dumped him, it was on the phone. There was this long silence on his end, then I heard his breathing, ragged and fast. It was a total downpour that night. He showed up at my place, soaked to the bone, and stood outside all night. His voice hoarse, he kept calling my name, begging me to forgive him. The second time I ended things, he skipped a whole day of classes, posted up outside my classroom door, his eyes bloodshot. He shoved a thick, messily written but totally heartfelt love letter into my hands, begging me to get back together, all humble and desperate. But as it happened more and more often, he finally seemed to figure out my bottom line... that I couldn’t actually leave him! So, his apologies started getting lazier and lazier. What used to be an instant makeup turned into a day later, then three days, then a week... Until the ninety—ninth time. All that pent—up disappointment and heartache, simmering for way too long, just burst. I finally decided to leave him for good. The first thing I did when I got home? Fired up my laptop and, without a second thought, changed my top choice on the application. It was supposed to be NYU, our dream school, but I switched it to UCLA, clear across the country. Next, I started clearing out everything that reminded me of him. Limited edition plushies he’d given me, matching couple bracelets, little notes filled with sweet nothings, a thick stack of photos... Each one held a memory – sweet, bittersweet – but now they all felt impossibly heavy. I shoved it all into one massive cardboard box. The next day, I hauled that heavy box over to his place. His butler, who knew me well, showed me straight into the living room. In the spacious living room, he and Tiffany were sitting side—by—side on the plush carpet, playing the latest video game. They were super close, and Tiffany kept letting out excited squeals and sweet, flirty giggles. “Wow, Liam, you’re incredible! I’ve been stuck on this level forever!” My eyes instantly fixed on the oversized black T—shirt Tiffany was wearing. It was the limited edition one I’d hunted down for his birthday last year, hitting up multiple malls just to find it. When he got it, he was so surprised he picked me up and spun me around a few times, then whispered in my ear, his breath hot against my skin, “Rennie gave this to me. I’m gonna wear it every single day.” Turns out, his “wear it every single day” promise actually meant he could just casually lend it to another girl like this. Tiffany must’ve felt my stare, because she turned around. Saw me standing there with the box, and a sweet, innocent smile bloomed on her face. “Oh, hey Serena! You’re here? Liam asked me to come over and play some games. And he even cooked me pasta himself! But I’m such a klutz, I accidentally knocked over my juice, so he lent me his shirt to wear. Hope you don’t mind?” Liam didn’t even flinch. He just lazily lifted his eyes, giving me a quick glance. His fingers were still flying across the controller. His voice was totally casual. “What do you want? Didn’t we break up?” Watching him act like he didn’t care at all, a wave of bitter self—mockery washed over me. I remembered the first time I’d brought up breaking up, how he’d been a mess in the pouring rain, practically begging me. Then I remembered how it took him longer and longer to win me back after our fights. And the last time, he’d just sent a WhatsApp message: “Stop being dramatic. I’ll take you for BBQ tonight. He kept pushing my boundaries, and because I kept caving and forgiving him, he just got bolder and bolder. But he had no idea that even a camel eventually gets broken by the last straw. This time, the ninety—ninth breakup, I was genuinely done with him. “Exactly because we broke up, I wanted to return some of your stuff.” “If you’re just gonna be dramatic, you can just toss it. No need to bring it all the way over.” “Okay.” I nodded, no hesitation. Carrying the cardboard box, crammed with memories, I walked over to the giant dumpster nearby. Without a second thought, I just pitched the whole thing in. The box hit the empty bin with a dull thud. 2 I turned to leave. “Wait.” He stopped me. “Take your stuff from my place too.” He probably thought I’d be hurt by that, just like always. That my eyes would well up and I’d ask, “Liam, what the hell?” And then he’d smoothly say, “Let’s not fight,” and everything would just blow over again. But I didn’t say anything. I just turned around, silent, and started to systematically clear out my stuff from this house – a place I’d once known so well, practically called it my second home. By the front door, those fuzzy bear slippers he’d specially bought with my initials; on the kitchen mug rack, the cute strawberry mug that was exclusively mine; on the living room couch, the light gray throw blanket I always used... I picked them out one by one, calmly tossing them into another empty cardboard box, as if I were just clearing out some irrelevant trash. Meanwhile, his little game with Tiffany started up again, a fresh round. During a break in their game, Tiffany announced she was thirsty, then very casually picked up his half—empty water glass and took a sip. And he, the serious germaphobe who used to cringe even at my half—finished boba tea, just glanced over and said absolutely nothing. Tiffany then pouted, saying she was hungry, craving specialty tacos from some old, far—off spot. He didn’t hesitate, immediately getting up, grabbing his car keys, and walking right out the door. I watched it all, but my heart, strangely, didn’t ache anymore. Just a numb, icy coldness remained. I grabbed the packed box and headed upstairs, needing to get the last few things from his room. The moment I pushed open his bedroom door, a figure blocked my path. It was Tiffany. A smirk plastered her face, triumph and challenge in her eyes. “You broke up with Liam. What are you even doing here, still trying to get a reaction?” I didn’t want to get into it with her. “I’m just here to get my stuff. Make a clean break.” “A clean break?” She scoffed. “You think playing these mind games is going to make Liam even look your way? He’s so over your dramatics. Every time you threatened to break up, you just knew he’d come begging, didn’t you? What else can you do besides cling to him?” “Let me tell you something. Everything you like, everything you want, I’m taking it. You copied his applications, hoping to cling to him forever, right? Well, too bad. I got into NYU too.” I’m gonna take him from you, piece by piece, until he’s completely mine. And you’ll get a front—row seat to watch yourself lose.” I wasn’t going to entertain her bullshit. Clutching the box, I tried to walk past her. But she wouldn’t let up. She grabbed my arm, her words turning even nastier. “What, did I hit a nerve? Cat got your tongue? Serena, seriously, have some shame! Your clinging is just disgusting! No wonder Liam got sick of you. Looks like your parents didn’t teach you squat, raising a...” SMACK! The sharp sound of a slap echoed, cutting off Tiffany’s vicious rant. I’d had enough. I lifted my hand and slapped her hard. I could handle being messed with, but no one, no one insulted my parents! She clutched her cheek, eyes wide with disbelief. Then her face contorted with rage, and she raised her hand to hit me back! Just then, I heard the front door open downstairs, followed by footsteps. He was home. Tiffany’s eyes gleamed, a wicked idea already forming. She shrieked, then yanked my hand, dragging me down the stairs with her. “Aargh!” We both tumbled, hitting the first—floor landing with a sickening thud. My whole body screamed, every bone feeling shattered. My forehead slammed into the corner of a step, and warm blood instantly streamed down. Tiffany had taken a nasty fall too, but she scrambled up in a flash. Before I could even move, she clutched her face, strategically exposing the bright red slap mark I’d given her. Tears welled up instantly, gushing down as she sobbed dramatically, a perfect picture of distress. “Liam... Serena... she... she just came at me and hit me, then pushed me down the stairs... I’m in so much pain...” Liam’s eyes swept over the chaotic scene, his face hardening into a grim mask. He strode over, his eyes first landing on Tiffany, who was sobbing hysterically. Then his gaze, colder than ice, shot to me, struggling to get back on my feet. His voice was laced with frost. “Serena! What the hell is wrong with you?! This is my house. Who gave you the right to lay a hand on my guest?!” I bit back a gasp, fighting the searing pain and dizziness. “She insulted my parents first, that’s why I—” “Enough!” He didn’t even want to hear it, cutting me off sharply. His eyes were full of disappointment and impatience. “I don’t want to hear any excuses! Butler! See her out!” The Butler looked visibly uncomfortable, but still stepped forward, gesturing for me to leave. I watched him turn away without hesitation. He gently helped Tiffany up, then carefully cradled her to the sofa. He pulled out the first—aid kit and gently cleaned and dressed her wounds, as if she were some fragile, precious jewel. In that moment, my heart felt like it had been carved out of my chest. The pain was so intense, I could barely breathe. He used to treat me like that. I remember one time, I busted my knee in gym class. He went white as a sheet, totally panicked, and without a word, scooped me up and sprinted to the med center. The whole time, he kept whispering, “Don’t be scared, Rennie, it’ll be okay, the pain will be gone in a second. Back then, all his tenderness, all his frantic concern, it was all just for me. But now? All that care, all that patience, it was being showered on some other girl. All my explanations, all my hurt, they just choked in my throat, dissolving into a cold, crushing despair. I didn’t say another word, just dragged myself out, every inch of me aching and humiliated. I went to the hospital alone. The check—up revealed a mild concussion and a bunch of soft tissue bruises all over. The doctor wanted me to stay for observation. While I was recovering in the hospital, my phone kept buzzing. It was Tiffany, sending all sorts of taunting messages, along with photos and videos of him doting on her. He spoon—fed her porridge, peeled apples for her, and even took her for strolls in the garden. I just stared at them, my face blank, not replying to a single one. My heart was totally numb. Her provocations didn’t faze me one bit. 3 After I got out of the hospital, the class organized a graduation party. I really didn’t want to go, but my friends talked me into it. The moment I walked into the private room, I saw Liam and Tiffany sitting glued to each other. Tiffany was smiling, feeding him a piece of fruit. He didn’t refuse. When my classmates saw me, they all looked a bit awkward. They quickly gathered around, whispering, “Serena, what’s going on? You and Liam... fighting again?” I calmly shook my head. My voice wasn’t loud, but it was clear enough. “Not fighting. We broke up.” “What? Broke up?!” Everyone looked stunned. “Why? Liam was always so good to you!” “Yeah, seriously! When you got sick in senior year, he almost fought the dean just to get you a long medical leave!” “Oh, and! The surprises he’d plan for you every holiday? We were all so jealous!” “You two were the couple everyone thought would go from school uniforms to wedding gowns! How could you break up now, right before graduation?” Listening to them rattle off all his past ‘greatness,’ my heart felt like it was shriveling up in a pool of acid, bloated and throbbing. Yeah, he was that good to me once. Good enough that I genuinely believed he was my forever. But that’s precisely why his later coldness and favoritism felt so utterly brutal. I paused for a beat, then said softly, “We weren’t a match, so we broke up. Nobody’s indispensable. Besides,” My gaze flickered to him across the room, pouring Tiffany a drink. “He and Tiffany seem to be doing just fine now, don’t they?” He happened to catch what I said, frowning as he looked my way, his eyes unreadable. For the rest of the night, it was like he was deliberately trying to spite me. He went out of his way to be even more overtly affectionate with Tiffany, super attentive, practically glued to her side. He probably expected me to get jealous, to get mad, maybe even storm over and break them up like I used to. But I didn’t. I just sat quietly in my corner, chatting occasionally with whoever was nearby, my gaze calm and unruffled. As if he genuinely was just some random stranger, completely irrelevant to me now. But that utter silence, my complete dismissal, seemed to spark a kind of panic in him he’d never felt before. He instinctively started to move toward me, but Tiffany, right there beside him, grabbed his arm. Tiffany stood on her tiptoes, whispering something in his ear. He stopped cold, a deep frown creasing his forehead, and finally, just sat back down. Soon enough, someone suggested a round of Truth or Dare. A few rounds later, Tiffany lost. Her dare? Kiss the tallest guy in the room for three minutes. All eyes instantly snapped to him. Tiffany’s face flushed, but her eyes held a challenging glint as she walked straight up to him. The other classmates gasped, whispering, “Whoa... this is totally messed up, right? Serena’s literally right here!” Tiffany, though, shot a glance at me in the corner, her voice sickeningly sweet. “Serena, you and Liam are totally over. So, you’re cool with us playing a game and kissing, right?” Her best friend immediately chimed in, “Seriously! She’s his ex now, what right does she have to tell Liam who he can kiss?” Instantly, every eye in the room, including his, was on me like a spotlight. His gaze was intense, holding an unspoken pressure, as if he was waiting for my reaction. I lowered my head, my long lashes veiling any emotion in my eyes. My voice was barely a whisper, yet it cut through the silence, clear to everyone. “...Yeah, it has nothing to do with me.” Those words drew a definitive line. His face instantly darkened, his eyes blazing with fury and a simmering rage from being defied. He let out a sharp, cold scoff, then abruptly pulled Tiffany by the waist. To everyone’s shocked gasps, he slammed his lips onto hers! A wave of suppressed gasps and sharp intakes of breath swept through the private room, only to be swallowed by an eerie, deathly silence. I just watched as they full—on made out under the lights, practically glued to each other. Tiffany’s hand even snaked up around his neck. My heart felt like it was caught in a vice, a sharp, cramping pain that nearly buckled me. I dug my nails into my palms, digging in so hard it hurt, desperately trying to keep the crushing bitterness and despair from totally drowning me, from making me lose it right then and there. It felt like an eternity, but that agonizingly long kiss finally broke. Tiffany’s best friend practically yelled, “So, Liam, how was that? Kissing our Tiffany... gotta be a whole lot more exciting than with some other girls, huh?” His gaze swept over my pale face, a cold, cruel smirk playing on his lips. His voice was low, but every word cut deep: “No comparison. Tiffany... total knockout.” 4 Tiffany’s smugness was practically oozing off her. After a few more rounds, Tiffany lost again. This time, her dare was to sit on a guy’s lap and complete a specific task. Tiffany didn’t even hesitate, her eyes immediately darting back to Liam. I couldn’t take it anymore. I shot up, muttered something about needing the restroom to my friend, and practically sprinted out of that suffocating private room. I hid in the restroom, splashing cold water on my face again and again, but the tears just kept coming, mixing with the water. It took forever to get myself somewhat together. I just wanted to go home. As I turned the corner down the hall, I heard familiar voices coming from the patio. It was Liam and his closest buddies. “Liam, dude, wasn’t that a bit much back there? Serena looked ghost—white. Aren’t you gonna go check on her?” “Check on her?” He scoffed, a cold sound. “So she can break up with me again in a few days? Am I a glutton for punishment?” “True... it’s your own fault for spoiling her, though. She’d always pull the breakup card. Maybe this is a good chance for her to finally learn her lesson.” Exactly. Once classes start at NYU, she’ll be in a new city, won’t know anyone. She’ll definitely come crawling back. Then you just throw her a bone, and she’ll beg for you back. After this, she won’t dare threaten to break up with you again. Perfect. Standing outside the door, every drop of blood in me turned to ice. My hands and feet went completely numb with cold. So, in his eyes, all those times I tried to break up with him, all that pain and disappointment? It was just me ‘throwing a tantrum,’ just ‘a way to manipulate him.’ And his ‘lesson’ for me? To humiliate me in front of everyone by kissing another girl! I silently turned and walked away, down the stairs. The summer night wind brushed against me, but it was so cold it made me tremble. As I walked, memories flashed through my mind like a silent film. There was a time when, if I so much as frowned, he’d get all anxious, asking if I was feeling unwell. Back then, girls would constantly try to give him love letters. He’d always refuse them without even glancing, then come straight to me, looking for praise. “Rennie,” he’d boast, “I rejected another one today, all on my own. Praise me!” I’d gotten so used to his kindness, to him treating me like I was his one—of—a—kind treasure. When did it all change? It started the day Tiffany showed up. He’d break his own rules for Tiffany, again and again, completely ignoring my feelings. It wasn’t like I didn’t notice how Tiffany was special to him, or how he treated her differently. I was just clinging to that last sliver of hope, using breakup threats again and again to test him, to try and win him back. But all it did was make him see me as annoying and childish. Turns out, once I wasn’t his one and only anymore, even my tears were wrong. Lost in my thoughts, I barely noticed I was almost home. From a distance, I spotted a mail carrier standing by my front door. Guess my acceptance letter finally arrived. I took a deep breath, just about to step forward, when I saw a tall, familiar figure standing with the mailman. It was him! He was holding one of the envelopes, clearly marked with UCLA logo, and he was about to rip it open...
Ten years later, I ran into Liam Carter again at a class reunion. All our classmates, successful now, were married with kids. Only Liam was still single. “Serena, Liam’s waiting for you. He hasn’t dated or gotten married in years.” They’d barely finished speaking when Liam walked in. He walked in, sharp in a suit, and everyone gasped. Ten years later, Liam was still drop—dead gorgeous. The youthful arrogance was gone, though. A calm maturity now settled in his brow. Knowing our history, they made sure Liam and I sat together. He kept sneaking glances at me, like he had a million things to say. But all he managed was a soft, “Rena, long time no see.” “Yeah, long time no see.” I responded blandly, my face completely devoid of any emotion about our long—awaited reunion. Childhood sweethearts, totally inseparable, but we ended up like strangers. I remembered the party after high school graduation, when he cut a slice of watermelon for the new transfer student. This time, I didn’t cry. I just quietly ended things. “All because of a piece of watermelon?” “Yeah.” He scoffed. “Fine. Just try to stick with it for more than a couple days this time. Give me some peace.” I didn’t say anything. I just grabbed my bag and left the private room. This time, he didn’t immediately follow me out like he always did. He figured I was just throwing another tantrum, that in a few days, once I cooled down, I’d naturally come crawling back to him, just like before. After all, that’s how all ninety—nine previous breakups went. But what he didn’t know was that it was the straw that broke the camel’s back. My heart, repeatedly stung and already riddled with holes, had finally run out of its last shred of warmth and hope. With that ninety—ninth breakup, I was truly done with him. Liam and I had always been known throughout the school as a match made in heaven. He was the school’s golden boy, tall with long legs, a face so chiseled it was almost intimidating. He always rocked a cool, black windbreaker, all swagger and charm, drawing girls in like crazy. But his eyes? They were always, only, on me. We were childhood sweethearts, practically glued at the hip growing up. At our baby party when we were just one, it was like we picked each other, destined from the start. By seven, our parents had already joked about our marriage. At fourteen, we were passing love notes. Sixteen, he officially asked me out. Eighteen, we promised to get into the same college... Everything was perfect until our senior year. That’s when Tiffany Hayes, a new transfer student, showed up in our class. When the homeroom teacher set up the “buddy system” for new students, she specifically paired Tiffany with Liam. She made it crystal clear: “If you don’t take this on, you can forget about dating Serena Reed anywhere on campus.” Liam, who was usually so aloof and distant, had no choice but to take on the assignment. At first, it was just regular tutoring sessions and showing her around campus. But little by little, things started to feel really off. When Tiffany mentioned she craved a cake from that trendy bakery in Soho everyone queues for, he ditched football training to get it for her. When Tiffany posted on Instagram that she was feeling down, he stayed on the phone with her all night. And get this: one time, when she had period cramps, he borrowed money from me to buy her hot cocoa... I was furious. We fought. And that’s when I started breaking up with him, over and over again. The first time I dumped him, it was on the phone. There was this long silence on his end, then I heard his breathing, ragged and fast. It was a total downpour that night. He showed up at my place, soaked to the bone, and stood outside all night. His voice hoarse, he kept calling my name, begging me to forgive him. The second time I ended things, he skipped a whole day of classes, posted up outside my classroom door, his eyes bloodshot. He shoved a thick, messily written but totally heartfelt love letter into my hands, begging me to get back together, all humble and desperate. But as it happened more and more often, he finally seemed to figure out my bottom line... that I couldn’t actually leave him! So, his apologies started getting lazier and lazier. What used to be an instant makeup turned into a day later, then three days, then a week... Until the ninety—ninth time. All that pent—up disappointment and heartache, simmering for way too long, just burst. I finally decided to leave him for good. The first thing I did when I got home? Fired up my laptop and, without a second thought, changed my top choice on the application. It was supposed to be NYU, our dream school, but I switched it to UCLA, clear across the country. Next, I started clearing out everything that reminded me of him. Limited edition plushies he’d given me, matching couple bracelets, little notes filled with sweet nothings, a thick stack of photos... Each one held a memory – sweet, bittersweet – but now they all felt impossibly heavy. I shoved it all into one massive cardboard box. The next day, I hauled that heavy box over to his place. His butler, who knew me well, showed me straight into the living room. In the spacious living room, he and Tiffany were sitting side—by—side on the plush carpet, playing the latest video game. They were super close, and Tiffany kept letting out excited squeals and sweet, flirty giggles. “Wow, Liam, you’re incredible! I’ve been stuck on this level forever!” My eyes instantly fixed on the oversized black T—shirt Tiffany was wearing. It was the limited edition one I’d hunted down for his birthday last year, hitting up multiple malls just to find it. When he got it, he was so surprised he picked me up and spun me around a few times, then whispered in my ear, his breath hot against my skin, “Rennie gave this to me. I’m gonna wear it every single day.” Turns out, his “wear it every single day” promise actually meant he could just casually lend it to another girl like this. Tiffany must’ve felt my stare, because she turned around. Saw me standing there with the box, and a sweet, innocent smile bloomed on her face. “Oh, hey Serena! You’re here? Liam asked me to come over and play some games. And he even cooked me pasta himself! But I’m such a klutz, I accidentally knocked over my juice, so he lent me his shirt to wear. Hope you don’t mind?” Liam didn’t even flinch. He just lazily lifted his eyes, giving me a quick glance. His fingers were still flying across the controller. His voice was totally casual. “What do you want? Didn’t we break up?” Watching him act like he didn’t care at all, a wave of bitter self—mockery washed over me. I remembered the first time I’d brought up breaking up, how he’d been a mess in the pouring rain, practically begging me. Then I remembered how it took him longer and longer to win me back after our fights. And the last time, he’d just sent a WhatsApp message: “Stop being dramatic. I’ll take you for BBQ tonight. He kept pushing my boundaries, and because I kept caving and forgiving him, he just got bolder and bolder. But he had no idea that even a camel eventually gets broken by the last straw. This time, the ninety—ninth breakup, I was genuinely done with him. “Exactly because we broke up, I wanted to return some of your stuff.” “If you’re just gonna be dramatic, you can just toss it. No need to bring it all the way over.” “Okay.” I nodded, no hesitation. Carrying the cardboard box, crammed with memories, I walked over to the giant dumpster nearby. Without a second thought, I just pitched the whole thing in. The box hit the empty bin with a dull thud. 2 I turned to leave. “Wait.” He stopped me. “Take your stuff from my place too.” He probably thought I’d be hurt by that, just like always. That my eyes would well up and I’d ask, “Liam, what the hell?” And then he’d smoothly say, “Let’s not fight,” and everything would just blow over again. But I didn’t say anything. I just turned around, silent, and started to systematically clear out my stuff from this house – a place I’d once known so well, practically called it my second home. By the front door, those fuzzy bear slippers he’d specially bought with my initials; on the kitchen mug rack, the cute strawberry mug that was exclusively mine; on the living room couch, the light gray throw blanket I always used... I picked them out one by one, calmly tossing them into another empty cardboard box, as if I were just clearing out some irrelevant trash. Meanwhile, his little game with Tiffany started up again, a fresh round. During a break in their game, Tiffany announced she was thirsty, then very casually picked up his half—empty water glass and took a sip. And he, the serious germaphobe who used to cringe even at my half—finished boba tea, just glanced over and said absolutely nothing. Tiffany then pouted, saying she was hungry, craving specialty tacos from some old, far—off spot. He didn’t hesitate, immediately getting up, grabbing his car keys, and walking right out the door. I watched it all, but my heart, strangely, didn’t ache anymore. Just a numb, icy coldness remained. I grabbed the packed box and headed upstairs, needing to get the last few things from his room. The moment I pushed open his bedroom door, a figure blocked my path. It was Tiffany. A smirk plastered her face, triumph and challenge in her eyes. “You broke up with Liam. What are you even doing here, still trying to get a reaction?” I didn’t want to get into it with her. “I’m just here to get my stuff. Make a clean break.” “A clean break?” She scoffed. “You think playing these mind games is going to make Liam even look your way? He’s so over your dramatics. Every time you threatened to break up, you just knew he’d come begging, didn’t you? What else can you do besides cling to him?” “Let me tell you something. Everything you like, everything you want, I’m taking it. You copied his applications, hoping to cling to him forever, right? Well, too bad. I got into NYU too.” I’m gonna take him from you, piece by piece, until he’s completely mine. And you’ll get a front—row seat to watch yourself lose.” I wasn’t going to entertain her bullshit. Clutching the box, I tried to walk past her. But she wouldn’t let up. She grabbed my arm, her words turning even nastier. “What, did I hit a nerve? Cat got your tongue? Serena, seriously, have some shame! Your clinging is just disgusting! No wonder Liam got sick of you. Looks like your parents didn’t teach you squat, raising a...” SMACK! The sharp sound of a slap echoed, cutting off Tiffany’s vicious rant. I’d had enough. I lifted my hand and slapped her hard. I could handle being messed with, but no one, no one insulted my parents! She clutched her cheek, eyes wide with disbelief. Then her face contorted with rage, and she raised her hand to hit me back! Just then, I heard the front door open downstairs, followed by footsteps. He was home. Tiffany’s eyes gleamed, a wicked idea already forming. She shrieked, then yanked my hand, dragging me down the stairs with her. “Aargh!” We both tumbled, hitting the first—floor landing with a sickening thud. My whole body screamed, every bone feeling shattered. My forehead slammed into the corner of a step, and warm blood instantly streamed down. Tiffany had taken a nasty fall too, but she scrambled up in a flash. Before I could even move, she clutched her face, strategically exposing the bright red slap mark I’d given her. Tears welled up instantly, gushing down as she sobbed dramatically, a perfect picture of distress. “Liam... Serena... she... she just came at me and hit me, then pushed me down the stairs... I’m in so much pain...” Liam’s eyes swept over the chaotic scene, his face hardening into a grim mask. He strode over, his eyes first landing on Tiffany, who was sobbing hysterically. Then his gaze, colder than ice, shot to me, struggling to get back on my feet. His voice was laced with frost. “Serena! What the hell is wrong with you?! This is my house. Who gave you the right to lay a hand on my guest?!” I bit back a gasp, fighting the searing pain and dizziness. “She insulted my parents first, that’s why I—” “Enough!” He didn’t even want to hear it, cutting me off sharply. His eyes were full of disappointment and impatience. “I don’t want to hear any excuses! Butler! See her out!” The Butler looked visibly uncomfortable, but still stepped forward, gesturing for me to leave. I watched him turn away without hesitation. He gently helped Tiffany up, then carefully cradled her to the sofa. He pulled out the first—aid kit and gently cleaned and dressed her wounds, as if she were some fragile, precious jewel. In that moment, my heart felt like it had been carved out of my chest. The pain was so intense, I could barely breathe. He used to treat me like that. I remember one time, I busted my knee in gym class. He went white as a sheet, totally panicked, and without a word, scooped me up and sprinted to the med center. The whole time, he kept whispering, “Don’t be scared, Rennie, it’ll be okay, the pain will be gone in a second. Back then, all his tenderness, all his frantic concern, it was all just for me. But now? All that care, all that patience, it was being showered on some other girl. All my explanations, all my hurt, they just choked in my throat, dissolving into a cold, crushing despair. I didn’t say another word, just dragged myself out, every inch of me aching and humiliated. I went to the hospital alone. The check—up revealed a mild concussion and a bunch of soft tissue bruises all over. The doctor wanted me to stay for observation. While I was recovering in the hospital, my phone kept buzzing. It was Tiffany, sending all sorts of taunting messages, along with photos and videos of him doting on her. He spoon—fed her porridge, peeled apples for her, and even took her for strolls in the garden. I just stared at them, my face blank, not replying to a single one. My heart was totally numb. Her provocations didn’t faze me one bit. 3 After I got out of the hospital, the class organized a graduation party. I really didn’t want to go, but my friends talked me into it. The moment I walked into the private room, I saw Liam and Tiffany sitting glued to each other. Tiffany was smiling, feeding him a piece of fruit. He didn’t refuse. When my classmates saw me, they all looked a bit awkward. They quickly gathered around, whispering, “Serena, what’s going on? You and Liam... fighting again?” I calmly shook my head. My voice wasn’t loud, but it was clear enough. “Not fighting. We broke up.” “What? Broke up?!” Everyone looked stunned. “Why? Liam was always so good to you!” “Yeah, seriously! When you got sick in senior year, he almost fought the dean just to get you a long medical leave!” “Oh, and! The surprises he’d plan for you every holiday? We were all so jealous!” “You two were the couple everyone thought would go from school uniforms to wedding gowns! How could you break up now, right before graduation?” Listening to them rattle off all his past ‘greatness,’ my heart felt like it was shriveling up in a pool of acid, bloated and throbbing. Yeah, he was that good to me once. Good enough that I genuinely believed he was my forever. But that’s precisely why his later coldness and favoritism felt so utterly brutal. I paused for a beat, then said softly, “We weren’t a match, so we broke up. Nobody’s indispensable. Besides,” My gaze flickered to him across the room, pouring Tiffany a drink. “He and Tiffany seem to be doing just fine now, don’t they?” He happened to catch what I said, frowning as he looked my way, his eyes unreadable. For the rest of the night, it was like he was deliberately trying to spite me. He went out of his way to be even more overtly affectionate with Tiffany, super attentive, practically glued to her side. He probably expected me to get jealous, to get mad, maybe even storm over and break them up like I used to. But I didn’t. I just sat quietly in my corner, chatting occasionally with whoever was nearby, my gaze calm and unruffled. As if he genuinely was just some random stranger, completely irrelevant to me now. But that utter silence, my complete dismissal, seemed to spark a kind of panic in him he’d never felt before. He instinctively started to move toward me, but Tiffany, right there beside him, grabbed his arm. Tiffany stood on her tiptoes, whispering something in his ear. He stopped cold, a deep frown creasing his forehead, and finally, just sat back down. Soon enough, someone suggested a round of Truth or Dare. A few rounds later, Tiffany lost. Her dare? Kiss the tallest guy in the room for three minutes. All eyes instantly snapped to him. Tiffany’s face flushed, but her eyes held a challenging glint as she walked straight up to him. The other classmates gasped, whispering, “Whoa... this is totally messed up, right? Serena’s literally right here!” Tiffany, though, shot a glance at me in the corner, her voice sickeningly sweet. “Serena, you and Liam are totally over. So, you’re cool with us playing a game and kissing, right?” Her best friend immediately chimed in, “Seriously! She’s his ex now, what right does she have to tell Liam who he can kiss?” Instantly, every eye in the room, including his, was on me like a spotlight. His gaze was intense, holding an unspoken pressure, as if he was waiting for my reaction. I lowered my head, my long lashes veiling any emotion in my eyes. My voice was barely a whisper, yet it cut through the silence, clear to everyone. “...Yeah, it has nothing to do with me.” Those words drew a definitive line. His face instantly darkened, his eyes blazing with fury and a simmering rage from being defied. He let out a sharp, cold scoff, then abruptly pulled Tiffany by the waist. To everyone’s shocked gasps, he slammed his lips onto hers! A wave of suppressed gasps and sharp intakes of breath swept through the private room, only to be swallowed by an eerie, deathly silence. I just watched as they full—on made out under the lights, practically glued to each other. Tiffany’s hand even snaked up around his neck. My heart felt like it was caught in a vice, a sharp, cramping pain that nearly buckled me. I dug my nails into my palms, digging in so hard it hurt, desperately trying to keep the crushing bitterness and despair from totally drowning me, from making me lose it right then and there. It felt like an eternity, but that agonizingly long kiss finally broke. Tiffany’s best friend practically yelled, “So, Liam, how was that? Kissing our Tiffany... gotta be a whole lot more exciting than with some other girls, huh?” His gaze swept over my pale face, a cold, cruel smirk playing on his lips. His voice was low, but every word cut deep: “No comparison. Tiffany... total knockout.” 4 Tiffany’s smugness was practically oozing off her. After a few more rounds, Tiffany lost again. This time, her dare was to sit on a guy’s lap and complete a specific task. Tiffany didn’t even hesitate, her eyes immediately darting back to Liam. I couldn’t take it anymore. I shot up, muttered something about needing the restroom to my friend, and practically sprinted out of that suffocating private room. I hid in the restroom, splashing cold water on my face again and again, but the tears just kept coming, mixing with the water. It took forever to get myself somewhat together. I just wanted to go home. As I turned the corner down the hall, I heard familiar voices coming from the patio. It was Liam and his closest buddies. “Liam, dude, wasn’t that a bit much back there? Serena looked ghost—white. Aren’t you gonna go check on her?” “Check on her?” He scoffed, a cold sound. “So she can break up with me again in a few days? Am I a glutton for punishment?” “True... it’s your own fault for spoiling her, though. She’d always pull the breakup card. Maybe this is a good chance for her to finally learn her lesson.” Exactly. Once classes start at NYU, she’ll be in a new city, won’t know anyone. She’ll definitely come crawling back. Then you just throw her a bone, and she’ll beg for you back. After this, she won’t dare threaten to break up with you again. Perfect. Standing outside the door, every drop of blood in me turned to ice. My hands and feet went completely numb with cold. So, in his eyes, all those times I tried to break up with him, all that pain and disappointment? It was just me ‘throwing a tantrum,’ just ‘a way to manipulate him.’ And his ‘lesson’ for me? To humiliate me in front of everyone by kissing another girl! I silently turned and walked away, down the stairs. The summer night wind brushed against me, but it was so cold it made me tremble. As I walked, memories flashed through my mind like a silent film. There was a time when, if I so much as frowned, he’d get all anxious, asking if I was feeling unwell. Back then, girls would constantly try to give him love letters. He’d always refuse them without even glancing, then come straight to me, looking for praise. “Rennie,” he’d boast, “I rejected another one today, all on my own. Praise me!” I’d gotten so used to his kindness, to him treating me like I was his one—of—a—kind treasure. When did it all change? It started the day Tiffany showed up. He’d break his own rules for Tiffany, again and again, completely ignoring my feelings. It wasn’t like I didn’t notice how Tiffany was special to him, or how he treated her differently. I was just clinging to that last sliver of hope, using breakup threats again and again to test him, to try and win him back. But all it did was make him see me as annoying and childish. Turns out, once I wasn’t his one and only anymore, even my tears were wrong. Lost in my thoughts, I barely noticed I was almost home. From a distance, I spotted a mail carrier standing by my front door. Guess my acceptance letter finally arrived. I took a deep breath, just about to step forward, when I saw a tall, familiar figure standing with the mailman. It was him! He was holding one of the envelopes, clearly marked with UCLA logo, and he was about to rip it open...
Ten years later, I ran into Liam Carter again at a class reunion. All our classmates, successful now, were married with kids. Only Liam was still single. “Serena, Liam’s waiting for you. He hasn’t dated or gotten married in years.” They’d barely finished speaking when Liam walked in. He walked in, sharp in a suit, and everyone gasped. Ten years later, Liam was still drop—dead gorgeous. The youthful arrogance was gone, though. A calm maturity now settled in his brow. Knowing our history, they made sure Liam and I sat together. He kept sneaking glances at me, like he had a million things to say. But all he managed was a soft, “Rena, long time no see.” “Yeah, long time no see.” I responded blandly, my face completely devoid of any emotion about our long—awaited reunion. Childhood sweethearts, totally inseparable, but we ended up like strangers. I remembered the party after high school graduation, when he cut a slice of watermelon for the new transfer student. This time, I didn’t cry. I just quietly ended things. “All because of a piece of watermelon?” “Yeah.” He scoffed. “Fine. Just try to stick with it for more than a couple days this time. Give me some peace.” I didn’t say anything. I just grabbed my bag and left the private room. This time, he didn’t immediately follow me out like he always did. He figured I was just throwing another tantrum, that in a few days, once I cooled down, I’d naturally come crawling back to him, just like before. After all, that’s how all ninety—nine previous breakups went. But what he didn’t know was that it was the straw that broke the camel’s back. My heart, repeatedly stung and already riddled with holes, had finally run out of its last shred of warmth and hope. With that ninety—ninth breakup, I was truly done with him. Liam and I had always been known throughout the school as a match made in heaven. He was the school’s golden boy, tall with long legs, a face so chiseled it was almost intimidating. He always rocked a cool, black windbreaker, all swagger and charm, drawing girls in like crazy. But his eyes? They were always, only, on me. We were childhood sweethearts, practically glued at the hip growing up. At our baby party when we were just one, it was like we picked each other, destined from the start. By seven, our parents had already joked about our marriage. At fourteen, we were passing love notes. Sixteen, he officially asked me out. Eighteen, we promised to get into the same college... Everything was perfect until our senior year. That’s when Tiffany Hayes, a new transfer student, showed up in our class. When the homeroom teacher set up the “buddy system” for new students, she specifically paired Tiffany with Liam. She made it crystal clear: “If you don’t take this on, you can forget about dating Serena Reed anywhere on campus.” Liam, who was usually so aloof and distant, had no choice but to take on the assignment. At first, it was just regular tutoring sessions and showing her around campus. But little by little, things started to feel really off. When Tiffany mentioned she craved a cake from that trendy bakery in Soho everyone queues for, he ditched football training to get it for her. When Tiffany posted on Instagram that she was feeling down, he stayed on the phone with her all night. And get this: one time, when she had period cramps, he borrowed money from me to buy her hot cocoa... I was furious. We fought. And that’s when I started breaking up with him, over and over again. The first time I dumped him, it was on the phone. There was this long silence on his end, then I heard his breathing, ragged and fast. It was a total downpour that night. He showed up at my place, soaked to the bone, and stood outside all night. His voice hoarse, he kept calling my name, begging me to forgive him. The second time I ended things, he skipped a whole day of classes, posted up outside my classroom door, his eyes bloodshot. He shoved a thick, messily written but totally heartfelt love letter into my hands, begging me to get back together, all humble and desperate. But as it happened more and more often, he finally seemed to figure out my bottom line... that I couldn’t actually leave him! So, his apologies started getting lazier and lazier. What used to be an instant makeup turned into a day later, then three days, then a week... Until the ninety—ninth time. All that pent—up disappointment and heartache, simmering for way too long, just burst. I finally decided to leave him for good. The first thing I did when I got home? Fired up my laptop and, without a second thought, changed my top choice on the application. It was supposed to be NYU, our dream school, but I switched it to UCLA, clear across the country. Next, I started clearing out everything that reminded me of him. Limited edition plushies he’d given me, matching couple bracelets, little notes filled with sweet nothings, a thick stack of photos... Each one held a memory – sweet, bittersweet – but now they all felt impossibly heavy. I shoved it all into one massive cardboard box. The next day, I hauled that heavy box over to his place. His butler, who knew me well, showed me straight into the living room. In the spacious living room, he and Tiffany were sitting side—by—side on the plush carpet, playing the latest video game. They were super close, and Tiffany kept letting out excited squeals and sweet, flirty giggles. “Wow, Liam, you’re incredible! I’ve been stuck on this level forever!” My eyes instantly fixed on the oversized black T—shirt Tiffany was wearing. It was the limited edition one I’d hunted down for his birthday last year, hitting up multiple malls just to find it. When he got it, he was so surprised he picked me up and spun me around a few times, then whispered in my ear, his breath hot against my skin, “Rennie gave this to me. I’m gonna wear it every single day.” Turns out, his “wear it every single day” promise actually meant he could just casually lend it to another girl like this. Tiffany must’ve felt my stare, because she turned around. Saw me standing there with the box, and a sweet, innocent smile bloomed on her face. “Oh, hey Serena! You’re here? Liam asked me to come over and play some games. And he even cooked me pasta himself! But I’m such a klutz, I accidentally knocked over my juice, so he lent me his shirt to wear. Hope you don’t mind?” Liam didn’t even flinch. He just lazily lifted his eyes, giving me a quick glance. His fingers were still flying across the controller. His voice was totally casual. “What do you want? Didn’t we break up?” Watching him act like he didn’t care at all, a wave of bitter self—mockery washed over me. I remembered the first time I’d brought up breaking up, how he’d been a mess in the pouring rain, practically begging me. Then I remembered how it took him longer and longer to win me back after our fights. And the last time, he’d just sent a WhatsApp message: “Stop being dramatic. I’ll take you for BBQ tonight. He kept pushing my boundaries, and because I kept caving and forgiving him, he just got bolder and bolder. But he had no idea that even a camel eventually gets broken by the last straw. This time, the ninety—ninth breakup, I was genuinely done with him. “Exactly because we broke up, I wanted to return some of your stuff.” “If you’re just gonna be dramatic, you can just toss it. No need to bring it all the way over.” “Okay.” I nodded, no hesitation. Carrying the cardboard box, crammed with memories, I walked over to the giant dumpster nearby. Without a second thought, I just pitched the whole thing in. The box hit the empty bin with a dull thud. 2 I turned to leave. “Wait.” He stopped me. “Take your stuff from my place too.” He probably thought I’d be hurt by that, just like always. That my eyes would well up and I’d ask, “Liam, what the hell?” And then he’d smoothly say, “Let’s not fight,” and everything would just blow over again. But I didn’t say anything. I just turned around, silent, and started to systematically clear out my stuff from this house – a place I’d once known so well, practically called it my second home. By the front door, those fuzzy bear slippers he’d specially bought with my initials; on the kitchen mug rack, the cute strawberry mug that was exclusively mine; on the living room couch, the light gray throw blanket I always used... I picked them out one by one, calmly tossing them into another empty cardboard box, as if I were just clearing out some irrelevant trash. Meanwhile, his little game with Tiffany started up again, a fresh round. During a break in their game, Tiffany announced she was thirsty, then very casually picked up his half—empty water glass and took a sip. And he, the serious germaphobe who used to cringe even at my half—finished boba tea, just glanced over and said absolutely nothing. Tiffany then pouted, saying she was hungry, craving specialty tacos from some old, far—off spot. He didn’t hesitate, immediately getting up, grabbing his car keys, and walking right out the door. I watched it all, but my heart, strangely, didn’t ache anymore. Just a numb, icy coldness remained. I grabbed the packed box and headed upstairs, needing to get the last few things from his room. The moment I pushed open his bedroom door, a figure blocked my path. It was Tiffany. A smirk plastered her face, triumph and challenge in her eyes. “You broke up with Liam. What are you even doing here, still trying to get a reaction?” I didn’t want to get into it with her. “I’m just here to get my stuff. Make a clean break.” “A clean break?” She scoffed. “You think playing these mind games is going to make Liam even look your way? He’s so over your dramatics. Every time you threatened to break up, you just knew he’d come begging, didn’t you? What else can you do besides cling to him?” “Let me tell you something. Everything you like, everything you want, I’m taking it. You copied his applications, hoping to cling to him forever, right? Well, too bad. I got into NYU too.” I’m gonna take him from you, piece by piece, until he’s completely mine. And you’ll get a front—row seat to watch yourself lose.” I wasn’t going to entertain her bullshit. Clutching the box, I tried to walk past her. But she wouldn’t let up. She grabbed my arm, her words turning even nastier. “What, did I hit a nerve? Cat got your tongue? Serena, seriously, have some shame! Your clinging is just disgusting! No wonder Liam got sick of you. Looks like your parents didn’t teach you squat, raising a...” SMACK! The sharp sound of a slap echoed, cutting off Tiffany’s vicious rant. I’d had enough. I lifted my hand and slapped her hard. I could handle being messed with, but no one, no one insulted my parents! She clutched her cheek, eyes wide with disbelief. Then her face contorted with rage, and she raised her hand to hit me back! Just then, I heard the front door open downstairs, followed by footsteps. He was home. Tiffany’s eyes gleamed, a wicked idea already forming. She shrieked, then yanked my hand, dragging me down the stairs with her. “Aargh!” We both tumbled, hitting the first—floor landing with a sickening thud. My whole body screamed, every bone feeling shattered. My forehead slammed into the corner of a step, and warm blood instantly streamed down. Tiffany had taken a nasty fall too, but she scrambled up in a flash. Before I could even move, she clutched her face, strategically exposing the bright red slap mark I’d given her. Tears welled up instantly, gushing down as she sobbed dramatically, a perfect picture of distress. “Liam... Serena... she... she just came at me and hit me, then pushed me down the stairs... I’m in so much pain...” Liam’s eyes swept over the chaotic scene, his face hardening into a grim mask. He strode over, his eyes first landing on Tiffany, who was sobbing hysterically. Then his gaze, colder than ice, shot to me, struggling to get back on my feet. His voice was laced with frost. “Serena! What the hell is wrong with you?! This is my house. Who gave you the right to lay a hand on my guest?!” I bit back a gasp, fighting the searing pain and dizziness. “She insulted my parents first, that’s why I—” “Enough!” He didn’t even want to hear it, cutting me off sharply. His eyes were full of disappointment and impatience. “I don’t want to hear any excuses! Butler! See her out!” The Butler looked visibly uncomfortable, but still stepped forward, gesturing for me to leave. I watched him turn away without hesitation. He gently helped Tiffany up, then carefully cradled her to the sofa. He pulled out the first—aid kit and gently cleaned and dressed her wounds, as if she were some fragile, precious jewel. In that moment, my heart felt like it had been carved out of my chest. The pain was so intense, I could barely breathe. He used to treat me like that. I remember one time, I busted my knee in gym class. He went white as a sheet, totally panicked, and without a word, scooped me up and sprinted to the med center. The whole time, he kept whispering, “Don’t be scared, Rennie, it’ll be okay, the pain will be gone in a second. Back then, all his tenderness, all his frantic concern, it was all just for me. But now? All that care, all that patience, it was being showered on some other girl. All my explanations, all my hurt, they just choked in my throat, dissolving into a cold, crushing despair. I didn’t say another word, just dragged myself out, every inch of me aching and humiliated. I went to the hospital alone. The check—up revealed a mild concussion and a bunch of soft tissue bruises all over. The doctor wanted me to stay for observation. While I was recovering in the hospital, my phone kept buzzing. It was Tiffany, sending all sorts of taunting messages, along with photos and videos of him doting on her. He spoon—fed her porridge, peeled apples for her, and even took her for strolls in the garden. I just stared at them, my face blank, not replying to a single one. My heart was totally numb. Her provocations didn’t faze me one bit. 3 After I got out of the hospital, the class organized a graduation party. I really didn’t want to go, but my friends talked me into it. The moment I walked into the private room, I saw Liam and Tiffany sitting glued to each other. Tiffany was smiling, feeding him a piece of fruit. He didn’t refuse. When my classmates saw me, they all looked a bit awkward. They quickly gathered around, whispering, “Serena, what’s going on? You and Liam... fighting again?” I calmly shook my head. My voice wasn’t loud, but it was clear enough. “Not fighting. We broke up.” “What? Broke up?!” Everyone looked stunned. “Why? Liam was always so good to you!” “Yeah, seriously! When you got sick in senior year, he almost fought the dean just to get you a long medical leave!” “Oh, and! The surprises he’d plan for you every holiday? We were all so jealous!” “You two were the couple everyone thought would go from school uniforms to wedding gowns! How could you break up now, right before graduation?” Listening to them rattle off all his past ‘greatness,’ my heart felt like it was shriveling up in a pool of acid, bloated and throbbing. Yeah, he was that good to me once. Good enough that I genuinely believed he was my forever. But that’s precisely why his later coldness and favoritism felt so utterly brutal. I paused for a beat, then said softly, “We weren’t a match, so we broke up. Nobody’s indispensable. Besides,” My gaze flickered to him across the room, pouring Tiffany a drink. “He and Tiffany seem to be doing just fine now, don’t they?” He happened to catch what I said, frowning as he looked my way, his eyes unreadable. For the rest of the night, it was like he was deliberately trying to spite me. He went out of his way to be even more overtly affectionate with Tiffany, super attentive, practically glued to her side. He probably expected me to get jealous, to get mad, maybe even storm over and break them up like I used to. But I didn’t. I just sat quietly in my corner, chatting occasionally with whoever was nearby, my gaze calm and unruffled. As if he genuinely was just some random stranger, completely irrelevant to me now. But that utter silence, my complete dismissal, seemed to spark a kind of panic in him he’d never felt before. He instinctively started to move toward me, but Tiffany, right there beside him, grabbed his arm. Tiffany stood on her tiptoes, whispering something in his ear. He stopped cold, a deep frown creasing his forehead, and finally, just sat back down. Soon enough, someone suggested a round of Truth or Dare. A few rounds later, Tiffany lost. Her dare? Kiss the tallest guy in the room for three minutes. All eyes instantly snapped to him. Tiffany’s face flushed, but her eyes held a challenging glint as she walked straight up to him. The other classmates gasped, whispering, “Whoa... this is totally messed up, right? Serena’s literally right here!” Tiffany, though, shot a glance at me in the corner, her voice sickeningly sweet. “Serena, you and Liam are totally over. So, you’re cool with us playing a game and kissing, right?” Her best friend immediately chimed in, “Seriously! She’s his ex now, what right does she have to tell Liam who he can kiss?” Instantly, every eye in the room, including his, was on me like a spotlight. His gaze was intense, holding an unspoken pressure, as if he was waiting for my reaction. I lowered my head, my long lashes veiling any emotion in my eyes. My voice was barely a whisper, yet it cut through the silence, clear to everyone. “...Yeah, it has nothing to do with me.” Those words drew a definitive line. His face instantly darkened, his eyes blazing with fury and a simmering rage from being defied. He let out a sharp, cold scoff, then abruptly pulled Tiffany by the waist. To everyone’s shocked gasps, he slammed his lips onto hers! A wave of suppressed gasps and sharp intakes of breath swept through the private room, only to be swallowed by an eerie, deathly silence. I just watched as they full—on made out under the lights, practically glued to each other. Tiffany’s hand even snaked up around his neck. My heart felt like it was caught in a vice, a sharp, cramping pain that nearly buckled me. I dug my nails into my palms, digging in so hard it hurt, desperately trying to keep the crushing bitterness and despair from totally drowning me, from making me lose it right then and there. It felt like an eternity, but that agonizingly long kiss finally broke. Tiffany’s best friend practically yelled, “So, Liam, how was that? Kissing our Tiffany... gotta be a whole lot more exciting than with some other girls, huh?” His gaze swept over my pale face, a cold, cruel smirk playing on his lips. His voice was low, but every word cut deep: “No comparison. Tiffany... total knockout.” 4 Tiffany’s smugness was practically oozing off her. After a few more rounds, Tiffany lost again. This time, her dare was to sit on a guy’s lap and complete a specific task. Tiffany didn’t even hesitate, her eyes immediately darting back to Liam. I couldn’t take it anymore. I shot up, muttered something about needing the restroom to my friend, and practically sprinted out of that suffocating private room. I hid in the restroom, splashing cold water on my face again and again, but the tears just kept coming, mixing with the water. It took forever to get myself somewhat together. I just wanted to go home. As I turned the corner down the hall, I heard familiar voices coming from the patio. It was Liam and his closest buddies. “Liam, dude, wasn’t that a bit much back there? Serena looked ghost—white. Aren’t you gonna go check on her?” “Check on her?” He scoffed, a cold sound. “So she can break up with me again in a few days? Am I a glutton for punishment?” “True... it’s your own fault for spoiling her, though. She’d always pull the breakup card. Maybe this is a good chance for her to finally learn her lesson.” Exactly. Once classes start at NYU, she’ll be in a new city, won’t know anyone. She’ll definitely come crawling back. Then you just throw her a bone, and she’ll beg for you back. After this, she won’t dare threaten to break up with you again. Perfect. Standing outside the door, every drop of blood in me turned to ice. My hands and feet went completely numb with cold. So, in his eyes, all those times I tried to break up with him, all that pain and disappointment? It was just me ‘throwing a tantrum,’ just ‘a way to manipulate him.’ And his ‘lesson’ for me? To humiliate me in front of everyone by kissing another girl! I silently turned and walked away, down the stairs. The summer night wind brushed against me, but it was so cold it made me tremble. As I walked, memories flashed through my mind like a silent film. There was a time when, if I so much as frowned, he’d get all anxious, asking if I was feeling unwell. Back then, girls would constantly try to give him love letters. He’d always refuse them without even glancing, then come straight to me, looking for praise. “Rennie,” he’d boast, “I rejected another one today, all on my own. Praise me!” I’d gotten so used to his kindness, to him treating me like I was his one—of—a—kind treasure. When did it all change? It started the day Tiffany showed up. He’d break his own rules for Tiffany, again and again, completely ignoring my feelings. It wasn’t like I didn’t notice how Tiffany was special to him, or how he treated her differently. I was just clinging to that last sliver of hope, using breakup threats again and again to test him, to try and win him back. But all it did was make him see me as annoying and childish. Turns out, once I wasn’t his one and only anymore, even my tears were wrong. Lost in my thoughts, I barely noticed I was almost home. From a distance, I spotted a mail carrier standing by my front door. Guess my acceptance letter finally arrived. I took a deep breath, just about to step forward, when I saw a tall, familiar figure standing with the mailman. It was him! He was holding one of the envelopes, clearly marked with UCLA logo, and he was about to rip it open...
Ten years later, I ran into Liam Carter again at a class reunion. All our classmates, successful now, were married with kids. Only Liam was still single. “Serena, Liam’s waiting for you. He hasn’t dated or gotten married in years.” They’d barely finished speaking when Liam walked in. He walked in, sharp in a suit, and everyone gasped. Ten years later, Liam was still drop—dead gorgeous. The youthful arrogance was gone, though. A calm maturity now settled in his brow. Knowing our history, they made sure Liam and I sat together. He kept sneaking glances at me, like he had a million things to say. But all he managed was a soft, “Rena, long time no see.” “Yeah, long time no see.” I responded blandly, my face completely devoid of any emotion about our long—awaited reunion. Childhood sweethearts, totally inseparable, but we ended up like strangers. I remembered the party after high school graduation, when he cut a slice of watermelon for the new transfer student. This time, I didn’t cry. I just quietly ended things. “All because of a piece of watermelon?” “Yeah.” He scoffed. “Fine. Just try to stick with it for more than a couple days this time. Give me some peace.” I didn’t say anything. I just grabbed my bag and left the private room. This time, he didn’t immediately follow me out like he always did. He figured I was just throwing another tantrum, that in a few days, once I cooled down, I’d naturally come crawling back to him, just like before. After all, that’s how all ninety—nine previous breakups went. But what he didn’t know was that it was the straw that broke the camel’s back. My heart, repeatedly stung and already riddled with holes, had finally run out of its last shred of warmth and hope. With that ninety—ninth breakup, I was truly done with him. Liam and I had always been known throughout the school as a match made in heaven. He was the school’s golden boy, tall with long legs, a face so chiseled it was almost intimidating. He always rocked a cool, black windbreaker, all swagger and charm, drawing girls in like crazy. But his eyes? They were always, only, on me. We were childhood sweethearts, practically glued at the hip growing up. At our baby party when we were just one, it was like we picked each other, destined from the start. By seven, our parents had already joked about our marriage. At fourteen, we were passing love notes. Sixteen, he officially asked me out. Eighteen, we promised to get into the same college... Everything was perfect until our senior year. That’s when Tiffany Hayes, a new transfer student, showed up in our class. When the homeroom teacher set up the “buddy system” for new students, she specifically paired Tiffany with Liam. She made it crystal clear: “If you don’t take this on, you can forget about dating Serena Reed anywhere on campus.” Liam, who was usually so aloof and distant, had no choice but to take on the assignment. At first, it was just regular tutoring sessions and showing her around campus. But little by little, things started to feel really off. When Tiffany mentioned she craved a cake from that trendy bakery in Soho everyone queues for, he ditched football training to get it for her. When Tiffany posted on Instagram that she was feeling down, he stayed on the phone with her all night. And get this: one time, when she had period cramps, he borrowed money from me to buy her hot cocoa... I was furious. We fought. And that’s when I started breaking up with him, over and over again. The first time I dumped him, it was on the phone. There was this long silence on his end, then I heard his breathing, ragged and fast. It was a total downpour that night. He showed up at my place, soaked to the bone, and stood outside all night. His voice hoarse, he kept calling my name, begging me to forgive him. The second time I ended things, he skipped a whole day of classes, posted up outside my classroom door, his eyes bloodshot. He shoved a thick, messily written but totally heartfelt love letter into my hands, begging me to get back together, all humble and desperate. But as it happened more and more often, he finally seemed to figure out my bottom line... that I couldn’t actually leave him! So, his apologies started getting lazier and lazier. What used to be an instant makeup turned into a day later, then three days, then a week... Until the ninety—ninth time. All that pent—up disappointment and heartache, simmering for way too long, just burst. I finally decided to leave him for good. The first thing I did when I got home? Fired up my laptop and, without a second thought, changed my top choice on the application. It was supposed to be NYU, our dream school, but I switched it to UCLA, clear across the country. Next, I started clearing out everything that reminded me of him. Limited edition plushies he’d given me, matching couple bracelets, little notes filled with sweet nothings, a thick stack of photos... Each one held a memory – sweet, bittersweet – but now they all felt impossibly heavy. I shoved it all into one massive cardboard box. The next day, I hauled that heavy box over to his place. His butler, who knew me well, showed me straight into the living room. In the spacious living room, he and Tiffany were sitting side—by—side on the plush carpet, playing the latest video game. They were super close, and Tiffany kept letting out excited squeals and sweet, flirty giggles. “Wow, Liam, you’re incredible! I’ve been stuck on this level forever!” My eyes instantly fixed on the oversized black T—shirt Tiffany was wearing. It was the limited edition one I’d hunted down for his birthday last year, hitting up multiple malls just to find it. When he got it, he was so surprised he picked me up and spun me around a few times, then whispered in my ear, his breath hot against my skin, “Rennie gave this to me. I’m gonna wear it every single day.” Turns out, his “wear it every single day” promise actually meant he could just casually lend it to another girl like this. Tiffany must’ve felt my stare, because she turned around. Saw me standing there with the box, and a sweet, innocent smile bloomed on her face. “Oh, hey Serena! You’re here? Liam asked me to come over and play some games. And he even cooked me pasta himself! But I’m such a klutz, I accidentally knocked over my juice, so he lent me his shirt to wear. Hope you don’t mind?” Liam didn’t even flinch. He just lazily lifted his eyes, giving me a quick glance. His fingers were still flying across the controller. His voice was totally casual. “What do you want? Didn’t we break up?” Watching him act like he didn’t care at all, a wave of bitter self—mockery washed over me. I remembered the first time I’d brought up breaking up, how he’d been a mess in the pouring rain, practically begging me. Then I remembered how it took him longer and longer to win me back after our fights. And the last time, he’d just sent a WhatsApp message: “Stop being dramatic. I’ll take you for BBQ tonight. He kept pushing my boundaries, and because I kept caving and forgiving him, he just got bolder and bolder. But he had no idea that even a camel eventually gets broken by the last straw. This time, the ninety—ninth breakup, I was genuinely done with him. “Exactly because we broke up, I wanted to return some of your stuff.” “If you’re just gonna be dramatic, you can just toss it. No need to bring it all the way over.” “Okay.” I nodded, no hesitation. Carrying the cardboard box, crammed with memories, I walked over to the giant dumpster nearby. Without a second thought, I just pitched the whole thing in. The box hit the empty bin with a dull thud. 2 I turned to leave. “Wait.” He stopped me. “Take your stuff from my place too.” He probably thought I’d be hurt by that, just like always. That my eyes would well up and I’d ask, “Liam, what the hell?” And then he’d smoothly say, “Let’s not fight,” and everything would just blow over again. But I didn’t say anything. I just turned around, silent, and started to systematically clear out my stuff from this house – a place I’d once known so well, practically called it my second home. By the front door, those fuzzy bear slippers he’d specially bought with my initials; on the kitchen mug rack, the cute strawberry mug that was exclusively mine; on the living room couch, the light gray throw blanket I always used... I picked them out one by one, calmly tossing them into another empty cardboard box, as if I were just clearing out some irrelevant trash. Meanwhile, his little game with Tiffany started up again, a fresh round. During a break in their game, Tiffany announced she was thirsty, then very casually picked up his half—empty water glass and took a sip. And he, the serious germaphobe who used to cringe even at my half—finished boba tea, just glanced over and said absolutely nothing. Tiffany then pouted, saying she was hungry, craving specialty tacos from some old, far—off spot. He didn’t hesitate, immediately getting up, grabbing his car keys, and walking right out the door. I watched it all, but my heart, strangely, didn’t ache anymore. Just a numb, icy coldness remained. I grabbed the packed box and headed upstairs, needing to get the last few things from his room. The moment I pushed open his bedroom door, a figure blocked my path. It was Tiffany. A smirk plastered her face, triumph and challenge in her eyes. “You broke up with Liam. What are you even doing here, still trying to get a reaction?” I didn’t want to get into it with her. “I’m just here to get my stuff. Make a clean break.” “A clean break?” She scoffed. “You think playing these mind games is going to make Liam even look your way? He’s so over your dramatics. Every time you threatened to break up, you just knew he’d come begging, didn’t you? What else can you do besides cling to him?” “Let me tell you something. Everything you like, everything you want, I’m taking it. You copied his applications, hoping to cling to him forever, right? Well, too bad. I got into NYU too.” I’m gonna take him from you, piece by piece, until he’s completely mine. And you’ll get a front—row seat to watch yourself lose.” I wasn’t going to entertain her bullshit. Clutching the box, I tried to walk past her. But she wouldn’t let up. She grabbed my arm, her words turning even nastier. “What, did I hit a nerve? Cat got your tongue? Serena, seriously, have some shame! Your clinging is just disgusting! No wonder Liam got sick of you. Looks like your parents didn’t teach you squat, raising a...” SMACK! The sharp sound of a slap echoed, cutting off Tiffany’s vicious rant. I’d had enough. I lifted my hand and slapped her hard. I could handle being messed with, but no one, no one insulted my parents! She clutched her cheek, eyes wide with disbelief. Then her face contorted with rage, and she raised her hand to hit me back! Just then, I heard the front door open downstairs, followed by footsteps. He was home. Tiffany’s eyes gleamed, a wicked idea already forming. She shrieked, then yanked my hand, dragging me down the stairs with her. “Aargh!” We both tumbled, hitting the first—floor landing with a sickening thud. My whole body screamed, every bone feeling shattered. My forehead slammed into the corner of a step, and warm blood instantly streamed down. Tiffany had taken a nasty fall too, but she scrambled up in a flash. Before I could even move, she clutched her face, strategically exposing the bright red slap mark I’d given her. Tears welled up instantly, gushing down as she sobbed dramatically, a perfect picture of distress. “Liam... Serena... she... she just came at me and hit me, then pushed me down the stairs... I’m in so much pain...” Liam’s eyes swept over the chaotic scene, his face hardening into a grim mask. He strode over, his eyes first landing on Tiffany, who was sobbing hysterically. Then his gaze, colder than ice, shot to me, struggling to get back on my feet. His voice was laced with frost. “Serena! What the hell is wrong with you?! This is my house. Who gave you the right to lay a hand on my guest?!” I bit back a gasp, fighting the searing pain and dizziness. “She insulted my parents first, that’s why I—” “Enough!” He didn’t even want to hear it, cutting me off sharply. His eyes were full of disappointment and impatience. “I don’t want to hear any excuses! Butler! See her out!” The Butler looked visibly uncomfortable, but still stepped forward, gesturing for me to leave. I watched him turn away without hesitation. He gently helped Tiffany up, then carefully cradled her to the sofa. He pulled out the first—aid kit and gently cleaned and dressed her wounds, as if she were some fragile, precious jewel. In that moment, my heart felt like it had been carved out of my chest. The pain was so intense, I could barely breathe. He used to treat me like that. I remember one time, I busted my knee in gym class. He went white as a sheet, totally panicked, and without a word, scooped me up and sprinted to the med center. The whole time, he kept whispering, “Don’t be scared, Rennie, it’ll be okay, the pain will be gone in a second. Back then, all his tenderness, all his frantic concern, it was all just for me. But now? All that care, all that patience, it was being showered on some other girl. All my explanations, all my hurt, they just choked in my throat, dissolving into a cold, crushing despair. I didn’t say another word, just dragged myself out, every inch of me aching and humiliated. I went to the hospital alone. The check—up revealed a mild concussion and a bunch of soft tissue bruises all over. The doctor wanted me to stay for observation. While I was recovering in the hospital, my phone kept buzzing. It was Tiffany, sending all sorts of taunting messages, along with photos and videos of him doting on her. He spoon—fed her porridge, peeled apples for her, and even took her for strolls in the garden. I just stared at them, my face blank, not replying to a single one. My heart was totally numb. Her provocations didn’t faze me one bit. 3 After I got out of the hospital, the class organized a graduation party. I really didn’t want to go, but my friends talked me into it. The moment I walked into the private room, I saw Liam and Tiffany sitting glued to each other. Tiffany was smiling, feeding him a piece of fruit. He didn’t refuse. When my classmates saw me, they all looked a bit awkward. They quickly gathered around, whispering, “Serena, what’s going on? You and Liam... fighting again?” I calmly shook my head. My voice wasn’t loud, but it was clear enough. “Not fighting. We broke up.” “What? Broke up?!” Everyone looked stunned. “Why? Liam was always so good to you!” “Yeah, seriously! When you got sick in senior year, he almost fought the dean just to get you a long medical leave!” “Oh, and! The surprises he’d plan for you every holiday? We were all so jealous!” “You two were the couple everyone thought would go from school uniforms to wedding gowns! How could you break up now, right before graduation?” Listening to them rattle off all his past ‘greatness,’ my heart felt like it was shriveling up in a pool of acid, bloated and throbbing. Yeah, he was that good to me once. Good enough that I genuinely believed he was my forever. But that’s precisely why his later coldness and favoritism felt so utterly brutal. I paused for a beat, then said softly, “We weren’t a match, so we broke up. Nobody’s indispensable. Besides,” My gaze flickered to him across the room, pouring Tiffany a drink. “He and Tiffany seem to be doing just fine now, don’t they?” He happened to catch what I said, frowning as he looked my way, his eyes unreadable. For the rest of the night, it was like he was deliberately trying to spite me. He went out of his way to be even more overtly affectionate with Tiffany, super attentive, practically glued to her side. He probably expected me to get jealous, to get mad, maybe even storm over and break them up like I used to. But I didn’t. I just sat quietly in my corner, chatting occasionally with whoever was nearby, my gaze calm and unruffled. As if he genuinely was just some random stranger, completely irrelevant to me now. But that utter silence, my complete dismissal, seemed to spark a kind of panic in him he’d never felt before. He instinctively started to move toward me, but Tiffany, right there beside him, grabbed his arm. Tiffany stood on her tiptoes, whispering something in his ear. He stopped cold, a deep frown creasing his forehead, and finally, just sat back down. Soon enough, someone suggested a round of Truth or Dare. A few rounds later, Tiffany lost. Her dare? Kiss the tallest guy in the room for three minutes. All eyes instantly snapped to him. Tiffany’s face flushed, but her eyes held a challenging glint as she walked straight up to him. The other classmates gasped, whispering, “Whoa... this is totally messed up, right? Serena’s literally right here!” Tiffany, though, shot a glance at me in the corner, her voice sickeningly sweet. “Serena, you and Liam are totally over. So, you’re cool with us playing a game and kissing, right?” Her best friend immediately chimed in, “Seriously! She’s his ex now, what right does she have to tell Liam who he can kiss?” Instantly, every eye in the room, including his, was on me like a spotlight. His gaze was intense, holding an unspoken pressure, as if he was waiting for my reaction. I lowered my head, my long lashes veiling any emotion in my eyes. My voice was barely a whisper, yet it cut through the silence, clear to everyone. “...Yeah, it has nothing to do with me.” Those words drew a definitive line. His face instantly darkened, his eyes blazing with fury and a simmering rage from being defied. He let out a sharp, cold scoff, then abruptly pulled Tiffany by the waist. To everyone’s shocked gasps, he slammed his lips onto hers! A wave of suppressed gasps and sharp intakes of breath swept through the private room, only to be swallowed by an eerie, deathly silence. I just watched as they full—on made out under the lights, practically glued to each other. Tiffany’s hand even snaked up around his neck. My heart felt like it was caught in a vice, a sharp, cramping pain that nearly buckled me. I dug my nails into my palms, digging in so hard it hurt, desperately trying to keep the crushing bitterness and despair from totally drowning me, from making me lose it right then and there. It felt like an eternity, but that agonizingly long kiss finally broke. Tiffany’s best friend practically yelled, “So, Liam, how was that? Kissing our Tiffany... gotta be a whole lot more exciting than with some other girls, huh?” His gaze swept over my pale face, a cold, cruel smirk playing on his lips. His voice was low, but every word cut deep: “No comparison. Tiffany... total knockout.” 4 Tiffany’s smugness was practically oozing off her. After a few more rounds, Tiffany lost again. This time, her dare was to sit on a guy’s lap and complete a specific task. Tiffany didn’t even hesitate, her eyes immediately darting back to Liam. I couldn’t take it anymore. I shot up, muttered something about needing the restroom to my friend, and practically sprinted out of that suffocating private room. I hid in the restroom, splashing cold water on my face again and again, but the tears just kept coming, mixing with the water. It took forever to get myself somewhat together. I just wanted to go home. As I turned the corner down the hall, I heard familiar voices coming from the patio. It was Liam and his closest buddies. “Liam, dude, wasn’t that a bit much back there? Serena looked ghost—white. Aren’t you gonna go check on her?” “Check on her?” He scoffed, a cold sound. “So she can break up with me again in a few days? Am I a glutton for punishment?” “True... it’s your own fault for spoiling her, though. She’d always pull the breakup card. Maybe this is a good chance for her to finally learn her lesson.” Exactly. Once classes start at NYU, she’ll be in a new city, won’t know anyone. She’ll definitely come crawling back. Then you just throw her a bone, and she’ll beg for you back. After this, she won’t dare threaten to break up with you again. Perfect. Standing outside the door, every drop of blood in me turned to ice. My hands and feet went completely numb with cold. So, in his eyes, all those times I tried to break up with him, all that pain and disappointment? It was just me ‘throwing a tantrum,’ just ‘a way to manipulate him.’ And his ‘lesson’ for me? To humiliate me in front of everyone by kissing another girl! I silently turned and walked away, down the stairs. The summer night wind brushed against me, but it was so cold it made me tremble. As I walked, memories flashed through my mind like a silent film. There was a time when, if I so much as frowned, he’d get all anxious, asking if I was feeling unwell. Back then, girls would constantly try to give him love letters. He’d always refuse them without even glancing, then come straight to me, looking for praise. “Rennie,” he’d boast, “I rejected another one today, all on my own. Praise me!” I’d gotten so used to his kindness, to him treating me like I was his one—of—a—kind treasure. When did it all change? It started the day Tiffany showed up. He’d break his own rules for Tiffany, again and again, completely ignoring my feelings. It wasn’t like I didn’t notice how Tiffany was special to him, or how he treated her differently. I was just clinging to that last sliver of hope, using breakup threats again and again to test him, to try and win him back. But all it did was make him see me as annoying and childish. Turns out, once I wasn’t his one and only anymore, even my tears were wrong. Lost in my thoughts, I barely noticed I was almost home. From a distance, I spotted a mail carrier standing by my front door. Guess my acceptance letter finally arrived. I took a deep breath, just about to step forward, when I saw a tall, familiar figure standing with the mailman. It was him! He was holding one of the envelopes, clearly marked with UCLA logo, and he was about to rip it open...
When a killer came in the night, Victoria Binder didn’t scream—she fought. And she won, burying the proof in her own garden. That was just the beginning. Unveiled as the lost heiress to a mighty fortune, Victoria returned to a family that despised her. She wasn’t there for their love. She was there for what was hers: the power, the legacy, the truth. ------ Chapter 1 I Want to Marry You "Victoria, we need to break up. It turns out I'm actually the heir to the Fairbank family, one of the most powerful families in Benwig City. You're just a country girl who sells herbs. You're not good enough for me anymore." Victoria Binder had just received a call from her boyfriend, Gavin Alvarado—no, Gavin Fairbank now. She had been about to tell him that she was the long-lost daughter of a wealthy family herself, but before she could say a word, she heard him claim she wasn't good enough for him. She let out a silent, cold laugh. The medicinal herbs she grew were incredibly valuable. Countless rich and influential families were trying to buy them at high prices. Her products had even appeared several times at the largest auction house in Benwig City. Gavin's arrogant voice came through the phone again. "With my status now, I need to marry a proper heiress from a family that matches mine. "But since we dated for two months, I won't treat you badly. Before I marry someone suitable, you can stay with me. Even after I get married, I can still keep you as my—" Before he could finish, Victoria snapped, "Asshole. If you want to break up, then we're done." She hung up immediately. The handsome man standing in front of her, Jackson Thornton, raised an eyebrow. He had been waiting for her response. He smiled. "So? You just found out you're the heiress of the Binder family, one of the richest families in Benwig City, and you still got dumped?" Victoria looked up at him and smiled brightly. "Funny coincidence. He just told me that he's the heir to a wealthy family in Benwig City and that I'm not good enough for him." Then her expression shifted, turning doubtful. "Wait a second. This whole thing about being the real daughter or real son of some rich family... Isn't that some new kind of scam going around?" Jackson paused for a moment, then smiled. "Of course not. You really are the true daughter of the Binder family." Victoria gave a nonchalant hum. She took the basket off her back, sat down on a chair, and began sorting the herbs she had just picked. "Then who are you?" she asked. "Why are you the one coming to find me instead of my biological parents?" Jackson glanced at the shabby house in front of him, then looked at Victoria, who sat casually on a small stool. He said, "If nothing unexpected happens, I'll soon be your fiancé. I'm Jackson, the eldest son of the Thornton family in Benwig City." Victoria almost slipped off her stool. She stared at him in shock. "What? Fiancé?" "That's right. But as you can see, I'm disabled now. I lost the use of my legs last month." Sitting in his wheelchair, Jackson lifted a hand and pointed at his legs, giving a helpless smile. "I see. And what does that have to do with you coming to find me today?" Victoria asked. Then she suddenly understood. "Wait. Are you saying that I'm the real daughter of the wealthy Binder family, and that they're planning to bring me back and have me marry you?" Jackson nodded, a hint of admiration in his eyes. "Exactly." Victoria's gaze flickered. Jackson continued, "Because of my legs, I'm about to be dumped. Just like you." Victoria caught on quickly. "So the one who was supposed to marry you was the Binder family's adopted daughter. But now that you're disabled, she doesn't want to marry you anymore." Jackson nodded again. "Yes. That's exactly it." Victoria almost let out a bitter laugh. "Then why don't you look upset at all?" Jackson said calmly, "You just got dumped by your boyfriend, and you don't look upset either." "He's just trash. Good riddance." Victoria curled her lips in disdain. Jackson studied her, the admiration in his eyes deepening. "You're surprisingly chill about it." Victoria let out a small scoff. "Of course. Why waste time and energy feeling bad over someone who isn't worth it?" She had started dating Gavin after saving his life by chance two years ago. After that, he had chased after her nonstop, using gratitude as an excuse. For two whole years, he acted devoted, as if he would never marry anyone but her. He didn't seem to have any serious flaws. She figured having a man around could help her take care of the herb garden and keep other men from bothering her, so she agreed to date him. But she never expected that the moment Gavin found out he was the heir to a wealthy family, he would turn on her so quickly. Jackson smiled. "Same here. She's trash anyway. Better not to marry her." There had never been anything between him and Angelica Binder. Their engagement had only been arranged by his grandfather for a business alliance. Now that his legs were disabled, Angelica's parents naturally didn't want her to marry him anymore. But the Thornton family was the most powerful family in Benwig City, with huge wealth and influence. They weren't willing to give up the alliance, either. In the end, they planned to have their biological daughter, Victoria, marry him in Angelica's place. Victoria went straight to the point. "It's just strange. How could it be such a coincidence? Right after your legs were disabled, my birth parents suddenly found me and decided to have me marry you instead of their adopted daughter." She let out a cold, mocking laugh. "Looks like they always knew I was their real daughter. I just had no value to them, so they left me out here all this time and never brought me home." Jackson didn't try to comfort her with lies. "I think you're right." Victoria gave a cold sneer. If that was true, then her birth parents were even more heartless than she had thought. Still, one thing didn't make sense to her. "Since you already know what the Binder family is planning, why not just give up on the alliance? Why walk straight into their trap?" "I had someone look into you," Jackson said calmly. "You sell medicine, and you're pretty well-known around here. "I heard you've treated quite a few difficult cases with your own methods. My legs are disabled. Over the past month, I've invited top doctors from all over the country, but none of them could help. "So I came here myself to see if marrying you would be a trap or a chance for me." He didn't hide why he came. Victoria found him interesting. She shrugged. "Well, you've seen me now. I'm just a wild country girl. My birth parents, the ones I've never even met, clearly don't like me. "Do you still want to marry someone like me? I'm just a real daughter who isn't valued and is just being used as a substitute bride." Jackson looked at her closely. At first glance, she wasn't the delicate type raised in comfort. Her skin wasn't soft. It had a light wheat tone that made her look healthy and full of life. But if one looked more carefully, her features were actually very refined. Her eyes were bright and clear, and there was strength in the way she looked at people. There was no trace of disrespect in Jackson's gaze. He looked sincere. "Yes. After meeting you, I'm sure I want to marry you. I just don't know if you're willing to give me a chance." Victoria studied his face. She had to admit that he was strikingly handsome, the kind of man who wouldn't be forgotten even in a huge crowd. His features were sharp, and his face was well-defined. What stood out the most was his eyes. Even after going through something as serious as losing the use of his legs, they were still clear. There was no bitterness or confusion. Victoria glanced at his legs again. "What's going on with them?" "They were broken with a wooden club last month," Jackson said. "I've had many well-known doctors take a look. They all said my legs are beyond saving. I'll never stand again." "Pull up your pant legs. Let me see," said Victoria. "Okay." Jackson did as she said, lifting his pant legs to reveal his knees and lower legs, covered in scars. Victoria's expression darkened. She set the herbs aside, stood up, and walked over to him. Then she bent down and pressed carefully on his knees. The pain made Jackson frown, but he didn't make a sound. "They can be treated," Victoria said firmly. Hope lit up in Jackson's eyes at once. Thinking about how her birth parents had ignored her existence for so many years, Victoria made up her mind. She would go back to Benwig City and take her place as the Binder family's true daughter. She wanted to meet them face to face. She clapped her hands lightly and sat back down on the small stool. "I can marry you." Jackson raised an eyebrow. "Do you have any conditions?" Victoria tilted her head and smiled brightly. "Listen to you. Do I need conditions to marry you? You're so good-looking. If I fix your legs, I'll be the one getting the better deal." Jackson hadn't expected her to be so straightforward. His brow lifted higher, and he let out a soft laugh. "Alright. Then it's settled. I'll wait for you to return to the Binder family." Chapter 2 A Welcome Gift After Jackson left his phone number with Victoria, he left the village with his assistant, Ollie Rowse. Victoria watched him go, her eyes growing thoughtful. She took out her phone and dialed a number. "Mara, I need you to look into everyone in the Binder family in Benwig City right away. Focus on their daughter. I want everything you can find, and I want it by tonight." "Yes, boss," Mara replied. After hanging up, Victoria's gaze turned even sharper. Ford had once told her about that freezing winter night twenty years ago. He had been on his way to settle down in a small southern town when he heard a baby crying from inside a trash bin. He got out of the car to check and found a baby girl, not even a month old, her skin red from the cold. If she hadn't been crying so loudly, and if he hadn't happened to pass that deserted road, she would have died quietly in that trash bin. That baby was Victoria. Ford gave her that name, hoping she would grow up strong and tough no matter what life threw at her. Even on his deathbed, Ford never stopped looking for her biological parents. And all this time, Victoria had believed they must have abandoned her because they had no other choice. But now, it seemed that wasn't true. Her biological parents didn't want her and had no intention of taking her back. If it weren't for the adopted daughter they had raised for twenty years, Victoria might have gone her whole life without parents. Just then, someone called out from outside, "Victoria, who was that man in the nice car looking for you?" It was Stephan, a middle-aged man from next door. He spent most of his time up in the mountains hunting herbs. Victoria put her phone away and walked out, smiling at him. "To be honest with you, that was my fiancé." Stephan looked surprised. "Your fiancé? You have good taste. He's a handsome man. Why didn't you ask him to stay for dinner?" "He had things to take care of in the city. He couldn't stay today," Victoria said. "Next time he comes, make sure he stays for a meal. Everything we eat here is grown by us. Let him try it. It's much better and healthier than city food," Stephan said. "I will," Victoria said with a smile. Stephan grabbed his tools and headed up into the mountains. Only after he left did Victoria go back inside to keep sorting the herbs she had picked. ***** After leaving Mullinran Village, Ollie, who was driving, glanced at Jackson's calm face in the rearview mirror and asked carefully, "Mr. Thornton, are you really going to marry her? "You saw it yourself. Her own parents don't even want her. She makes a living selling herbs and doing some basic medical work. "You just went through something serious, and this is when you need support the most. Marrying her won't help you secure your position in the Thornton family." Jackson shifted his gaze away from the fields outside the window and gently rubbed the petals of a purple flower he had picked from Victoria's doorstep. He asked, "Ollie, do you remember six months ago, when my grandfather was seriously ill and needed a very rare herb to survive?" Ollie wasn't sure why he changed the subject, but he nodded. "Of course. That herb showed up at the biggest auction house in Benwig City. You spent 30 million dollars to get it." "Didn't you notice? That same rare herb was hanging casually on the wall of her simple, run-down house," Jackson said. That one bundle alone would be worth a fortune at any auction in Benwig City. "What?" Ollie was stunned. From the moment they walked into Victoria's house, he had only noticed how shabby it looked and missed everything else. Now it finally clicked. "Do you mean her background might not be as simple as it seems?" Jackson lifted the purple flower to his nose and took a light breath. "I can't say for sure what her background is yet. But one thing is clear. Her medical skills are far from simple." Ollie understood right away. If that was true, then there was real hope for Jackson's legs. Still, he couldn't help asking, "If all you want is to fix your legs, you could just pay her a large amount of money. There's no need to marry her." Jackson blinked and slowly turned the flower between his fingers. A faint smile appeared on his lips. "What if I said I fell for her at first sight? Would you believe me?" Ollie paused and looked at him again through the rearview mirror. He seemed calm. He wasn't exactly joking, but he wasn't completely serious, either. But Jackson rarely joked, so Ollie couldn't tell how much of it was real. In the end, he chose to believe him. "I believe you." "Good. In my eyes, she is already my fiancée. From now on, you need to treat her with respect," Jackson said. "Understood." Ollie nodded. Jackson wasn't joking. When it came to love, he had never believed in feelings that grew over time. To him, if there was no spark at first sight, then staying together would only lead to a relationship based on weighing pros and cons, not the kind of love that made his heart race. That was why, when his grandfather arranged his engagement to Angelica, he had agreed for practical reasons alone. But when he saw Victoria, everything changed. It felt like the world spun around him, and everything else faded away. In his eyes, she was the only color left. He couldn't explain why it had to be her. Maybe it was that moment when their eyes met, when the light in hers pulled him in like a whirlpool. Jackson picked up a book from the car and carefully placed the small purple flower between its pages. Then he closed the book and shut his eyes. ***** At eight that evening, Victoria had just finished bringing in the herbs she had been drying on the roof when her phone rang. She set the herbs aside, brushed the dust off her hands, and picked up the call. Mara's cool voice came through. "Boss, I found what you asked for. The Binder family has only one daughter. She was born to the second son, Darell, and his wife, Julia. Her name is Angelica. She's the same age as you. "She's very spoiled at home. Two months ago, Darell arranged a great marriage for her. She's engaged to Jackson, the eldest son of the Thornton family, the most powerful family in Benwig City. "Jackson had already been chosen by his grandfather, Gerry, as the next heir. But last month, he had an accident. Someone broke both his legs, and the announcement was put on hold." "What is Angelica like?" Victoria asked. "She has a very good reputation. She's beautiful and talented. A lot of rich young men in Benwig City admire her. That's probably why she gained Gerry's approval for the marriage," Mara said. Victoria let out a cold laugh to herself. She didn't believe for a second that Angelica's perfect life came without tricks. "Got it. Now find out if Angelica is really Darell and Julia's biological daughter," Victoria said. "You're focusing on the Binder family, especially Angelica. What are you planning to do?" Mara asked. "I'm going back to take my place," Victoria said. A faint spark lit up in her deep eyes. She found the idea of being the Binder family's real daughter interesting. Victoria had many identities. The one she used the most was a village herbalist and healer. In her daily life, she spent time with her retired scientist friends in the village, growing new herbs and developing new medicines. Over the years, she had cultivated twenty kinds of rare medicinal plants. Because they were so hard to produce, they sold for extremely high prices. Any one of them, if sold at auction in Benwig City, could earn more than most people made in a lifetime. On top of that, she was skilled in traditional medical techniques. When she treated regular villagers, she charged normal fees. But when rich families or powerful figures came to her, her starting fee was three million dollars. Of course, she guaranteed results. If she couldn't cure them, she wouldn't take a single dollar. This identity alone had already made her very rich. Money no longer meant much to her. So when her ex-boyfriend, Gavin, said she wasn't good enough for him, she found it almost funny. If she wanted, she could build her own place in Benwig City without relying on anyone. Over the years, all her different identities had started to feel dull. It was time to try something new. And she had to admit, Jackson impressed her. Out of all the people she had treated, none had faced sudden injury like he did, so calm and steady. His willpower was strong. He was someone who would go far. He was handsome and capable. It would be a waste for him to stay crippled. So she would fix his legs. Mara quickly understood, her voice turning serious. "Understood, boss. I'll get on it right away." ***** Late that night, Victoria was fast asleep when she heard wood cracking outside. Her eyes opened at once, sharp and alert, and she turned toward the sound. Anyone showing up at this hour without warning was not from the village. She had spread powders around her home to keep wild animals away, so no beasts would come near. That left only one answer. Someone had broken in. Victoria got up quietly and, using the moonlight, moved to hide behind the door. Soon, her old wooden door was kicked open, and a shadow rushed inside. She hadn't expected him to be so bold, barging in instead of sneaking around. She flicked a silver needle straight at him. The man let out a low groan and dropped to the ground. Victoria turned on the light, filling the room with brightness. She kicked him aside and finally saw his face clearly. He looked like a hardened criminal. She grabbed a rope, walked over, and tied up his hands and feet. Once he was secured, she took out a needle and stuck it into his neck. Within seconds, he woke up. Victoria sat on the bed, crossing her legs as she played with another needle. "If you don't want to suffer, you'd better tell me the truth. Who sent you?" The man quickly sized up the situation. "People who hire killers stay anonymous. Who would be stupid enough to give their name? But they said that if I raped you, they would get me out of the country safely." Victoria's eyes turned cold and sharp. If he needed to run overseas, that meant he was already a wanted criminal. The man hurried to beg, "I've told you everything I know. Let me go. I won't take this job anymore." Victoria nodded. "Fine." She walked over, pulled out the needle, and untied the ropes. "You can leave." The man rubbed his wrists. "Thanks—" Before he could finish, his face suddenly changed. He lifted his leg and tried to kick Victoria in the knee. But the moment his foot rose, a sharp pain shot through him. Then his whole body went numb. He couldn't move. He looked down in terror. A small black snake had bitten his ankle. "How is there a poisonous snake here—" Before he could finish, blood burst from his throat. His body fell stiffly to the ground. After a few jerks, he went still. Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Trying to kill me in my place? You asked for it. Good job, Blackie. Go rest." The little black snake slipped into a dark corner and quickly disappeared. Victoria picked up a hoe, stuffed the body into a large basket, and lifted it onto her back with ease. She carried it outside and buried it near her vegetable garden. It would make good fertilizer for her herbs. After that, she let out a long breath, brushed off her hands, and looked up at the nearly full moon. She had just learned who she really was, and someone had already sent a man to ruin her. It seemed that someone had prepared a "welcome gift" for her in advance. Chapter 3 We've Got Your Back The next day at noon, a black Bentley worth 1.5 million dollars stopped in front of Victoria's house. Victoria was grinding the herbs she had picked the day before. When she heard the car, she glanced out the window and checked the license plate. It was from Benwig City, just as she expected. She finished grinding the herbs, put them into jars, brushed the dust off her hands, and walked outside. She went straight to the car and knocked on the window. A moment later, the window slid down, revealing the still handsome face of a middle-aged man—Hector Binder. He looked about fifty, with neatly slicked-back hair. A woman sat beside him. She looked about the same age. Even though she wasn't young anymore, she had taken good care of herself and looked as if she were in her thirties. Her features were still soft and beautiful. Victoria didn't waste time. "Are you here for me?" Hector, sitting in the back seat, looked at her, then at the photo in his hand. His eyes lit up. "Daisy, it's her. She's the one we're looking for." Daisy's eyes filled with excitement, even shining with tears. "Yes, it's her. No mistake." They quickly opened the door, got out of the car, and walked over to Victoria. Hector nodded. "Yes. You're the real daughter the Binder family lost years ago. We're here to take you back." Victoria looked straight into his eyes. He seemed like a decent man, and the excitement in his expression matched Daisy's. It didn't look fake. This couple didn't seem to have anything to do with what happened to her last night. Hector paused, a little surprised. "How did you know we were coming?" But he didn't dwell on it. Instead, he explained, "You are the young lady of the Binder family. "When you were little, someone switched you with another baby. That's why you ended up here. You've suffered for twenty years, living away from your real home." As soon as he finished, Daisy started to choke up. "Poor child." Victoria stayed calm. "So, are you my parents?" Hector and Daisy froze. They exchanged a look, then answered awkwardly, "No. We're your uncle and aunt." Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Then why aren't my parents here? Why did they send you instead?" Daisy looked uneasy. "Something came up at home. They couldn't leave, so they asked us to come get you." Victoria saw right through it. "You don't have to cover for them. I'm not a child. What could be more important than picking up their own daughter? They just didn't want to come." Hearing that, Daisy stepped forward and gently hugged her. Tears slipped down her face. "My poor child, you've suffered so much." Victoria didn't expect the sudden hug. At first, she wanted to pull away, but the warmth of it stopped her. It felt soft and comforting, unlike any embrace she had experienced in twenty years. It was, perhaps, the closest she had ever come to what a mother's embrace should feel like. She let out a quiet sigh. For a moment, she thought that if these two were her real parents, it wouldn't be so bad. After a while, Daisy let go and held her hand. "Go pack your things. We'll take you home today. You won't have to live like this anymore." Victoria nodded. "Okay. Wait for me. I'll go pack." She didn't need to bring clothes. The only things she needed were the medicines she had made. After packing all the bottles of medicine powder and poison powder from the wooden cabinet, Victoria called out, "Blackie, Whitey, Greenie, come out. I'm taking you somewhere new." As soon as she finished, three small snakes slid out from the corners and crawled into a sack. Victoria tied the sack and slung it over her shoulder. Then she took a drum from the old cabinet. After giving the shabby house one last look, she walked outside and began to beat the drum. The loud sound of the drum echoed through the area. Hector and Daisy, waiting outside, looked confused. Before long, the villagers gathered around. They looked at Victoria with concern. "Victoria, what's wrong? What happened?" Victoria set down the drum, cleared her throat, and said, "Everyone, you all know I'm an orphan. I grew up without parents, raised by all of you. "But now I know who my real parents are. It turns out I'm the daughter of the Binder family in Benwig City." The villagers were happy for her at first, but then she continued, "But here's the thing. My real parents knew all along who I was, but they never came to acknowledge me. "And now, the only reason they're taking me back is to make me marry a disabled man in place of their adopted daughter." Hector and Daisy were stunned. They had no idea about any of this. The villagers were furious. "What kind of people are they? They knew you were their real daughter but ignored you all this time, and now they want to use you like this, huh?" "Blind fools! You're such a good girl, and they treat you like a tool, making you marry some cripple instead of their adopted daughter." "Victoria, don't listen to those heartless people." "That's right. Ignore them. We'll go teach them a lesson." "The Binder family? They're nothing special in Benwig City, acting all high and mighty. Victoria, you don't need to go back with them." Victoria raised her hand to quiet them. "Everyone, calm down. I've decided to go back to the Binder family for this arranged marriage. "But I'm going back to teach them a lesson. So I'm telling you all ahead of time. Please help take care of the herbs I just planted in my yard." Even though the villagers didn't really understand, they still respected her choice. "Okay. But if anyone from the Binder family dares to bully you, just call me. I'll get people to take them down," one person said. "That's right. We've got your back," another added. Victoria waved her hand. "Thank you, everyone. That's all I wanted to say. You can all head back now." After that, she turned to Hector and Daisy, who were still waiting, and gave them a light smile. "We can go now." Hector and Daisy were still a little stunned. When they heard her, they finally snapped out of it. "Oh, okay." "Let me carry that." The driver stepped forward and reached for the sack. "Be careful. It's heavy," Victoria said. The driver didn't believe it at first. But the moment he took it with both hands, he almost dropped it on his foot. Victoria blinked at him. "Can you handle it? Don't break anything inside." "No problem." The driver forced a smile, gritted his teeth, and lifted the sack into the trunk. By the time he got back into the driver's seat, he was sweating all over. He hadn't expected Victoria to be this strong despite looking so thin. After getting into the car, Daisy and Hector looked at each other, then kept glancing at Victoria. They seemed to want to say something, but neither of them knew how to start. In the end, Daisy asked, "Victoria, you just told the villagers about marrying a disabled man instead of that adopted daughter. What did you mean?" "You didn't know?" Victoria looked back at her, her eyes narrowing with suspicion. Daisy shook her head. "Hector and I really had no idea. About half a month ago, your parents suddenly told us Angelica wasn't their biological daughter. Then they sent people to look into it. "Just yesterday, they found out their real daughter was living here. That's why they want to bring you back today." Hector nodded to confirm her words. Victoria smiled faintly. "Then why do you think they didn't come themselves?" Daisy fell silent. To her, it was absurd that Victoria's parents would have relatives fetch their biological daughter instead of coming themselves. But the truth would hurt Victoria, so she chose not to say anything. Victoria let out a bitter laugh. "Aunt Daisy, even if you don't say it, I can guess. Just like I said, they don't want to acknowledge me. "They're only bringing me back because they have no choice. They want me to marry that disabled heir in place of their precious adopted daughter." Her gaze was clear and calm, and there was a quiet maturity about her that went far beyond her years. Hector frowned slightly. "Victoria, how did you find out about this arranged marriage?" Victoria smiled. "Secret." On the way, Daisy told her a lot about the Binder family. It wasn't much different from what Mara had already found out. The Binder family was still led by Calvin. He had two sons and one daughter. The eldest son, Hector, was the one who had come to get Victoria, and his wife was Daisy. They didn't have any children. The second son, Darell, was Victoria's biological father. He and his wife, Julia, had two sons and one daughter. The eldest son, Simon, managed the family's entertainment company, Brightstar Entertainment. The second son, Curtis, was a well-known singer under the same company. Then there was the youngest daughter, Angelica. She was considered very outstanding. At just twenty, she had already skipped grades and finished college. She was now preparing to study abroad after getting engaged to the eldest son of the Thornton family. Angelica was the baby who had been switched with Victoria. As for Calvin's daughter, Sirena, she had already married into another wealthy family and only returned for holidays. The drive from the village to Benwig City took six hours over bumpy roads. By the time they arrived, it was dark. "We're here," the driver said as he stopped the car. Victoria looked out the window. In front of her stood a large estate, with several villas spread across it. It looked grand and impressive. The Binder family mansion alone was almost as big as the entire Mullinran Village. Victoria got out of the car and followed Hector and Daisy inside. The head butler, Milton, who had been waiting at the door, stepped forward respectfully. "You're back." He looked at Victoria and gave a polite nod. "This must be Miss Victoria Binder." "Yes," Daisy replied. Then she looked at Victoria gently. "Victoria, go in and meet your parents and brother." Victoria said nothing. She quietly followed them inside. They passed through the wide front yard and stepped into the entrance hall. Standing at the doorway, she quickly scanned the four people sitting on the sofas in the main hall. First, she saw a middle-aged couple dressed in expensive clothes, carrying themselves with an air of wealth and status. Next was a handsome young man who looked a bit rebellious. Finally, there was a beautiful young woman about her age. The corners of her eyes were red, and she looked pitiful, as if she had been crying. None of them looked happy. Their faces were tense, filled with worry. When they looked at her, Victoria caught the flash of disgust in their eyes. A faint smile appeared on her lips. She thought the family was really quite interesting. Chapter 4 Are You an Idiot? "Darell, Julia, I brought your daughter back," Daisy said. She gently patted Victoria on the back. "Victoria, go say hello to your parents and your brother." Victoria didn't move. With a faint, mocking smile, she asked, "Aunt Daisy, are they really my parents and brother?" Daisy froze for a moment, then nodded. "Yes, they are. Why do you ask?" Victoria let out a cold laugh. "I'm supposed to be their daughter and sister, but why do they all look like they can't stand me?" The four people in the room all stiffened. They hadn't expected her to be so direct. Daisy froze again. She wanted to say something, but stopped herself. She knew what Darell and Julia were thinking. They didn't want to accept this daughter because they already had an excellent adopted one. They would rather stay home and comfort their adopted daughter's feelings than spend even a little time going to the village to pick up their real daughter. Simon and Curtis felt the same way. They were closer to the sister they had lived with for twenty years. None of them wanted to hurt her feelings just to pick up Victoria. Simon didn't even bother to show up; he was still at work. In the end, Daisy couldn't take it anymore and offered to go with Hector to bring Victoria home. What she didn't expect was that even after Victoria came back, Darell and Julia still acted like this. They didn't even try to hide it. Julia looked at Darell, and he looked back at her. In that brief exchange, they reached an understanding. Victoria clearly wasn't as quiet and easy to control as they had thought. They couldn't just brush her aside. If they wanted her to willingly take Angelica's place in the marriage to Jackson later, they would have to act nice and coax her a little. Julia hesitated, then forced herself to stand up. She put on a pained expression and walked toward Victoria. "My child, you've suffered so much out there." Victoria stepped aside slightly and avoided her touch. "Stop pretending. I don't see any concern in your eyes." Julia froze in place. A wave of anger rose inside her. She had lowered herself to show kindness, yet Victoria had refused it and embarrassed her in front of everyone. But to her, Victoria's lack of manners was no surprise. She had grown up in the countryside without her parents and had never been properly brought up. Julia forced a stiff smile. "I carried you for ten months. Of course, it hurts me to know you've suffered." Victoria sneered, "Is that so? If you really feel that way, why didn't you come pick me up today? Why did you send Uncle Hector and Aunt Daisy instead?" Daisy wanted to speak, but Hector gently held her hand and shook his head. He said quietly, "Daisy, we've already brought her back. What happens now is their family matter. Let them handle it. Let's go home." Daisy looked at Victoria, her eyes full of worry and sympathy. But she knew Hector was right. This was between Victoria and her parents. No matter what happened, she had no right to interfere. "Julia, now that Victoria is back, you should treat her well. Don't hurt her again. Daisy and I will head back now," Hector said politely, hoping his words would help a little. Darell nodded. "Thank you for your help today." Daisy said gently, "Victoria, we are leaving. If you need anything, come find us at Goldenwood Villa on the east side." With that, she reluctantly turned and left. Victoria watched them walk away, then quickly looked away. Once they were gone, Julia finally breathed a sigh of relief. "This is all my fault. Your father and I didn't go pick you up ourselves because I'm very emotional. "I was afraid that if I saw how poorly you were living, I wouldn't be able to handle it. So I stayed home to calm myself and prepare to welcome you." She was lying. Actually, after Angelica found out last night that she wasn't their real daughter, she had been upset the whole night. This morning, she was so distracted that she couldn't even eat. Julia felt sorry for her and stayed home to comfort her. Victoria's eyes were full of sarcasm. "So what exactly did you prepare for me?" Julia quickly said, "I've already cleaned up a room for you. Come, I'll show you." She reached for Victoria's hand again, but Victoria dodged her once more. "So cleaning a room was more important than coming to pick me up yourself." Julia's hand hung in the air. A trace of impatience flashed across her eyes. "Forget the room. I'm not even sure I'll stay," Victoria said. Then she pointed at the young woman about her age. "Who is she?" Angelica froze. Her eyes instantly turned red. She gently tugged on Curtis's sleeve. Curtis held her hand and said softly, "Angelica, don't be afraid." After comforting her, Curtis looked at Victoria coldly. His tone turned sharp. "I'm your brother, Curtis. And she's my sister, Angelica." He deliberately stressed the words "my sister." "I see." Victoria's voice carried a hint of sarcasm. "So that means she's the adopted daughter who was switched with me, right?" Angelica's hand trembled. Tears gathered in her eyes, ready to fall. Curtis's face darkened. He emphasized, "In my heart, Angelica is my real sister." Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Calling her your real sister? Are you an idiot?" Everyone except Victoria froze at her words. Curtis stared at her in disbelief. "You just called me an idiot, huh?" Victoria laughed mockingly. "Yeah. Did I say anything wrong? Don't you know her mother was the one who secretly switched us back then?" Angelica's birth mother, Jasmine, had worked as a customer service representative at a postpartum care center. When Julia was three months pregnant, she started looking for a high-end center, and Jasmine had served her. By coincidence, Jasmine was also pregnant at the time. When she realized Julia was wealthy, she started having bad thoughts. She secretly followed Julia to find out which center she chose and forced herself to spend the money to book the same one. During the recovery period after giving birth, Jasmine secretly switched her own daughter with Julia's without anyone noticing. At the time, Angelica had an allergic rash on her face. Julia didn't realize anything was wrong, and when she left the center, she took Angelica home. Angelica bit her lip. Tears finally streamed down her face. "I'm sorry." Curtis held her cold hand tightly and gently said, "Angelica, this has nothing to do with you." Then he turned to Victoria, his voice full of anger. "Yes, her mother switched you back then. But Angelica is innocent. She didn't know anything about it." Victoria laughed out loud, her eyes full of ridicule. "Oh, she's innocent? She spent twenty years enjoying my life, living in comfort and luxury. "And me? I was thrown into a trash can by her cruel mother in the freezing cold. If no one had found me, I would have died right after I was born." Chapter 5 I'll Leave Victoria's words left Curtis speechless. He had just started to feel a bit guilty when Angelica suddenly broke down in tears again. She said, "I'm sorry. It's all my fault. It's my fault for having a mother like that. Victoria, if you hate me, you can hit me or yell at me, but please don't blame Curtis." As she spoke, she struggled to pull free from Curtis's hand. With a determined look, she bit her lip and ran toward Victoria. "Angelica!" Curtis panicked and quickly got up to follow her. Angelica ran up to Victoria and was about to bow, but Curtis caught up just in time and pulled her back. "Angelica, what are you doing? This isn't your fault. It's your mother's fault." Victoria watched the whole scene and suddenly laughed. She even clapped her hands like she was watching a show. "This is really something. Are you putting on a pity act for me?" The small bit of guilt Curtis had felt disappeared right away. After helping Angelica steady herself, he looked at Victoria coldly. "Why are you being so unreasonable?" he asked. "Angelica already apologized sincerely, and you're still mocking her." "I'm not just mocking her. I'm mocking all of you," Victoria said. "Her mother planned everything, found a way to switch us, and let her take twenty years of the life that should have been mine. "Now that I'm back, you guys are still protecting her right in front of me. It's a shame that I ended up with a family like this." Curtis's face darkened even more. Julia looked helplessly at Darell. She hadn't expected Victoria to be so stubborn and didn't know how to deal with her. No matter how she looked at it, Julia just couldn't bring herself to like Victoria. Darell, who had been silent until now, finally spoke up. "That's enough, Victoria. Angelica's mother has already been punished. Angelica is alone now, with no one to rely on. "Your mother and I raised her for twenty years. We can't just throw her out. The Binder family has more than enough. Keeping her here is no big deal. She won't affect you." But Victoria didn't accept that. "If it's really no big deal, then she can live anywhere. Why does she have to stay here and bother me? "Every time I see her, I'm reminded of everything I went through after being switched." Darell didn't expect her to keep pushing like this. Just like Julia, he began to feel more and more resistant toward Victoria. Compared to Angelica, who was gentle and understanding, Victoria seemed completely rude to him. Angelica bit her lip and let her tears fall silently. She looked pitiful, making it hard not to feel sorry for her. Seeing how aggressive Victoria was, Curtis finally lost his temper. "So you won't be satisfied unless we send Angelica away, huh?" Victoria nodded. "That's right. We're not both living here. It's one or the other." As soon as she said that, everyone's faces darkened. "I don't want to leave you," Angelica said through her tears, looking completely wronged. It made anyone who saw her feel bad. Curtis held her hand tightly. "Angelica, don't worry. You don't have to go anywhere. As long as I'm here, I won't let anyone drive you out of the Binder family. You'll always be my sister. You're part of us." Victoria raised an eyebrow. "So you want me to leave, huh?" Julia was already at her limit, but she forced herself to stay calm. "Victoria, you just got back. You don't really know Angelica yet. "She's kind and understanding. Once you spend some time with her, you'll accept her. Her staying here won't affect your place. No matter what, you're our real daughter." Victoria sneered, "Really? Then why did all of you look disgusted the moment you saw me? Is it because I'm not as pretty as her? Or because I'm not as refined? "But have you forgotten? If we had never been switched, the pretty, refined one would be me. Everything she has now was built on the suffering I endured for her." Julia froze and quickly shook her head. "That's not it. We just haven't adjusted yet." "You need time to adjust to your own daughter, huh? Then why didn't Uncle Hector and Aunt Daisy need time when they saw me?" Victoria pressed. Julia had no answer. But she thought it was because Hector and Daisy had no children, so of course, they would be happy. She took a deep breath and softened her voice. "Victoria, we won't treat you badly from now on. Your living expenses will be the same as Angelica's. Your father and I won't favor one over the other." Victoria gave a faint, mocking smile. "Should I thank you for that? Honestly, for me, not favoring one over the other is already the biggest favoritism. "You two are really kind. You don't want your own daughter, but you're willing to spend money raising the daughter of someone who ruined my life. I've never seen people this generous." Julia held back her anger and continued, "Victoria, stop making trouble. You're my real daughter. We finally found you. How could we let you keep suffering out there?" Victoria replied, "So you knew I was suffering. While I was suffering, that criminal's daughter was living here, enjoying everything you gave her in my place. "And now, on the very first day I come back, you're ready to push me away again." Curtis said coldly, "Get this straight. We're not pushing you away. You're the one making things difficult. You could stay here peacefully, but you refuse to accept Angelica." "How could I accept the daughter of a criminal?" Victoria asked. "If I hadn't been lucky enough to survive, her mother would be both a trafficker and a murderer. "She committed the crime, but her daughter hasn't been punished at all. Why should she get to keep living this rich, comfortable life as if nothing had happened?" Angelica's body swayed. Curtis quickly held her steady, his anger finally breaking through. "With your attitude, do you even deserve to stay here while Angelica leaves?" "Of course I do. First, I'm a Binder by blood. Second, unlike you, I'm not an idiot." After snapping at him, Victoria lost her patience. "Have you decided? Is she leaving, or am I?" Curtis pulled Angelica into his arms protectively and said firmly, "Dad, Mom, if I have to choose, then I only recognize Angelica as my sister." "Good. One vote." Victoria raised her index finger and then looked at Julia. "What about you?" Julia forced down her frustration and said gently, "Victoria, don't do this—" "Alright, that's two votes," Victoria said, not even bothering to listen. She turned to Darell. "Your vote doesn't matter anymore. There are already two votes for Angelica. Fine. Since that's the case, she stays. I'll leave." A trace of anxiety flashed in Angelica's eyes. If Victoria really left, there would be no one to take her place in marrying Jackson. ------ 👇👇👇 There are limited chapters to put here, click “continue reading” to open App to continue reading (It will automatically jump to the book)
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This used to be a typical week for me: Monday: told myself I'd approach more this week. Wednesday: saw a woman I was attracted to at a coffee shop. Waited too long. She left. Told myself the timing was off. Friday night: went out. Had a few decent conversations. Nothing that went anywhere. Went home replaying what I should have said. Saturday: found myself texting a girl I wasn't really that excited about because at least she texted back. Sunday: watched some YouTube videos about confidence. Felt motivated for about an hour. Repeat. I wasn't lazy. I wasn't giving up. I was trying. But I had no real feedback. No reps that counted. No way to see what was actually happening in those conversations from the outside. I just kept running the same patterns and wondering why I kept getting the same results. The women I was genuinely attracted to stayed just out of reach. Not because I couldn't talk to them. Because something would shift the moment I was actually into someone — a low-level anxiety that I couldn't turn off, that leaked into everything without me knowing it. So without ever deciding to, I started gravitating toward women I wasn't nervous around. Safe women. Women I wasn't that excited about. Women my anxiety approved of. That's not a dating life. That's a consolation prize. Here's what a typical week looks like now. Wednesday night I log onto a live group call. On the screen is a real woman — genuinely attractive, fully engaged, there to have a real conversation. Not a simulation. Not a scripted exercise. A live practice date on video. I have the conversation. Whatever happens, happens. The nerves might still be there a little. But I'm in it. When it's done, the coach watches it back and tells me exactly what happened. Not general feedback. Specific. The moment my energy shifted. The question that landed. The place where I started following instead of leading. What she was actually feeling at each point that I couldn't see from the inside. I take that in. I come back the another week and do it again. That feedback loop changes something that no book, no video, no mindset exercise ever touched. Your nervous system stops treating attractive women like emergencies. Not because you forced yourself to be confident. Because you've had enough reps in a safe environment that your brain finally has evidence — real evidence — that you can handle this. That you belong in that conversation. That you don't have to perform or shrink or quietly hope she likes you enough. You just show up. And that, it turns out, is the whole thing. The community is called Social Skills Decoded. Every week there are live practice dates with real women and direct feedback from a coach with 15 years in the field. There are also courses, a members map to find local training partners, and an online dating blueprint with AI photo training. But the practice dates are what change the baseline. Because the gap between the man you are in comfortable situations and the man you want to be when she actually walks in the room — that gap closes with reps. Real ones. With real feedback. It's free to join. You don't have to keep having the same week on repeat. The version of you that doesn't get nervous around the women he actually wants — he's not a different person. He's just had more practice. Inside you'll find a complete system built from proven results in the field, including: ✅ Weekly live practice dates with female models ✅ Weekly live training + daily recorded feedback from me ✅ “Dating Results Accelerated” course (proven actions to boost your SMV) ✅ Online Dating Blueprint (w/ AI photo training) ✅ 30 Day Social Circle Blueprint ✅ Member’s Map to Find Local Wings Join for free, learn the system, and start dating on your terms. 🎯 www.skool.com/socialskills/about You just need a proven blueprint to get this dating thing handled for good.
There's a study out of Harvard that ran for 85 years. They followed hundreds of men from young adulthood all the way to the end of their lives — tracking their health, their careers, their happiness, their longevity. And after 85 years, across hundreds of lives, one thing predicted how well a man's life went more than anything else. Not wealth. Not status. Not how hard he worked. The quality of his close relationships. The men who had real love in their lives lived longer. Healed faster. Had lower rates of depression, better heart health, stronger immune systems. The data was so consistent across decades that the lead researcher called it the clearest finding of his career. Love isn't a luxury. It turned out to be a biological need. I think about that study a lot. Because I spent years being exactly the kind of man it was describing — successful on paper, quietly losing on the inside. At 23 I was working at Google. By most measures I had everything figured out. I was the guy who outworked everyone, solved problems other people couldn't, earned his spot at the most sought-after company in the world. And I was completely alone. Not by choice. I just couldn't figure out why the women I actually wanted never seemed to see me. I'd watch other guys — guys I couldn't point to a single impressive thing about — walk up to a woman and have her completely lit up in two minutes. And I was standing right there. Same room. Invisible. I thought it was just how I was. That some men had it and some didn't. That was the most dangerous thought I ever had. What I eventually learned — after years of painful trial and error — is that attraction isn't a personality trait you're born with. It's a skill set. Specific. Learnable. Trainable. The way you hold your energy when she's in front of you. The way you lead a conversation instead of following it. The way she can feel that you're genuinely interested without feeling like you need her approval to feel okay about yourself. Nobody teaches men this. And the culture we grew up in made it almost impossible to ask. So most men just carry the gap quietly. And the Harvard data suggests they pay for it — in their health, their happiness, their years. That's why I built Social Skills Decoded. It's a community for men who are done leaving this area of their life to chance — and ready to actually get good at it. Inside you'll find a complete system built from the field, including: ✅ Weekly live practice dates with female models ✅ Weekly live training + daily recorded feedback from me ✅ “Dating Results Accelerated” course (proven actions to boost your SMV) ✅ Online Dating Blueprint (w/ AI photo training) ✅ 30 Day Social Circle Blueprint ✅ Member’s Map to Find Local Wings The Harvard researchers spent 85 years trying to figure out what makes a man's life go well. The answer was relationships. The men who thrived longest weren't the ones who optimized everything else and left this to chance. They were the men who decided to get good at it. That decision is available to you right now. Join free and see the system for yourself: www.skool.com/socialskills/about Join for free, learn the system, and start dating on your terms. 🎯 If a kid who got called "rat face" in high school and was still a virgin at 23 could end up where I am now, I promise the gap between where you are and where you want to be is smaller than you think. You just need a proven blueprint to see it clearly.
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When a killer came in the night, Victoria Binder didn’t scream—she fought. And she won, burying the proof in her own garden. That was just the beginning. Unveiled as the lost heiress to a mighty fortune, Victoria returned to a family that despised her. She wasn’t there for their love. She was there for what was hers: the power, the legacy, the truth. ------ Chapter 1 I Want to Marry You "Victoria, we need to break up. It turns out I'm actually the heir to the Fairbank family, one of the most powerful families in Benwig City. You're just a country girl who sells herbs. You're not good enough for me anymore." Victoria Binder had just received a call from her boyfriend, Gavin Alvarado—no, Gavin Fairbank now. She had been about to tell him that she was the long-lost daughter of a wealthy family herself, but before she could say a word, she heard him claim she wasn't good enough for him. She let out a silent, cold laugh. The medicinal herbs she grew were incredibly valuable. Countless rich and influential families were trying to buy them at high prices. Her products had even appeared several times at the largest auction house in Benwig City. Gavin's arrogant voice came through the phone again. "With my status now, I need to marry a proper heiress from a family that matches mine. "But since we dated for two months, I won't treat you badly. Before I marry someone suitable, you can stay with me. Even after I get married, I can still keep you as my—" Before he could finish, Victoria snapped, "Asshole. If you want to break up, then we're done." She hung up immediately. The handsome man standing in front of her, Jackson Thornton, raised an eyebrow. He had been waiting for her response. He smiled. "So? You just found out you're the heiress of the Binder family, one of the richest families in Benwig City, and you still got dumped?" Victoria looked up at him and smiled brightly. "Funny coincidence. He just told me that he's the heir to a wealthy family in Benwig City and that I'm not good enough for him." Then her expression shifted, turning doubtful. "Wait a second. This whole thing about being the real daughter or real son of some rich family... Isn't that some new kind of scam going around?" Jackson paused for a moment, then smiled. "Of course not. You really are the true daughter of the Binder family." Victoria gave a nonchalant hum. She took the basket off her back, sat down on a chair, and began sorting the herbs she had just picked. "Then who are you?" she asked. "Why are you the one coming to find me instead of my biological parents?" Jackson glanced at the shabby house in front of him, then looked at Victoria, who sat casually on a small stool. He said, "If nothing unexpected happens, I'll soon be your fiancé. I'm Jackson, the eldest son of the Thornton family in Benwig City." Victoria almost slipped off her stool. She stared at him in shock. "What? Fiancé?" "That's right. But as you can see, I'm disabled now. I lost the use of my legs last month." Sitting in his wheelchair, Jackson lifted a hand and pointed at his legs, giving a helpless smile. "I see. And what does that have to do with you coming to find me today?" Victoria asked. Then she suddenly understood. "Wait. Are you saying that I'm the real daughter of the wealthy Binder family, and that they're planning to bring me back and have me marry you?" Jackson nodded, a hint of admiration in his eyes. "Exactly." Victoria's gaze flickered. Jackson continued, "Because of my legs, I'm about to be dumped. Just like you." Victoria caught on quickly. "So the one who was supposed to marry you was the Binder family's adopted daughter. But now that you're disabled, she doesn't want to marry you anymore." Jackson nodded again. "Yes. That's exactly it." Victoria almost let out a bitter laugh. "Then why don't you look upset at all?" Jackson said calmly, "You just got dumped by your boyfriend, and you don't look upset either." "He's just trash. Good riddance." Victoria curled her lips in disdain. Jackson studied her, the admiration in his eyes deepening. "You're surprisingly chill about it." Victoria let out a small scoff. "Of course. Why waste time and energy feeling bad over someone who isn't worth it?" She had started dating Gavin after saving his life by chance two years ago. After that, he had chased after her nonstop, using gratitude as an excuse. For two whole years, he acted devoted, as if he would never marry anyone but her. He didn't seem to have any serious flaws. She figured having a man around could help her take care of the herb garden and keep other men from bothering her, so she agreed to date him. But she never expected that the moment Gavin found out he was the heir to a wealthy family, he would turn on her so quickly. Jackson smiled. "Same here. She's trash anyway. Better not to marry her." There had never been anything between him and Angelica Binder. Their engagement had only been arranged by his grandfather for a business alliance. Now that his legs were disabled, Angelica's parents naturally didn't want her to marry him anymore. But the Thornton family was the most powerful family in Benwig City, with huge wealth and influence. They weren't willing to give up the alliance, either. In the end, they planned to have their biological daughter, Victoria, marry him in Angelica's place. Victoria went straight to the point. "It's just strange. How could it be such a coincidence? Right after your legs were disabled, my birth parents suddenly found me and decided to have me marry you instead of their adopted daughter." She let out a cold, mocking laugh. "Looks like they always knew I was their real daughter. I just had no value to them, so they left me out here all this time and never brought me home." Jackson didn't try to comfort her with lies. "I think you're right." Victoria gave a cold sneer. If that was true, then her birth parents were even more heartless than she had thought. Still, one thing didn't make sense to her. "Since you already know what the Binder family is planning, why not just give up on the alliance? Why walk straight into their trap?" "I had someone look into you," Jackson said calmly. "You sell medicine, and you're pretty well-known around here. "I heard you've treated quite a few difficult cases with your own methods. My legs are disabled. Over the past month, I've invited top doctors from all over the country, but none of them could help. "So I came here myself to see if marrying you would be a trap or a chance for me." He didn't hide why he came. Victoria found him interesting. She shrugged. "Well, you've seen me now. I'm just a wild country girl. My birth parents, the ones I've never even met, clearly don't like me. "Do you still want to marry someone like me? I'm just a real daughter who isn't valued and is just being used as a substitute bride." Jackson looked at her closely. At first glance, she wasn't the delicate type raised in comfort. Her skin wasn't soft. It had a light wheat tone that made her look healthy and full of life. But if one looked more carefully, her features were actually very refined. Her eyes were bright and clear, and there was strength in the way she looked at people. There was no trace of disrespect in Jackson's gaze. He looked sincere. "Yes. After meeting you, I'm sure I want to marry you. I just don't know if you're willing to give me a chance." Victoria studied his face. She had to admit that he was strikingly handsome, the kind of man who wouldn't be forgotten even in a huge crowd. His features were sharp, and his face was well-defined. What stood out the most was his eyes. Even after going through something as serious as losing the use of his legs, they were still clear. There was no bitterness or confusion. Victoria glanced at his legs again. "What's going on with them?" "They were broken with a wooden club last month," Jackson said. "I've had many well-known doctors take a look. They all said my legs are beyond saving. I'll never stand again." "Pull up your pant legs. Let me see," said Victoria. "Okay." Jackson did as she said, lifting his pant legs to reveal his knees and lower legs, covered in scars. Victoria's expression darkened. She set the herbs aside, stood up, and walked over to him. Then she bent down and pressed carefully on his knees. The pain made Jackson frown, but he didn't make a sound. "They can be treated," Victoria said firmly. Hope lit up in Jackson's eyes at once. Thinking about how her birth parents had ignored her existence for so many years, Victoria made up her mind. She would go back to Benwig City and take her place as the Binder family's true daughter. She wanted to meet them face to face. She clapped her hands lightly and sat back down on the small stool. "I can marry you." Jackson raised an eyebrow. "Do you have any conditions?" Victoria tilted her head and smiled brightly. "Listen to you. Do I need conditions to marry you? You're so good-looking. If I fix your legs, I'll be the one getting the better deal." Jackson hadn't expected her to be so straightforward. His brow lifted higher, and he let out a soft laugh. "Alright. Then it's settled. I'll wait for you to return to the Binder family." Chapter 2 A Welcome Gift After Jackson left his phone number with Victoria, he left the village with his assistant, Ollie Rowse. Victoria watched him go, her eyes growing thoughtful. She took out her phone and dialed a number. "Mara, I need you to look into everyone in the Binder family in Benwig City right away. Focus on their daughter. I want everything you can find, and I want it by tonight." "Yes, boss," Mara replied. After hanging up, Victoria's gaze turned even sharper. Ford had once told her about that freezing winter night twenty years ago. He had been on his way to settle down in a small southern town when he heard a baby crying from inside a trash bin. He got out of the car to check and found a baby girl, not even a month old, her skin red from the cold. If she hadn't been crying so loudly, and if he hadn't happened to pass that deserted road, she would have died quietly in that trash bin. That baby was Victoria. Ford gave her that name, hoping she would grow up strong and tough no matter what life threw at her. Even on his deathbed, Ford never stopped looking for her biological parents. And all this time, Victoria had believed they must have abandoned her because they had no other choice. But now, it seemed that wasn't true. Her biological parents didn't want her and had no intention of taking her back. If it weren't for the adopted daughter they had raised for twenty years, Victoria might have gone her whole life without parents. Just then, someone called out from outside, "Victoria, who was that man in the nice car looking for you?" It was Stephan, a middle-aged man from next door. He spent most of his time up in the mountains hunting herbs. Victoria put her phone away and walked out, smiling at him. "To be honest with you, that was my fiancé." Stephan looked surprised. "Your fiancé? You have good taste. He's a handsome man. Why didn't you ask him to stay for dinner?" "He had things to take care of in the city. He couldn't stay today," Victoria said. "Next time he comes, make sure he stays for a meal. Everything we eat here is grown by us. Let him try it. It's much better and healthier than city food," Stephan said. "I will," Victoria said with a smile. Stephan grabbed his tools and headed up into the mountains. Only after he left did Victoria go back inside to keep sorting the herbs she had picked. ***** After leaving Mullinran Village, Ollie, who was driving, glanced at Jackson's calm face in the rearview mirror and asked carefully, "Mr. Thornton, are you really going to marry her? "You saw it yourself. Her own parents don't even want her. She makes a living selling herbs and doing some basic medical work. "You just went through something serious, and this is when you need support the most. Marrying her won't help you secure your position in the Thornton family." Jackson shifted his gaze away from the fields outside the window and gently rubbed the petals of a purple flower he had picked from Victoria's doorstep. He asked, "Ollie, do you remember six months ago, when my grandfather was seriously ill and needed a very rare herb to survive?" Ollie wasn't sure why he changed the subject, but he nodded. "Of course. That herb showed up at the biggest auction house in Benwig City. You spent 30 million dollars to get it." "Didn't you notice? That same rare herb was hanging casually on the wall of her simple, run-down house," Jackson said. That one bundle alone would be worth a fortune at any auction in Benwig City. "What?" Ollie was stunned. From the moment they walked into Victoria's house, he had only noticed how shabby it looked and missed everything else. Now it finally clicked. "Do you mean her background might not be as simple as it seems?" Jackson lifted the purple flower to his nose and took a light breath. "I can't say for sure what her background is yet. But one thing is clear. Her medical skills are far from simple." Ollie understood right away. If that was true, then there was real hope for Jackson's legs. Still, he couldn't help asking, "If all you want is to fix your legs, you could just pay her a large amount of money. There's no need to marry her." Jackson blinked and slowly turned the flower between his fingers. A faint smile appeared on his lips. "What if I said I fell for her at first sight? Would you believe me?" Ollie paused and looked at him again through the rearview mirror. He seemed calm. He wasn't exactly joking, but he wasn't completely serious, either. But Jackson rarely joked, so Ollie couldn't tell how much of it was real. In the end, he chose to believe him. "I believe you." "Good. In my eyes, she is already my fiancée. From now on, you need to treat her with respect," Jackson said. "Understood." Ollie nodded. Jackson wasn't joking. When it came to love, he had never believed in feelings that grew over time. To him, if there was no spark at first sight, then staying together would only lead to a relationship based on weighing pros and cons, not the kind of love that made his heart race. That was why, when his grandfather arranged his engagement to Angelica, he had agreed for practical reasons alone. But when he saw Victoria, everything changed. It felt like the world spun around him, and everything else faded away. In his eyes, she was the only color left. He couldn't explain why it had to be her. Maybe it was that moment when their eyes met, when the light in hers pulled him in like a whirlpool. Jackson picked up a book from the car and carefully placed the small purple flower between its pages. Then he closed the book and shut his eyes. ***** At eight that evening, Victoria had just finished bringing in the herbs she had been drying on the roof when her phone rang. She set the herbs aside, brushed the dust off her hands, and picked up the call. Mara's cool voice came through. "Boss, I found what you asked for. The Binder family has only one daughter. She was born to the second son, Darell, and his wife, Julia. Her name is Angelica. She's the same age as you. "She's very spoiled at home. Two months ago, Darell arranged a great marriage for her. She's engaged to Jackson, the eldest son of the Thornton family, the most powerful family in Benwig City. "Jackson had already been chosen by his grandfather, Gerry, as the next heir. But last month, he had an accident. Someone broke both his legs, and the announcement was put on hold." "What is Angelica like?" Victoria asked. "She has a very good reputation. She's beautiful and talented. A lot of rich young men in Benwig City admire her. That's probably why she gained Gerry's approval for the marriage," Mara said. Victoria let out a cold laugh to herself. She didn't believe for a second that Angelica's perfect life came without tricks. "Got it. Now find out if Angelica is really Darell and Julia's biological daughter," Victoria said. "You're focusing on the Binder family, especially Angelica. What are you planning to do?" Mara asked. "I'm going back to take my place," Victoria said. A faint spark lit up in her deep eyes. She found the idea of being the Binder family's real daughter interesting. Victoria had many identities. The one she used the most was a village herbalist and healer. In her daily life, she spent time with her retired scientist friends in the village, growing new herbs and developing new medicines. Over the years, she had cultivated twenty kinds of rare medicinal plants. Because they were so hard to produce, they sold for extremely high prices. Any one of them, if sold at auction in Benwig City, could earn more than most people made in a lifetime. On top of that, she was skilled in traditional medical techniques. When she treated regular villagers, she charged normal fees. But when rich families or powerful figures came to her, her starting fee was three million dollars. Of course, she guaranteed results. If she couldn't cure them, she wouldn't take a single dollar. This identity alone had already made her very rich. Money no longer meant much to her. So when her ex-boyfriend, Gavin, said she wasn't good enough for him, she found it almost funny. If she wanted, she could build her own place in Benwig City without relying on anyone. Over the years, all her different identities had started to feel dull. It was time to try something new. And she had to admit, Jackson impressed her. Out of all the people she had treated, none had faced sudden injury like he did, so calm and steady. His willpower was strong. He was someone who would go far. He was handsome and capable. It would be a waste for him to stay crippled. So she would fix his legs. Mara quickly understood, her voice turning serious. "Understood, boss. I'll get on it right away." ***** Late that night, Victoria was fast asleep when she heard wood cracking outside. Her eyes opened at once, sharp and alert, and she turned toward the sound. Anyone showing up at this hour without warning was not from the village. She had spread powders around her home to keep wild animals away, so no beasts would come near. That left only one answer. Someone had broken in. Victoria got up quietly and, using the moonlight, moved to hide behind the door. Soon, her old wooden door was kicked open, and a shadow rushed inside. She hadn't expected him to be so bold, barging in instead of sneaking around. She flicked a silver needle straight at him. The man let out a low groan and dropped to the ground. Victoria turned on the light, filling the room with brightness. She kicked him aside and finally saw his face clearly. He looked like a hardened criminal. She grabbed a rope, walked over, and tied up his hands and feet. Once he was secured, she took out a needle and stuck it into his neck. Within seconds, he woke up. Victoria sat on the bed, crossing her legs as she played with another needle. "If you don't want to suffer, you'd better tell me the truth. Who sent you?" The man quickly sized up the situation. "People who hire killers stay anonymous. Who would be stupid enough to give their name? But they said that if I raped you, they would get me out of the country safely." Victoria's eyes turned cold and sharp. If he needed to run overseas, that meant he was already a wanted criminal. The man hurried to beg, "I've told you everything I know. Let me go. I won't take this job anymore." Victoria nodded. "Fine." She walked over, pulled out the needle, and untied the ropes. "You can leave." The man rubbed his wrists. "Thanks—" Before he could finish, his face suddenly changed. He lifted his leg and tried to kick Victoria in the knee. But the moment his foot rose, a sharp pain shot through him. Then his whole body went numb. He couldn't move. He looked down in terror. A small black snake had bitten his ankle. "How is there a poisonous snake here—" Before he could finish, blood burst from his throat. His body fell stiffly to the ground. After a few jerks, he went still. Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Trying to kill me in my place? You asked for it. Good job, Blackie. Go rest." The little black snake slipped into a dark corner and quickly disappeared. Victoria picked up a hoe, stuffed the body into a large basket, and lifted it onto her back with ease. She carried it outside and buried it near her vegetable garden. It would make good fertilizer for her herbs. After that, she let out a long breath, brushed off her hands, and looked up at the nearly full moon. She had just learned who she really was, and someone had already sent a man to ruin her. It seemed that someone had prepared a "welcome gift" for her in advance. Chapter 3 We've Got Your Back The next day at noon, a black Bentley worth 1.5 million dollars stopped in front of Victoria's house. Victoria was grinding the herbs she had picked the day before. When she heard the car, she glanced out the window and checked the license plate. It was from Benwig City, just as she expected. She finished grinding the herbs, put them into jars, brushed the dust off her hands, and walked outside. She went straight to the car and knocked on the window. A moment later, the window slid down, revealing the still handsome face of a middle-aged man—Hector Binder. He looked about fifty, with neatly slicked-back hair. A woman sat beside him. She looked about the same age. Even though she wasn't young anymore, she had taken good care of herself and looked as if she were in her thirties. Her features were still soft and beautiful. Victoria didn't waste time. "Are you here for me?" Hector, sitting in the back seat, looked at her, then at the photo in his hand. His eyes lit up. "Daisy, it's her. She's the one we're looking for." Daisy's eyes filled with excitement, even shining with tears. "Yes, it's her. No mistake." They quickly opened the door, got out of the car, and walked over to Victoria. Hector nodded. "Yes. You're the real daughter the Binder family lost years ago. We're here to take you back." Victoria looked straight into his eyes. He seemed like a decent man, and the excitement in his expression matched Daisy's. It didn't look fake. This couple didn't seem to have anything to do with what happened to her last night. Hector paused, a little surprised. "How did you know we were coming?" But he didn't dwell on it. Instead, he explained, "You are the young lady of the Binder family. "When you were little, someone switched you with another baby. That's why you ended up here. You've suffered for twenty years, living away from your real home." As soon as he finished, Daisy started to choke up. "Poor child." Victoria stayed calm. "So, are you my parents?" Hector and Daisy froze. They exchanged a look, then answered awkwardly, "No. We're your uncle and aunt." Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Then why aren't my parents here? Why did they send you instead?" Daisy looked uneasy. "Something came up at home. They couldn't leave, so they asked us to come get you." Victoria saw right through it. "You don't have to cover for them. I'm not a child. What could be more important than picking up their own daughter? They just didn't want to come." Hearing that, Daisy stepped forward and gently hugged her. Tears slipped down her face. "My poor child, you've suffered so much." Victoria didn't expect the sudden hug. At first, she wanted to pull away, but the warmth of it stopped her. It felt soft and comforting, unlike any embrace she had experienced in twenty years. It was, perhaps, the closest she had ever come to what a mother's embrace should feel like. She let out a quiet sigh. For a moment, she thought that if these two were her real parents, it wouldn't be so bad. After a while, Daisy let go and held her hand. "Go pack your things. We'll take you home today. You won't have to live like this anymore." Victoria nodded. "Okay. Wait for me. I'll go pack." She didn't need to bring clothes. The only things she needed were the medicines she had made. After packing all the bottles of medicine powder and poison powder from the wooden cabinet, Victoria called out, "Blackie, Whitey, Greenie, come out. I'm taking you somewhere new." As soon as she finished, three small snakes slid out from the corners and crawled into a sack. Victoria tied the sack and slung it over her shoulder. Then she took a drum from the old cabinet. After giving the shabby house one last look, she walked outside and began to beat the drum. The loud sound of the drum echoed through the area. Hector and Daisy, waiting outside, looked confused. Before long, the villagers gathered around. They looked at Victoria with concern. "Victoria, what's wrong? What happened?" Victoria set down the drum, cleared her throat, and said, "Everyone, you all know I'm an orphan. I grew up without parents, raised by all of you. "But now I know who my real parents are. It turns out I'm the daughter of the Binder family in Benwig City." The villagers were happy for her at first, but then she continued, "But here's the thing. My real parents knew all along who I was, but they never came to acknowledge me. "And now, the only reason they're taking me back is to make me marry a disabled man in place of their adopted daughter." Hector and Daisy were stunned. They had no idea about any of this. The villagers were furious. "What kind of people are they? They knew you were their real daughter but ignored you all this time, and now they want to use you like this, huh?" "Blind fools! You're such a good girl, and they treat you like a tool, making you marry some cripple instead of their adopted daughter." "Victoria, don't listen to those heartless people." "That's right. Ignore them. We'll go teach them a lesson." "The Binder family? They're nothing special in Benwig City, acting all high and mighty. Victoria, you don't need to go back with them." Victoria raised her hand to quiet them. "Everyone, calm down. I've decided to go back to the Binder family for this arranged marriage. "But I'm going back to teach them a lesson. So I'm telling you all ahead of time. Please help take care of the herbs I just planted in my yard." Even though the villagers didn't really understand, they still respected her choice. "Okay. But if anyone from the Binder family dares to bully you, just call me. I'll get people to take them down," one person said. "That's right. We've got your back," another added. Victoria waved her hand. "Thank you, everyone. That's all I wanted to say. You can all head back now." After that, she turned to Hector and Daisy, who were still waiting, and gave them a light smile. "We can go now." Hector and Daisy were still a little stunned. When they heard her, they finally snapped out of it. "Oh, okay." "Let me carry that." The driver stepped forward and reached for the sack. "Be careful. It's heavy," Victoria said. The driver didn't believe it at first. But the moment he took it with both hands, he almost dropped it on his foot. Victoria blinked at him. "Can you handle it? Don't break anything inside." "No problem." The driver forced a smile, gritted his teeth, and lifted the sack into the trunk. By the time he got back into the driver's seat, he was sweating all over. He hadn't expected Victoria to be this strong despite looking so thin. After getting into the car, Daisy and Hector looked at each other, then kept glancing at Victoria. They seemed to want to say something, but neither of them knew how to start. In the end, Daisy asked, "Victoria, you just told the villagers about marrying a disabled man instead of that adopted daughter. What did you mean?" "You didn't know?" Victoria looked back at her, her eyes narrowing with suspicion. Daisy shook her head. "Hector and I really had no idea. About half a month ago, your parents suddenly told us Angelica wasn't their biological daughter. Then they sent people to look into it. "Just yesterday, they found out their real daughter was living here. That's why they want to bring you back today." Hector nodded to confirm her words. Victoria smiled faintly. "Then why do you think they didn't come themselves?" Daisy fell silent. To her, it was absurd that Victoria's parents would have relatives fetch their biological daughter instead of coming themselves. But the truth would hurt Victoria, so she chose not to say anything. Victoria let out a bitter laugh. "Aunt Daisy, even if you don't say it, I can guess. Just like I said, they don't want to acknowledge me. "They're only bringing me back because they have no choice. They want me to marry that disabled heir in place of their precious adopted daughter." Her gaze was clear and calm, and there was a quiet maturity about her that went far beyond her years. Hector frowned slightly. "Victoria, how did you find out about this arranged marriage?" Victoria smiled. "Secret." On the way, Daisy told her a lot about the Binder family. It wasn't much different from what Mara had already found out. The Binder family was still led by Calvin. He had two sons and one daughter. The eldest son, Hector, was the one who had come to get Victoria, and his wife was Daisy. They didn't have any children. The second son, Darell, was Victoria's biological father. He and his wife, Julia, had two sons and one daughter. The eldest son, Simon, managed the family's entertainment company, Brightstar Entertainment. The second son, Curtis, was a well-known singer under the same company. Then there was the youngest daughter, Angelica. She was considered very outstanding. At just twenty, she had already skipped grades and finished college. She was now preparing to study abroad after getting engaged to the eldest son of the Thornton family. Angelica was the baby who had been switched with Victoria. As for Calvin's daughter, Sirena, she had already married into another wealthy family and only returned for holidays. The drive from the village to Benwig City took six hours over bumpy roads. By the time they arrived, it was dark. "We're here," the driver said as he stopped the car. Victoria looked out the window. In front of her stood a large estate, with several villas spread across it. It looked grand and impressive. The Binder family mansion alone was almost as big as the entire Mullinran Village. Victoria got out of the car and followed Hector and Daisy inside. The head butler, Milton, who had been waiting at the door, stepped forward respectfully. "You're back." He looked at Victoria and gave a polite nod. "This must be Miss Victoria Binder." "Yes," Daisy replied. Then she looked at Victoria gently. "Victoria, go in and meet your parents and brother." Victoria said nothing. She quietly followed them inside. They passed through the wide front yard and stepped into the entrance hall. Standing at the doorway, she quickly scanned the four people sitting on the sofas in the main hall. First, she saw a middle-aged couple dressed in expensive clothes, carrying themselves with an air of wealth and status. Next was a handsome young man who looked a bit rebellious. Finally, there was a beautiful young woman about her age. The corners of her eyes were red, and she looked pitiful, as if she had been crying. None of them looked happy. Their faces were tense, filled with worry. When they looked at her, Victoria caught the flash of disgust in their eyes. A faint smile appeared on her lips. She thought the family was really quite interesting. Chapter 4 Are You an Idiot? "Darell, Julia, I brought your daughter back," Daisy said. She gently patted Victoria on the back. "Victoria, go say hello to your parents and your brother." Victoria didn't move. With a faint, mocking smile, she asked, "Aunt Daisy, are they really my parents and brother?" Daisy froze for a moment, then nodded. "Yes, they are. Why do you ask?" Victoria let out a cold laugh. "I'm supposed to be their daughter and sister, but why do they all look like they can't stand me?" The four people in the room all stiffened. They hadn't expected her to be so direct. Daisy froze again. She wanted to say something, but stopped herself. She knew what Darell and Julia were thinking. They didn't want to accept this daughter because they already had an excellent adopted one. They would rather stay home and comfort their adopted daughter's feelings than spend even a little time going to the village to pick up their real daughter. Simon and Curtis felt the same way. They were closer to the sister they had lived with for twenty years. None of them wanted to hurt her feelings just to pick up Victoria. Simon didn't even bother to show up; he was still at work. In the end, Daisy couldn't take it anymore and offered to go with Hector to bring Victoria home. What she didn't expect was that even after Victoria came back, Darell and Julia still acted like this. They didn't even try to hide it. Julia looked at Darell, and he looked back at her. In that brief exchange, they reached an understanding. Victoria clearly wasn't as quiet and easy to control as they had thought. They couldn't just brush her aside. If they wanted her to willingly take Angelica's place in the marriage to Jackson later, they would have to act nice and coax her a little. Julia hesitated, then forced herself to stand up. She put on a pained expression and walked toward Victoria. "My child, you've suffered so much out there." Victoria stepped aside slightly and avoided her touch. "Stop pretending. I don't see any concern in your eyes." Julia froze in place. A wave of anger rose inside her. She had lowered herself to show kindness, yet Victoria had refused it and embarrassed her in front of everyone. But to her, Victoria's lack of manners was no surprise. She had grown up in the countryside without her parents and had never been properly brought up. Julia forced a stiff smile. "I carried you for ten months. Of course, it hurts me to know you've suffered." Victoria sneered, "Is that so? If you really feel that way, why didn't you come pick me up today? Why did you send Uncle Hector and Aunt Daisy instead?" Daisy wanted to speak, but Hector gently held her hand and shook his head. He said quietly, "Daisy, we've already brought her back. What happens now is their family matter. Let them handle it. Let's go home." Daisy looked at Victoria, her eyes full of worry and sympathy. But she knew Hector was right. This was between Victoria and her parents. No matter what happened, she had no right to interfere. "Julia, now that Victoria is back, you should treat her well. Don't hurt her again. Daisy and I will head back now," Hector said politely, hoping his words would help a little. Darell nodded. "Thank you for your help today." Daisy said gently, "Victoria, we are leaving. If you need anything, come find us at Goldenwood Villa on the east side." With that, she reluctantly turned and left. Victoria watched them walk away, then quickly looked away. Once they were gone, Julia finally breathed a sigh of relief. "This is all my fault. Your father and I didn't go pick you up ourselves because I'm very emotional. "I was afraid that if I saw how poorly you were living, I wouldn't be able to handle it. So I stayed home to calm myself and prepare to welcome you." She was lying. Actually, after Angelica found out last night that she wasn't their real daughter, she had been upset the whole night. This morning, she was so distracted that she couldn't even eat. Julia felt sorry for her and stayed home to comfort her. Victoria's eyes were full of sarcasm. "So what exactly did you prepare for me?" Julia quickly said, "I've already cleaned up a room for you. Come, I'll show you." She reached for Victoria's hand again, but Victoria dodged her once more. "So cleaning a room was more important than coming to pick me up yourself." Julia's hand hung in the air. A trace of impatience flashed across her eyes. "Forget the room. I'm not even sure I'll stay," Victoria said. Then she pointed at the young woman about her age. "Who is she?" Angelica froze. Her eyes instantly turned red. She gently tugged on Curtis's sleeve. Curtis held her hand and said softly, "Angelica, don't be afraid." After comforting her, Curtis looked at Victoria coldly. His tone turned sharp. "I'm your brother, Curtis. And she's my sister, Angelica." He deliberately stressed the words "my sister." "I see." Victoria's voice carried a hint of sarcasm. "So that means she's the adopted daughter who was switched with me, right?" Angelica's hand trembled. Tears gathered in her eyes, ready to fall. Curtis's face darkened. He emphasized, "In my heart, Angelica is my real sister." Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Calling her your real sister? Are you an idiot?" Everyone except Victoria froze at her words. Curtis stared at her in disbelief. "You just called me an idiot, huh?" Victoria laughed mockingly. "Yeah. Did I say anything wrong? Don't you know her mother was the one who secretly switched us back then?" Angelica's birth mother, Jasmine, had worked as a customer service representative at a postpartum care center. When Julia was three months pregnant, she started looking for a high-end center, and Jasmine had served her. By coincidence, Jasmine was also pregnant at the time. When she realized Julia was wealthy, she started having bad thoughts. She secretly followed Julia to find out which center she chose and forced herself to spend the money to book the same one. During the recovery period after giving birth, Jasmine secretly switched her own daughter with Julia's without anyone noticing. At the time, Angelica had an allergic rash on her face. Julia didn't realize anything was wrong, and when she left the center, she took Angelica home. Angelica bit her lip. Tears finally streamed down her face. "I'm sorry." Curtis held her cold hand tightly and gently said, "Angelica, this has nothing to do with you." Then he turned to Victoria, his voice full of anger. "Yes, her mother switched you back then. But Angelica is innocent. She didn't know anything about it." Victoria laughed out loud, her eyes full of ridicule. "Oh, she's innocent? She spent twenty years enjoying my life, living in comfort and luxury. "And me? I was thrown into a trash can by her cruel mother in the freezing cold. If no one had found me, I would have died right after I was born." Chapter 5 I'll Leave Victoria's words left Curtis speechless. He had just started to feel a bit guilty when Angelica suddenly broke down in tears again. She said, "I'm sorry. It's all my fault. It's my fault for having a mother like that. Victoria, if you hate me, you can hit me or yell at me, but please don't blame Curtis." As she spoke, she struggled to pull free from Curtis's hand. With a determined look, she bit her lip and ran toward Victoria. "Angelica!" Curtis panicked and quickly got up to follow her. Angelica ran up to Victoria and was about to bow, but Curtis caught up just in time and pulled her back. "Angelica, what are you doing? This isn't your fault. It's your mother's fault." Victoria watched the whole scene and suddenly laughed. She even clapped her hands like she was watching a show. "This is really something. Are you putting on a pity act for me?" The small bit of guilt Curtis had felt disappeared right away. After helping Angelica steady herself, he looked at Victoria coldly. "Why are you being so unreasonable?" he asked. "Angelica already apologized sincerely, and you're still mocking her." "I'm not just mocking her. I'm mocking all of you," Victoria said. "Her mother planned everything, found a way to switch us, and let her take twenty years of the life that should have been mine. "Now that I'm back, you guys are still protecting her right in front of me. It's a shame that I ended up with a family like this." Curtis's face darkened even more. Julia looked helplessly at Darell. She hadn't expected Victoria to be so stubborn and didn't know how to deal with her. No matter how she looked at it, Julia just couldn't bring herself to like Victoria. Darell, who had been silent until now, finally spoke up. "That's enough, Victoria. Angelica's mother has already been punished. Angelica is alone now, with no one to rely on. "Your mother and I raised her for twenty years. We can't just throw her out. The Binder family has more than enough. Keeping her here is no big deal. She won't affect you." But Victoria didn't accept that. "If it's really no big deal, then she can live anywhere. Why does she have to stay here and bother me? "Every time I see her, I'm reminded of everything I went through after being switched." Darell didn't expect her to keep pushing like this. Just like Julia, he began to feel more and more resistant toward Victoria. Compared to Angelica, who was gentle and understanding, Victoria seemed completely rude to him. Angelica bit her lip and let her tears fall silently. She looked pitiful, making it hard not to feel sorry for her. Seeing how aggressive Victoria was, Curtis finally lost his temper. "So you won't be satisfied unless we send Angelica away, huh?" Victoria nodded. "That's right. We're not both living here. It's one or the other." As soon as she said that, everyone's faces darkened. "I don't want to leave you," Angelica said through her tears, looking completely wronged. It made anyone who saw her feel bad. Curtis held her hand tightly. "Angelica, don't worry. You don't have to go anywhere. As long as I'm here, I won't let anyone drive you out of the Binder family. You'll always be my sister. You're part of us." Victoria raised an eyebrow. "So you want me to leave, huh?" Julia was already at her limit, but she forced herself to stay calm. "Victoria, you just got back. You don't really know Angelica yet. "She's kind and understanding. Once you spend some time with her, you'll accept her. Her staying here won't affect your place. No matter what, you're our real daughter." Victoria sneered, "Really? Then why did all of you look disgusted the moment you saw me? Is it because I'm not as pretty as her? Or because I'm not as refined? "But have you forgotten? If we had never been switched, the pretty, refined one would be me. Everything she has now was built on the suffering I endured for her." Julia froze and quickly shook her head. "That's not it. We just haven't adjusted yet." "You need time to adjust to your own daughter, huh? Then why didn't Uncle Hector and Aunt Daisy need time when they saw me?" Victoria pressed. Julia had no answer. But she thought it was because Hector and Daisy had no children, so of course, they would be happy. She took a deep breath and softened her voice. "Victoria, we won't treat you badly from now on. Your living expenses will be the same as Angelica's. Your father and I won't favor one over the other." Victoria gave a faint, mocking smile. "Should I thank you for that? Honestly, for me, not favoring one over the other is already the biggest favoritism. "You two are really kind. You don't want your own daughter, but you're willing to spend money raising the daughter of someone who ruined my life. I've never seen people this generous." Julia held back her anger and continued, "Victoria, stop making trouble. You're my real daughter. We finally found you. How could we let you keep suffering out there?" Victoria replied, "So you knew I was suffering. While I was suffering, that criminal's daughter was living here, enjoying everything you gave her in my place. "And now, on the very first day I come back, you're ready to push me away again." Curtis said coldly, "Get this straight. We're not pushing you away. You're the one making things difficult. You could stay here peacefully, but you refuse to accept Angelica." "How could I accept the daughter of a criminal?" Victoria asked. "If I hadn't been lucky enough to survive, her mother would be both a trafficker and a murderer. "She committed the crime, but her daughter hasn't been punished at all. Why should she get to keep living this rich, comfortable life as if nothing had happened?" Angelica's body swayed. Curtis quickly held her steady, his anger finally breaking through. "With your attitude, do you even deserve to stay here while Angelica leaves?" "Of course I do. First, I'm a Binder by blood. Second, unlike you, I'm not an idiot." After snapping at him, Victoria lost her patience. "Have you decided? Is she leaving, or am I?" Curtis pulled Angelica into his arms protectively and said firmly, "Dad, Mom, if I have to choose, then I only recognize Angelica as my sister." "Good. One vote." Victoria raised her index finger and then looked at Julia. "What about you?" Julia forced down her frustration and said gently, "Victoria, don't do this—" "Alright, that's two votes," Victoria said, not even bothering to listen. She turned to Darell. "Your vote doesn't matter anymore. There are already two votes for Angelica. Fine. Since that's the case, she stays. I'll leave." A trace of anxiety flashed in Angelica's eyes. If Victoria really left, there would be no one to take her place in marrying Jackson. ------ 👇👇👇 There are limited chapters to put here, click “continue reading” to open App to continue reading (It will automatically jump to the book)
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When a killer came in the night, Victoria Binder didn’t scream—she fought. And she won, burying the proof in her own garden. That was just the beginning. Unveiled as the lost heiress to a mighty fortune, Victoria returned to a family that despised her. She wasn’t there for their love. She was there for what was hers: the power, the legacy, the truth. ------ Chapter 1 I Want to Marry You "Victoria, we need to break up. It turns out I'm actually the heir to the Fairbank family, one of the most powerful families in Benwig City. You're just a country girl who sells herbs. You're not good enough for me anymore." Victoria Binder had just received a call from her boyfriend, Gavin Alvarado—no, Gavin Fairbank now. She had been about to tell him that she was the long-lost daughter of a wealthy family herself, but before she could say a word, she heard him claim she wasn't good enough for him. She let out a silent, cold laugh. The medicinal herbs she grew were incredibly valuable. Countless rich and influential families were trying to buy them at high prices. Her products had even appeared several times at the largest auction house in Benwig City. Gavin's arrogant voice came through the phone again. "With my status now, I need to marry a proper heiress from a family that matches mine. "But since we dated for two months, I won't treat you badly. Before I marry someone suitable, you can stay with me. Even after I get married, I can still keep you as my—" Before he could finish, Victoria snapped, "Asshole. If you want to break up, then we're done." She hung up immediately. The handsome man standing in front of her, Jackson Thornton, raised an eyebrow. He had been waiting for her response. He smiled. "So? You just found out you're the heiress of the Binder family, one of the richest families in Benwig City, and you still got dumped?" Victoria looked up at him and smiled brightly. "Funny coincidence. He just told me that he's the heir to a wealthy family in Benwig City and that I'm not good enough for him." Then her expression shifted, turning doubtful. "Wait a second. This whole thing about being the real daughter or real son of some rich family... Isn't that some new kind of scam going around?" Jackson paused for a moment, then smiled. "Of course not. You really are the true daughter of the Binder family." Victoria gave a nonchalant hum. She took the basket off her back, sat down on a chair, and began sorting the herbs she had just picked. "Then who are you?" she asked. "Why are you the one coming to find me instead of my biological parents?" Jackson glanced at the shabby house in front of him, then looked at Victoria, who sat casually on a small stool. He said, "If nothing unexpected happens, I'll soon be your fiancé. I'm Jackson, the eldest son of the Thornton family in Benwig City." Victoria almost slipped off her stool. She stared at him in shock. "What? Fiancé?" "That's right. But as you can see, I'm disabled now. I lost the use of my legs last month." Sitting in his wheelchair, Jackson lifted a hand and pointed at his legs, giving a helpless smile. "I see. And what does that have to do with you coming to find me today?" Victoria asked. Then she suddenly understood. "Wait. Are you saying that I'm the real daughter of the wealthy Binder family, and that they're planning to bring me back and have me marry you?" Jackson nodded, a hint of admiration in his eyes. "Exactly." Victoria's gaze flickered. Jackson continued, "Because of my legs, I'm about to be dumped. Just like you." Victoria caught on quickly. "So the one who was supposed to marry you was the Binder family's adopted daughter. But now that you're disabled, she doesn't want to marry you anymore." Jackson nodded again. "Yes. That's exactly it." Victoria almost let out a bitter laugh. "Then why don't you look upset at all?" Jackson said calmly, "You just got dumped by your boyfriend, and you don't look upset either." "He's just trash. Good riddance." Victoria curled her lips in disdain. Jackson studied her, the admiration in his eyes deepening. "You're surprisingly chill about it." Victoria let out a small scoff. "Of course. Why waste time and energy feeling bad over someone who isn't worth it?" She had started dating Gavin after saving his life by chance two years ago. After that, he had chased after her nonstop, using gratitude as an excuse. For two whole years, he acted devoted, as if he would never marry anyone but her. He didn't seem to have any serious flaws. She figured having a man around could help her take care of the herb garden and keep other men from bothering her, so she agreed to date him. But she never expected that the moment Gavin found out he was the heir to a wealthy family, he would turn on her so quickly. Jackson smiled. "Same here. She's trash anyway. Better not to marry her." There had never been anything between him and Angelica Binder. Their engagement had only been arranged by his grandfather for a business alliance. Now that his legs were disabled, Angelica's parents naturally didn't want her to marry him anymore. But the Thornton family was the most powerful family in Benwig City, with huge wealth and influence. They weren't willing to give up the alliance, either. In the end, they planned to have their biological daughter, Victoria, marry him in Angelica's place. Victoria went straight to the point. "It's just strange. How could it be such a coincidence? Right after your legs were disabled, my birth parents suddenly found me and decided to have me marry you instead of their adopted daughter." She let out a cold, mocking laugh. "Looks like they always knew I was their real daughter. I just had no value to them, so they left me out here all this time and never brought me home." Jackson didn't try to comfort her with lies. "I think you're right." Victoria gave a cold sneer. If that was true, then her birth parents were even more heartless than she had thought. Still, one thing didn't make sense to her. "Since you already know what the Binder family is planning, why not just give up on the alliance? Why walk straight into their trap?" "I had someone look into you," Jackson said calmly. "You sell medicine, and you're pretty well-known around here. "I heard you've treated quite a few difficult cases with your own methods. My legs are disabled. Over the past month, I've invited top doctors from all over the country, but none of them could help. "So I came here myself to see if marrying you would be a trap or a chance for me." He didn't hide why he came. Victoria found him interesting. She shrugged. "Well, you've seen me now. I'm just a wild country girl. My birth parents, the ones I've never even met, clearly don't like me. "Do you still want to marry someone like me? I'm just a real daughter who isn't valued and is just being used as a substitute bride." Jackson looked at her closely. At first glance, she wasn't the delicate type raised in comfort. Her skin wasn't soft. It had a light wheat tone that made her look healthy and full of life. But if one looked more carefully, her features were actually very refined. Her eyes were bright and clear, and there was strength in the way she looked at people. There was no trace of disrespect in Jackson's gaze. He looked sincere. "Yes. After meeting you, I'm sure I want to marry you. I just don't know if you're willing to give me a chance." Victoria studied his face. She had to admit that he was strikingly handsome, the kind of man who wouldn't be forgotten even in a huge crowd. His features were sharp, and his face was well-defined. What stood out the most was his eyes. Even after going through something as serious as losing the use of his legs, they were still clear. There was no bitterness or confusion. Victoria glanced at his legs again. "What's going on with them?" "They were broken with a wooden club last month," Jackson said. "I've had many well-known doctors take a look. They all said my legs are beyond saving. I'll never stand again." "Pull up your pant legs. Let me see," said Victoria. "Okay." Jackson did as she said, lifting his pant legs to reveal his knees and lower legs, covered in scars. Victoria's expression darkened. She set the herbs aside, stood up, and walked over to him. Then she bent down and pressed carefully on his knees. The pain made Jackson frown, but he didn't make a sound. "They can be treated," Victoria said firmly. Hope lit up in Jackson's eyes at once. Thinking about how her birth parents had ignored her existence for so many years, Victoria made up her mind. She would go back to Benwig City and take her place as the Binder family's true daughter. She wanted to meet them face to face. She clapped her hands lightly and sat back down on the small stool. "I can marry you." Jackson raised an eyebrow. "Do you have any conditions?" Victoria tilted her head and smiled brightly. "Listen to you. Do I need conditions to marry you? You're so good-looking. If I fix your legs, I'll be the one getting the better deal." Jackson hadn't expected her to be so straightforward. His brow lifted higher, and he let out a soft laugh. "Alright. Then it's settled. I'll wait for you to return to the Binder family." Chapter 2 A Welcome Gift After Jackson left his phone number with Victoria, he left the village with his assistant, Ollie Rowse. Victoria watched him go, her eyes growing thoughtful. She took out her phone and dialed a number. "Mara, I need you to look into everyone in the Binder family in Benwig City right away. Focus on their daughter. I want everything you can find, and I want it by tonight." "Yes, boss," Mara replied. After hanging up, Victoria's gaze turned even sharper. Ford had once told her about that freezing winter night twenty years ago. He had been on his way to settle down in a small southern town when he heard a baby crying from inside a trash bin. He got out of the car to check and found a baby girl, not even a month old, her skin red from the cold. If she hadn't been crying so loudly, and if he hadn't happened to pass that deserted road, she would have died quietly in that trash bin. That baby was Victoria. Ford gave her that name, hoping she would grow up strong and tough no matter what life threw at her. Even on his deathbed, Ford never stopped looking for her biological parents. And all this time, Victoria had believed they must have abandoned her because they had no other choice. But now, it seemed that wasn't true. Her biological parents didn't want her and had no intention of taking her back. If it weren't for the adopted daughter they had raised for twenty years, Victoria might have gone her whole life without parents. Just then, someone called out from outside, "Victoria, who was that man in the nice car looking for you?" It was Stephan, a middle-aged man from next door. He spent most of his time up in the mountains hunting herbs. Victoria put her phone away and walked out, smiling at him. "To be honest with you, that was my fiancé." Stephan looked surprised. "Your fiancé? You have good taste. He's a handsome man. Why didn't you ask him to stay for dinner?" "He had things to take care of in the city. He couldn't stay today," Victoria said. "Next time he comes, make sure he stays for a meal. Everything we eat here is grown by us. Let him try it. It's much better and healthier than city food," Stephan said. "I will," Victoria said with a smile. Stephan grabbed his tools and headed up into the mountains. Only after he left did Victoria go back inside to keep sorting the herbs she had picked. ***** After leaving Mullinran Village, Ollie, who was driving, glanced at Jackson's calm face in the rearview mirror and asked carefully, "Mr. Thornton, are you really going to marry her? "You saw it yourself. Her own parents don't even want her. She makes a living selling herbs and doing some basic medical work. "You just went through something serious, and this is when you need support the most. Marrying her won't help you secure your position in the Thornton family." Jackson shifted his gaze away from the fields outside the window and gently rubbed the petals of a purple flower he had picked from Victoria's doorstep. He asked, "Ollie, do you remember six months ago, when my grandfather was seriously ill and needed a very rare herb to survive?" Ollie wasn't sure why he changed the subject, but he nodded. "Of course. That herb showed up at the biggest auction house in Benwig City. You spent 30 million dollars to get it." "Didn't you notice? That same rare herb was hanging casually on the wall of her simple, run-down house," Jackson said. That one bundle alone would be worth a fortune at any auction in Benwig City. "What?" Ollie was stunned. From the moment they walked into Victoria's house, he had only noticed how shabby it looked and missed everything else. Now it finally clicked. "Do you mean her background might not be as simple as it seems?" Jackson lifted the purple flower to his nose and took a light breath. "I can't say for sure what her background is yet. But one thing is clear. Her medical skills are far from simple." Ollie understood right away. If that was true, then there was real hope for Jackson's legs. Still, he couldn't help asking, "If all you want is to fix your legs, you could just pay her a large amount of money. There's no need to marry her." Jackson blinked and slowly turned the flower between his fingers. A faint smile appeared on his lips. "What if I said I fell for her at first sight? Would you believe me?" Ollie paused and looked at him again through the rearview mirror. He seemed calm. He wasn't exactly joking, but he wasn't completely serious, either. But Jackson rarely joked, so Ollie couldn't tell how much of it was real. In the end, he chose to believe him. "I believe you." "Good. In my eyes, she is already my fiancée. From now on, you need to treat her with respect," Jackson said. "Understood." Ollie nodded. Jackson wasn't joking. When it came to love, he had never believed in feelings that grew over time. To him, if there was no spark at first sight, then staying together would only lead to a relationship based on weighing pros and cons, not the kind of love that made his heart race. That was why, when his grandfather arranged his engagement to Angelica, he had agreed for practical reasons alone. But when he saw Victoria, everything changed. It felt like the world spun around him, and everything else faded away. In his eyes, she was the only color left. He couldn't explain why it had to be her. Maybe it was that moment when their eyes met, when the light in hers pulled him in like a whirlpool. Jackson picked up a book from the car and carefully placed the small purple flower between its pages. Then he closed the book and shut his eyes. ***** At eight that evening, Victoria had just finished bringing in the herbs she had been drying on the roof when her phone rang. She set the herbs aside, brushed the dust off her hands, and picked up the call. Mara's cool voice came through. "Boss, I found what you asked for. The Binder family has only one daughter. She was born to the second son, Darell, and his wife, Julia. Her name is Angelica. She's the same age as you. "She's very spoiled at home. Two months ago, Darell arranged a great marriage for her. She's engaged to Jackson, the eldest son of the Thornton family, the most powerful family in Benwig City. "Jackson had already been chosen by his grandfather, Gerry, as the next heir. But last month, he had an accident. Someone broke both his legs, and the announcement was put on hold." "What is Angelica like?" Victoria asked. "She has a very good reputation. She's beautiful and talented. A lot of rich young men in Benwig City admire her. That's probably why she gained Gerry's approval for the marriage," Mara said. Victoria let out a cold laugh to herself. She didn't believe for a second that Angelica's perfect life came without tricks. "Got it. Now find out if Angelica is really Darell and Julia's biological daughter," Victoria said. "You're focusing on the Binder family, especially Angelica. What are you planning to do?" Mara asked. "I'm going back to take my place," Victoria said. A faint spark lit up in her deep eyes. She found the idea of being the Binder family's real daughter interesting. Victoria had many identities. The one she used the most was a village herbalist and healer. In her daily life, she spent time with her retired scientist friends in the village, growing new herbs and developing new medicines. Over the years, she had cultivated twenty kinds of rare medicinal plants. Because they were so hard to produce, they sold for extremely high prices. Any one of them, if sold at auction in Benwig City, could earn more than most people made in a lifetime. On top of that, she was skilled in traditional medical techniques. When she treated regular villagers, she charged normal fees. But when rich families or powerful figures came to her, her starting fee was three million dollars. Of course, she guaranteed results. If she couldn't cure them, she wouldn't take a single dollar. This identity alone had already made her very rich. Money no longer meant much to her. So when her ex-boyfriend, Gavin, said she wasn't good enough for him, she found it almost funny. If she wanted, she could build her own place in Benwig City without relying on anyone. Over the years, all her different identities had started to feel dull. It was time to try something new. And she had to admit, Jackson impressed her. Out of all the people she had treated, none had faced sudden injury like he did, so calm and steady. His willpower was strong. He was someone who would go far. He was handsome and capable. It would be a waste for him to stay crippled. So she would fix his legs. Mara quickly understood, her voice turning serious. "Understood, boss. I'll get on it right away." ***** Late that night, Victoria was fast asleep when she heard wood cracking outside. Her eyes opened at once, sharp and alert, and she turned toward the sound. Anyone showing up at this hour without warning was not from the village. She had spread powders around her home to keep wild animals away, so no beasts would come near. That left only one answer. Someone had broken in. Victoria got up quietly and, using the moonlight, moved to hide behind the door. Soon, her old wooden door was kicked open, and a shadow rushed inside. She hadn't expected him to be so bold, barging in instead of sneaking around. She flicked a silver needle straight at him. The man let out a low groan and dropped to the ground. Victoria turned on the light, filling the room with brightness. She kicked him aside and finally saw his face clearly. He looked like a hardened criminal. She grabbed a rope, walked over, and tied up his hands and feet. Once he was secured, she took out a needle and stuck it into his neck. Within seconds, he woke up. Victoria sat on the bed, crossing her legs as she played with another needle. "If you don't want to suffer, you'd better tell me the truth. Who sent you?" The man quickly sized up the situation. "People who hire killers stay anonymous. Who would be stupid enough to give their name? But they said that if I raped you, they would get me out of the country safely." Victoria's eyes turned cold and sharp. If he needed to run overseas, that meant he was already a wanted criminal. The man hurried to beg, "I've told you everything I know. Let me go. I won't take this job anymore." Victoria nodded. "Fine." She walked over, pulled out the needle, and untied the ropes. "You can leave." The man rubbed his wrists. "Thanks—" Before he could finish, his face suddenly changed. He lifted his leg and tried to kick Victoria in the knee. But the moment his foot rose, a sharp pain shot through him. Then his whole body went numb. He couldn't move. He looked down in terror. A small black snake had bitten his ankle. "How is there a poisonous snake here—" Before he could finish, blood burst from his throat. His body fell stiffly to the ground. After a few jerks, he went still. Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Trying to kill me in my place? You asked for it. Good job, Blackie. Go rest." The little black snake slipped into a dark corner and quickly disappeared. Victoria picked up a hoe, stuffed the body into a large basket, and lifted it onto her back with ease. She carried it outside and buried it near her vegetable garden. It would make good fertilizer for her herbs. After that, she let out a long breath, brushed off her hands, and looked up at the nearly full moon. She had just learned who she really was, and someone had already sent a man to ruin her. It seemed that someone had prepared a "welcome gift" for her in advance. Chapter 3 We've Got Your Back The next day at noon, a black Bentley worth 1.5 million dollars stopped in front of Victoria's house. Victoria was grinding the herbs she had picked the day before. When she heard the car, she glanced out the window and checked the license plate. It was from Benwig City, just as she expected. She finished grinding the herbs, put them into jars, brushed the dust off her hands, and walked outside. She went straight to the car and knocked on the window. A moment later, the window slid down, revealing the still handsome face of a middle-aged man—Hector Binder. He looked about fifty, with neatly slicked-back hair. A woman sat beside him. She looked about the same age. Even though she wasn't young anymore, she had taken good care of herself and looked as if she were in her thirties. Her features were still soft and beautiful. Victoria didn't waste time. "Are you here for me?" Hector, sitting in the back seat, looked at her, then at the photo in his hand. His eyes lit up. "Daisy, it's her. She's the one we're looking for." Daisy's eyes filled with excitement, even shining with tears. "Yes, it's her. No mistake." They quickly opened the door, got out of the car, and walked over to Victoria. Hector nodded. "Yes. You're the real daughter the Binder family lost years ago. We're here to take you back." Victoria looked straight into his eyes. He seemed like a decent man, and the excitement in his expression matched Daisy's. It didn't look fake. This couple didn't seem to have anything to do with what happened to her last night. Hector paused, a little surprised. "How did you know we were coming?" But he didn't dwell on it. Instead, he explained, "You are the young lady of the Binder family. "When you were little, someone switched you with another baby. That's why you ended up here. You've suffered for twenty years, living away from your real home." As soon as he finished, Daisy started to choke up. "Poor child." Victoria stayed calm. "So, are you my parents?" Hector and Daisy froze. They exchanged a look, then answered awkwardly, "No. We're your uncle and aunt." Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Then why aren't my parents here? Why did they send you instead?" Daisy looked uneasy. "Something came up at home. They couldn't leave, so they asked us to come get you." Victoria saw right through it. "You don't have to cover for them. I'm not a child. What could be more important than picking up their own daughter? They just didn't want to come." Hearing that, Daisy stepped forward and gently hugged her. Tears slipped down her face. "My poor child, you've suffered so much." Victoria didn't expect the sudden hug. At first, she wanted to pull away, but the warmth of it stopped her. It felt soft and comforting, unlike any embrace she had experienced in twenty years. It was, perhaps, the closest she had ever come to what a mother's embrace should feel like. She let out a quiet sigh. For a moment, she thought that if these two were her real parents, it wouldn't be so bad. After a while, Daisy let go and held her hand. "Go pack your things. We'll take you home today. You won't have to live like this anymore." Victoria nodded. "Okay. Wait for me. I'll go pack." She didn't need to bring clothes. The only things she needed were the medicines she had made. After packing all the bottles of medicine powder and poison powder from the wooden cabinet, Victoria called out, "Blackie, Whitey, Greenie, come out. I'm taking you somewhere new." As soon as she finished, three small snakes slid out from the corners and crawled into a sack. Victoria tied the sack and slung it over her shoulder. Then she took a drum from the old cabinet. After giving the shabby house one last look, she walked outside and began to beat the drum. The loud sound of the drum echoed through the area. Hector and Daisy, waiting outside, looked confused. Before long, the villagers gathered around. They looked at Victoria with concern. "Victoria, what's wrong? What happened?" Victoria set down the drum, cleared her throat, and said, "Everyone, you all know I'm an orphan. I grew up without parents, raised by all of you. "But now I know who my real parents are. It turns out I'm the daughter of the Binder family in Benwig City." The villagers were happy for her at first, but then she continued, "But here's the thing. My real parents knew all along who I was, but they never came to acknowledge me. "And now, the only reason they're taking me back is to make me marry a disabled man in place of their adopted daughter." Hector and Daisy were stunned. They had no idea about any of this. The villagers were furious. "What kind of people are they? They knew you were their real daughter but ignored you all this time, and now they want to use you like this, huh?" "Blind fools! You're such a good girl, and they treat you like a tool, making you marry some cripple instead of their adopted daughter." "Victoria, don't listen to those heartless people." "That's right. Ignore them. We'll go teach them a lesson." "The Binder family? They're nothing special in Benwig City, acting all high and mighty. Victoria, you don't need to go back with them." Victoria raised her hand to quiet them. "Everyone, calm down. I've decided to go back to the Binder family for this arranged marriage. "But I'm going back to teach them a lesson. So I'm telling you all ahead of time. Please help take care of the herbs I just planted in my yard." Even though the villagers didn't really understand, they still respected her choice. "Okay. But if anyone from the Binder family dares to bully you, just call me. I'll get people to take them down," one person said. "That's right. We've got your back," another added. Victoria waved her hand. "Thank you, everyone. That's all I wanted to say. You can all head back now." After that, she turned to Hector and Daisy, who were still waiting, and gave them a light smile. "We can go now." Hector and Daisy were still a little stunned. When they heard her, they finally snapped out of it. "Oh, okay." "Let me carry that." The driver stepped forward and reached for the sack. "Be careful. It's heavy," Victoria said. The driver didn't believe it at first. But the moment he took it with both hands, he almost dropped it on his foot. Victoria blinked at him. "Can you handle it? Don't break anything inside." "No problem." The driver forced a smile, gritted his teeth, and lifted the sack into the trunk. By the time he got back into the driver's seat, he was sweating all over. He hadn't expected Victoria to be this strong despite looking so thin. After getting into the car, Daisy and Hector looked at each other, then kept glancing at Victoria. They seemed to want to say something, but neither of them knew how to start. In the end, Daisy asked, "Victoria, you just told the villagers about marrying a disabled man instead of that adopted daughter. What did you mean?" "You didn't know?" Victoria looked back at her, her eyes narrowing with suspicion. Daisy shook her head. "Hector and I really had no idea. About half a month ago, your parents suddenly told us Angelica wasn't their biological daughter. Then they sent people to look into it. "Just yesterday, they found out their real daughter was living here. That's why they want to bring you back today." Hector nodded to confirm her words. Victoria smiled faintly. "Then why do you think they didn't come themselves?" Daisy fell silent. To her, it was absurd that Victoria's parents would have relatives fetch their biological daughter instead of coming themselves. But the truth would hurt Victoria, so she chose not to say anything. Victoria let out a bitter laugh. "Aunt Daisy, even if you don't say it, I can guess. Just like I said, they don't want to acknowledge me. "They're only bringing me back because they have no choice. They want me to marry that disabled heir in place of their precious adopted daughter." Her gaze was clear and calm, and there was a quiet maturity about her that went far beyond her years. Hector frowned slightly. "Victoria, how did you find out about this arranged marriage?" Victoria smiled. "Secret." On the way, Daisy told her a lot about the Binder family. It wasn't much different from what Mara had already found out. The Binder family was still led by Calvin. He had two sons and one daughter. The eldest son, Hector, was the one who had come to get Victoria, and his wife was Daisy. They didn't have any children. The second son, Darell, was Victoria's biological father. He and his wife, Julia, had two sons and one daughter. The eldest son, Simon, managed the family's entertainment company, Brightstar Entertainment. The second son, Curtis, was a well-known singer under the same company. Then there was the youngest daughter, Angelica. She was considered very outstanding. At just twenty, she had already skipped grades and finished college. She was now preparing to study abroad after getting engaged to the eldest son of the Thornton family. Angelica was the baby who had been switched with Victoria. As for Calvin's daughter, Sirena, she had already married into another wealthy family and only returned for holidays. The drive from the village to Benwig City took six hours over bumpy roads. By the time they arrived, it was dark. "We're here," the driver said as he stopped the car. Victoria looked out the window. In front of her stood a large estate, with several villas spread across it. It looked grand and impressive. The Binder family mansion alone was almost as big as the entire Mullinran Village. Victoria got out of the car and followed Hector and Daisy inside. The head butler, Milton, who had been waiting at the door, stepped forward respectfully. "You're back." He looked at Victoria and gave a polite nod. "This must be Miss Victoria Binder." "Yes," Daisy replied. Then she looked at Victoria gently. "Victoria, go in and meet your parents and brother." Victoria said nothing. She quietly followed them inside. They passed through the wide front yard and stepped into the entrance hall. Standing at the doorway, she quickly scanned the four people sitting on the sofas in the main hall. First, she saw a middle-aged couple dressed in expensive clothes, carrying themselves with an air of wealth and status. Next was a handsome young man who looked a bit rebellious. Finally, there was a beautiful young woman about her age. The corners of her eyes were red, and she looked pitiful, as if she had been crying. None of them looked happy. Their faces were tense, filled with worry. When they looked at her, Victoria caught the flash of disgust in their eyes. A faint smile appeared on her lips. She thought the family was really quite interesting. Chapter 4 Are You an Idiot? "Darell, Julia, I brought your daughter back," Daisy said. She gently patted Victoria on the back. "Victoria, go say hello to your parents and your brother." Victoria didn't move. With a faint, mocking smile, she asked, "Aunt Daisy, are they really my parents and brother?" Daisy froze for a moment, then nodded. "Yes, they are. Why do you ask?" Victoria let out a cold laugh. "I'm supposed to be their daughter and sister, but why do they all look like they can't stand me?" The four people in the room all stiffened. They hadn't expected her to be so direct. Daisy froze again. She wanted to say something, but stopped herself. She knew what Darell and Julia were thinking. They didn't want to accept this daughter because they already had an excellent adopted one. They would rather stay home and comfort their adopted daughter's feelings than spend even a little time going to the village to pick up their real daughter. Simon and Curtis felt the same way. They were closer to the sister they had lived with for twenty years. None of them wanted to hurt her feelings just to pick up Victoria. Simon didn't even bother to show up; he was still at work. In the end, Daisy couldn't take it anymore and offered to go with Hector to bring Victoria home. What she didn't expect was that even after Victoria came back, Darell and Julia still acted like this. They didn't even try to hide it. Julia looked at Darell, and he looked back at her. In that brief exchange, they reached an understanding. Victoria clearly wasn't as quiet and easy to control as they had thought. They couldn't just brush her aside. If they wanted her to willingly take Angelica's place in the marriage to Jackson later, they would have to act nice and coax her a little. Julia hesitated, then forced herself to stand up. She put on a pained expression and walked toward Victoria. "My child, you've suffered so much out there." Victoria stepped aside slightly and avoided her touch. "Stop pretending. I don't see any concern in your eyes." Julia froze in place. A wave of anger rose inside her. She had lowered herself to show kindness, yet Victoria had refused it and embarrassed her in front of everyone. But to her, Victoria's lack of manners was no surprise. She had grown up in the countryside without her parents and had never been properly brought up. Julia forced a stiff smile. "I carried you for ten months. Of course, it hurts me to know you've suffered." Victoria sneered, "Is that so? If you really feel that way, why didn't you come pick me up today? Why did you send Uncle Hector and Aunt Daisy instead?" Daisy wanted to speak, but Hector gently held her hand and shook his head. He said quietly, "Daisy, we've already brought her back. What happens now is their family matter. Let them handle it. Let's go home." Daisy looked at Victoria, her eyes full of worry and sympathy. But she knew Hector was right. This was between Victoria and her parents. No matter what happened, she had no right to interfere. "Julia, now that Victoria is back, you should treat her well. Don't hurt her again. Daisy and I will head back now," Hector said politely, hoping his words would help a little. Darell nodded. "Thank you for your help today." Daisy said gently, "Victoria, we are leaving. If you need anything, come find us at Goldenwood Villa on the east side." With that, she reluctantly turned and left. Victoria watched them walk away, then quickly looked away. Once they were gone, Julia finally breathed a sigh of relief. "This is all my fault. Your father and I didn't go pick you up ourselves because I'm very emotional. "I was afraid that if I saw how poorly you were living, I wouldn't be able to handle it. So I stayed home to calm myself and prepare to welcome you." She was lying. Actually, after Angelica found out last night that she wasn't their real daughter, she had been upset the whole night. This morning, she was so distracted that she couldn't even eat. Julia felt sorry for her and stayed home to comfort her. Victoria's eyes were full of sarcasm. "So what exactly did you prepare for me?" Julia quickly said, "I've already cleaned up a room for you. Come, I'll show you." She reached for Victoria's hand again, but Victoria dodged her once more. "So cleaning a room was more important than coming to pick me up yourself." Julia's hand hung in the air. A trace of impatience flashed across her eyes. "Forget the room. I'm not even sure I'll stay," Victoria said. Then she pointed at the young woman about her age. "Who is she?" Angelica froze. Her eyes instantly turned red. She gently tugged on Curtis's sleeve. Curtis held her hand and said softly, "Angelica, don't be afraid." After comforting her, Curtis looked at Victoria coldly. His tone turned sharp. "I'm your brother, Curtis. And she's my sister, Angelica." He deliberately stressed the words "my sister." "I see." Victoria's voice carried a hint of sarcasm. "So that means she's the adopted daughter who was switched with me, right?" Angelica's hand trembled. Tears gathered in her eyes, ready to fall. Curtis's face darkened. He emphasized, "In my heart, Angelica is my real sister." Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Calling her your real sister? Are you an idiot?" Everyone except Victoria froze at her words. Curtis stared at her in disbelief. "You just called me an idiot, huh?" Victoria laughed mockingly. "Yeah. Did I say anything wrong? Don't you know her mother was the one who secretly switched us back then?" Angelica's birth mother, Jasmine, had worked as a customer service representative at a postpartum care center. When Julia was three months pregnant, she started looking for a high-end center, and Jasmine had served her. By coincidence, Jasmine was also pregnant at the time. When she realized Julia was wealthy, she started having bad thoughts. She secretly followed Julia to find out which center she chose and forced herself to spend the money to book the same one. During the recovery period after giving birth, Jasmine secretly switched her own daughter with Julia's without anyone noticing. At the time, Angelica had an allergic rash on her face. Julia didn't realize anything was wrong, and when she left the center, she took Angelica home. Angelica bit her lip. Tears finally streamed down her face. "I'm sorry." Curtis held her cold hand tightly and gently said, "Angelica, this has nothing to do with you." Then he turned to Victoria, his voice full of anger. "Yes, her mother switched you back then. But Angelica is innocent. She didn't know anything about it." Victoria laughed out loud, her eyes full of ridicule. "Oh, she's innocent? She spent twenty years enjoying my life, living in comfort and luxury. "And me? I was thrown into a trash can by her cruel mother in the freezing cold. If no one had found me, I would have died right after I was born." Chapter 5 I'll Leave Victoria's words left Curtis speechless. He had just started to feel a bit guilty when Angelica suddenly broke down in tears again. She said, "I'm sorry. It's all my fault. It's my fault for having a mother like that. Victoria, if you hate me, you can hit me or yell at me, but please don't blame Curtis." As she spoke, she struggled to pull free from Curtis's hand. With a determined look, she bit her lip and ran toward Victoria. "Angelica!" Curtis panicked and quickly got up to follow her. Angelica ran up to Victoria and was about to bow, but Curtis caught up just in time and pulled her back. "Angelica, what are you doing? This isn't your fault. It's your mother's fault." Victoria watched the whole scene and suddenly laughed. She even clapped her hands like she was watching a show. "This is really something. Are you putting on a pity act for me?" The small bit of guilt Curtis had felt disappeared right away. After helping Angelica steady herself, he looked at Victoria coldly. "Why are you being so unreasonable?" he asked. "Angelica already apologized sincerely, and you're still mocking her." "I'm not just mocking her. I'm mocking all of you," Victoria said. "Her mother planned everything, found a way to switch us, and let her take twenty years of the life that should have been mine. "Now that I'm back, you guys are still protecting her right in front of me. It's a shame that I ended up with a family like this." Curtis's face darkened even more. Julia looked helplessly at Darell. She hadn't expected Victoria to be so stubborn and didn't know how to deal with her. No matter how she looked at it, Julia just couldn't bring herself to like Victoria. Darell, who had been silent until now, finally spoke up. "That's enough, Victoria. Angelica's mother has already been punished. Angelica is alone now, with no one to rely on. "Your mother and I raised her for twenty years. We can't just throw her out. The Binder family has more than enough. Keeping her here is no big deal. She won't affect you." But Victoria didn't accept that. "If it's really no big deal, then she can live anywhere. Why does she have to stay here and bother me? "Every time I see her, I'm reminded of everything I went through after being switched." Darell didn't expect her to keep pushing like this. Just like Julia, he began to feel more and more resistant toward Victoria. Compared to Angelica, who was gentle and understanding, Victoria seemed completely rude to him. Angelica bit her lip and let her tears fall silently. She looked pitiful, making it hard not to feel sorry for her. Seeing how aggressive Victoria was, Curtis finally lost his temper. "So you won't be satisfied unless we send Angelica away, huh?" Victoria nodded. "That's right. We're not both living here. It's one or the other." As soon as she said that, everyone's faces darkened. "I don't want to leave you," Angelica said through her tears, looking completely wronged. It made anyone who saw her feel bad. Curtis held her hand tightly. "Angelica, don't worry. You don't have to go anywhere. As long as I'm here, I won't let anyone drive you out of the Binder family. You'll always be my sister. You're part of us." Victoria raised an eyebrow. "So you want me to leave, huh?" Julia was already at her limit, but she forced herself to stay calm. "Victoria, you just got back. You don't really know Angelica yet. "She's kind and understanding. Once you spend some time with her, you'll accept her. Her staying here won't affect your place. No matter what, you're our real daughter." Victoria sneered, "Really? Then why did all of you look disgusted the moment you saw me? Is it because I'm not as pretty as her? Or because I'm not as refined? "But have you forgotten? If we had never been switched, the pretty, refined one would be me. Everything she has now was built on the suffering I endured for her." Julia froze and quickly shook her head. "That's not it. We just haven't adjusted yet." "You need time to adjust to your own daughter, huh? Then why didn't Uncle Hector and Aunt Daisy need time when they saw me?" Victoria pressed. Julia had no answer. But she thought it was because Hector and Daisy had no children, so of course, they would be happy. She took a deep breath and softened her voice. "Victoria, we won't treat you badly from now on. Your living expenses will be the same as Angelica's. Your father and I won't favor one over the other." Victoria gave a faint, mocking smile. "Should I thank you for that? Honestly, for me, not favoring one over the other is already the biggest favoritism. "You two are really kind. You don't want your own daughter, but you're willing to spend money raising the daughter of someone who ruined my life. I've never seen people this generous." Julia held back her anger and continued, "Victoria, stop making trouble. You're my real daughter. We finally found you. How could we let you keep suffering out there?" Victoria replied, "So you knew I was suffering. While I was suffering, that criminal's daughter was living here, enjoying everything you gave her in my place. "And now, on the very first day I come back, you're ready to push me away again." Curtis said coldly, "Get this straight. We're not pushing you away. You're the one making things difficult. You could stay here peacefully, but you refuse to accept Angelica." "How could I accept the daughter of a criminal?" Victoria asked. "If I hadn't been lucky enough to survive, her mother would be both a trafficker and a murderer. "She committed the crime, but her daughter hasn't been punished at all. Why should she get to keep living this rich, comfortable life as if nothing had happened?" Angelica's body swayed. Curtis quickly held her steady, his anger finally breaking through. "With your attitude, do you even deserve to stay here while Angelica leaves?" "Of course I do. First, I'm a Binder by blood. Second, unlike you, I'm not an idiot." After snapping at him, Victoria lost her patience. "Have you decided? Is she leaving, or am I?" Curtis pulled Angelica into his arms protectively and said firmly, "Dad, Mom, if I have to choose, then I only recognize Angelica as my sister." "Good. One vote." Victoria raised her index finger and then looked at Julia. "What about you?" Julia forced down her frustration and said gently, "Victoria, don't do this—" "Alright, that's two votes," Victoria said, not even bothering to listen. She turned to Darell. "Your vote doesn't matter anymore. There are already two votes for Angelica. Fine. Since that's the case, she stays. I'll leave." A trace of anxiety flashed in Angelica's eyes. If Victoria really left, there would be no one to take her place in marrying Jackson. ------ 👇👇👇 There are limited chapters to put here, click “continue reading” to open App to continue reading (It will automatically jump to the book)
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When a killer came in the night, Victoria Binder didn’t scream—she fought. And she won, burying the proof in her own garden. That was just the beginning. Unveiled as the lost heiress to a mighty fortune, Victoria returned to a family that despised her. She wasn’t there for their love. She was there for what was hers: the power, the legacy, the truth. ------ Chapter 1 I Want to Marry You "Victoria, we need to break up. It turns out I'm actually the heir to the Fairbank family, one of the most powerful families in Benwig City. You're just a country girl who sells herbs. You're not good enough for me anymore." Victoria Binder had just received a call from her boyfriend, Gavin Alvarado—no, Gavin Fairbank now. She had been about to tell him that she was the long-lost daughter of a wealthy family herself, but before she could say a word, she heard him claim she wasn't good enough for him. She let out a silent, cold laugh. The medicinal herbs she grew were incredibly valuable. Countless rich and influential families were trying to buy them at high prices. Her products had even appeared several times at the largest auction house in Benwig City. Gavin's arrogant voice came through the phone again. "With my status now, I need to marry a proper heiress from a family that matches mine. "But since we dated for two months, I won't treat you badly. Before I marry someone suitable, you can stay with me. Even after I get married, I can still keep you as my—" Before he could finish, Victoria snapped, "Asshole. If you want to break up, then we're done." She hung up immediately. The handsome man standing in front of her, Jackson Thornton, raised an eyebrow. He had been waiting for her response. He smiled. "So? You just found out you're the heiress of the Binder family, one of the richest families in Benwig City, and you still got dumped?" Victoria looked up at him and smiled brightly. "Funny coincidence. He just told me that he's the heir to a wealthy family in Benwig City and that I'm not good enough for him." Then her expression shifted, turning doubtful. "Wait a second. This whole thing about being the real daughter or real son of some rich family... Isn't that some new kind of scam going around?" Jackson paused for a moment, then smiled. "Of course not. You really are the true daughter of the Binder family." Victoria gave a nonchalant hum. She took the basket off her back, sat down on a chair, and began sorting the herbs she had just picked. "Then who are you?" she asked. "Why are you the one coming to find me instead of my biological parents?" Jackson glanced at the shabby house in front of him, then looked at Victoria, who sat casually on a small stool. He said, "If nothing unexpected happens, I'll soon be your fiancé. I'm Jackson, the eldest son of the Thornton family in Benwig City." Victoria almost slipped off her stool. She stared at him in shock. "What? Fiancé?" "That's right. But as you can see, I'm disabled now. I lost the use of my legs last month." Sitting in his wheelchair, Jackson lifted a hand and pointed at his legs, giving a helpless smile. "I see. And what does that have to do with you coming to find me today?" Victoria asked. Then she suddenly understood. "Wait. Are you saying that I'm the real daughter of the wealthy Binder family, and that they're planning to bring me back and have me marry you?" Jackson nodded, a hint of admiration in his eyes. "Exactly." Victoria's gaze flickered. Jackson continued, "Because of my legs, I'm about to be dumped. Just like you." Victoria caught on quickly. "So the one who was supposed to marry you was the Binder family's adopted daughter. But now that you're disabled, she doesn't want to marry you anymore." Jackson nodded again. "Yes. That's exactly it." Victoria almost let out a bitter laugh. "Then why don't you look upset at all?" Jackson said calmly, "You just got dumped by your boyfriend, and you don't look upset either." "He's just trash. Good riddance." Victoria curled her lips in disdain. Jackson studied her, the admiration in his eyes deepening. "You're surprisingly chill about it." Victoria let out a small scoff. "Of course. Why waste time and energy feeling bad over someone who isn't worth it?" She had started dating Gavin after saving his life by chance two years ago. After that, he had chased after her nonstop, using gratitude as an excuse. For two whole years, he acted devoted, as if he would never marry anyone but her. He didn't seem to have any serious flaws. She figured having a man around could help her take care of the herb garden and keep other men from bothering her, so she agreed to date him. But she never expected that the moment Gavin found out he was the heir to a wealthy family, he would turn on her so quickly. Jackson smiled. "Same here. She's trash anyway. Better not to marry her." There had never been anything between him and Angelica Binder. Their engagement had only been arranged by his grandfather for a business alliance. Now that his legs were disabled, Angelica's parents naturally didn't want her to marry him anymore. But the Thornton family was the most powerful family in Benwig City, with huge wealth and influence. They weren't willing to give up the alliance, either. In the end, they planned to have their biological daughter, Victoria, marry him in Angelica's place. Victoria went straight to the point. "It's just strange. How could it be such a coincidence? Right after your legs were disabled, my birth parents suddenly found me and decided to have me marry you instead of their adopted daughter." She let out a cold, mocking laugh. "Looks like they always knew I was their real daughter. I just had no value to them, so they left me out here all this time and never brought me home." Jackson didn't try to comfort her with lies. "I think you're right." Victoria gave a cold sneer. If that was true, then her birth parents were even more heartless than she had thought. Still, one thing didn't make sense to her. "Since you already know what the Binder family is planning, why not just give up on the alliance? Why walk straight into their trap?" "I had someone look into you," Jackson said calmly. "You sell medicine, and you're pretty well-known around here. "I heard you've treated quite a few difficult cases with your own methods. My legs are disabled. Over the past month, I've invited top doctors from all over the country, but none of them could help. "So I came here myself to see if marrying you would be a trap or a chance for me." He didn't hide why he came. Victoria found him interesting. She shrugged. "Well, you've seen me now. I'm just a wild country girl. My birth parents, the ones I've never even met, clearly don't like me. "Do you still want to marry someone like me? I'm just a real daughter who isn't valued and is just being used as a substitute bride." Jackson looked at her closely. At first glance, she wasn't the delicate type raised in comfort. Her skin wasn't soft. It had a light wheat tone that made her look healthy and full of life. But if one looked more carefully, her features were actually very refined. Her eyes were bright and clear, and there was strength in the way she looked at people. There was no trace of disrespect in Jackson's gaze. He looked sincere. "Yes. After meeting you, I'm sure I want to marry you. I just don't know if you're willing to give me a chance." Victoria studied his face. She had to admit that he was strikingly handsome, the kind of man who wouldn't be forgotten even in a huge crowd. His features were sharp, and his face was well-defined. What stood out the most was his eyes. Even after going through something as serious as losing the use of his legs, they were still clear. There was no bitterness or confusion. Victoria glanced at his legs again. "What's going on with them?" "They were broken with a wooden club last month," Jackson said. "I've had many well-known doctors take a look. They all said my legs are beyond saving. I'll never stand again." "Pull up your pant legs. Let me see," said Victoria. "Okay." Jackson did as she said, lifting his pant legs to reveal his knees and lower legs, covered in scars. Victoria's expression darkened. She set the herbs aside, stood up, and walked over to him. Then she bent down and pressed carefully on his knees. The pain made Jackson frown, but he didn't make a sound. "They can be treated," Victoria said firmly. Hope lit up in Jackson's eyes at once. Thinking about how her birth parents had ignored her existence for so many years, Victoria made up her mind. She would go back to Benwig City and take her place as the Binder family's true daughter. She wanted to meet them face to face. She clapped her hands lightly and sat back down on the small stool. "I can marry you." Jackson raised an eyebrow. "Do you have any conditions?" Victoria tilted her head and smiled brightly. "Listen to you. Do I need conditions to marry you? You're so good-looking. If I fix your legs, I'll be the one getting the better deal." Jackson hadn't expected her to be so straightforward. His brow lifted higher, and he let out a soft laugh. "Alright. Then it's settled. I'll wait for you to return to the Binder family." Chapter 2 A Welcome Gift After Jackson left his phone number with Victoria, he left the village with his assistant, Ollie Rowse. Victoria watched him go, her eyes growing thoughtful. She took out her phone and dialed a number. "Mara, I need you to look into everyone in the Binder family in Benwig City right away. Focus on their daughter. I want everything you can find, and I want it by tonight." "Yes, boss," Mara replied. After hanging up, Victoria's gaze turned even sharper. Ford had once told her about that freezing winter night twenty years ago. He had been on his way to settle down in a small southern town when he heard a baby crying from inside a trash bin. He got out of the car to check and found a baby girl, not even a month old, her skin red from the cold. If she hadn't been crying so loudly, and if he hadn't happened to pass that deserted road, she would have died quietly in that trash bin. That baby was Victoria. Ford gave her that name, hoping she would grow up strong and tough no matter what life threw at her. Even on his deathbed, Ford never stopped looking for her biological parents. And all this time, Victoria had believed they must have abandoned her because they had no other choice. But now, it seemed that wasn't true. Her biological parents didn't want her and had no intention of taking her back. If it weren't for the adopted daughter they had raised for twenty years, Victoria might have gone her whole life without parents. Just then, someone called out from outside, "Victoria, who was that man in the nice car looking for you?" It was Stephan, a middle-aged man from next door. He spent most of his time up in the mountains hunting herbs. Victoria put her phone away and walked out, smiling at him. "To be honest with you, that was my fiancé." Stephan looked surprised. "Your fiancé? You have good taste. He's a handsome man. Why didn't you ask him to stay for dinner?" "He had things to take care of in the city. He couldn't stay today," Victoria said. "Next time he comes, make sure he stays for a meal. Everything we eat here is grown by us. Let him try it. It's much better and healthier than city food," Stephan said. "I will," Victoria said with a smile. Stephan grabbed his tools and headed up into the mountains. Only after he left did Victoria go back inside to keep sorting the herbs she had picked. ***** After leaving Mullinran Village, Ollie, who was driving, glanced at Jackson's calm face in the rearview mirror and asked carefully, "Mr. Thornton, are you really going to marry her? "You saw it yourself. Her own parents don't even want her. She makes a living selling herbs and doing some basic medical work. "You just went through something serious, and this is when you need support the most. Marrying her won't help you secure your position in the Thornton family." Jackson shifted his gaze away from the fields outside the window and gently rubbed the petals of a purple flower he had picked from Victoria's doorstep. He asked, "Ollie, do you remember six months ago, when my grandfather was seriously ill and needed a very rare herb to survive?" Ollie wasn't sure why he changed the subject, but he nodded. "Of course. That herb showed up at the biggest auction house in Benwig City. You spent 30 million dollars to get it." "Didn't you notice? That same rare herb was hanging casually on the wall of her simple, run-down house," Jackson said. That one bundle alone would be worth a fortune at any auction in Benwig City. "What?" Ollie was stunned. From the moment they walked into Victoria's house, he had only noticed how shabby it looked and missed everything else. Now it finally clicked. "Do you mean her background might not be as simple as it seems?" Jackson lifted the purple flower to his nose and took a light breath. "I can't say for sure what her background is yet. But one thing is clear. Her medical skills are far from simple." Ollie understood right away. If that was true, then there was real hope for Jackson's legs. Still, he couldn't help asking, "If all you want is to fix your legs, you could just pay her a large amount of money. There's no need to marry her." Jackson blinked and slowly turned the flower between his fingers. A faint smile appeared on his lips. "What if I said I fell for her at first sight? Would you believe me?" Ollie paused and looked at him again through the rearview mirror. He seemed calm. He wasn't exactly joking, but he wasn't completely serious, either. But Jackson rarely joked, so Ollie couldn't tell how much of it was real. In the end, he chose to believe him. "I believe you." "Good. In my eyes, she is already my fiancée. From now on, you need to treat her with respect," Jackson said. "Understood." Ollie nodded. Jackson wasn't joking. When it came to love, he had never believed in feelings that grew over time. To him, if there was no spark at first sight, then staying together would only lead to a relationship based on weighing pros and cons, not the kind of love that made his heart race. That was why, when his grandfather arranged his engagement to Angelica, he had agreed for practical reasons alone. But when he saw Victoria, everything changed. It felt like the world spun around him, and everything else faded away. In his eyes, she was the only color left. He couldn't explain why it had to be her. Maybe it was that moment when their eyes met, when the light in hers pulled him in like a whirlpool. Jackson picked up a book from the car and carefully placed the small purple flower between its pages. Then he closed the book and shut his eyes. ***** At eight that evening, Victoria had just finished bringing in the herbs she had been drying on the roof when her phone rang. She set the herbs aside, brushed the dust off her hands, and picked up the call. Mara's cool voice came through. "Boss, I found what you asked for. The Binder family has only one daughter. She was born to the second son, Darell, and his wife, Julia. Her name is Angelica. She's the same age as you. "She's very spoiled at home. Two months ago, Darell arranged a great marriage for her. She's engaged to Jackson, the eldest son of the Thornton family, the most powerful family in Benwig City. "Jackson had already been chosen by his grandfather, Gerry, as the next heir. But last month, he had an accident. Someone broke both his legs, and the announcement was put on hold." "What is Angelica like?" Victoria asked. "She has a very good reputation. She's beautiful and talented. A lot of rich young men in Benwig City admire her. That's probably why she gained Gerry's approval for the marriage," Mara said. Victoria let out a cold laugh to herself. She didn't believe for a second that Angelica's perfect life came without tricks. "Got it. Now find out if Angelica is really Darell and Julia's biological daughter," Victoria said. "You're focusing on the Binder family, especially Angelica. What are you planning to do?" Mara asked. "I'm going back to take my place," Victoria said. A faint spark lit up in her deep eyes. She found the idea of being the Binder family's real daughter interesting. Victoria had many identities. The one she used the most was a village herbalist and healer. In her daily life, she spent time with her retired scientist friends in the village, growing new herbs and developing new medicines. Over the years, she had cultivated twenty kinds of rare medicinal plants. Because they were so hard to produce, they sold for extremely high prices. Any one of them, if sold at auction in Benwig City, could earn more than most people made in a lifetime. On top of that, she was skilled in traditional medical techniques. When she treated regular villagers, she charged normal fees. But when rich families or powerful figures came to her, her starting fee was three million dollars. Of course, she guaranteed results. If she couldn't cure them, she wouldn't take a single dollar. This identity alone had already made her very rich. Money no longer meant much to her. So when her ex-boyfriend, Gavin, said she wasn't good enough for him, she found it almost funny. If she wanted, she could build her own place in Benwig City without relying on anyone. Over the years, all her different identities had started to feel dull. It was time to try something new. And she had to admit, Jackson impressed her. Out of all the people she had treated, none had faced sudden injury like he did, so calm and steady. His willpower was strong. He was someone who would go far. He was handsome and capable. It would be a waste for him to stay crippled. So she would fix his legs. Mara quickly understood, her voice turning serious. "Understood, boss. I'll get on it right away." ***** Late that night, Victoria was fast asleep when she heard wood cracking outside. Her eyes opened at once, sharp and alert, and she turned toward the sound. Anyone showing up at this hour without warning was not from the village. She had spread powders around her home to keep wild animals away, so no beasts would come near. That left only one answer. Someone had broken in. Victoria got up quietly and, using the moonlight, moved to hide behind the door. Soon, her old wooden door was kicked open, and a shadow rushed inside. She hadn't expected him to be so bold, barging in instead of sneaking around. She flicked a silver needle straight at him. The man let out a low groan and dropped to the ground. Victoria turned on the light, filling the room with brightness. She kicked him aside and finally saw his face clearly. He looked like a hardened criminal. She grabbed a rope, walked over, and tied up his hands and feet. Once he was secured, she took out a needle and stuck it into his neck. Within seconds, he woke up. Victoria sat on the bed, crossing her legs as she played with another needle. "If you don't want to suffer, you'd better tell me the truth. Who sent you?" The man quickly sized up the situation. "People who hire killers stay anonymous. Who would be stupid enough to give their name? But they said that if I raped you, they would get me out of the country safely." Victoria's eyes turned cold and sharp. If he needed to run overseas, that meant he was already a wanted criminal. The man hurried to beg, "I've told you everything I know. Let me go. I won't take this job anymore." Victoria nodded. "Fine." She walked over, pulled out the needle, and untied the ropes. "You can leave." The man rubbed his wrists. "Thanks—" Before he could finish, his face suddenly changed. He lifted his leg and tried to kick Victoria in the knee. But the moment his foot rose, a sharp pain shot through him. Then his whole body went numb. He couldn't move. He looked down in terror. A small black snake had bitten his ankle. "How is there a poisonous snake here—" Before he could finish, blood burst from his throat. His body fell stiffly to the ground. After a few jerks, he went still. Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Trying to kill me in my place? You asked for it. Good job, Blackie. Go rest." The little black snake slipped into a dark corner and quickly disappeared. Victoria picked up a hoe, stuffed the body into a large basket, and lifted it onto her back with ease. She carried it outside and buried it near her vegetable garden. It would make good fertilizer for her herbs. After that, she let out a long breath, brushed off her hands, and looked up at the nearly full moon. She had just learned who she really was, and someone had already sent a man to ruin her. It seemed that someone had prepared a "welcome gift" for her in advance. Chapter 3 We've Got Your Back The next day at noon, a black Bentley worth 1.5 million dollars stopped in front of Victoria's house. Victoria was grinding the herbs she had picked the day before. When she heard the car, she glanced out the window and checked the license plate. It was from Benwig City, just as she expected. She finished grinding the herbs, put them into jars, brushed the dust off her hands, and walked outside. She went straight to the car and knocked on the window. A moment later, the window slid down, revealing the still handsome face of a middle-aged man—Hector Binder. He looked about fifty, with neatly slicked-back hair. A woman sat beside him. She looked about the same age. Even though she wasn't young anymore, she had taken good care of herself and looked as if she were in her thirties. Her features were still soft and beautiful. Victoria didn't waste time. "Are you here for me?" Hector, sitting in the back seat, looked at her, then at the photo in his hand. His eyes lit up. "Daisy, it's her. She's the one we're looking for." Daisy's eyes filled with excitement, even shining with tears. "Yes, it's her. No mistake." They quickly opened the door, got out of the car, and walked over to Victoria. Hector nodded. "Yes. You're the real daughter the Binder family lost years ago. We're here to take you back." Victoria looked straight into his eyes. He seemed like a decent man, and the excitement in his expression matched Daisy's. It didn't look fake. This couple didn't seem to have anything to do with what happened to her last night. Hector paused, a little surprised. "How did you know we were coming?" But he didn't dwell on it. Instead, he explained, "You are the young lady of the Binder family. "When you were little, someone switched you with another baby. That's why you ended up here. You've suffered for twenty years, living away from your real home." As soon as he finished, Daisy started to choke up. "Poor child." Victoria stayed calm. "So, are you my parents?" Hector and Daisy froze. They exchanged a look, then answered awkwardly, "No. We're your uncle and aunt." Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Then why aren't my parents here? Why did they send you instead?" Daisy looked uneasy. "Something came up at home. They couldn't leave, so they asked us to come get you." Victoria saw right through it. "You don't have to cover for them. I'm not a child. What could be more important than picking up their own daughter? They just didn't want to come." Hearing that, Daisy stepped forward and gently hugged her. Tears slipped down her face. "My poor child, you've suffered so much." Victoria didn't expect the sudden hug. At first, she wanted to pull away, but the warmth of it stopped her. It felt soft and comforting, unlike any embrace she had experienced in twenty years. It was, perhaps, the closest she had ever come to what a mother's embrace should feel like. She let out a quiet sigh. For a moment, she thought that if these two were her real parents, it wouldn't be so bad. After a while, Daisy let go and held her hand. "Go pack your things. We'll take you home today. You won't have to live like this anymore." Victoria nodded. "Okay. Wait for me. I'll go pack." She didn't need to bring clothes. The only things she needed were the medicines she had made. After packing all the bottles of medicine powder and poison powder from the wooden cabinet, Victoria called out, "Blackie, Whitey, Greenie, come out. I'm taking you somewhere new." As soon as she finished, three small snakes slid out from the corners and crawled into a sack. Victoria tied the sack and slung it over her shoulder. Then she took a drum from the old cabinet. After giving the shabby house one last look, she walked outside and began to beat the drum. The loud sound of the drum echoed through the area. Hector and Daisy, waiting outside, looked confused. Before long, the villagers gathered around. They looked at Victoria with concern. "Victoria, what's wrong? What happened?" Victoria set down the drum, cleared her throat, and said, "Everyone, you all know I'm an orphan. I grew up without parents, raised by all of you. "But now I know who my real parents are. It turns out I'm the daughter of the Binder family in Benwig City." The villagers were happy for her at first, but then she continued, "But here's the thing. My real parents knew all along who I was, but they never came to acknowledge me. "And now, the only reason they're taking me back is to make me marry a disabled man in place of their adopted daughter." Hector and Daisy were stunned. They had no idea about any of this. The villagers were furious. "What kind of people are they? They knew you were their real daughter but ignored you all this time, and now they want to use you like this, huh?" "Blind fools! You're such a good girl, and they treat you like a tool, making you marry some cripple instead of their adopted daughter." "Victoria, don't listen to those heartless people." "That's right. Ignore them. We'll go teach them a lesson." "The Binder family? They're nothing special in Benwig City, acting all high and mighty. Victoria, you don't need to go back with them." Victoria raised her hand to quiet them. "Everyone, calm down. I've decided to go back to the Binder family for this arranged marriage. "But I'm going back to teach them a lesson. So I'm telling you all ahead of time. Please help take care of the herbs I just planted in my yard." Even though the villagers didn't really understand, they still respected her choice. "Okay. But if anyone from the Binder family dares to bully you, just call me. I'll get people to take them down," one person said. "That's right. We've got your back," another added. Victoria waved her hand. "Thank you, everyone. That's all I wanted to say. You can all head back now." After that, she turned to Hector and Daisy, who were still waiting, and gave them a light smile. "We can go now." Hector and Daisy were still a little stunned. When they heard her, they finally snapped out of it. "Oh, okay." "Let me carry that." The driver stepped forward and reached for the sack. "Be careful. It's heavy," Victoria said. The driver didn't believe it at first. But the moment he took it with both hands, he almost dropped it on his foot. Victoria blinked at him. "Can you handle it? Don't break anything inside." "No problem." The driver forced a smile, gritted his teeth, and lifted the sack into the trunk. By the time he got back into the driver's seat, he was sweating all over. He hadn't expected Victoria to be this strong despite looking so thin. After getting into the car, Daisy and Hector looked at each other, then kept glancing at Victoria. They seemed to want to say something, but neither of them knew how to start. In the end, Daisy asked, "Victoria, you just told the villagers about marrying a disabled man instead of that adopted daughter. What did you mean?" "You didn't know?" Victoria looked back at her, her eyes narrowing with suspicion. Daisy shook her head. "Hector and I really had no idea. About half a month ago, your parents suddenly told us Angelica wasn't their biological daughter. Then they sent people to look into it. "Just yesterday, they found out their real daughter was living here. That's why they want to bring you back today." Hector nodded to confirm her words. Victoria smiled faintly. "Then why do you think they didn't come themselves?" Daisy fell silent. To her, it was absurd that Victoria's parents would have relatives fetch their biological daughter instead of coming themselves. But the truth would hurt Victoria, so she chose not to say anything. Victoria let out a bitter laugh. "Aunt Daisy, even if you don't say it, I can guess. Just like I said, they don't want to acknowledge me. "They're only bringing me back because they have no choice. They want me to marry that disabled heir in place of their precious adopted daughter." Her gaze was clear and calm, and there was a quiet maturity about her that went far beyond her years. Hector frowned slightly. "Victoria, how did you find out about this arranged marriage?" Victoria smiled. "Secret." On the way, Daisy told her a lot about the Binder family. It wasn't much different from what Mara had already found out. The Binder family was still led by Calvin. He had two sons and one daughter. The eldest son, Hector, was the one who had come to get Victoria, and his wife was Daisy. They didn't have any children. The second son, Darell, was Victoria's biological father. He and his wife, Julia, had two sons and one daughter. The eldest son, Simon, managed the family's entertainment company, Brightstar Entertainment. The second son, Curtis, was a well-known singer under the same company. Then there was the youngest daughter, Angelica. She was considered very outstanding. At just twenty, she had already skipped grades and finished college. She was now preparing to study abroad after getting engaged to the eldest son of the Thornton family. Angelica was the baby who had been switched with Victoria. As for Calvin's daughter, Sirena, she had already married into another wealthy family and only returned for holidays. The drive from the village to Benwig City took six hours over bumpy roads. By the time they arrived, it was dark. "We're here," the driver said as he stopped the car. Victoria looked out the window. In front of her stood a large estate, with several villas spread across it. It looked grand and impressive. The Binder family mansion alone was almost as big as the entire Mullinran Village. Victoria got out of the car and followed Hector and Daisy inside. The head butler, Milton, who had been waiting at the door, stepped forward respectfully. "You're back." He looked at Victoria and gave a polite nod. "This must be Miss Victoria Binder." "Yes," Daisy replied. Then she looked at Victoria gently. "Victoria, go in and meet your parents and brother." Victoria said nothing. She quietly followed them inside. They passed through the wide front yard and stepped into the entrance hall. Standing at the doorway, she quickly scanned the four people sitting on the sofas in the main hall. First, she saw a middle-aged couple dressed in expensive clothes, carrying themselves with an air of wealth and status. Next was a handsome young man who looked a bit rebellious. Finally, there was a beautiful young woman about her age. The corners of her eyes were red, and she looked pitiful, as if she had been crying. None of them looked happy. Their faces were tense, filled with worry. When they looked at her, Victoria caught the flash of disgust in their eyes. A faint smile appeared on her lips. She thought the family was really quite interesting. Chapter 4 Are You an Idiot? "Darell, Julia, I brought your daughter back," Daisy said. She gently patted Victoria on the back. "Victoria, go say hello to your parents and your brother." Victoria didn't move. With a faint, mocking smile, she asked, "Aunt Daisy, are they really my parents and brother?" Daisy froze for a moment, then nodded. "Yes, they are. Why do you ask?" Victoria let out a cold laugh. "I'm supposed to be their daughter and sister, but why do they all look like they can't stand me?" The four people in the room all stiffened. They hadn't expected her to be so direct. Daisy froze again. She wanted to say something, but stopped herself. She knew what Darell and Julia were thinking. They didn't want to accept this daughter because they already had an excellent adopted one. They would rather stay home and comfort their adopted daughter's feelings than spend even a little time going to the village to pick up their real daughter. Simon and Curtis felt the same way. They were closer to the sister they had lived with for twenty years. None of them wanted to hurt her feelings just to pick up Victoria. Simon didn't even bother to show up; he was still at work. In the end, Daisy couldn't take it anymore and offered to go with Hector to bring Victoria home. What she didn't expect was that even after Victoria came back, Darell and Julia still acted like this. They didn't even try to hide it. Julia looked at Darell, and he looked back at her. In that brief exchange, they reached an understanding. Victoria clearly wasn't as quiet and easy to control as they had thought. They couldn't just brush her aside. If they wanted her to willingly take Angelica's place in the marriage to Jackson later, they would have to act nice and coax her a little. Julia hesitated, then forced herself to stand up. She put on a pained expression and walked toward Victoria. "My child, you've suffered so much out there." Victoria stepped aside slightly and avoided her touch. "Stop pretending. I don't see any concern in your eyes." Julia froze in place. A wave of anger rose inside her. She had lowered herself to show kindness, yet Victoria had refused it and embarrassed her in front of everyone. But to her, Victoria's lack of manners was no surprise. She had grown up in the countryside without her parents and had never been properly brought up. Julia forced a stiff smile. "I carried you for ten months. Of course, it hurts me to know you've suffered." Victoria sneered, "Is that so? If you really feel that way, why didn't you come pick me up today? Why did you send Uncle Hector and Aunt Daisy instead?" Daisy wanted to speak, but Hector gently held her hand and shook his head. He said quietly, "Daisy, we've already brought her back. What happens now is their family matter. Let them handle it. Let's go home." Daisy looked at Victoria, her eyes full of worry and sympathy. But she knew Hector was right. This was between Victoria and her parents. No matter what happened, she had no right to interfere. "Julia, now that Victoria is back, you should treat her well. Don't hurt her again. Daisy and I will head back now," Hector said politely, hoping his words would help a little. Darell nodded. "Thank you for your help today." Daisy said gently, "Victoria, we are leaving. If you need anything, come find us at Goldenwood Villa on the east side." With that, she reluctantly turned and left. Victoria watched them walk away, then quickly looked away. Once they were gone, Julia finally breathed a sigh of relief. "This is all my fault. Your father and I didn't go pick you up ourselves because I'm very emotional. "I was afraid that if I saw how poorly you were living, I wouldn't be able to handle it. So I stayed home to calm myself and prepare to welcome you." She was lying. Actually, after Angelica found out last night that she wasn't their real daughter, she had been upset the whole night. This morning, she was so distracted that she couldn't even eat. Julia felt sorry for her and stayed home to comfort her. Victoria's eyes were full of sarcasm. "So what exactly did you prepare for me?" Julia quickly said, "I've already cleaned up a room for you. Come, I'll show you." She reached for Victoria's hand again, but Victoria dodged her once more. "So cleaning a room was more important than coming to pick me up yourself." Julia's hand hung in the air. A trace of impatience flashed across her eyes. "Forget the room. I'm not even sure I'll stay," Victoria said. Then she pointed at the young woman about her age. "Who is she?" Angelica froze. Her eyes instantly turned red. She gently tugged on Curtis's sleeve. Curtis held her hand and said softly, "Angelica, don't be afraid." After comforting her, Curtis looked at Victoria coldly. His tone turned sharp. "I'm your brother, Curtis. And she's my sister, Angelica." He deliberately stressed the words "my sister." "I see." Victoria's voice carried a hint of sarcasm. "So that means she's the adopted daughter who was switched with me, right?" Angelica's hand trembled. Tears gathered in her eyes, ready to fall. Curtis's face darkened. He emphasized, "In my heart, Angelica is my real sister." Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Calling her your real sister? Are you an idiot?" Everyone except Victoria froze at her words. Curtis stared at her in disbelief. "You just called me an idiot, huh?" Victoria laughed mockingly. "Yeah. Did I say anything wrong? Don't you know her mother was the one who secretly switched us back then?" Angelica's birth mother, Jasmine, had worked as a customer service representative at a postpartum care center. When Julia was three months pregnant, she started looking for a high-end center, and Jasmine had served her. By coincidence, Jasmine was also pregnant at the time. When she realized Julia was wealthy, she started having bad thoughts. She secretly followed Julia to find out which center she chose and forced herself to spend the money to book the same one. During the recovery period after giving birth, Jasmine secretly switched her own daughter with Julia's without anyone noticing. At the time, Angelica had an allergic rash on her face. Julia didn't realize anything was wrong, and when she left the center, she took Angelica home. Angelica bit her lip. Tears finally streamed down her face. "I'm sorry." Curtis held her cold hand tightly and gently said, "Angelica, this has nothing to do with you." Then he turned to Victoria, his voice full of anger. "Yes, her mother switched you back then. But Angelica is innocent. She didn't know anything about it." Victoria laughed out loud, her eyes full of ridicule. "Oh, she's innocent? She spent twenty years enjoying my life, living in comfort and luxury. "And me? I was thrown into a trash can by her cruel mother in the freezing cold. If no one had found me, I would have died right after I was born." Chapter 5 I'll Leave Victoria's words left Curtis speechless. He had just started to feel a bit guilty when Angelica suddenly broke down in tears again. She said, "I'm sorry. It's all my fault. It's my fault for having a mother like that. Victoria, if you hate me, you can hit me or yell at me, but please don't blame Curtis." As she spoke, she struggled to pull free from Curtis's hand. With a determined look, she bit her lip and ran toward Victoria. "Angelica!" Curtis panicked and quickly got up to follow her. Angelica ran up to Victoria and was about to bow, but Curtis caught up just in time and pulled her back. "Angelica, what are you doing? This isn't your fault. It's your mother's fault." Victoria watched the whole scene and suddenly laughed. She even clapped her hands like she was watching a show. "This is really something. Are you putting on a pity act for me?" The small bit of guilt Curtis had felt disappeared right away. After helping Angelica steady herself, he looked at Victoria coldly. "Why are you being so unreasonable?" he asked. "Angelica already apologized sincerely, and you're still mocking her." "I'm not just mocking her. I'm mocking all of you," Victoria said. "Her mother planned everything, found a way to switch us, and let her take twenty years of the life that should have been mine. "Now that I'm back, you guys are still protecting her right in front of me. It's a shame that I ended up with a family like this." Curtis's face darkened even more. Julia looked helplessly at Darell. She hadn't expected Victoria to be so stubborn and didn't know how to deal with her. No matter how she looked at it, Julia just couldn't bring herself to like Victoria. Darell, who had been silent until now, finally spoke up. "That's enough, Victoria. Angelica's mother has already been punished. Angelica is alone now, with no one to rely on. "Your mother and I raised her for twenty years. We can't just throw her out. The Binder family has more than enough. Keeping her here is no big deal. She won't affect you." But Victoria didn't accept that. "If it's really no big deal, then she can live anywhere. Why does she have to stay here and bother me? "Every time I see her, I'm reminded of everything I went through after being switched." Darell didn't expect her to keep pushing like this. Just like Julia, he began to feel more and more resistant toward Victoria. Compared to Angelica, who was gentle and understanding, Victoria seemed completely rude to him. Angelica bit her lip and let her tears fall silently. She looked pitiful, making it hard not to feel sorry for her. Seeing how aggressive Victoria was, Curtis finally lost his temper. "So you won't be satisfied unless we send Angelica away, huh?" Victoria nodded. "That's right. We're not both living here. It's one or the other." As soon as she said that, everyone's faces darkened. "I don't want to leave you," Angelica said through her tears, looking completely wronged. It made anyone who saw her feel bad. Curtis held her hand tightly. "Angelica, don't worry. You don't have to go anywhere. As long as I'm here, I won't let anyone drive you out of the Binder family. You'll always be my sister. You're part of us." Victoria raised an eyebrow. "So you want me to leave, huh?" Julia was already at her limit, but she forced herself to stay calm. "Victoria, you just got back. You don't really know Angelica yet. "She's kind and understanding. Once you spend some time with her, you'll accept her. Her staying here won't affect your place. No matter what, you're our real daughter." Victoria sneered, "Really? Then why did all of you look disgusted the moment you saw me? Is it because I'm not as pretty as her? Or because I'm not as refined? "But have you forgotten? If we had never been switched, the pretty, refined one would be me. Everything she has now was built on the suffering I endured for her." Julia froze and quickly shook her head. "That's not it. We just haven't adjusted yet." "You need time to adjust to your own daughter, huh? Then why didn't Uncle Hector and Aunt Daisy need time when they saw me?" Victoria pressed. Julia had no answer. But she thought it was because Hector and Daisy had no children, so of course, they would be happy. She took a deep breath and softened her voice. "Victoria, we won't treat you badly from now on. Your living expenses will be the same as Angelica's. Your father and I won't favor one over the other." Victoria gave a faint, mocking smile. "Should I thank you for that? Honestly, for me, not favoring one over the other is already the biggest favoritism. "You two are really kind. You don't want your own daughter, but you're willing to spend money raising the daughter of someone who ruined my life. I've never seen people this generous." Julia held back her anger and continued, "Victoria, stop making trouble. You're my real daughter. We finally found you. How could we let you keep suffering out there?" Victoria replied, "So you knew I was suffering. While I was suffering, that criminal's daughter was living here, enjoying everything you gave her in my place. "And now, on the very first day I come back, you're ready to push me away again." Curtis said coldly, "Get this straight. We're not pushing you away. You're the one making things difficult. You could stay here peacefully, but you refuse to accept Angelica." "How could I accept the daughter of a criminal?" Victoria asked. "If I hadn't been lucky enough to survive, her mother would be both a trafficker and a murderer. "She committed the crime, but her daughter hasn't been punished at all. Why should she get to keep living this rich, comfortable life as if nothing had happened?" Angelica's body swayed. Curtis quickly held her steady, his anger finally breaking through. "With your attitude, do you even deserve to stay here while Angelica leaves?" "Of course I do. First, I'm a Binder by blood. Second, unlike you, I'm not an idiot." After snapping at him, Victoria lost her patience. "Have you decided? Is she leaving, or am I?" Curtis pulled Angelica into his arms protectively and said firmly, "Dad, Mom, if I have to choose, then I only recognize Angelica as my sister." "Good. One vote." Victoria raised her index finger and then looked at Julia. "What about you?" Julia forced down her frustration and said gently, "Victoria, don't do this—" "Alright, that's two votes," Victoria said, not even bothering to listen. She turned to Darell. "Your vote doesn't matter anymore. There are already two votes for Angelica. Fine. Since that's the case, she stays. I'll leave." A trace of anxiety flashed in Angelica's eyes. If Victoria really left, there would be no one to take her place in marrying Jackson. ------ 👇👇👇 There are limited chapters to put here, click “continue reading” to open App to continue reading (It will automatically jump to the book)
When a killer came in the night, Victoria Binder didn’t scream—she fought. And she won, burying the proof in her own garden. That was just the beginning. Unveiled as the lost heiress to a mighty fortune, Victoria returned to a family that despised her. She wasn’t there for their love. She was there for what was hers: the power, the legacy, the truth. ------ Chapter 1 I Want to Marry You "Victoria, we need to break up. It turns out I'm actually the heir to the Fairbank family, one of the most powerful families in Benwig City. You're just a country girl who sells herbs. You're not good enough for me anymore." Victoria Binder had just received a call from her boyfriend, Gavin Alvarado—no, Gavin Fairbank now. She had been about to tell him that she was the long-lost daughter of a wealthy family herself, but before she could say a word, she heard him claim she wasn't good enough for him. She let out a silent, cold laugh. The medicinal herbs she grew were incredibly valuable. Countless rich and influential families were trying to buy them at high prices. Her products had even appeared several times at the largest auction house in Benwig City. Gavin's arrogant voice came through the phone again. "With my status now, I need to marry a proper heiress from a family that matches mine. "But since we dated for two months, I won't treat you badly. Before I marry someone suitable, you can stay with me. Even after I get married, I can still keep you as my—" Before he could finish, Victoria snapped, "Asshole. If you want to break up, then we're done." She hung up immediately. The handsome man standing in front of her, Jackson Thornton, raised an eyebrow. He had been waiting for her response. He smiled. "So? You just found out you're the heiress of the Binder family, one of the richest families in Benwig City, and you still got dumped?" Victoria looked up at him and smiled brightly. "Funny coincidence. He just told me that he's the heir to a wealthy family in Benwig City and that I'm not good enough for him." Then her expression shifted, turning doubtful. "Wait a second. This whole thing about being the real daughter or real son of some rich family... Isn't that some new kind of scam going around?" Jackson paused for a moment, then smiled. "Of course not. You really are the true daughter of the Binder family." Victoria gave a nonchalant hum. She took the basket off her back, sat down on a chair, and began sorting the herbs she had just picked. "Then who are you?" she asked. "Why are you the one coming to find me instead of my biological parents?" Jackson glanced at the shabby house in front of him, then looked at Victoria, who sat casually on a small stool. He said, "If nothing unexpected happens, I'll soon be your fiancé. I'm Jackson, the eldest son of the Thornton family in Benwig City." Victoria almost slipped off her stool. She stared at him in shock. "What? Fiancé?" "That's right. But as you can see, I'm disabled now. I lost the use of my legs last month." Sitting in his wheelchair, Jackson lifted a hand and pointed at his legs, giving a helpless smile. "I see. And what does that have to do with you coming to find me today?" Victoria asked. Then she suddenly understood. "Wait. Are you saying that I'm the real daughter of the wealthy Binder family, and that they're planning to bring me back and have me marry you?" Jackson nodded, a hint of admiration in his eyes. "Exactly." Victoria's gaze flickered. Jackson continued, "Because of my legs, I'm about to be dumped. Just like you." Victoria caught on quickly. "So the one who was supposed to marry you was the Binder family's adopted daughter. But now that you're disabled, she doesn't want to marry you anymore." Jackson nodded again. "Yes. That's exactly it." Victoria almost let out a bitter laugh. "Then why don't you look upset at all?" Jackson said calmly, "You just got dumped by your boyfriend, and you don't look upset either." "He's just trash. Good riddance." Victoria curled her lips in disdain. Jackson studied her, the admiration in his eyes deepening. "You're surprisingly chill about it." Victoria let out a small scoff. "Of course. Why waste time and energy feeling bad over someone who isn't worth it?" She had started dating Gavin after saving his life by chance two years ago. After that, he had chased after her nonstop, using gratitude as an excuse. For two whole years, he acted devoted, as if he would never marry anyone but her. He didn't seem to have any serious flaws. She figured having a man around could help her take care of the herb garden and keep other men from bothering her, so she agreed to date him. But she never expected that the moment Gavin found out he was the heir to a wealthy family, he would turn on her so quickly. Jackson smiled. "Same here. She's trash anyway. Better not to marry her." There had never been anything between him and Angelica Binder. Their engagement had only been arranged by his grandfather for a business alliance. Now that his legs were disabled, Angelica's parents naturally didn't want her to marry him anymore. But the Thornton family was the most powerful family in Benwig City, with huge wealth and influence. They weren't willing to give up the alliance, either. In the end, they planned to have their biological daughter, Victoria, marry him in Angelica's place. Victoria went straight to the point. "It's just strange. How could it be such a coincidence? Right after your legs were disabled, my birth parents suddenly found me and decided to have me marry you instead of their adopted daughter." She let out a cold, mocking laugh. "Looks like they always knew I was their real daughter. I just had no value to them, so they left me out here all this time and never brought me home." Jackson didn't try to comfort her with lies. "I think you're right." Victoria gave a cold sneer. If that was true, then her birth parents were even more heartless than she had thought. Still, one thing didn't make sense to her. "Since you already know what the Binder family is planning, why not just give up on the alliance? Why walk straight into their trap?" "I had someone look into you," Jackson said calmly. "You sell medicine, and you're pretty well-known around here. "I heard you've treated quite a few difficult cases with your own methods. My legs are disabled. Over the past month, I've invited top doctors from all over the country, but none of them could help. "So I came here myself to see if marrying you would be a trap or a chance for me." He didn't hide why he came. Victoria found him interesting. She shrugged. "Well, you've seen me now. I'm just a wild country girl. My birth parents, the ones I've never even met, clearly don't like me. "Do you still want to marry someone like me? I'm just a real daughter who isn't valued and is just being used as a substitute bride." Jackson looked at her closely. At first glance, she wasn't the delicate type raised in comfort. Her skin wasn't soft. It had a light wheat tone that made her look healthy and full of life. But if one looked more carefully, her features were actually very refined. Her eyes were bright and clear, and there was strength in the way she looked at people. There was no trace of disrespect in Jackson's gaze. He looked sincere. "Yes. After meeting you, I'm sure I want to marry you. I just don't know if you're willing to give me a chance." Victoria studied his face. She had to admit that he was strikingly handsome, the kind of man who wouldn't be forgotten even in a huge crowd. His features were sharp, and his face was well-defined. What stood out the most was his eyes. Even after going through something as serious as losing the use of his legs, they were still clear. There was no bitterness or confusion. Victoria glanced at his legs again. "What's going on with them?" "They were broken with a wooden club last month," Jackson said. "I've had many well-known doctors take a look. They all said my legs are beyond saving. I'll never stand again." "Pull up your pant legs. Let me see," said Victoria. "Okay." Jackson did as she said, lifting his pant legs to reveal his knees and lower legs, covered in scars. Victoria's expression darkened. She set the herbs aside, stood up, and walked over to him. Then she bent down and pressed carefully on his knees. The pain made Jackson frown, but he didn't make a sound. "They can be treated," Victoria said firmly. Hope lit up in Jackson's eyes at once. Thinking about how her birth parents had ignored her existence for so many years, Victoria made up her mind. She would go back to Benwig City and take her place as the Binder family's true daughter. She wanted to meet them face to face. She clapped her hands lightly and sat back down on the small stool. "I can marry you." Jackson raised an eyebrow. "Do you have any conditions?" Victoria tilted her head and smiled brightly. "Listen to you. Do I need conditions to marry you? You're so good-looking. If I fix your legs, I'll be the one getting the better deal." Jackson hadn't expected her to be so straightforward. His brow lifted higher, and he let out a soft laugh. "Alright. Then it's settled. I'll wait for you to return to the Binder family." Chapter 2 A Welcome Gift After Jackson left his phone number with Victoria, he left the village with his assistant, Ollie Rowse. Victoria watched him go, her eyes growing thoughtful. She took out her phone and dialed a number. "Mara, I need you to look into everyone in the Binder family in Benwig City right away. Focus on their daughter. I want everything you can find, and I want it by tonight." "Yes, boss," Mara replied. After hanging up, Victoria's gaze turned even sharper. Ford had once told her about that freezing winter night twenty years ago. He had been on his way to settle down in a small southern town when he heard a baby crying from inside a trash bin. He got out of the car to check and found a baby girl, not even a month old, her skin red from the cold. If she hadn't been crying so loudly, and if he hadn't happened to pass that deserted road, she would have died quietly in that trash bin. That baby was Victoria. Ford gave her that name, hoping she would grow up strong and tough no matter what life threw at her. Even on his deathbed, Ford never stopped looking for her biological parents. And all this time, Victoria had believed they must have abandoned her because they had no other choice. But now, it seemed that wasn't true. Her biological parents didn't want her and had no intention of taking her back. If it weren't for the adopted daughter they had raised for twenty years, Victoria might have gone her whole life without parents. Just then, someone called out from outside, "Victoria, who was that man in the nice car looking for you?" It was Stephan, a middle-aged man from next door. He spent most of his time up in the mountains hunting herbs. Victoria put her phone away and walked out, smiling at him. "To be honest with you, that was my fiancé." Stephan looked surprised. "Your fiancé? You have good taste. He's a handsome man. Why didn't you ask him to stay for dinner?" "He had things to take care of in the city. He couldn't stay today," Victoria said. "Next time he comes, make sure he stays for a meal. Everything we eat here is grown by us. Let him try it. It's much better and healthier than city food," Stephan said. "I will," Victoria said with a smile. Stephan grabbed his tools and headed up into the mountains. Only after he left did Victoria go back inside to keep sorting the herbs she had picked. ***** After leaving Mullinran Village, Ollie, who was driving, glanced at Jackson's calm face in the rearview mirror and asked carefully, "Mr. Thornton, are you really going to marry her? "You saw it yourself. Her own parents don't even want her. She makes a living selling herbs and doing some basic medical work. "You just went through something serious, and this is when you need support the most. Marrying her won't help you secure your position in the Thornton family." Jackson shifted his gaze away from the fields outside the window and gently rubbed the petals of a purple flower he had picked from Victoria's doorstep. He asked, "Ollie, do you remember six months ago, when my grandfather was seriously ill and needed a very rare herb to survive?" Ollie wasn't sure why he changed the subject, but he nodded. "Of course. That herb showed up at the biggest auction house in Benwig City. You spent 30 million dollars to get it." "Didn't you notice? That same rare herb was hanging casually on the wall of her simple, run-down house," Jackson said. That one bundle alone would be worth a fortune at any auction in Benwig City. "What?" Ollie was stunned. From the moment they walked into Victoria's house, he had only noticed how shabby it looked and missed everything else. Now it finally clicked. "Do you mean her background might not be as simple as it seems?" Jackson lifted the purple flower to his nose and took a light breath. "I can't say for sure what her background is yet. But one thing is clear. Her medical skills are far from simple." Ollie understood right away. If that was true, then there was real hope for Jackson's legs. Still, he couldn't help asking, "If all you want is to fix your legs, you could just pay her a large amount of money. There's no need to marry her." Jackson blinked and slowly turned the flower between his fingers. A faint smile appeared on his lips. "What if I said I fell for her at first sight? Would you believe me?" Ollie paused and looked at him again through the rearview mirror. He seemed calm. He wasn't exactly joking, but he wasn't completely serious, either. But Jackson rarely joked, so Ollie couldn't tell how much of it was real. In the end, he chose to believe him. "I believe you." "Good. In my eyes, she is already my fiancée. From now on, you need to treat her with respect," Jackson said. "Understood." Ollie nodded. Jackson wasn't joking. When it came to love, he had never believed in feelings that grew over time. To him, if there was no spark at first sight, then staying together would only lead to a relationship based on weighing pros and cons, not the kind of love that made his heart race. That was why, when his grandfather arranged his engagement to Angelica, he had agreed for practical reasons alone. But when he saw Victoria, everything changed. It felt like the world spun around him, and everything else faded away. In his eyes, she was the only color left. He couldn't explain why it had to be her. Maybe it was that moment when their eyes met, when the light in hers pulled him in like a whirlpool. Jackson picked up a book from the car and carefully placed the small purple flower between its pages. Then he closed the book and shut his eyes. ***** At eight that evening, Victoria had just finished bringing in the herbs she had been drying on the roof when her phone rang. She set the herbs aside, brushed the dust off her hands, and picked up the call. Mara's cool voice came through. "Boss, I found what you asked for. The Binder family has only one daughter. She was born to the second son, Darell, and his wife, Julia. Her name is Angelica. She's the same age as you. "She's very spoiled at home. Two months ago, Darell arranged a great marriage for her. She's engaged to Jackson, the eldest son of the Thornton family, the most powerful family in Benwig City. "Jackson had already been chosen by his grandfather, Gerry, as the next heir. But last month, he had an accident. Someone broke both his legs, and the announcement was put on hold." "What is Angelica like?" Victoria asked. "She has a very good reputation. She's beautiful and talented. A lot of rich young men in Benwig City admire her. That's probably why she gained Gerry's approval for the marriage," Mara said. Victoria let out a cold laugh to herself. She didn't believe for a second that Angelica's perfect life came without tricks. "Got it. Now find out if Angelica is really Darell and Julia's biological daughter," Victoria said. "You're focusing on the Binder family, especially Angelica. What are you planning to do?" Mara asked. "I'm going back to take my place," Victoria said. A faint spark lit up in her deep eyes. She found the idea of being the Binder family's real daughter interesting. Victoria had many identities. The one she used the most was a village herbalist and healer. In her daily life, she spent time with her retired scientist friends in the village, growing new herbs and developing new medicines. Over the years, she had cultivated twenty kinds of rare medicinal plants. Because they were so hard to produce, they sold for extremely high prices. Any one of them, if sold at auction in Benwig City, could earn more than most people made in a lifetime. On top of that, she was skilled in traditional medical techniques. When she treated regular villagers, she charged normal fees. But when rich families or powerful figures came to her, her starting fee was three million dollars. Of course, she guaranteed results. If she couldn't cure them, she wouldn't take a single dollar. This identity alone had already made her very rich. Money no longer meant much to her. So when her ex-boyfriend, Gavin, said she wasn't good enough for him, she found it almost funny. If she wanted, she could build her own place in Benwig City without relying on anyone. Over the years, all her different identities had started to feel dull. It was time to try something new. And she had to admit, Jackson impressed her. Out of all the people she had treated, none had faced sudden injury like he did, so calm and steady. His willpower was strong. He was someone who would go far. He was handsome and capable. It would be a waste for him to stay crippled. So she would fix his legs. Mara quickly understood, her voice turning serious. "Understood, boss. I'll get on it right away." ***** Late that night, Victoria was fast asleep when she heard wood cracking outside. Her eyes opened at once, sharp and alert, and she turned toward the sound. Anyone showing up at this hour without warning was not from the village. She had spread powders around her home to keep wild animals away, so no beasts would come near. That left only one answer. Someone had broken in. Victoria got up quietly and, using the moonlight, moved to hide behind the door. Soon, her old wooden door was kicked open, and a shadow rushed inside. She hadn't expected him to be so bold, barging in instead of sneaking around. She flicked a silver needle straight at him. The man let out a low groan and dropped to the ground. Victoria turned on the light, filling the room with brightness. She kicked him aside and finally saw his face clearly. He looked like a hardened criminal. She grabbed a rope, walked over, and tied up his hands and feet. Once he was secured, she took out a needle and stuck it into his neck. Within seconds, he woke up. Victoria sat on the bed, crossing her legs as she played with another needle. "If you don't want to suffer, you'd better tell me the truth. Who sent you?" The man quickly sized up the situation. "People who hire killers stay anonymous. Who would be stupid enough to give their name? But they said that if I raped you, they would get me out of the country safely." Victoria's eyes turned cold and sharp. If he needed to run overseas, that meant he was already a wanted criminal. The man hurried to beg, "I've told you everything I know. Let me go. I won't take this job anymore." Victoria nodded. "Fine." She walked over, pulled out the needle, and untied the ropes. "You can leave." The man rubbed his wrists. "Thanks—" Before he could finish, his face suddenly changed. He lifted his leg and tried to kick Victoria in the knee. But the moment his foot rose, a sharp pain shot through him. Then his whole body went numb. He couldn't move. He looked down in terror. A small black snake had bitten his ankle. "How is there a poisonous snake here—" Before he could finish, blood burst from his throat. His body fell stiffly to the ground. After a few jerks, he went still. Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Trying to kill me in my place? You asked for it. Good job, Blackie. Go rest." The little black snake slipped into a dark corner and quickly disappeared. Victoria picked up a hoe, stuffed the body into a large basket, and lifted it onto her back with ease. She carried it outside and buried it near her vegetable garden. It would make good fertilizer for her herbs. After that, she let out a long breath, brushed off her hands, and looked up at the nearly full moon. She had just learned who she really was, and someone had already sent a man to ruin her. It seemed that someone had prepared a "welcome gift" for her in advance. Chapter 3 We've Got Your Back The next day at noon, a black Bentley worth 1.5 million dollars stopped in front of Victoria's house. Victoria was grinding the herbs she had picked the day before. When she heard the car, she glanced out the window and checked the license plate. It was from Benwig City, just as she expected. She finished grinding the herbs, put them into jars, brushed the dust off her hands, and walked outside. She went straight to the car and knocked on the window. A moment later, the window slid down, revealing the still handsome face of a middle-aged man—Hector Binder. He looked about fifty, with neatly slicked-back hair. A woman sat beside him. She looked about the same age. Even though she wasn't young anymore, she had taken good care of herself and looked as if she were in her thirties. Her features were still soft and beautiful. Victoria didn't waste time. "Are you here for me?" Hector, sitting in the back seat, looked at her, then at the photo in his hand. His eyes lit up. "Daisy, it's her. She's the one we're looking for." Daisy's eyes filled with excitement, even shining with tears. "Yes, it's her. No mistake." They quickly opened the door, got out of the car, and walked over to Victoria. Hector nodded. "Yes. You're the real daughter the Binder family lost years ago. We're here to take you back." Victoria looked straight into his eyes. He seemed like a decent man, and the excitement in his expression matched Daisy's. It didn't look fake. This couple didn't seem to have anything to do with what happened to her last night. Hector paused, a little surprised. "How did you know we were coming?" But he didn't dwell on it. Instead, he explained, "You are the young lady of the Binder family. "When you were little, someone switched you with another baby. That's why you ended up here. You've suffered for twenty years, living away from your real home." As soon as he finished, Daisy started to choke up. "Poor child." Victoria stayed calm. "So, are you my parents?" Hector and Daisy froze. They exchanged a look, then answered awkwardly, "No. We're your uncle and aunt." Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Then why aren't my parents here? Why did they send you instead?" Daisy looked uneasy. "Something came up at home. They couldn't leave, so they asked us to come get you." Victoria saw right through it. "You don't have to cover for them. I'm not a child. What could be more important than picking up their own daughter? They just didn't want to come." Hearing that, Daisy stepped forward and gently hugged her. Tears slipped down her face. "My poor child, you've suffered so much." Victoria didn't expect the sudden hug. At first, she wanted to pull away, but the warmth of it stopped her. It felt soft and comforting, unlike any embrace she had experienced in twenty years. It was, perhaps, the closest she had ever come to what a mother's embrace should feel like. She let out a quiet sigh. For a moment, she thought that if these two were her real parents, it wouldn't be so bad. After a while, Daisy let go and held her hand. "Go pack your things. We'll take you home today. You won't have to live like this anymore." Victoria nodded. "Okay. Wait for me. I'll go pack." She didn't need to bring clothes. The only things she needed were the medicines she had made. After packing all the bottles of medicine powder and poison powder from the wooden cabinet, Victoria called out, "Blackie, Whitey, Greenie, come out. I'm taking you somewhere new." As soon as she finished, three small snakes slid out from the corners and crawled into a sack. Victoria tied the sack and slung it over her shoulder. Then she took a drum from the old cabinet. After giving the shabby house one last look, she walked outside and began to beat the drum. The loud sound of the drum echoed through the area. Hector and Daisy, waiting outside, looked confused. Before long, the villagers gathered around. They looked at Victoria with concern. "Victoria, what's wrong? What happened?" Victoria set down the drum, cleared her throat, and said, "Everyone, you all know I'm an orphan. I grew up without parents, raised by all of you. "But now I know who my real parents are. It turns out I'm the daughter of the Binder family in Benwig City." The villagers were happy for her at first, but then she continued, "But here's the thing. My real parents knew all along who I was, but they never came to acknowledge me. "And now, the only reason they're taking me back is to make me marry a disabled man in place of their adopted daughter." Hector and Daisy were stunned. They had no idea about any of this. The villagers were furious. "What kind of people are they? They knew you were their real daughter but ignored you all this time, and now they want to use you like this, huh?" "Blind fools! You're such a good girl, and they treat you like a tool, making you marry some cripple instead of their adopted daughter." "Victoria, don't listen to those heartless people." "That's right. Ignore them. We'll go teach them a lesson." "The Binder family? They're nothing special in Benwig City, acting all high and mighty. Victoria, you don't need to go back with them." Victoria raised her hand to quiet them. "Everyone, calm down. I've decided to go back to the Binder family for this arranged marriage. "But I'm going back to teach them a lesson. So I'm telling you all ahead of time. Please help take care of the herbs I just planted in my yard." Even though the villagers didn't really understand, they still respected her choice. "Okay. But if anyone from the Binder family dares to bully you, just call me. I'll get people to take them down," one person said. "That's right. We've got your back," another added. Victoria waved her hand. "Thank you, everyone. That's all I wanted to say. You can all head back now." After that, she turned to Hector and Daisy, who were still waiting, and gave them a light smile. "We can go now." Hector and Daisy were still a little stunned. When they heard her, they finally snapped out of it. "Oh, okay." "Let me carry that." The driver stepped forward and reached for the sack. "Be careful. It's heavy," Victoria said. The driver didn't believe it at first. But the moment he took it with both hands, he almost dropped it on his foot. Victoria blinked at him. "Can you handle it? Don't break anything inside." "No problem." The driver forced a smile, gritted his teeth, and lifted the sack into the trunk. By the time he got back into the driver's seat, he was sweating all over. He hadn't expected Victoria to be this strong despite looking so thin. After getting into the car, Daisy and Hector looked at each other, then kept glancing at Victoria. They seemed to want to say something, but neither of them knew how to start. In the end, Daisy asked, "Victoria, you just told the villagers about marrying a disabled man instead of that adopted daughter. What did you mean?" "You didn't know?" Victoria looked back at her, her eyes narrowing with suspicion. Daisy shook her head. "Hector and I really had no idea. About half a month ago, your parents suddenly told us Angelica wasn't their biological daughter. Then they sent people to look into it. "Just yesterday, they found out their real daughter was living here. That's why they want to bring you back today." Hector nodded to confirm her words. Victoria smiled faintly. "Then why do you think they didn't come themselves?" Daisy fell silent. To her, it was absurd that Victoria's parents would have relatives fetch their biological daughter instead of coming themselves. But the truth would hurt Victoria, so she chose not to say anything. Victoria let out a bitter laugh. "Aunt Daisy, even if you don't say it, I can guess. Just like I said, they don't want to acknowledge me. "They're only bringing me back because they have no choice. They want me to marry that disabled heir in place of their precious adopted daughter." Her gaze was clear and calm, and there was a quiet maturity about her that went far beyond her years. Hector frowned slightly. "Victoria, how did you find out about this arranged marriage?" Victoria smiled. "Secret." On the way, Daisy told her a lot about the Binder family. It wasn't much different from what Mara had already found out. The Binder family was still led by Calvin. He had two sons and one daughter. The eldest son, Hector, was the one who had come to get Victoria, and his wife was Daisy. They didn't have any children. The second son, Darell, was Victoria's biological father. He and his wife, Julia, had two sons and one daughter. The eldest son, Simon, managed the family's entertainment company, Brightstar Entertainment. The second son, Curtis, was a well-known singer under the same company. Then there was the youngest daughter, Angelica. She was considered very outstanding. At just twenty, she had already skipped grades and finished college. She was now preparing to study abroad after getting engaged to the eldest son of the Thornton family. Angelica was the baby who had been switched with Victoria. As for Calvin's daughter, Sirena, she had already married into another wealthy family and only returned for holidays. The drive from the village to Benwig City took six hours over bumpy roads. By the time they arrived, it was dark. "We're here," the driver said as he stopped the car. Victoria looked out the window. In front of her stood a large estate, with several villas spread across it. It looked grand and impressive. The Binder family mansion alone was almost as big as the entire Mullinran Village. Victoria got out of the car and followed Hector and Daisy inside. The head butler, Milton, who had been waiting at the door, stepped forward respectfully. "You're back." He looked at Victoria and gave a polite nod. "This must be Miss Victoria Binder." "Yes," Daisy replied. Then she looked at Victoria gently. "Victoria, go in and meet your parents and brother." Victoria said nothing. She quietly followed them inside. They passed through the wide front yard and stepped into the entrance hall. Standing at the doorway, she quickly scanned the four people sitting on the sofas in the main hall. First, she saw a middle-aged couple dressed in expensive clothes, carrying themselves with an air of wealth and status. Next was a handsome young man who looked a bit rebellious. Finally, there was a beautiful young woman about her age. The corners of her eyes were red, and she looked pitiful, as if she had been crying. None of them looked happy. Their faces were tense, filled with worry. When they looked at her, Victoria caught the flash of disgust in their eyes. A faint smile appeared on her lips. She thought the family was really quite interesting. Chapter 4 Are You an Idiot? "Darell, Julia, I brought your daughter back," Daisy said. She gently patted Victoria on the back. "Victoria, go say hello to your parents and your brother." Victoria didn't move. With a faint, mocking smile, she asked, "Aunt Daisy, are they really my parents and brother?" Daisy froze for a moment, then nodded. "Yes, they are. Why do you ask?" Victoria let out a cold laugh. "I'm supposed to be their daughter and sister, but why do they all look like they can't stand me?" The four people in the room all stiffened. They hadn't expected her to be so direct. Daisy froze again. She wanted to say something, but stopped herself. She knew what Darell and Julia were thinking. They didn't want to accept this daughter because they already had an excellent adopted one. They would rather stay home and comfort their adopted daughter's feelings than spend even a little time going to the village to pick up their real daughter. Simon and Curtis felt the same way. They were closer to the sister they had lived with for twenty years. None of them wanted to hurt her feelings just to pick up Victoria. Simon didn't even bother to show up; he was still at work. In the end, Daisy couldn't take it anymore and offered to go with Hector to bring Victoria home. What she didn't expect was that even after Victoria came back, Darell and Julia still acted like this. They didn't even try to hide it. Julia looked at Darell, and he looked back at her. In that brief exchange, they reached an understanding. Victoria clearly wasn't as quiet and easy to control as they had thought. They couldn't just brush her aside. If they wanted her to willingly take Angelica's place in the marriage to Jackson later, they would have to act nice and coax her a little. Julia hesitated, then forced herself to stand up. She put on a pained expression and walked toward Victoria. "My child, you've suffered so much out there." Victoria stepped aside slightly and avoided her touch. "Stop pretending. I don't see any concern in your eyes." Julia froze in place. A wave of anger rose inside her. She had lowered herself to show kindness, yet Victoria had refused it and embarrassed her in front of everyone. But to her, Victoria's lack of manners was no surprise. She had grown up in the countryside without her parents and had never been properly brought up. Julia forced a stiff smile. "I carried you for ten months. Of course, it hurts me to know you've suffered." Victoria sneered, "Is that so? If you really feel that way, why didn't you come pick me up today? Why did you send Uncle Hector and Aunt Daisy instead?" Daisy wanted to speak, but Hector gently held her hand and shook his head. He said quietly, "Daisy, we've already brought her back. What happens now is their family matter. Let them handle it. Let's go home." Daisy looked at Victoria, her eyes full of worry and sympathy. But she knew Hector was right. This was between Victoria and her parents. No matter what happened, she had no right to interfere. "Julia, now that Victoria is back, you should treat her well. Don't hurt her again. Daisy and I will head back now," Hector said politely, hoping his words would help a little. Darell nodded. "Thank you for your help today." Daisy said gently, "Victoria, we are leaving. If you need anything, come find us at Goldenwood Villa on the east side." With that, she reluctantly turned and left. Victoria watched them walk away, then quickly looked away. Once they were gone, Julia finally breathed a sigh of relief. "This is all my fault. Your father and I didn't go pick you up ourselves because I'm very emotional. "I was afraid that if I saw how poorly you were living, I wouldn't be able to handle it. So I stayed home to calm myself and prepare to welcome you." She was lying. Actually, after Angelica found out last night that she wasn't their real daughter, she had been upset the whole night. This morning, she was so distracted that she couldn't even eat. Julia felt sorry for her and stayed home to comfort her. Victoria's eyes were full of sarcasm. "So what exactly did you prepare for me?" Julia quickly said, "I've already cleaned up a room for you. Come, I'll show you." She reached for Victoria's hand again, but Victoria dodged her once more. "So cleaning a room was more important than coming to pick me up yourself." Julia's hand hung in the air. A trace of impatience flashed across her eyes. "Forget the room. I'm not even sure I'll stay," Victoria said. Then she pointed at the young woman about her age. "Who is she?" Angelica froze. Her eyes instantly turned red. She gently tugged on Curtis's sleeve. Curtis held her hand and said softly, "Angelica, don't be afraid." After comforting her, Curtis looked at Victoria coldly. His tone turned sharp. "I'm your brother, Curtis. And she's my sister, Angelica." He deliberately stressed the words "my sister." "I see." Victoria's voice carried a hint of sarcasm. "So that means she's the adopted daughter who was switched with me, right?" Angelica's hand trembled. Tears gathered in her eyes, ready to fall. Curtis's face darkened. He emphasized, "In my heart, Angelica is my real sister." Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Calling her your real sister? Are you an idiot?" Everyone except Victoria froze at her words. Curtis stared at her in disbelief. "You just called me an idiot, huh?" Victoria laughed mockingly. "Yeah. Did I say anything wrong? Don't you know her mother was the one who secretly switched us back then?" Angelica's birth mother, Jasmine, had worked as a customer service representative at a postpartum care center. When Julia was three months pregnant, she started looking for a high-end center, and Jasmine had served her. By coincidence, Jasmine was also pregnant at the time. When she realized Julia was wealthy, she started having bad thoughts. She secretly followed Julia to find out which center she chose and forced herself to spend the money to book the same one. During the recovery period after giving birth, Jasmine secretly switched her own daughter with Julia's without anyone noticing. At the time, Angelica had an allergic rash on her face. Julia didn't realize anything was wrong, and when she left the center, she took Angelica home. Angelica bit her lip. Tears finally streamed down her face. "I'm sorry." Curtis held her cold hand tightly and gently said, "Angelica, this has nothing to do with you." Then he turned to Victoria, his voice full of anger. "Yes, her mother switched you back then. But Angelica is innocent. She didn't know anything about it." Victoria laughed out loud, her eyes full of ridicule. "Oh, she's innocent? She spent twenty years enjoying my life, living in comfort and luxury. "And me? I was thrown into a trash can by her cruel mother in the freezing cold. If no one had found me, I would have died right after I was born." Chapter 5 I'll Leave Victoria's words left Curtis speechless. He had just started to feel a bit guilty when Angelica suddenly broke down in tears again. She said, "I'm sorry. It's all my fault. It's my fault for having a mother like that. Victoria, if you hate me, you can hit me or yell at me, but please don't blame Curtis." As she spoke, she struggled to pull free from Curtis's hand. With a determined look, she bit her lip and ran toward Victoria. "Angelica!" Curtis panicked and quickly got up to follow her. Angelica ran up to Victoria and was about to bow, but Curtis caught up just in time and pulled her back. "Angelica, what are you doing? This isn't your fault. It's your mother's fault." Victoria watched the whole scene and suddenly laughed. She even clapped her hands like she was watching a show. "This is really something. Are you putting on a pity act for me?" The small bit of guilt Curtis had felt disappeared right away. After helping Angelica steady herself, he looked at Victoria coldly. "Why are you being so unreasonable?" he asked. "Angelica already apologized sincerely, and you're still mocking her." "I'm not just mocking her. I'm mocking all of you," Victoria said. "Her mother planned everything, found a way to switch us, and let her take twenty years of the life that should have been mine. "Now that I'm back, you guys are still protecting her right in front of me. It's a shame that I ended up with a family like this." Curtis's face darkened even more. Julia looked helplessly at Darell. She hadn't expected Victoria to be so stubborn and didn't know how to deal with her. No matter how she looked at it, Julia just couldn't bring herself to like Victoria. Darell, who had been silent until now, finally spoke up. "That's enough, Victoria. Angelica's mother has already been punished. Angelica is alone now, with no one to rely on. "Your mother and I raised her for twenty years. We can't just throw her out. The Binder family has more than enough. Keeping her here is no big deal. She won't affect you." But Victoria didn't accept that. "If it's really no big deal, then she can live anywhere. Why does she have to stay here and bother me? "Every time I see her, I'm reminded of everything I went through after being switched." Darell didn't expect her to keep pushing like this. Just like Julia, he began to feel more and more resistant toward Victoria. Compared to Angelica, who was gentle and understanding, Victoria seemed completely rude to him. Angelica bit her lip and let her tears fall silently. She looked pitiful, making it hard not to feel sorry for her. Seeing how aggressive Victoria was, Curtis finally lost his temper. "So you won't be satisfied unless we send Angelica away, huh?" Victoria nodded. "That's right. We're not both living here. It's one or the other." As soon as she said that, everyone's faces darkened. "I don't want to leave you," Angelica said through her tears, looking completely wronged. It made anyone who saw her feel bad. Curtis held her hand tightly. "Angelica, don't worry. You don't have to go anywhere. As long as I'm here, I won't let anyone drive you out of the Binder family. You'll always be my sister. You're part of us." Victoria raised an eyebrow. "So you want me to leave, huh?" Julia was already at her limit, but she forced herself to stay calm. "Victoria, you just got back. You don't really know Angelica yet. "She's kind and understanding. Once you spend some time with her, you'll accept her. Her staying here won't affect your place. No matter what, you're our real daughter." Victoria sneered, "Really? Then why did all of you look disgusted the moment you saw me? Is it because I'm not as pretty as her? Or because I'm not as refined? "But have you forgotten? If we had never been switched, the pretty, refined one would be me. Everything she has now was built on the suffering I endured for her." Julia froze and quickly shook her head. "That's not it. We just haven't adjusted yet." "You need time to adjust to your own daughter, huh? Then why didn't Uncle Hector and Aunt Daisy need time when they saw me?" Victoria pressed. Julia had no answer. But she thought it was because Hector and Daisy had no children, so of course, they would be happy. She took a deep breath and softened her voice. "Victoria, we won't treat you badly from now on. Your living expenses will be the same as Angelica's. Your father and I won't favor one over the other." Victoria gave a faint, mocking smile. "Should I thank you for that? Honestly, for me, not favoring one over the other is already the biggest favoritism. "You two are really kind. You don't want your own daughter, but you're willing to spend money raising the daughter of someone who ruined my life. I've never seen people this generous." Julia held back her anger and continued, "Victoria, stop making trouble. You're my real daughter. We finally found you. How could we let you keep suffering out there?" Victoria replied, "So you knew I was suffering. While I was suffering, that criminal's daughter was living here, enjoying everything you gave her in my place. "And now, on the very first day I come back, you're ready to push me away again." Curtis said coldly, "Get this straight. We're not pushing you away. You're the one making things difficult. You could stay here peacefully, but you refuse to accept Angelica." "How could I accept the daughter of a criminal?" Victoria asked. "If I hadn't been lucky enough to survive, her mother would be both a trafficker and a murderer. "She committed the crime, but her daughter hasn't been punished at all. Why should she get to keep living this rich, comfortable life as if nothing had happened?" Angelica's body swayed. Curtis quickly held her steady, his anger finally breaking through. "With your attitude, do you even deserve to stay here while Angelica leaves?" "Of course I do. First, I'm a Binder by blood. Second, unlike you, I'm not an idiot." After snapping at him, Victoria lost her patience. "Have you decided? Is she leaving, or am I?" Curtis pulled Angelica into his arms protectively and said firmly, "Dad, Mom, if I have to choose, then I only recognize Angelica as my sister." "Good. One vote." Victoria raised her index finger and then looked at Julia. "What about you?" Julia forced down her frustration and said gently, "Victoria, don't do this—" "Alright, that's two votes," Victoria said, not even bothering to listen. She turned to Darell. "Your vote doesn't matter anymore. There are already two votes for Angelica. Fine. Since that's the case, she stays. I'll leave." A trace of anxiety flashed in Angelica's eyes. If Victoria really left, there would be no one to take her place in marrying Jackson. ------ 👇👇👇 There are limited chapters to put here, click “continue reading” to open App to continue reading (It will automatically jump to the book)
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When a killer came in the night, Victoria Binder didn’t scream—she fought. And she won, burying the proof in her own garden. That was just the beginning. Unveiled as the lost heiress to a mighty fortune, Victoria returned to a family that despised her. She wasn’t there for their love. She was there for what was hers: the power, the legacy, the truth. ------ Chapter 1 I Want to Marry You "Victoria, we need to break up. It turns out I'm actually the heir to the Fairbank family, one of the most powerful families in Benwig City. You're just a country girl who sells herbs. You're not good enough for me anymore." Victoria Binder had just received a call from her boyfriend, Gavin Alvarado—no, Gavin Fairbank now. She had been about to tell him that she was the long-lost daughter of a wealthy family herself, but before she could say a word, she heard him claim she wasn't good enough for him. She let out a silent, cold laugh. The medicinal herbs she grew were incredibly valuable. Countless rich and influential families were trying to buy them at high prices. Her products had even appeared several times at the largest auction house in Benwig City. Gavin's arrogant voice came through the phone again. "With my status now, I need to marry a proper heiress from a family that matches mine. "But since we dated for two months, I won't treat you badly. Before I marry someone suitable, you can stay with me. Even after I get married, I can still keep you as my—" Before he could finish, Victoria snapped, "Asshole. If you want to break up, then we're done." She hung up immediately. The handsome man standing in front of her, Jackson Thornton, raised an eyebrow. He had been waiting for her response. He smiled. "So? You just found out you're the heiress of the Binder family, one of the richest families in Benwig City, and you still got dumped?" Victoria looked up at him and smiled brightly. "Funny coincidence. He just told me that he's the heir to a wealthy family in Benwig City and that I'm not good enough for him." Then her expression shifted, turning doubtful. "Wait a second. This whole thing about being the real daughter or real son of some rich family... Isn't that some new kind of scam going around?" Jackson paused for a moment, then smiled. "Of course not. You really are the true daughter of the Binder family." Victoria gave a nonchalant hum. She took the basket off her back, sat down on a chair, and began sorting the herbs she had just picked. "Then who are you?" she asked. "Why are you the one coming to find me instead of my biological parents?" Jackson glanced at the shabby house in front of him, then looked at Victoria, who sat casually on a small stool. He said, "If nothing unexpected happens, I'll soon be your fiancé. I'm Jackson, the eldest son of the Thornton family in Benwig City." Victoria almost slipped off her stool. She stared at him in shock. "What? Fiancé?" "That's right. But as you can see, I'm disabled now. I lost the use of my legs last month." Sitting in his wheelchair, Jackson lifted a hand and pointed at his legs, giving a helpless smile. "I see. And what does that have to do with you coming to find me today?" Victoria asked. Then she suddenly understood. "Wait. Are you saying that I'm the real daughter of the wealthy Binder family, and that they're planning to bring me back and have me marry you?" Jackson nodded, a hint of admiration in his eyes. "Exactly." Victoria's gaze flickered. Jackson continued, "Because of my legs, I'm about to be dumped. Just like you." Victoria caught on quickly. "So the one who was supposed to marry you was the Binder family's adopted daughter. But now that you're disabled, she doesn't want to marry you anymore." Jackson nodded again. "Yes. That's exactly it." Victoria almost let out a bitter laugh. "Then why don't you look upset at all?" Jackson said calmly, "You just got dumped by your boyfriend, and you don't look upset either." "He's just trash. Good riddance." Victoria curled her lips in disdain. Jackson studied her, the admiration in his eyes deepening. "You're surprisingly chill about it." Victoria let out a small scoff. "Of course. Why waste time and energy feeling bad over someone who isn't worth it?" She had started dating Gavin after saving his life by chance two years ago. After that, he had chased after her nonstop, using gratitude as an excuse. For two whole years, he acted devoted, as if he would never marry anyone but her. He didn't seem to have any serious flaws. She figured having a man around could help her take care of the herb garden and keep other men from bothering her, so she agreed to date him. But she never expected that the moment Gavin found out he was the heir to a wealthy family, he would turn on her so quickly. Jackson smiled. "Same here. She's trash anyway. Better not to marry her." There had never been anything between him and Angelica Binder. Their engagement had only been arranged by his grandfather for a business alliance. Now that his legs were disabled, Angelica's parents naturally didn't want her to marry him anymore. But the Thornton family was the most powerful family in Benwig City, with huge wealth and influence. They weren't willing to give up the alliance, either. In the end, they planned to have their biological daughter, Victoria, marry him in Angelica's place. Victoria went straight to the point. "It's just strange. How could it be such a coincidence? Right after your legs were disabled, my birth parents suddenly found me and decided to have me marry you instead of their adopted daughter." She let out a cold, mocking laugh. "Looks like they always knew I was their real daughter. I just had no value to them, so they left me out here all this time and never brought me home." Jackson didn't try to comfort her with lies. "I think you're right." Victoria gave a cold sneer. If that was true, then her birth parents were even more heartless than she had thought. Still, one thing didn't make sense to her. "Since you already know what the Binder family is planning, why not just give up on the alliance? Why walk straight into their trap?" "I had someone look into you," Jackson said calmly. "You sell medicine, and you're pretty well-known around here. "I heard you've treated quite a few difficult cases with your own methods. My legs are disabled. Over the past month, I've invited top doctors from all over the country, but none of them could help. "So I came here myself to see if marrying you would be a trap or a chance for me." He didn't hide why he came. Victoria found him interesting. She shrugged. "Well, you've seen me now. I'm just a wild country girl. My birth parents, the ones I've never even met, clearly don't like me. "Do you still want to marry someone like me? I'm just a real daughter who isn't valued and is just being used as a substitute bride." Jackson looked at her closely. At first glance, she wasn't the delicate type raised in comfort. Her skin wasn't soft. It had a light wheat tone that made her look healthy and full of life. But if one looked more carefully, her features were actually very refined. Her eyes were bright and clear, and there was strength in the way she looked at people. There was no trace of disrespect in Jackson's gaze. He looked sincere. "Yes. After meeting you, I'm sure I want to marry you. I just don't know if you're willing to give me a chance." Victoria studied his face. She had to admit that he was strikingly handsome, the kind of man who wouldn't be forgotten even in a huge crowd. His features were sharp, and his face was well-defined. What stood out the most was his eyes. Even after going through something as serious as losing the use of his legs, they were still clear. There was no bitterness or confusion. Victoria glanced at his legs again. "What's going on with them?" "They were broken with a wooden club last month," Jackson said. "I've had many well-known doctors take a look. They all said my legs are beyond saving. I'll never stand again." "Pull up your pant legs. Let me see," said Victoria. "Okay." Jackson did as she said, lifting his pant legs to reveal his knees and lower legs, covered in scars. Victoria's expression darkened. She set the herbs aside, stood up, and walked over to him. Then she bent down and pressed carefully on his knees. The pain made Jackson frown, but he didn't make a sound. "They can be treated," Victoria said firmly. Hope lit up in Jackson's eyes at once. Thinking about how her birth parents had ignored her existence for so many years, Victoria made up her mind. She would go back to Benwig City and take her place as the Binder family's true daughter. She wanted to meet them face to face. She clapped her hands lightly and sat back down on the small stool. "I can marry you." Jackson raised an eyebrow. "Do you have any conditions?" Victoria tilted her head and smiled brightly. "Listen to you. Do I need conditions to marry you? You're so good-looking. If I fix your legs, I'll be the one getting the better deal." Jackson hadn't expected her to be so straightforward. His brow lifted higher, and he let out a soft laugh. "Alright. Then it's settled. I'll wait for you to return to the Binder family." Chapter 2 A Welcome Gift After Jackson left his phone number with Victoria, he left the village with his assistant, Ollie Rowse. Victoria watched him go, her eyes growing thoughtful. She took out her phone and dialed a number. "Mara, I need you to look into everyone in the Binder family in Benwig City right away. Focus on their daughter. I want everything you can find, and I want it by tonight." "Yes, boss," Mara replied. After hanging up, Victoria's gaze turned even sharper. Ford had once told her about that freezing winter night twenty years ago. He had been on his way to settle down in a small southern town when he heard a baby crying from inside a trash bin. He got out of the car to check and found a baby girl, not even a month old, her skin red from the cold. If she hadn't been crying so loudly, and if he hadn't happened to pass that deserted road, she would have died quietly in that trash bin. That baby was Victoria. Ford gave her that name, hoping she would grow up strong and tough no matter what life threw at her. Even on his deathbed, Ford never stopped looking for her biological parents. And all this time, Victoria had believed they must have abandoned her because they had no other choice. But now, it seemed that wasn't true. Her biological parents didn't want her and had no intention of taking her back. If it weren't for the adopted daughter they had raised for twenty years, Victoria might have gone her whole life without parents. Just then, someone called out from outside, "Victoria, who was that man in the nice car looking for you?" It was Stephan, a middle-aged man from next door. He spent most of his time up in the mountains hunting herbs. Victoria put her phone away and walked out, smiling at him. "To be honest with you, that was my fiancé." Stephan looked surprised. "Your fiancé? You have good taste. He's a handsome man. Why didn't you ask him to stay for dinner?" "He had things to take care of in the city. He couldn't stay today," Victoria said. "Next time he comes, make sure he stays for a meal. Everything we eat here is grown by us. Let him try it. It's much better and healthier than city food," Stephan said. "I will," Victoria said with a smile. Stephan grabbed his tools and headed up into the mountains. Only after he left did Victoria go back inside to keep sorting the herbs she had picked. ***** After leaving Mullinran Village, Ollie, who was driving, glanced at Jackson's calm face in the rearview mirror and asked carefully, "Mr. Thornton, are you really going to marry her? "You saw it yourself. Her own parents don't even want her. She makes a living selling herbs and doing some basic medical work. "You just went through something serious, and this is when you need support the most. Marrying her won't help you secure your position in the Thornton family." Jackson shifted his gaze away from the fields outside the window and gently rubbed the petals of a purple flower he had picked from Victoria's doorstep. He asked, "Ollie, do you remember six months ago, when my grandfather was seriously ill and needed a very rare herb to survive?" Ollie wasn't sure why he changed the subject, but he nodded. "Of course. That herb showed up at the biggest auction house in Benwig City. You spent 30 million dollars to get it." "Didn't you notice? That same rare herb was hanging casually on the wall of her simple, run-down house," Jackson said. That one bundle alone would be worth a fortune at any auction in Benwig City. "What?" Ollie was stunned. From the moment they walked into Victoria's house, he had only noticed how shabby it looked and missed everything else. Now it finally clicked. "Do you mean her background might not be as simple as it seems?" Jackson lifted the purple flower to his nose and took a light breath. "I can't say for sure what her background is yet. But one thing is clear. Her medical skills are far from simple." Ollie understood right away. If that was true, then there was real hope for Jackson's legs. Still, he couldn't help asking, "If all you want is to fix your legs, you could just pay her a large amount of money. There's no need to marry her." Jackson blinked and slowly turned the flower between his fingers. A faint smile appeared on his lips. "What if I said I fell for her at first sight? Would you believe me?" Ollie paused and looked at him again through the rearview mirror. He seemed calm. He wasn't exactly joking, but he wasn't completely serious, either. But Jackson rarely joked, so Ollie couldn't tell how much of it was real. In the end, he chose to believe him. "I believe you." "Good. In my eyes, she is already my fiancée. From now on, you need to treat her with respect," Jackson said. "Understood." Ollie nodded. Jackson wasn't joking. When it came to love, he had never believed in feelings that grew over time. To him, if there was no spark at first sight, then staying together would only lead to a relationship based on weighing pros and cons, not the kind of love that made his heart race. That was why, when his grandfather arranged his engagement to Angelica, he had agreed for practical reasons alone. But when he saw Victoria, everything changed. It felt like the world spun around him, and everything else faded away. In his eyes, she was the only color left. He couldn't explain why it had to be her. Maybe it was that moment when their eyes met, when the light in hers pulled him in like a whirlpool. Jackson picked up a book from the car and carefully placed the small purple flower between its pages. Then he closed the book and shut his eyes. ***** At eight that evening, Victoria had just finished bringing in the herbs she had been drying on the roof when her phone rang. She set the herbs aside, brushed the dust off her hands, and picked up the call. Mara's cool voice came through. "Boss, I found what you asked for. The Binder family has only one daughter. She was born to the second son, Darell, and his wife, Julia. Her name is Angelica. She's the same age as you. "She's very spoiled at home. Two months ago, Darell arranged a great marriage for her. She's engaged to Jackson, the eldest son of the Thornton family, the most powerful family in Benwig City. "Jackson had already been chosen by his grandfather, Gerry, as the next heir. But last month, he had an accident. Someone broke both his legs, and the announcement was put on hold." "What is Angelica like?" Victoria asked. "She has a very good reputation. She's beautiful and talented. A lot of rich young men in Benwig City admire her. That's probably why she gained Gerry's approval for the marriage," Mara said. Victoria let out a cold laugh to herself. She didn't believe for a second that Angelica's perfect life came without tricks. "Got it. Now find out if Angelica is really Darell and Julia's biological daughter," Victoria said. "You're focusing on the Binder family, especially Angelica. What are you planning to do?" Mara asked. "I'm going back to take my place," Victoria said. A faint spark lit up in her deep eyes. She found the idea of being the Binder family's real daughter interesting. Victoria had many identities. The one she used the most was a village herbalist and healer. In her daily life, she spent time with her retired scientist friends in the village, growing new herbs and developing new medicines. Over the years, she had cultivated twenty kinds of rare medicinal plants. Because they were so hard to produce, they sold for extremely high prices. Any one of them, if sold at auction in Benwig City, could earn more than most people made in a lifetime. On top of that, she was skilled in traditional medical techniques. When she treated regular villagers, she charged normal fees. But when rich families or powerful figures came to her, her starting fee was three million dollars. Of course, she guaranteed results. If she couldn't cure them, she wouldn't take a single dollar. This identity alone had already made her very rich. Money no longer meant much to her. So when her ex-boyfriend, Gavin, said she wasn't good enough for him, she found it almost funny. If she wanted, she could build her own place in Benwig City without relying on anyone. Over the years, all her different identities had started to feel dull. It was time to try something new. And she had to admit, Jackson impressed her. Out of all the people she had treated, none had faced sudden injury like he did, so calm and steady. His willpower was strong. He was someone who would go far. He was handsome and capable. It would be a waste for him to stay crippled. So she would fix his legs. Mara quickly understood, her voice turning serious. "Understood, boss. I'll get on it right away." ***** Late that night, Victoria was fast asleep when she heard wood cracking outside. Her eyes opened at once, sharp and alert, and she turned toward the sound. Anyone showing up at this hour without warning was not from the village. She had spread powders around her home to keep wild animals away, so no beasts would come near. That left only one answer. Someone had broken in. Victoria got up quietly and, using the moonlight, moved to hide behind the door. Soon, her old wooden door was kicked open, and a shadow rushed inside. She hadn't expected him to be so bold, barging in instead of sneaking around. She flicked a silver needle straight at him. The man let out a low groan and dropped to the ground. Victoria turned on the light, filling the room with brightness. She kicked him aside and finally saw his face clearly. He looked like a hardened criminal. She grabbed a rope, walked over, and tied up his hands and feet. Once he was secured, she took out a needle and stuck it into his neck. Within seconds, he woke up. Victoria sat on the bed, crossing her legs as she played with another needle. "If you don't want to suffer, you'd better tell me the truth. Who sent you?" The man quickly sized up the situation. "People who hire killers stay anonymous. Who would be stupid enough to give their name? But they said that if I raped you, they would get me out of the country safely." Victoria's eyes turned cold and sharp. If he needed to run overseas, that meant he was already a wanted criminal. The man hurried to beg, "I've told you everything I know. Let me go. I won't take this job anymore." Victoria nodded. "Fine." She walked over, pulled out the needle, and untied the ropes. "You can leave." The man rubbed his wrists. "Thanks—" Before he could finish, his face suddenly changed. He lifted his leg and tried to kick Victoria in the knee. But the moment his foot rose, a sharp pain shot through him. Then his whole body went numb. He couldn't move. He looked down in terror. A small black snake had bitten his ankle. "How is there a poisonous snake here—" Before he could finish, blood burst from his throat. His body fell stiffly to the ground. After a few jerks, he went still. Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Trying to kill me in my place? You asked for it. Good job, Blackie. Go rest." The little black snake slipped into a dark corner and quickly disappeared. Victoria picked up a hoe, stuffed the body into a large basket, and lifted it onto her back with ease. She carried it outside and buried it near her vegetable garden. It would make good fertilizer for her herbs. After that, she let out a long breath, brushed off her hands, and looked up at the nearly full moon. She had just learned who she really was, and someone had already sent a man to ruin her. It seemed that someone had prepared a "welcome gift" for her in advance. Chapter 3 We've Got Your Back The next day at noon, a black Bentley worth 1.5 million dollars stopped in front of Victoria's house. Victoria was grinding the herbs she had picked the day before. When she heard the car, she glanced out the window and checked the license plate. It was from Benwig City, just as she expected. She finished grinding the herbs, put them into jars, brushed the dust off her hands, and walked outside. She went straight to the car and knocked on the window. A moment later, the window slid down, revealing the still handsome face of a middle-aged man—Hector Binder. He looked about fifty, with neatly slicked-back hair. A woman sat beside him. She looked about the same age. Even though she wasn't young anymore, she had taken good care of herself and looked as if she were in her thirties. Her features were still soft and beautiful. Victoria didn't waste time. "Are you here for me?" Hector, sitting in the back seat, looked at her, then at the photo in his hand. His eyes lit up. "Daisy, it's her. She's the one we're looking for." Daisy's eyes filled with excitement, even shining with tears. "Yes, it's her. No mistake." They quickly opened the door, got out of the car, and walked over to Victoria. Hector nodded. "Yes. You're the real daughter the Binder family lost years ago. We're here to take you back." Victoria looked straight into his eyes. He seemed like a decent man, and the excitement in his expression matched Daisy's. It didn't look fake. This couple didn't seem to have anything to do with what happened to her last night. Hector paused, a little surprised. "How did you know we were coming?" But he didn't dwell on it. Instead, he explained, "You are the young lady of the Binder family. "When you were little, someone switched you with another baby. That's why you ended up here. You've suffered for twenty years, living away from your real home." As soon as he finished, Daisy started to choke up. "Poor child." Victoria stayed calm. "So, are you my parents?" Hector and Daisy froze. They exchanged a look, then answered awkwardly, "No. We're your uncle and aunt." Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Then why aren't my parents here? Why did they send you instead?" Daisy looked uneasy. "Something came up at home. They couldn't leave, so they asked us to come get you." Victoria saw right through it. "You don't have to cover for them. I'm not a child. What could be more important than picking up their own daughter? They just didn't want to come." Hearing that, Daisy stepped forward and gently hugged her. Tears slipped down her face. "My poor child, you've suffered so much." Victoria didn't expect the sudden hug. At first, she wanted to pull away, but the warmth of it stopped her. It felt soft and comforting, unlike any embrace she had experienced in twenty years. It was, perhaps, the closest she had ever come to what a mother's embrace should feel like. She let out a quiet sigh. For a moment, she thought that if these two were her real parents, it wouldn't be so bad. After a while, Daisy let go and held her hand. "Go pack your things. We'll take you home today. You won't have to live like this anymore." Victoria nodded. "Okay. Wait for me. I'll go pack." She didn't need to bring clothes. The only things she needed were the medicines she had made. After packing all the bottles of medicine powder and poison powder from the wooden cabinet, Victoria called out, "Blackie, Whitey, Greenie, come out. I'm taking you somewhere new." As soon as she finished, three small snakes slid out from the corners and crawled into a sack. Victoria tied the sack and slung it over her shoulder. Then she took a drum from the old cabinet. After giving the shabby house one last look, she walked outside and began to beat the drum. The loud sound of the drum echoed through the area. Hector and Daisy, waiting outside, looked confused. Before long, the villagers gathered around. They looked at Victoria with concern. "Victoria, what's wrong? What happened?" Victoria set down the drum, cleared her throat, and said, "Everyone, you all know I'm an orphan. I grew up without parents, raised by all of you. "But now I know who my real parents are. It turns out I'm the daughter of the Binder family in Benwig City." The villagers were happy for her at first, but then she continued, "But here's the thing. My real parents knew all along who I was, but they never came to acknowledge me. "And now, the only reason they're taking me back is to make me marry a disabled man in place of their adopted daughter." Hector and Daisy were stunned. They had no idea about any of this. The villagers were furious. "What kind of people are they? They knew you were their real daughter but ignored you all this time, and now they want to use you like this, huh?" "Blind fools! You're such a good girl, and they treat you like a tool, making you marry some cripple instead of their adopted daughter." "Victoria, don't listen to those heartless people." "That's right. Ignore them. We'll go teach them a lesson." "The Binder family? They're nothing special in Benwig City, acting all high and mighty. Victoria, you don't need to go back with them." Victoria raised her hand to quiet them. "Everyone, calm down. I've decided to go back to the Binder family for this arranged marriage. "But I'm going back to teach them a lesson. So I'm telling you all ahead of time. Please help take care of the herbs I just planted in my yard." Even though the villagers didn't really understand, they still respected her choice. "Okay. But if anyone from the Binder family dares to bully you, just call me. I'll get people to take them down," one person said. "That's right. We've got your back," another added. Victoria waved her hand. "Thank you, everyone. That's all I wanted to say. You can all head back now." After that, she turned to Hector and Daisy, who were still waiting, and gave them a light smile. "We can go now." Hector and Daisy were still a little stunned. When they heard her, they finally snapped out of it. "Oh, okay." "Let me carry that." The driver stepped forward and reached for the sack. "Be careful. It's heavy," Victoria said. The driver didn't believe it at first. But the moment he took it with both hands, he almost dropped it on his foot. Victoria blinked at him. "Can you handle it? Don't break anything inside." "No problem." The driver forced a smile, gritted his teeth, and lifted the sack into the trunk. By the time he got back into the driver's seat, he was sweating all over. He hadn't expected Victoria to be this strong despite looking so thin. After getting into the car, Daisy and Hector looked at each other, then kept glancing at Victoria. They seemed to want to say something, but neither of them knew how to start. In the end, Daisy asked, "Victoria, you just told the villagers about marrying a disabled man instead of that adopted daughter. What did you mean?" "You didn't know?" Victoria looked back at her, her eyes narrowing with suspicion. Daisy shook her head. "Hector and I really had no idea. About half a month ago, your parents suddenly told us Angelica wasn't their biological daughter. Then they sent people to look into it. "Just yesterday, they found out their real daughter was living here. That's why they want to bring you back today." Hector nodded to confirm her words. Victoria smiled faintly. "Then why do you think they didn't come themselves?" Daisy fell silent. To her, it was absurd that Victoria's parents would have relatives fetch their biological daughter instead of coming themselves. But the truth would hurt Victoria, so she chose not to say anything. Victoria let out a bitter laugh. "Aunt Daisy, even if you don't say it, I can guess. Just like I said, they don't want to acknowledge me. "They're only bringing me back because they have no choice. They want me to marry that disabled heir in place of their precious adopted daughter." Her gaze was clear and calm, and there was a quiet maturity about her that went far beyond her years. Hector frowned slightly. "Victoria, how did you find out about this arranged marriage?" Victoria smiled. "Secret." On the way, Daisy told her a lot about the Binder family. It wasn't much different from what Mara had already found out. The Binder family was still led by Calvin. He had two sons and one daughter. The eldest son, Hector, was the one who had come to get Victoria, and his wife was Daisy. They didn't have any children. The second son, Darell, was Victoria's biological father. He and his wife, Julia, had two sons and one daughter. The eldest son, Simon, managed the family's entertainment company, Brightstar Entertainment. The second son, Curtis, was a well-known singer under the same company. Then there was the youngest daughter, Angelica. She was considered very outstanding. At just twenty, she had already skipped grades and finished college. She was now preparing to study abroad after getting engaged to the eldest son of the Thornton family. Angelica was the baby who had been switched with Victoria. As for Calvin's daughter, Sirena, she had already married into another wealthy family and only returned for holidays. The drive from the village to Benwig City took six hours over bumpy roads. By the time they arrived, it was dark. "We're here," the driver said as he stopped the car. Victoria looked out the window. In front of her stood a large estate, with several villas spread across it. It looked grand and impressive. The Binder family mansion alone was almost as big as the entire Mullinran Village. Victoria got out of the car and followed Hector and Daisy inside. The head butler, Milton, who had been waiting at the door, stepped forward respectfully. "You're back." He looked at Victoria and gave a polite nod. "This must be Miss Victoria Binder." "Yes," Daisy replied. Then she looked at Victoria gently. "Victoria, go in and meet your parents and brother." Victoria said nothing. She quietly followed them inside. They passed through the wide front yard and stepped into the entrance hall. Standing at the doorway, she quickly scanned the four people sitting on the sofas in the main hall. First, she saw a middle-aged couple dressed in expensive clothes, carrying themselves with an air of wealth and status. Next was a handsome young man who looked a bit rebellious. Finally, there was a beautiful young woman about her age. The corners of her eyes were red, and she looked pitiful, as if she had been crying. None of them looked happy. Their faces were tense, filled with worry. When they looked at her, Victoria caught the flash of disgust in their eyes. A faint smile appeared on her lips. She thought the family was really quite interesting. Chapter 4 Are You an Idiot? "Darell, Julia, I brought your daughter back," Daisy said. She gently patted Victoria on the back. "Victoria, go say hello to your parents and your brother." Victoria didn't move. With a faint, mocking smile, she asked, "Aunt Daisy, are they really my parents and brother?" Daisy froze for a moment, then nodded. "Yes, they are. Why do you ask?" Victoria let out a cold laugh. "I'm supposed to be their daughter and sister, but why do they all look like they can't stand me?" The four people in the room all stiffened. They hadn't expected her to be so direct. Daisy froze again. She wanted to say something, but stopped herself. She knew what Darell and Julia were thinking. They didn't want to accept this daughter because they already had an excellent adopted one. They would rather stay home and comfort their adopted daughter's feelings than spend even a little time going to the village to pick up their real daughter. Simon and Curtis felt the same way. They were closer to the sister they had lived with for twenty years. None of them wanted to hurt her feelings just to pick up Victoria. Simon didn't even bother to show up; he was still at work. In the end, Daisy couldn't take it anymore and offered to go with Hector to bring Victoria home. What she didn't expect was that even after Victoria came back, Darell and Julia still acted like this. They didn't even try to hide it. Julia looked at Darell, and he looked back at her. In that brief exchange, they reached an understanding. Victoria clearly wasn't as quiet and easy to control as they had thought. They couldn't just brush her aside. If they wanted her to willingly take Angelica's place in the marriage to Jackson later, they would have to act nice and coax her a little. Julia hesitated, then forced herself to stand up. She put on a pained expression and walked toward Victoria. "My child, you've suffered so much out there." Victoria stepped aside slightly and avoided her touch. "Stop pretending. I don't see any concern in your eyes." Julia froze in place. A wave of anger rose inside her. She had lowered herself to show kindness, yet Victoria had refused it and embarrassed her in front of everyone. But to her, Victoria's lack of manners was no surprise. She had grown up in the countryside without her parents and had never been properly brought up. Julia forced a stiff smile. "I carried you for ten months. Of course, it hurts me to know you've suffered." Victoria sneered, "Is that so? If you really feel that way, why didn't you come pick me up today? Why did you send Uncle Hector and Aunt Daisy instead?" Daisy wanted to speak, but Hector gently held her hand and shook his head. He said quietly, "Daisy, we've already brought her back. What happens now is their family matter. Let them handle it. Let's go home." Daisy looked at Victoria, her eyes full of worry and sympathy. But she knew Hector was right. This was between Victoria and her parents. No matter what happened, she had no right to interfere. "Julia, now that Victoria is back, you should treat her well. Don't hurt her again. Daisy and I will head back now," Hector said politely, hoping his words would help a little. Darell nodded. "Thank you for your help today." Daisy said gently, "Victoria, we are leaving. If you need anything, come find us at Goldenwood Villa on the east side." With that, she reluctantly turned and left. Victoria watched them walk away, then quickly looked away. Once they were gone, Julia finally breathed a sigh of relief. "This is all my fault. Your father and I didn't go pick you up ourselves because I'm very emotional. "I was afraid that if I saw how poorly you were living, I wouldn't be able to handle it. So I stayed home to calm myself and prepare to welcome you." She was lying. Actually, after Angelica found out last night that she wasn't their real daughter, she had been upset the whole night. This morning, she was so distracted that she couldn't even eat. Julia felt sorry for her and stayed home to comfort her. Victoria's eyes were full of sarcasm. "So what exactly did you prepare for me?" Julia quickly said, "I've already cleaned up a room for you. Come, I'll show you." She reached for Victoria's hand again, but Victoria dodged her once more. "So cleaning a room was more important than coming to pick me up yourself." Julia's hand hung in the air. A trace of impatience flashed across her eyes. "Forget the room. I'm not even sure I'll stay," Victoria said. Then she pointed at the young woman about her age. "Who is she?" Angelica froze. Her eyes instantly turned red. She gently tugged on Curtis's sleeve. Curtis held her hand and said softly, "Angelica, don't be afraid." After comforting her, Curtis looked at Victoria coldly. His tone turned sharp. "I'm your brother, Curtis. And she's my sister, Angelica." He deliberately stressed the words "my sister." "I see." Victoria's voice carried a hint of sarcasm. "So that means she's the adopted daughter who was switched with me, right?" Angelica's hand trembled. Tears gathered in her eyes, ready to fall. Curtis's face darkened. He emphasized, "In my heart, Angelica is my real sister." Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Calling her your real sister? Are you an idiot?" Everyone except Victoria froze at her words. Curtis stared at her in disbelief. "You just called me an idiot, huh?" Victoria laughed mockingly. "Yeah. Did I say anything wrong? Don't you know her mother was the one who secretly switched us back then?" Angelica's birth mother, Jasmine, had worked as a customer service representative at a postpartum care center. When Julia was three months pregnant, she started looking for a high-end center, and Jasmine had served her. By coincidence, Jasmine was also pregnant at the time. When she realized Julia was wealthy, she started having bad thoughts. She secretly followed Julia to find out which center she chose and forced herself to spend the money to book the same one. During the recovery period after giving birth, Jasmine secretly switched her own daughter with Julia's without anyone noticing. At the time, Angelica had an allergic rash on her face. Julia didn't realize anything was wrong, and when she left the center, she took Angelica home. Angelica bit her lip. Tears finally streamed down her face. "I'm sorry." Curtis held her cold hand tightly and gently said, "Angelica, this has nothing to do with you." Then he turned to Victoria, his voice full of anger. "Yes, her mother switched you back then. But Angelica is innocent. She didn't know anything about it." Victoria laughed out loud, her eyes full of ridicule. "Oh, she's innocent? She spent twenty years enjoying my life, living in comfort and luxury. "And me? I was thrown into a trash can by her cruel mother in the freezing cold. If no one had found me, I would have died right after I was born." Chapter 5 I'll Leave Victoria's words left Curtis speechless. He had just started to feel a bit guilty when Angelica suddenly broke down in tears again. She said, "I'm sorry. It's all my fault. It's my fault for having a mother like that. Victoria, if you hate me, you can hit me or yell at me, but please don't blame Curtis." As she spoke, she struggled to pull free from Curtis's hand. With a determined look, she bit her lip and ran toward Victoria. "Angelica!" Curtis panicked and quickly got up to follow her. Angelica ran up to Victoria and was about to bow, but Curtis caught up just in time and pulled her back. "Angelica, what are you doing? This isn't your fault. It's your mother's fault." Victoria watched the whole scene and suddenly laughed. She even clapped her hands like she was watching a show. "This is really something. Are you putting on a pity act for me?" The small bit of guilt Curtis had felt disappeared right away. After helping Angelica steady herself, he looked at Victoria coldly. "Why are you being so unreasonable?" he asked. "Angelica already apologized sincerely, and you're still mocking her." "I'm not just mocking her. I'm mocking all of you," Victoria said. "Her mother planned everything, found a way to switch us, and let her take twenty years of the life that should have been mine. "Now that I'm back, you guys are still protecting her right in front of me. It's a shame that I ended up with a family like this." Curtis's face darkened even more. Julia looked helplessly at Darell. She hadn't expected Victoria to be so stubborn and didn't know how to deal with her. No matter how she looked at it, Julia just couldn't bring herself to like Victoria. Darell, who had been silent until now, finally spoke up. "That's enough, Victoria. Angelica's mother has already been punished. Angelica is alone now, with no one to rely on. "Your mother and I raised her for twenty years. We can't just throw her out. The Binder family has more than enough. Keeping her here is no big deal. She won't affect you." But Victoria didn't accept that. "If it's really no big deal, then she can live anywhere. Why does she have to stay here and bother me? "Every time I see her, I'm reminded of everything I went through after being switched." Darell didn't expect her to keep pushing like this. Just like Julia, he began to feel more and more resistant toward Victoria. Compared to Angelica, who was gentle and understanding, Victoria seemed completely rude to him. Angelica bit her lip and let her tears fall silently. She looked pitiful, making it hard not to feel sorry for her. Seeing how aggressive Victoria was, Curtis finally lost his temper. "So you won't be satisfied unless we send Angelica away, huh?" Victoria nodded. "That's right. We're not both living here. It's one or the other." As soon as she said that, everyone's faces darkened. "I don't want to leave you," Angelica said through her tears, looking completely wronged. It made anyone who saw her feel bad. Curtis held her hand tightly. "Angelica, don't worry. You don't have to go anywhere. As long as I'm here, I won't let anyone drive you out of the Binder family. You'll always be my sister. You're part of us." Victoria raised an eyebrow. "So you want me to leave, huh?" Julia was already at her limit, but she forced herself to stay calm. "Victoria, you just got back. You don't really know Angelica yet. "She's kind and understanding. Once you spend some time with her, you'll accept her. Her staying here won't affect your place. No matter what, you're our real daughter." Victoria sneered, "Really? Then why did all of you look disgusted the moment you saw me? Is it because I'm not as pretty as her? Or because I'm not as refined? "But have you forgotten? If we had never been switched, the pretty, refined one would be me. Everything she has now was built on the suffering I endured for her." Julia froze and quickly shook her head. "That's not it. We just haven't adjusted yet." "You need time to adjust to your own daughter, huh? Then why didn't Uncle Hector and Aunt Daisy need time when they saw me?" Victoria pressed. Julia had no answer. But she thought it was because Hector and Daisy had no children, so of course, they would be happy. She took a deep breath and softened her voice. "Victoria, we won't treat you badly from now on. Your living expenses will be the same as Angelica's. Your father and I won't favor one over the other." Victoria gave a faint, mocking smile. "Should I thank you for that? Honestly, for me, not favoring one over the other is already the biggest favoritism. "You two are really kind. You don't want your own daughter, but you're willing to spend money raising the daughter of someone who ruined my life. I've never seen people this generous." Julia held back her anger and continued, "Victoria, stop making trouble. You're my real daughter. We finally found you. How could we let you keep suffering out there?" Victoria replied, "So you knew I was suffering. While I was suffering, that criminal's daughter was living here, enjoying everything you gave her in my place. "And now, on the very first day I come back, you're ready to push me away again." Curtis said coldly, "Get this straight. We're not pushing you away. You're the one making things difficult. You could stay here peacefully, but you refuse to accept Angelica." "How could I accept the daughter of a criminal?" Victoria asked. "If I hadn't been lucky enough to survive, her mother would be both a trafficker and a murderer. "She committed the crime, but her daughter hasn't been punished at all. Why should she get to keep living this rich, comfortable life as if nothing had happened?" Angelica's body swayed. Curtis quickly held her steady, his anger finally breaking through. "With your attitude, do you even deserve to stay here while Angelica leaves?" "Of course I do. First, I'm a Binder by blood. Second, unlike you, I'm not an idiot." After snapping at him, Victoria lost her patience. "Have you decided? Is she leaving, or am I?" Curtis pulled Angelica into his arms protectively and said firmly, "Dad, Mom, if I have to choose, then I only recognize Angelica as my sister." "Good. One vote." Victoria raised her index finger and then looked at Julia. "What about you?" Julia forced down her frustration and said gently, "Victoria, don't do this—" "Alright, that's two votes," Victoria said, not even bothering to listen. She turned to Darell. "Your vote doesn't matter anymore. There are already two votes for Angelica. Fine. Since that's the case, she stays. I'll leave." A trace of anxiety flashed in Angelica's eyes. If Victoria really left, there would be no one to take her place in marrying Jackson. ------ 👇👇👇 There are limited chapters to put here, click “continue reading” to open App to continue reading (It will automatically jump to the book)
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When a killer came in the night, Victoria Binder didn’t scream—she fought. And she won, burying the proof in her own garden. That was just the beginning. Unveiled as the lost heiress to a mighty fortune, Victoria returned to a family that despised her. She wasn’t there for their love. She was there for what was hers: the power, the legacy, the truth. ------ Chapter 1 I Want to Marry You "Victoria, we need to break up. It turns out I'm actually the heir to the Fairbank family, one of the most powerful families in Benwig City. You're just a country girl who sells herbs. You're not good enough for me anymore." Victoria Binder had just received a call from her boyfriend, Gavin Alvarado—no, Gavin Fairbank now. She had been about to tell him that she was the long-lost daughter of a wealthy family herself, but before she could say a word, she heard him claim she wasn't good enough for him. She let out a silent, cold laugh. The medicinal herbs she grew were incredibly valuable. Countless rich and influential families were trying to buy them at high prices. Her products had even appeared several times at the largest auction house in Benwig City. Gavin's arrogant voice came through the phone again. "With my status now, I need to marry a proper heiress from a family that matches mine. "But since we dated for two months, I won't treat you badly. Before I marry someone suitable, you can stay with me. Even after I get married, I can still keep you as my—" Before he could finish, Victoria snapped, "Asshole. If you want to break up, then we're done." She hung up immediately. The handsome man standing in front of her, Jackson Thornton, raised an eyebrow. He had been waiting for her response. He smiled. "So? You just found out you're the heiress of the Binder family, one of the richest families in Benwig City, and you still got dumped?" Victoria looked up at him and smiled brightly. "Funny coincidence. He just told me that he's the heir to a wealthy family in Benwig City and that I'm not good enough for him." Then her expression shifted, turning doubtful. "Wait a second. This whole thing about being the real daughter or real son of some rich family... Isn't that some new kind of scam going around?" Jackson paused for a moment, then smiled. "Of course not. You really are the true daughter of the Binder family." Victoria gave a nonchalant hum. She took the basket off her back, sat down on a chair, and began sorting the herbs she had just picked. "Then who are you?" she asked. "Why are you the one coming to find me instead of my biological parents?" Jackson glanced at the shabby house in front of him, then looked at Victoria, who sat casually on a small stool. He said, "If nothing unexpected happens, I'll soon be your fiancé. I'm Jackson, the eldest son of the Thornton family in Benwig City." Victoria almost slipped off her stool. She stared at him in shock. "What? Fiancé?" "That's right. But as you can see, I'm disabled now. I lost the use of my legs last month." Sitting in his wheelchair, Jackson lifted a hand and pointed at his legs, giving a helpless smile. "I see. And what does that have to do with you coming to find me today?" Victoria asked. Then she suddenly understood. "Wait. Are you saying that I'm the real daughter of the wealthy Binder family, and that they're planning to bring me back and have me marry you?" Jackson nodded, a hint of admiration in his eyes. "Exactly." Victoria's gaze flickered. Jackson continued, "Because of my legs, I'm about to be dumped. Just like you." Victoria caught on quickly. "So the one who was supposed to marry you was the Binder family's adopted daughter. But now that you're disabled, she doesn't want to marry you anymore." Jackson nodded again. "Yes. That's exactly it." Victoria almost let out a bitter laugh. "Then why don't you look upset at all?" Jackson said calmly, "You just got dumped by your boyfriend, and you don't look upset either." "He's just trash. Good riddance." Victoria curled her lips in disdain. Jackson studied her, the admiration in his eyes deepening. "You're surprisingly chill about it." Victoria let out a small scoff. "Of course. Why waste time and energy feeling bad over someone who isn't worth it?" She had started dating Gavin after saving his life by chance two years ago. After that, he had chased after her nonstop, using gratitude as an excuse. For two whole years, he acted devoted, as if he would never marry anyone but her. He didn't seem to have any serious flaws. She figured having a man around could help her take care of the herb garden and keep other men from bothering her, so she agreed to date him. But she never expected that the moment Gavin found out he was the heir to a wealthy family, he would turn on her so quickly. Jackson smiled. "Same here. She's trash anyway. Better not to marry her." There had never been anything between him and Angelica Binder. Their engagement had only been arranged by his grandfather for a business alliance. Now that his legs were disabled, Angelica's parents naturally didn't want her to marry him anymore. But the Thornton family was the most powerful family in Benwig City, with huge wealth and influence. They weren't willing to give up the alliance, either. In the end, they planned to have their biological daughter, Victoria, marry him in Angelica's place. Victoria went straight to the point. "It's just strange. How could it be such a coincidence? Right after your legs were disabled, my birth parents suddenly found me and decided to have me marry you instead of their adopted daughter." She let out a cold, mocking laugh. "Looks like they always knew I was their real daughter. I just had no value to them, so they left me out here all this time and never brought me home." Jackson didn't try to comfort her with lies. "I think you're right." Victoria gave a cold sneer. If that was true, then her birth parents were even more heartless than she had thought. Still, one thing didn't make sense to her. "Since you already know what the Binder family is planning, why not just give up on the alliance? Why walk straight into their trap?" "I had someone look into you," Jackson said calmly. "You sell medicine, and you're pretty well-known around here. "I heard you've treated quite a few difficult cases with your own methods. My legs are disabled. Over the past month, I've invited top doctors from all over the country, but none of them could help. "So I came here myself to see if marrying you would be a trap or a chance for me." He didn't hide why he came. Victoria found him interesting. She shrugged. "Well, you've seen me now. I'm just a wild country girl. My birth parents, the ones I've never even met, clearly don't like me. "Do you still want to marry someone like me? I'm just a real daughter who isn't valued and is just being used as a substitute bride." Jackson looked at her closely. At first glance, she wasn't the delicate type raised in comfort. Her skin wasn't soft. It had a light wheat tone that made her look healthy and full of life. But if one looked more carefully, her features were actually very refined. Her eyes were bright and clear, and there was strength in the way she looked at people. There was no trace of disrespect in Jackson's gaze. He looked sincere. "Yes. After meeting you, I'm sure I want to marry you. I just don't know if you're willing to give me a chance." Victoria studied his face. She had to admit that he was strikingly handsome, the kind of man who wouldn't be forgotten even in a huge crowd. His features were sharp, and his face was well-defined. What stood out the most was his eyes. Even after going through something as serious as losing the use of his legs, they were still clear. There was no bitterness or confusion. Victoria glanced at his legs again. "What's going on with them?" "They were broken with a wooden club last month," Jackson said. "I've had many well-known doctors take a look. They all said my legs are beyond saving. I'll never stand again." "Pull up your pant legs. Let me see," said Victoria. "Okay." Jackson did as she said, lifting his pant legs to reveal his knees and lower legs, covered in scars. Victoria's expression darkened. She set the herbs aside, stood up, and walked over to him. Then she bent down and pressed carefully on his knees. The pain made Jackson frown, but he didn't make a sound. "They can be treated," Victoria said firmly. Hope lit up in Jackson's eyes at once. Thinking about how her birth parents had ignored her existence for so many years, Victoria made up her mind. She would go back to Benwig City and take her place as the Binder family's true daughter. She wanted to meet them face to face. She clapped her hands lightly and sat back down on the small stool. "I can marry you." Jackson raised an eyebrow. "Do you have any conditions?" Victoria tilted her head and smiled brightly. "Listen to you. Do I need conditions to marry you? You're so good-looking. If I fix your legs, I'll be the one getting the better deal." Jackson hadn't expected her to be so straightforward. His brow lifted higher, and he let out a soft laugh. "Alright. Then it's settled. I'll wait for you to return to the Binder family." Chapter 2 A Welcome Gift After Jackson left his phone number with Victoria, he left the village with his assistant, Ollie Rowse. Victoria watched him go, her eyes growing thoughtful. She took out her phone and dialed a number. "Mara, I need you to look into everyone in the Binder family in Benwig City right away. Focus on their daughter. I want everything you can find, and I want it by tonight." "Yes, boss," Mara replied. After hanging up, Victoria's gaze turned even sharper. Ford had once told her about that freezing winter night twenty years ago. He had been on his way to settle down in a small southern town when he heard a baby crying from inside a trash bin. He got out of the car to check and found a baby girl, not even a month old, her skin red from the cold. If she hadn't been crying so loudly, and if he hadn't happened to pass that deserted road, she would have died quietly in that trash bin. That baby was Victoria. Ford gave her that name, hoping she would grow up strong and tough no matter what life threw at her. Even on his deathbed, Ford never stopped looking for her biological parents. And all this time, Victoria had believed they must have abandoned her because they had no other choice. But now, it seemed that wasn't true. Her biological parents didn't want her and had no intention of taking her back. If it weren't for the adopted daughter they had raised for twenty years, Victoria might have gone her whole life without parents. Just then, someone called out from outside, "Victoria, who was that man in the nice car looking for you?" It was Stephan, a middle-aged man from next door. He spent most of his time up in the mountains hunting herbs. Victoria put her phone away and walked out, smiling at him. "To be honest with you, that was my fiancé." Stephan looked surprised. "Your fiancé? You have good taste. He's a handsome man. Why didn't you ask him to stay for dinner?" "He had things to take care of in the city. He couldn't stay today," Victoria said. "Next time he comes, make sure he stays for a meal. Everything we eat here is grown by us. Let him try it. It's much better and healthier than city food," Stephan said. "I will," Victoria said with a smile. Stephan grabbed his tools and headed up into the mountains. Only after he left did Victoria go back inside to keep sorting the herbs she had picked. ***** After leaving Mullinran Village, Ollie, who was driving, glanced at Jackson's calm face in the rearview mirror and asked carefully, "Mr. Thornton, are you really going to marry her? "You saw it yourself. Her own parents don't even want her. She makes a living selling herbs and doing some basic medical work. "You just went through something serious, and this is when you need support the most. Marrying her won't help you secure your position in the Thornton family." Jackson shifted his gaze away from the fields outside the window and gently rubbed the petals of a purple flower he had picked from Victoria's doorstep. He asked, "Ollie, do you remember six months ago, when my grandfather was seriously ill and needed a very rare herb to survive?" Ollie wasn't sure why he changed the subject, but he nodded. "Of course. That herb showed up at the biggest auction house in Benwig City. You spent 30 million dollars to get it." "Didn't you notice? That same rare herb was hanging casually on the wall of her simple, run-down house," Jackson said. That one bundle alone would be worth a fortune at any auction in Benwig City. "What?" Ollie was stunned. From the moment they walked into Victoria's house, he had only noticed how shabby it looked and missed everything else. Now it finally clicked. "Do you mean her background might not be as simple as it seems?" Jackson lifted the purple flower to his nose and took a light breath. "I can't say for sure what her background is yet. But one thing is clear. Her medical skills are far from simple." Ollie understood right away. If that was true, then there was real hope for Jackson's legs. Still, he couldn't help asking, "If all you want is to fix your legs, you could just pay her a large amount of money. There's no need to marry her." Jackson blinked and slowly turned the flower between his fingers. A faint smile appeared on his lips. "What if I said I fell for her at first sight? Would you believe me?" Ollie paused and looked at him again through the rearview mirror. He seemed calm. He wasn't exactly joking, but he wasn't completely serious, either. But Jackson rarely joked, so Ollie couldn't tell how much of it was real. In the end, he chose to believe him. "I believe you." "Good. In my eyes, she is already my fiancée. From now on, you need to treat her with respect," Jackson said. "Understood." Ollie nodded. Jackson wasn't joking. When it came to love, he had never believed in feelings that grew over time. To him, if there was no spark at first sight, then staying together would only lead to a relationship based on weighing pros and cons, not the kind of love that made his heart race. That was why, when his grandfather arranged his engagement to Angelica, he had agreed for practical reasons alone. But when he saw Victoria, everything changed. It felt like the world spun around him, and everything else faded away. In his eyes, she was the only color left. He couldn't explain why it had to be her. Maybe it was that moment when their eyes met, when the light in hers pulled him in like a whirlpool. Jackson picked up a book from the car and carefully placed the small purple flower between its pages. Then he closed the book and shut his eyes. ***** At eight that evening, Victoria had just finished bringing in the herbs she had been drying on the roof when her phone rang. She set the herbs aside, brushed the dust off her hands, and picked up the call. Mara's cool voice came through. "Boss, I found what you asked for. The Binder family has only one daughter. She was born to the second son, Darell, and his wife, Julia. Her name is Angelica. She's the same age as you. "She's very spoiled at home. Two months ago, Darell arranged a great marriage for her. She's engaged to Jackson, the eldest son of the Thornton family, the most powerful family in Benwig City. "Jackson had already been chosen by his grandfather, Gerry, as the next heir. But last month, he had an accident. Someone broke both his legs, and the announcement was put on hold." "What is Angelica like?" Victoria asked. "She has a very good reputation. She's beautiful and talented. A lot of rich young men in Benwig City admire her. That's probably why she gained Gerry's approval for the marriage," Mara said. Victoria let out a cold laugh to herself. She didn't believe for a second that Angelica's perfect life came without tricks. "Got it. Now find out if Angelica is really Darell and Julia's biological daughter," Victoria said. "You're focusing on the Binder family, especially Angelica. What are you planning to do?" Mara asked. "I'm going back to take my place," Victoria said. A faint spark lit up in her deep eyes. She found the idea of being the Binder family's real daughter interesting. Victoria had many identities. The one she used the most was a village herbalist and healer. In her daily life, she spent time with her retired scientist friends in the village, growing new herbs and developing new medicines. Over the years, she had cultivated twenty kinds of rare medicinal plants. Because they were so hard to produce, they sold for extremely high prices. Any one of them, if sold at auction in Benwig City, could earn more than most people made in a lifetime. On top of that, she was skilled in traditional medical techniques. When she treated regular villagers, she charged normal fees. But when rich families or powerful figures came to her, her starting fee was three million dollars. Of course, she guaranteed results. If she couldn't cure them, she wouldn't take a single dollar. This identity alone had already made her very rich. Money no longer meant much to her. So when her ex-boyfriend, Gavin, said she wasn't good enough for him, she found it almost funny. If she wanted, she could build her own place in Benwig City without relying on anyone. Over the years, all her different identities had started to feel dull. It was time to try something new. And she had to admit, Jackson impressed her. Out of all the people she had treated, none had faced sudden injury like he did, so calm and steady. His willpower was strong. He was someone who would go far. He was handsome and capable. It would be a waste for him to stay crippled. So she would fix his legs. Mara quickly understood, her voice turning serious. "Understood, boss. I'll get on it right away." ***** Late that night, Victoria was fast asleep when she heard wood cracking outside. Her eyes opened at once, sharp and alert, and she turned toward the sound. Anyone showing up at this hour without warning was not from the village. She had spread powders around her home to keep wild animals away, so no beasts would come near. That left only one answer. Someone had broken in. Victoria got up quietly and, using the moonlight, moved to hide behind the door. Soon, her old wooden door was kicked open, and a shadow rushed inside. She hadn't expected him to be so bold, barging in instead of sneaking around. She flicked a silver needle straight at him. The man let out a low groan and dropped to the ground. Victoria turned on the light, filling the room with brightness. She kicked him aside and finally saw his face clearly. He looked like a hardened criminal. She grabbed a rope, walked over, and tied up his hands and feet. Once he was secured, she took out a needle and stuck it into his neck. Within seconds, he woke up. Victoria sat on the bed, crossing her legs as she played with another needle. "If you don't want to suffer, you'd better tell me the truth. Who sent you?" The man quickly sized up the situation. "People who hire killers stay anonymous. Who would be stupid enough to give their name? But they said that if I raped you, they would get me out of the country safely." Victoria's eyes turned cold and sharp. If he needed to run overseas, that meant he was already a wanted criminal. The man hurried to beg, "I've told you everything I know. Let me go. I won't take this job anymore." Victoria nodded. "Fine." She walked over, pulled out the needle, and untied the ropes. "You can leave." The man rubbed his wrists. "Thanks—" Before he could finish, his face suddenly changed. He lifted his leg and tried to kick Victoria in the knee. But the moment his foot rose, a sharp pain shot through him. Then his whole body went numb. He couldn't move. He looked down in terror. A small black snake had bitten his ankle. "How is there a poisonous snake here—" Before he could finish, blood burst from his throat. His body fell stiffly to the ground. After a few jerks, he went still. Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Trying to kill me in my place? You asked for it. Good job, Blackie. Go rest." The little black snake slipped into a dark corner and quickly disappeared. Victoria picked up a hoe, stuffed the body into a large basket, and lifted it onto her back with ease. She carried it outside and buried it near her vegetable garden. It would make good fertilizer for her herbs. After that, she let out a long breath, brushed off her hands, and looked up at the nearly full moon. She had just learned who she really was, and someone had already sent a man to ruin her. It seemed that someone had prepared a "welcome gift" for her in advance. Chapter 3 We've Got Your Back The next day at noon, a black Bentley worth 1.5 million dollars stopped in front of Victoria's house. Victoria was grinding the herbs she had picked the day before. When she heard the car, she glanced out the window and checked the license plate. It was from Benwig City, just as she expected. She finished grinding the herbs, put them into jars, brushed the dust off her hands, and walked outside. She went straight to the car and knocked on the window. A moment later, the window slid down, revealing the still handsome face of a middle-aged man—Hector Binder. He looked about fifty, with neatly slicked-back hair. A woman sat beside him. She looked about the same age. Even though she wasn't young anymore, she had taken good care of herself and looked as if she were in her thirties. Her features were still soft and beautiful. Victoria didn't waste time. "Are you here for me?" Hector, sitting in the back seat, looked at her, then at the photo in his hand. His eyes lit up. "Daisy, it's her. She's the one we're looking for." Daisy's eyes filled with excitement, even shining with tears. "Yes, it's her. No mistake." They quickly opened the door, got out of the car, and walked over to Victoria. Hector nodded. "Yes. You're the real daughter the Binder family lost years ago. We're here to take you back." Victoria looked straight into his eyes. He seemed like a decent man, and the excitement in his expression matched Daisy's. It didn't look fake. This couple didn't seem to have anything to do with what happened to her last night. Hector paused, a little surprised. "How did you know we were coming?" But he didn't dwell on it. Instead, he explained, "You are the young lady of the Binder family. "When you were little, someone switched you with another baby. That's why you ended up here. You've suffered for twenty years, living away from your real home." As soon as he finished, Daisy started to choke up. "Poor child." Victoria stayed calm. "So, are you my parents?" Hector and Daisy froze. They exchanged a look, then answered awkwardly, "No. We're your uncle and aunt." Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Then why aren't my parents here? Why did they send you instead?" Daisy looked uneasy. "Something came up at home. They couldn't leave, so they asked us to come get you." Victoria saw right through it. "You don't have to cover for them. I'm not a child. What could be more important than picking up their own daughter? They just didn't want to come." Hearing that, Daisy stepped forward and gently hugged her. Tears slipped down her face. "My poor child, you've suffered so much." Victoria didn't expect the sudden hug. At first, she wanted to pull away, but the warmth of it stopped her. It felt soft and comforting, unlike any embrace she had experienced in twenty years. It was, perhaps, the closest she had ever come to what a mother's embrace should feel like. She let out a quiet sigh. For a moment, she thought that if these two were her real parents, it wouldn't be so bad. After a while, Daisy let go and held her hand. "Go pack your things. We'll take you home today. You won't have to live like this anymore." Victoria nodded. "Okay. Wait for me. I'll go pack." She didn't need to bring clothes. The only things she needed were the medicines she had made. After packing all the bottles of medicine powder and poison powder from the wooden cabinet, Victoria called out, "Blackie, Whitey, Greenie, come out. I'm taking you somewhere new." As soon as she finished, three small snakes slid out from the corners and crawled into a sack. Victoria tied the sack and slung it over her shoulder. Then she took a drum from the old cabinet. After giving the shabby house one last look, she walked outside and began to beat the drum. The loud sound of the drum echoed through the area. Hector and Daisy, waiting outside, looked confused. Before long, the villagers gathered around. They looked at Victoria with concern. "Victoria, what's wrong? What happened?" Victoria set down the drum, cleared her throat, and said, "Everyone, you all know I'm an orphan. I grew up without parents, raised by all of you. "But now I know who my real parents are. It turns out I'm the daughter of the Binder family in Benwig City." The villagers were happy for her at first, but then she continued, "But here's the thing. My real parents knew all along who I was, but they never came to acknowledge me. "And now, the only reason they're taking me back is to make me marry a disabled man in place of their adopted daughter." Hector and Daisy were stunned. They had no idea about any of this. The villagers were furious. "What kind of people are they? They knew you were their real daughter but ignored you all this time, and now they want to use you like this, huh?" "Blind fools! You're such a good girl, and they treat you like a tool, making you marry some cripple instead of their adopted daughter." "Victoria, don't listen to those heartless people." "That's right. Ignore them. We'll go teach them a lesson." "The Binder family? They're nothing special in Benwig City, acting all high and mighty. Victoria, you don't need to go back with them." Victoria raised her hand to quiet them. "Everyone, calm down. I've decided to go back to the Binder family for this arranged marriage. "But I'm going back to teach them a lesson. So I'm telling you all ahead of time. Please help take care of the herbs I just planted in my yard." Even though the villagers didn't really understand, they still respected her choice. "Okay. But if anyone from the Binder family dares to bully you, just call me. I'll get people to take them down," one person said. "That's right. We've got your back," another added. Victoria waved her hand. "Thank you, everyone. That's all I wanted to say. You can all head back now." After that, she turned to Hector and Daisy, who were still waiting, and gave them a light smile. "We can go now." Hector and Daisy were still a little stunned. When they heard her, they finally snapped out of it. "Oh, okay." "Let me carry that." The driver stepped forward and reached for the sack. "Be careful. It's heavy," Victoria said. The driver didn't believe it at first. But the moment he took it with both hands, he almost dropped it on his foot. Victoria blinked at him. "Can you handle it? Don't break anything inside." "No problem." The driver forced a smile, gritted his teeth, and lifted the sack into the trunk. By the time he got back into the driver's seat, he was sweating all over. He hadn't expected Victoria to be this strong despite looking so thin. After getting into the car, Daisy and Hector looked at each other, then kept glancing at Victoria. They seemed to want to say something, but neither of them knew how to start. In the end, Daisy asked, "Victoria, you just told the villagers about marrying a disabled man instead of that adopted daughter. What did you mean?" "You didn't know?" Victoria looked back at her, her eyes narrowing with suspicion. Daisy shook her head. "Hector and I really had no idea. About half a month ago, your parents suddenly told us Angelica wasn't their biological daughter. Then they sent people to look into it. "Just yesterday, they found out their real daughter was living here. That's why they want to bring you back today." Hector nodded to confirm her words. Victoria smiled faintly. "Then why do you think they didn't come themselves?" Daisy fell silent. To her, it was absurd that Victoria's parents would have relatives fetch their biological daughter instead of coming themselves. But the truth would hurt Victoria, so she chose not to say anything. Victoria let out a bitter laugh. "Aunt Daisy, even if you don't say it, I can guess. Just like I said, they don't want to acknowledge me. "They're only bringing me back because they have no choice. They want me to marry that disabled heir in place of their precious adopted daughter." Her gaze was clear and calm, and there was a quiet maturity about her that went far beyond her years. Hector frowned slightly. "Victoria, how did you find out about this arranged marriage?" Victoria smiled. "Secret." On the way, Daisy told her a lot about the Binder family. It wasn't much different from what Mara had already found out. The Binder family was still led by Calvin. He had two sons and one daughter. The eldest son, Hector, was the one who had come to get Victoria, and his wife was Daisy. They didn't have any children. The second son, Darell, was Victoria's biological father. He and his wife, Julia, had two sons and one daughter. The eldest son, Simon, managed the family's entertainment company, Brightstar Entertainment. The second son, Curtis, was a well-known singer under the same company. Then there was the youngest daughter, Angelica. She was considered very outstanding. At just twenty, she had already skipped grades and finished college. She was now preparing to study abroad after getting engaged to the eldest son of the Thornton family. Angelica was the baby who had been switched with Victoria. As for Calvin's daughter, Sirena, she had already married into another wealthy family and only returned for holidays. The drive from the village to Benwig City took six hours over bumpy roads. By the time they arrived, it was dark. "We're here," the driver said as he stopped the car. Victoria looked out the window. In front of her stood a large estate, with several villas spread across it. It looked grand and impressive. The Binder family mansion alone was almost as big as the entire Mullinran Village. Victoria got out of the car and followed Hector and Daisy inside. The head butler, Milton, who had been waiting at the door, stepped forward respectfully. "You're back." He looked at Victoria and gave a polite nod. "This must be Miss Victoria Binder." "Yes," Daisy replied. Then she looked at Victoria gently. "Victoria, go in and meet your parents and brother." Victoria said nothing. She quietly followed them inside. They passed through the wide front yard and stepped into the entrance hall. Standing at the doorway, she quickly scanned the four people sitting on the sofas in the main hall. First, she saw a middle-aged couple dressed in expensive clothes, carrying themselves with an air of wealth and status. Next was a handsome young man who looked a bit rebellious. Finally, there was a beautiful young woman about her age. The corners of her eyes were red, and she looked pitiful, as if she had been crying. None of them looked happy. Their faces were tense, filled with worry. When they looked at her, Victoria caught the flash of disgust in their eyes. A faint smile appeared on her lips. She thought the family was really quite interesting. Chapter 4 Are You an Idiot? "Darell, Julia, I brought your daughter back," Daisy said. She gently patted Victoria on the back. "Victoria, go say hello to your parents and your brother." Victoria didn't move. With a faint, mocking smile, she asked, "Aunt Daisy, are they really my parents and brother?" Daisy froze for a moment, then nodded. "Yes, they are. Why do you ask?" Victoria let out a cold laugh. "I'm supposed to be their daughter and sister, but why do they all look like they can't stand me?" The four people in the room all stiffened. They hadn't expected her to be so direct. Daisy froze again. She wanted to say something, but stopped herself. She knew what Darell and Julia were thinking. They didn't want to accept this daughter because they already had an excellent adopted one. They would rather stay home and comfort their adopted daughter's feelings than spend even a little time going to the village to pick up their real daughter. Simon and Curtis felt the same way. They were closer to the sister they had lived with for twenty years. None of them wanted to hurt her feelings just to pick up Victoria. Simon didn't even bother to show up; he was still at work. In the end, Daisy couldn't take it anymore and offered to go with Hector to bring Victoria home. What she didn't expect was that even after Victoria came back, Darell and Julia still acted like this. They didn't even try to hide it. Julia looked at Darell, and he looked back at her. In that brief exchange, they reached an understanding. Victoria clearly wasn't as quiet and easy to control as they had thought. They couldn't just brush her aside. If they wanted her to willingly take Angelica's place in the marriage to Jackson later, they would have to act nice and coax her a little. Julia hesitated, then forced herself to stand up. She put on a pained expression and walked toward Victoria. "My child, you've suffered so much out there." Victoria stepped aside slightly and avoided her touch. "Stop pretending. I don't see any concern in your eyes." Julia froze in place. A wave of anger rose inside her. She had lowered herself to show kindness, yet Victoria had refused it and embarrassed her in front of everyone. But to her, Victoria's lack of manners was no surprise. She had grown up in the countryside without her parents and had never been properly brought up. Julia forced a stiff smile. "I carried you for ten months. Of course, it hurts me to know you've suffered." Victoria sneered, "Is that so? If you really feel that way, why didn't you come pick me up today? Why did you send Uncle Hector and Aunt Daisy instead?" Daisy wanted to speak, but Hector gently held her hand and shook his head. He said quietly, "Daisy, we've already brought her back. What happens now is their family matter. Let them handle it. Let's go home." Daisy looked at Victoria, her eyes full of worry and sympathy. But she knew Hector was right. This was between Victoria and her parents. No matter what happened, she had no right to interfere. "Julia, now that Victoria is back, you should treat her well. Don't hurt her again. Daisy and I will head back now," Hector said politely, hoping his words would help a little. Darell nodded. "Thank you for your help today." Daisy said gently, "Victoria, we are leaving. If you need anything, come find us at Goldenwood Villa on the east side." With that, she reluctantly turned and left. Victoria watched them walk away, then quickly looked away. Once they were gone, Julia finally breathed a sigh of relief. "This is all my fault. Your father and I didn't go pick you up ourselves because I'm very emotional. "I was afraid that if I saw how poorly you were living, I wouldn't be able to handle it. So I stayed home to calm myself and prepare to welcome you." She was lying. Actually, after Angelica found out last night that she wasn't their real daughter, she had been upset the whole night. This morning, she was so distracted that she couldn't even eat. Julia felt sorry for her and stayed home to comfort her. Victoria's eyes were full of sarcasm. "So what exactly did you prepare for me?" Julia quickly said, "I've already cleaned up a room for you. Come, I'll show you." She reached for Victoria's hand again, but Victoria dodged her once more. "So cleaning a room was more important than coming to pick me up yourself." Julia's hand hung in the air. A trace of impatience flashed across her eyes. "Forget the room. I'm not even sure I'll stay," Victoria said. Then she pointed at the young woman about her age. "Who is she?" Angelica froze. Her eyes instantly turned red. She gently tugged on Curtis's sleeve. Curtis held her hand and said softly, "Angelica, don't be afraid." After comforting her, Curtis looked at Victoria coldly. His tone turned sharp. "I'm your brother, Curtis. And she's my sister, Angelica." He deliberately stressed the words "my sister." "I see." Victoria's voice carried a hint of sarcasm. "So that means she's the adopted daughter who was switched with me, right?" Angelica's hand trembled. Tears gathered in her eyes, ready to fall. Curtis's face darkened. He emphasized, "In my heart, Angelica is my real sister." Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Calling her your real sister? Are you an idiot?" Everyone except Victoria froze at her words. Curtis stared at her in disbelief. "You just called me an idiot, huh?" Victoria laughed mockingly. "Yeah. Did I say anything wrong? Don't you know her mother was the one who secretly switched us back then?" Angelica's birth mother, Jasmine, had worked as a customer service representative at a postpartum care center. When Julia was three months pregnant, she started looking for a high-end center, and Jasmine had served her. By coincidence, Jasmine was also pregnant at the time. When she realized Julia was wealthy, she started having bad thoughts. She secretly followed Julia to find out which center she chose and forced herself to spend the money to book the same one. During the recovery period after giving birth, Jasmine secretly switched her own daughter with Julia's without anyone noticing. At the time, Angelica had an allergic rash on her face. Julia didn't realize anything was wrong, and when she left the center, she took Angelica home. Angelica bit her lip. Tears finally streamed down her face. "I'm sorry." Curtis held her cold hand tightly and gently said, "Angelica, this has nothing to do with you." Then he turned to Victoria, his voice full of anger. "Yes, her mother switched you back then. But Angelica is innocent. She didn't know anything about it." Victoria laughed out loud, her eyes full of ridicule. "Oh, she's innocent? She spent twenty years enjoying my life, living in comfort and luxury. "And me? I was thrown into a trash can by her cruel mother in the freezing cold. If no one had found me, I would have died right after I was born." Chapter 5 I'll Leave Victoria's words left Curtis speechless. He had just started to feel a bit guilty when Angelica suddenly broke down in tears again. She said, "I'm sorry. It's all my fault. It's my fault for having a mother like that. Victoria, if you hate me, you can hit me or yell at me, but please don't blame Curtis." As she spoke, she struggled to pull free from Curtis's hand. With a determined look, she bit her lip and ran toward Victoria. "Angelica!" Curtis panicked and quickly got up to follow her. Angelica ran up to Victoria and was about to bow, but Curtis caught up just in time and pulled her back. "Angelica, what are you doing? This isn't your fault. It's your mother's fault." Victoria watched the whole scene and suddenly laughed. She even clapped her hands like she was watching a show. "This is really something. Are you putting on a pity act for me?" The small bit of guilt Curtis had felt disappeared right away. After helping Angelica steady herself, he looked at Victoria coldly. "Why are you being so unreasonable?" he asked. "Angelica already apologized sincerely, and you're still mocking her." "I'm not just mocking her. I'm mocking all of you," Victoria said. "Her mother planned everything, found a way to switch us, and let her take twenty years of the life that should have been mine. "Now that I'm back, you guys are still protecting her right in front of me. It's a shame that I ended up with a family like this." Curtis's face darkened even more. Julia looked helplessly at Darell. She hadn't expected Victoria to be so stubborn and didn't know how to deal with her. No matter how she looked at it, Julia just couldn't bring herself to like Victoria. Darell, who had been silent until now, finally spoke up. "That's enough, Victoria. Angelica's mother has already been punished. Angelica is alone now, with no one to rely on. "Your mother and I raised her for twenty years. We can't just throw her out. The Binder family has more than enough. Keeping her here is no big deal. She won't affect you." But Victoria didn't accept that. "If it's really no big deal, then she can live anywhere. Why does she have to stay here and bother me? "Every time I see her, I'm reminded of everything I went through after being switched." Darell didn't expect her to keep pushing like this. Just like Julia, he began to feel more and more resistant toward Victoria. Compared to Angelica, who was gentle and understanding, Victoria seemed completely rude to him. Angelica bit her lip and let her tears fall silently. She looked pitiful, making it hard not to feel sorry for her. Seeing how aggressive Victoria was, Curtis finally lost his temper. "So you won't be satisfied unless we send Angelica away, huh?" Victoria nodded. "That's right. We're not both living here. It's one or the other." As soon as she said that, everyone's faces darkened. "I don't want to leave you," Angelica said through her tears, looking completely wronged. It made anyone who saw her feel bad. Curtis held her hand tightly. "Angelica, don't worry. You don't have to go anywhere. As long as I'm here, I won't let anyone drive you out of the Binder family. You'll always be my sister. You're part of us." Victoria raised an eyebrow. "So you want me to leave, huh?" Julia was already at her limit, but she forced herself to stay calm. "Victoria, you just got back. You don't really know Angelica yet. "She's kind and understanding. Once you spend some time with her, you'll accept her. Her staying here won't affect your place. No matter what, you're our real daughter." Victoria sneered, "Really? Then why did all of you look disgusted the moment you saw me? Is it because I'm not as pretty as her? Or because I'm not as refined? "But have you forgotten? If we had never been switched, the pretty, refined one would be me. Everything she has now was built on the suffering I endured for her." Julia froze and quickly shook her head. "That's not it. We just haven't adjusted yet." "You need time to adjust to your own daughter, huh? Then why didn't Uncle Hector and Aunt Daisy need time when they saw me?" Victoria pressed. Julia had no answer. But she thought it was because Hector and Daisy had no children, so of course, they would be happy. She took a deep breath and softened her voice. "Victoria, we won't treat you badly from now on. Your living expenses will be the same as Angelica's. Your father and I won't favor one over the other." Victoria gave a faint, mocking smile. "Should I thank you for that? Honestly, for me, not favoring one over the other is already the biggest favoritism. "You two are really kind. You don't want your own daughter, but you're willing to spend money raising the daughter of someone who ruined my life. I've never seen people this generous." Julia held back her anger and continued, "Victoria, stop making trouble. You're my real daughter. We finally found you. How could we let you keep suffering out there?" Victoria replied, "So you knew I was suffering. While I was suffering, that criminal's daughter was living here, enjoying everything you gave her in my place. "And now, on the very first day I come back, you're ready to push me away again." Curtis said coldly, "Get this straight. We're not pushing you away. You're the one making things difficult. You could stay here peacefully, but you refuse to accept Angelica." "How could I accept the daughter of a criminal?" Victoria asked. "If I hadn't been lucky enough to survive, her mother would be both a trafficker and a murderer. "She committed the crime, but her daughter hasn't been punished at all. Why should she get to keep living this rich, comfortable life as if nothing had happened?" Angelica's body swayed. Curtis quickly held her steady, his anger finally breaking through. "With your attitude, do you even deserve to stay here while Angelica leaves?" "Of course I do. First, I'm a Binder by blood. Second, unlike you, I'm not an idiot." After snapping at him, Victoria lost her patience. "Have you decided? Is she leaving, or am I?" Curtis pulled Angelica into his arms protectively and said firmly, "Dad, Mom, if I have to choose, then I only recognize Angelica as my sister." "Good. One vote." Victoria raised her index finger and then looked at Julia. "What about you?" Julia forced down her frustration and said gently, "Victoria, don't do this—" "Alright, that's two votes," Victoria said, not even bothering to listen. She turned to Darell. "Your vote doesn't matter anymore. There are already two votes for Angelica. Fine. Since that's the case, she stays. I'll leave." A trace of anxiety flashed in Angelica's eyes. If Victoria really left, there would be no one to take her place in marrying Jackson. ------ 👇👇👇 There are limited chapters to put here, click “continue reading” to open App to continue reading (It will automatically jump to the book)
When a killer came in the night, Victoria Binder didn’t scream—she fought. And she won, burying the proof in her own garden. That was just the beginning. Unveiled as the lost heiress to a mighty fortune, Victoria returned to a family that despised her. She wasn’t there for their love. She was there for what was hers: the power, the legacy, the truth. ------ Chapter 1 I Want to Marry You "Victoria, we need to break up. It turns out I'm actually the heir to the Fairbank family, one of the most powerful families in Benwig City. You're just a country girl who sells herbs. You're not good enough for me anymore." Victoria Binder had just received a call from her boyfriend, Gavin Alvarado—no, Gavin Fairbank now. She had been about to tell him that she was the long-lost daughter of a wealthy family herself, but before she could say a word, she heard him claim she wasn't good enough for him. She let out a silent, cold laugh. The medicinal herbs she grew were incredibly valuable. Countless rich and influential families were trying to buy them at high prices. Her products had even appeared several times at the largest auction house in Benwig City. Gavin's arrogant voice came through the phone again. "With my status now, I need to marry a proper heiress from a family that matches mine. "But since we dated for two months, I won't treat you badly. Before I marry someone suitable, you can stay with me. Even after I get married, I can still keep you as my—" Before he could finish, Victoria snapped, "Asshole. If you want to break up, then we're done." She hung up immediately. The handsome man standing in front of her, Jackson Thornton, raised an eyebrow. He had been waiting for her response. He smiled. "So? You just found out you're the heiress of the Binder family, one of the richest families in Benwig City, and you still got dumped?" Victoria looked up at him and smiled brightly. "Funny coincidence. He just told me that he's the heir to a wealthy family in Benwig City and that I'm not good enough for him." Then her expression shifted, turning doubtful. "Wait a second. This whole thing about being the real daughter or real son of some rich family... Isn't that some new kind of scam going around?" Jackson paused for a moment, then smiled. "Of course not. You really are the true daughter of the Binder family." Victoria gave a nonchalant hum. She took the basket off her back, sat down on a chair, and began sorting the herbs she had just picked. "Then who are you?" she asked. "Why are you the one coming to find me instead of my biological parents?" Jackson glanced at the shabby house in front of him, then looked at Victoria, who sat casually on a small stool. He said, "If nothing unexpected happens, I'll soon be your fiancé. I'm Jackson, the eldest son of the Thornton family in Benwig City." Victoria almost slipped off her stool. She stared at him in shock. "What? Fiancé?" "That's right. But as you can see, I'm disabled now. I lost the use of my legs last month." Sitting in his wheelchair, Jackson lifted a hand and pointed at his legs, giving a helpless smile. "I see. And what does that have to do with you coming to find me today?" Victoria asked. Then she suddenly understood. "Wait. Are you saying that I'm the real daughter of the wealthy Binder family, and that they're planning to bring me back and have me marry you?" Jackson nodded, a hint of admiration in his eyes. "Exactly." Victoria's gaze flickered. Jackson continued, "Because of my legs, I'm about to be dumped. Just like you." Victoria caught on quickly. "So the one who was supposed to marry you was the Binder family's adopted daughter. But now that you're disabled, she doesn't want to marry you anymore." Jackson nodded again. "Yes. That's exactly it." Victoria almost let out a bitter laugh. "Then why don't you look upset at all?" Jackson said calmly, "You just got dumped by your boyfriend, and you don't look upset either." "He's just trash. Good riddance." Victoria curled her lips in disdain. Jackson studied her, the admiration in his eyes deepening. "You're surprisingly chill about it." Victoria let out a small scoff. "Of course. Why waste time and energy feeling bad over someone who isn't worth it?" She had started dating Gavin after saving his life by chance two years ago. After that, he had chased after her nonstop, using gratitude as an excuse. For two whole years, he acted devoted, as if he would never marry anyone but her. He didn't seem to have any serious flaws. She figured having a man around could help her take care of the herb garden and keep other men from bothering her, so she agreed to date him. But she never expected that the moment Gavin found out he was the heir to a wealthy family, he would turn on her so quickly. Jackson smiled. "Same here. She's trash anyway. Better not to marry her." There had never been anything between him and Angelica Binder. Their engagement had only been arranged by his grandfather for a business alliance. Now that his legs were disabled, Angelica's parents naturally didn't want her to marry him anymore. But the Thornton family was the most powerful family in Benwig City, with huge wealth and influence. They weren't willing to give up the alliance, either. In the end, they planned to have their biological daughter, Victoria, marry him in Angelica's place. Victoria went straight to the point. "It's just strange. How could it be such a coincidence? Right after your legs were disabled, my birth parents suddenly found me and decided to have me marry you instead of their adopted daughter." She let out a cold, mocking laugh. "Looks like they always knew I was their real daughter. I just had no value to them, so they left me out here all this time and never brought me home." Jackson didn't try to comfort her with lies. "I think you're right." Victoria gave a cold sneer. If that was true, then her birth parents were even more heartless than she had thought. Still, one thing didn't make sense to her. "Since you already know what the Binder family is planning, why not just give up on the alliance? Why walk straight into their trap?" "I had someone look into you," Jackson said calmly. "You sell medicine, and you're pretty well-known around here. "I heard you've treated quite a few difficult cases with your own methods. My legs are disabled. Over the past month, I've invited top doctors from all over the country, but none of them could help. "So I came here myself to see if marrying you would be a trap or a chance for me." He didn't hide why he came. Victoria found him interesting. She shrugged. "Well, you've seen me now. I'm just a wild country girl. My birth parents, the ones I've never even met, clearly don't like me. "Do you still want to marry someone like me? I'm just a real daughter who isn't valued and is just being used as a substitute bride." Jackson looked at her closely. At first glance, she wasn't the delicate type raised in comfort. Her skin wasn't soft. It had a light wheat tone that made her look healthy and full of life. But if one looked more carefully, her features were actually very refined. Her eyes were bright and clear, and there was strength in the way she looked at people. There was no trace of disrespect in Jackson's gaze. He looked sincere. "Yes. After meeting you, I'm sure I want to marry you. I just don't know if you're willing to give me a chance." Victoria studied his face. She had to admit that he was strikingly handsome, the kind of man who wouldn't be forgotten even in a huge crowd. His features were sharp, and his face was well-defined. What stood out the most was his eyes. Even after going through something as serious as losing the use of his legs, they were still clear. There was no bitterness or confusion. Victoria glanced at his legs again. "What's going on with them?" "They were broken with a wooden club last month," Jackson said. "I've had many well-known doctors take a look. They all said my legs are beyond saving. I'll never stand again." "Pull up your pant legs. Let me see," said Victoria. "Okay." Jackson did as she said, lifting his pant legs to reveal his knees and lower legs, covered in scars. Victoria's expression darkened. She set the herbs aside, stood up, and walked over to him. Then she bent down and pressed carefully on his knees. The pain made Jackson frown, but he didn't make a sound. "They can be treated," Victoria said firmly. Hope lit up in Jackson's eyes at once. Thinking about how her birth parents had ignored her existence for so many years, Victoria made up her mind. She would go back to Benwig City and take her place as the Binder family's true daughter. She wanted to meet them face to face. She clapped her hands lightly and sat back down on the small stool. "I can marry you." Jackson raised an eyebrow. "Do you have any conditions?" Victoria tilted her head and smiled brightly. "Listen to you. Do I need conditions to marry you? You're so good-looking. If I fix your legs, I'll be the one getting the better deal." Jackson hadn't expected her to be so straightforward. His brow lifted higher, and he let out a soft laugh. "Alright. Then it's settled. I'll wait for you to return to the Binder family." Chapter 2 A Welcome Gift After Jackson left his phone number with Victoria, he left the village with his assistant, Ollie Rowse. Victoria watched him go, her eyes growing thoughtful. She took out her phone and dialed a number. "Mara, I need you to look into everyone in the Binder family in Benwig City right away. Focus on their daughter. I want everything you can find, and I want it by tonight." "Yes, boss," Mara replied. After hanging up, Victoria's gaze turned even sharper. Ford had once told her about that freezing winter night twenty years ago. He had been on his way to settle down in a small southern town when he heard a baby crying from inside a trash bin. He got out of the car to check and found a baby girl, not even a month old, her skin red from the cold. If she hadn't been crying so loudly, and if he hadn't happened to pass that deserted road, she would have died quietly in that trash bin. That baby was Victoria. Ford gave her that name, hoping she would grow up strong and tough no matter what life threw at her. Even on his deathbed, Ford never stopped looking for her biological parents. And all this time, Victoria had believed they must have abandoned her because they had no other choice. But now, it seemed that wasn't true. Her biological parents didn't want her and had no intention of taking her back. If it weren't for the adopted daughter they had raised for twenty years, Victoria might have gone her whole life without parents. Just then, someone called out from outside, "Victoria, who was that man in the nice car looking for you?" It was Stephan, a middle-aged man from next door. He spent most of his time up in the mountains hunting herbs. Victoria put her phone away and walked out, smiling at him. "To be honest with you, that was my fiancé." Stephan looked surprised. "Your fiancé? You have good taste. He's a handsome man. Why didn't you ask him to stay for dinner?" "He had things to take care of in the city. He couldn't stay today," Victoria said. "Next time he comes, make sure he stays for a meal. Everything we eat here is grown by us. Let him try it. It's much better and healthier than city food," Stephan said. "I will," Victoria said with a smile. Stephan grabbed his tools and headed up into the mountains. Only after he left did Victoria go back inside to keep sorting the herbs she had picked. ***** After leaving Mullinran Village, Ollie, who was driving, glanced at Jackson's calm face in the rearview mirror and asked carefully, "Mr. Thornton, are you really going to marry her? "You saw it yourself. Her own parents don't even want her. She makes a living selling herbs and doing some basic medical work. "You just went through something serious, and this is when you need support the most. Marrying her won't help you secure your position in the Thornton family." Jackson shifted his gaze away from the fields outside the window and gently rubbed the petals of a purple flower he had picked from Victoria's doorstep. He asked, "Ollie, do you remember six months ago, when my grandfather was seriously ill and needed a very rare herb to survive?" Ollie wasn't sure why he changed the subject, but he nodded. "Of course. That herb showed up at the biggest auction house in Benwig City. You spent 30 million dollars to get it." "Didn't you notice? That same rare herb was hanging casually on the wall of her simple, run-down house," Jackson said. That one bundle alone would be worth a fortune at any auction in Benwig City. "What?" Ollie was stunned. From the moment they walked into Victoria's house, he had only noticed how shabby it looked and missed everything else. Now it finally clicked. "Do you mean her background might not be as simple as it seems?" Jackson lifted the purple flower to his nose and took a light breath. "I can't say for sure what her background is yet. But one thing is clear. Her medical skills are far from simple." Ollie understood right away. If that was true, then there was real hope for Jackson's legs. Still, he couldn't help asking, "If all you want is to fix your legs, you could just pay her a large amount of money. There's no need to marry her." Jackson blinked and slowly turned the flower between his fingers. A faint smile appeared on his lips. "What if I said I fell for her at first sight? Would you believe me?" Ollie paused and looked at him again through the rearview mirror. He seemed calm. He wasn't exactly joking, but he wasn't completely serious, either. But Jackson rarely joked, so Ollie couldn't tell how much of it was real. In the end, he chose to believe him. "I believe you." "Good. In my eyes, she is already my fiancée. From now on, you need to treat her with respect," Jackson said. "Understood." Ollie nodded. Jackson wasn't joking. When it came to love, he had never believed in feelings that grew over time. To him, if there was no spark at first sight, then staying together would only lead to a relationship based on weighing pros and cons, not the kind of love that made his heart race. That was why, when his grandfather arranged his engagement to Angelica, he had agreed for practical reasons alone. But when he saw Victoria, everything changed. It felt like the world spun around him, and everything else faded away. In his eyes, she was the only color left. He couldn't explain why it had to be her. Maybe it was that moment when their eyes met, when the light in hers pulled him in like a whirlpool. Jackson picked up a book from the car and carefully placed the small purple flower between its pages. Then he closed the book and shut his eyes. ***** At eight that evening, Victoria had just finished bringing in the herbs she had been drying on the roof when her phone rang. She set the herbs aside, brushed the dust off her hands, and picked up the call. Mara's cool voice came through. "Boss, I found what you asked for. The Binder family has only one daughter. She was born to the second son, Darell, and his wife, Julia. Her name is Angelica. She's the same age as you. "She's very spoiled at home. Two months ago, Darell arranged a great marriage for her. She's engaged to Jackson, the eldest son of the Thornton family, the most powerful family in Benwig City. "Jackson had already been chosen by his grandfather, Gerry, as the next heir. But last month, he had an accident. Someone broke both his legs, and the announcement was put on hold." "What is Angelica like?" Victoria asked. "She has a very good reputation. She's beautiful and talented. A lot of rich young men in Benwig City admire her. That's probably why she gained Gerry's approval for the marriage," Mara said. Victoria let out a cold laugh to herself. She didn't believe for a second that Angelica's perfect life came without tricks. "Got it. Now find out if Angelica is really Darell and Julia's biological daughter," Victoria said. "You're focusing on the Binder family, especially Angelica. What are you planning to do?" Mara asked. "I'm going back to take my place," Victoria said. A faint spark lit up in her deep eyes. She found the idea of being the Binder family's real daughter interesting. Victoria had many identities. The one she used the most was a village herbalist and healer. In her daily life, she spent time with her retired scientist friends in the village, growing new herbs and developing new medicines. Over the years, she had cultivated twenty kinds of rare medicinal plants. Because they were so hard to produce, they sold for extremely high prices. Any one of them, if sold at auction in Benwig City, could earn more than most people made in a lifetime. On top of that, she was skilled in traditional medical techniques. When she treated regular villagers, she charged normal fees. But when rich families or powerful figures came to her, her starting fee was three million dollars. Of course, she guaranteed results. If she couldn't cure them, she wouldn't take a single dollar. This identity alone had already made her very rich. Money no longer meant much to her. So when her ex-boyfriend, Gavin, said she wasn't good enough for him, she found it almost funny. If she wanted, she could build her own place in Benwig City without relying on anyone. Over the years, all her different identities had started to feel dull. It was time to try something new. And she had to admit, Jackson impressed her. Out of all the people she had treated, none had faced sudden injury like he did, so calm and steady. His willpower was strong. He was someone who would go far. He was handsome and capable. It would be a waste for him to stay crippled. So she would fix his legs. Mara quickly understood, her voice turning serious. "Understood, boss. I'll get on it right away." ***** Late that night, Victoria was fast asleep when she heard wood cracking outside. Her eyes opened at once, sharp and alert, and she turned toward the sound. Anyone showing up at this hour without warning was not from the village. She had spread powders around her home to keep wild animals away, so no beasts would come near. That left only one answer. Someone had broken in. Victoria got up quietly and, using the moonlight, moved to hide behind the door. Soon, her old wooden door was kicked open, and a shadow rushed inside. She hadn't expected him to be so bold, barging in instead of sneaking around. She flicked a silver needle straight at him. The man let out a low groan and dropped to the ground. Victoria turned on the light, filling the room with brightness. She kicked him aside and finally saw his face clearly. He looked like a hardened criminal. She grabbed a rope, walked over, and tied up his hands and feet. Once he was secured, she took out a needle and stuck it into his neck. Within seconds, he woke up. Victoria sat on the bed, crossing her legs as she played with another needle. "If you don't want to suffer, you'd better tell me the truth. Who sent you?" The man quickly sized up the situation. "People who hire killers stay anonymous. Who would be stupid enough to give their name? But they said that if I raped you, they would get me out of the country safely." Victoria's eyes turned cold and sharp. If he needed to run overseas, that meant he was already a wanted criminal. The man hurried to beg, "I've told you everything I know. Let me go. I won't take this job anymore." Victoria nodded. "Fine." She walked over, pulled out the needle, and untied the ropes. "You can leave." The man rubbed his wrists. "Thanks—" Before he could finish, his face suddenly changed. He lifted his leg and tried to kick Victoria in the knee. But the moment his foot rose, a sharp pain shot through him. Then his whole body went numb. He couldn't move. He looked down in terror. A small black snake had bitten his ankle. "How is there a poisonous snake here—" Before he could finish, blood burst from his throat. His body fell stiffly to the ground. After a few jerks, he went still. Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Trying to kill me in my place? You asked for it. Good job, Blackie. Go rest." The little black snake slipped into a dark corner and quickly disappeared. Victoria picked up a hoe, stuffed the body into a large basket, and lifted it onto her back with ease. She carried it outside and buried it near her vegetable garden. It would make good fertilizer for her herbs. After that, she let out a long breath, brushed off her hands, and looked up at the nearly full moon. She had just learned who she really was, and someone had already sent a man to ruin her. It seemed that someone had prepared a "welcome gift" for her in advance. Chapter 3 We've Got Your Back The next day at noon, a black Bentley worth 1.5 million dollars stopped in front of Victoria's house. Victoria was grinding the herbs she had picked the day before. When she heard the car, she glanced out the window and checked the license plate. It was from Benwig City, just as she expected. She finished grinding the herbs, put them into jars, brushed the dust off her hands, and walked outside. She went straight to the car and knocked on the window. A moment later, the window slid down, revealing the still handsome face of a middle-aged man—Hector Binder. He looked about fifty, with neatly slicked-back hair. A woman sat beside him. She looked about the same age. Even though she wasn't young anymore, she had taken good care of herself and looked as if she were in her thirties. Her features were still soft and beautiful. Victoria didn't waste time. "Are you here for me?" Hector, sitting in the back seat, looked at her, then at the photo in his hand. His eyes lit up. "Daisy, it's her. She's the one we're looking for." Daisy's eyes filled with excitement, even shining with tears. "Yes, it's her. No mistake." They quickly opened the door, got out of the car, and walked over to Victoria. Hector nodded. "Yes. You're the real daughter the Binder family lost years ago. We're here to take you back." Victoria looked straight into his eyes. He seemed like a decent man, and the excitement in his expression matched Daisy's. It didn't look fake. This couple didn't seem to have anything to do with what happened to her last night. Hector paused, a little surprised. "How did you know we were coming?" But he didn't dwell on it. Instead, he explained, "You are the young lady of the Binder family. "When you were little, someone switched you with another baby. That's why you ended up here. You've suffered for twenty years, living away from your real home." As soon as he finished, Daisy started to choke up. "Poor child." Victoria stayed calm. "So, are you my parents?" Hector and Daisy froze. They exchanged a look, then answered awkwardly, "No. We're your uncle and aunt." Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Then why aren't my parents here? Why did they send you instead?" Daisy looked uneasy. "Something came up at home. They couldn't leave, so they asked us to come get you." Victoria saw right through it. "You don't have to cover for them. I'm not a child. What could be more important than picking up their own daughter? They just didn't want to come." Hearing that, Daisy stepped forward and gently hugged her. Tears slipped down her face. "My poor child, you've suffered so much." Victoria didn't expect the sudden hug. At first, she wanted to pull away, but the warmth of it stopped her. It felt soft and comforting, unlike any embrace she had experienced in twenty years. It was, perhaps, the closest she had ever come to what a mother's embrace should feel like. She let out a quiet sigh. For a moment, she thought that if these two were her real parents, it wouldn't be so bad. After a while, Daisy let go and held her hand. "Go pack your things. We'll take you home today. You won't have to live like this anymore." Victoria nodded. "Okay. Wait for me. I'll go pack." She didn't need to bring clothes. The only things she needed were the medicines she had made. After packing all the bottles of medicine powder and poison powder from the wooden cabinet, Victoria called out, "Blackie, Whitey, Greenie, come out. I'm taking you somewhere new." As soon as she finished, three small snakes slid out from the corners and crawled into a sack. Victoria tied the sack and slung it over her shoulder. Then she took a drum from the old cabinet. After giving the shabby house one last look, she walked outside and began to beat the drum. The loud sound of the drum echoed through the area. Hector and Daisy, waiting outside, looked confused. Before long, the villagers gathered around. They looked at Victoria with concern. "Victoria, what's wrong? What happened?" Victoria set down the drum, cleared her throat, and said, "Everyone, you all know I'm an orphan. I grew up without parents, raised by all of you. "But now I know who my real parents are. It turns out I'm the daughter of the Binder family in Benwig City." The villagers were happy for her at first, but then she continued, "But here's the thing. My real parents knew all along who I was, but they never came to acknowledge me. "And now, the only reason they're taking me back is to make me marry a disabled man in place of their adopted daughter." Hector and Daisy were stunned. They had no idea about any of this. The villagers were furious. "What kind of people are they? They knew you were their real daughter but ignored you all this time, and now they want to use you like this, huh?" "Blind fools! You're such a good girl, and they treat you like a tool, making you marry some cripple instead of their adopted daughter." "Victoria, don't listen to those heartless people." "That's right. Ignore them. We'll go teach them a lesson." "The Binder family? They're nothing special in Benwig City, acting all high and mighty. Victoria, you don't need to go back with them." Victoria raised her hand to quiet them. "Everyone, calm down. I've decided to go back to the Binder family for this arranged marriage. "But I'm going back to teach them a lesson. So I'm telling you all ahead of time. Please help take care of the herbs I just planted in my yard." Even though the villagers didn't really understand, they still respected her choice. "Okay. But if anyone from the Binder family dares to bully you, just call me. I'll get people to take them down," one person said. "That's right. We've got your back," another added. Victoria waved her hand. "Thank you, everyone. That's all I wanted to say. You can all head back now." After that, she turned to Hector and Daisy, who were still waiting, and gave them a light smile. "We can go now." Hector and Daisy were still a little stunned. When they heard her, they finally snapped out of it. "Oh, okay." "Let me carry that." The driver stepped forward and reached for the sack. "Be careful. It's heavy," Victoria said. The driver didn't believe it at first. But the moment he took it with both hands, he almost dropped it on his foot. Victoria blinked at him. "Can you handle it? Don't break anything inside." "No problem." The driver forced a smile, gritted his teeth, and lifted the sack into the trunk. By the time he got back into the driver's seat, he was sweating all over. He hadn't expected Victoria to be this strong despite looking so thin. After getting into the car, Daisy and Hector looked at each other, then kept glancing at Victoria. They seemed to want to say something, but neither of them knew how to start. In the end, Daisy asked, "Victoria, you just told the villagers about marrying a disabled man instead of that adopted daughter. What did you mean?" "You didn't know?" Victoria looked back at her, her eyes narrowing with suspicion. Daisy shook her head. "Hector and I really had no idea. About half a month ago, your parents suddenly told us Angelica wasn't their biological daughter. Then they sent people to look into it. "Just yesterday, they found out their real daughter was living here. That's why they want to bring you back today." Hector nodded to confirm her words. Victoria smiled faintly. "Then why do you think they didn't come themselves?" Daisy fell silent. To her, it was absurd that Victoria's parents would have relatives fetch their biological daughter instead of coming themselves. But the truth would hurt Victoria, so she chose not to say anything. Victoria let out a bitter laugh. "Aunt Daisy, even if you don't say it, I can guess. Just like I said, they don't want to acknowledge me. "They're only bringing me back because they have no choice. They want me to marry that disabled heir in place of their precious adopted daughter." Her gaze was clear and calm, and there was a quiet maturity about her that went far beyond her years. Hector frowned slightly. "Victoria, how did you find out about this arranged marriage?" Victoria smiled. "Secret." On the way, Daisy told her a lot about the Binder family. It wasn't much different from what Mara had already found out. The Binder family was still led by Calvin. He had two sons and one daughter. The eldest son, Hector, was the one who had come to get Victoria, and his wife was Daisy. They didn't have any children. The second son, Darell, was Victoria's biological father. He and his wife, Julia, had two sons and one daughter. The eldest son, Simon, managed the family's entertainment company, Brightstar Entertainment. The second son, Curtis, was a well-known singer under the same company. Then there was the youngest daughter, Angelica. She was considered very outstanding. At just twenty, she had already skipped grades and finished college. She was now preparing to study abroad after getting engaged to the eldest son of the Thornton family. Angelica was the baby who had been switched with Victoria. As for Calvin's daughter, Sirena, she had already married into another wealthy family and only returned for holidays. The drive from the village to Benwig City took six hours over bumpy roads. By the time they arrived, it was dark. "We're here," the driver said as he stopped the car. Victoria looked out the window. In front of her stood a large estate, with several villas spread across it. It looked grand and impressive. The Binder family mansion alone was almost as big as the entire Mullinran Village. Victoria got out of the car and followed Hector and Daisy inside. The head butler, Milton, who had been waiting at the door, stepped forward respectfully. "You're back." He looked at Victoria and gave a polite nod. "This must be Miss Victoria Binder." "Yes," Daisy replied. Then she looked at Victoria gently. "Victoria, go in and meet your parents and brother." Victoria said nothing. She quietly followed them inside. They passed through the wide front yard and stepped into the entrance hall. Standing at the doorway, she quickly scanned the four people sitting on the sofas in the main hall. First, she saw a middle-aged couple dressed in expensive clothes, carrying themselves with an air of wealth and status. Next was a handsome young man who looked a bit rebellious. Finally, there was a beautiful young woman about her age. The corners of her eyes were red, and she looked pitiful, as if she had been crying. None of them looked happy. Their faces were tense, filled with worry. When they looked at her, Victoria caught the flash of disgust in their eyes. A faint smile appeared on her lips. She thought the family was really quite interesting. Chapter 4 Are You an Idiot? "Darell, Julia, I brought your daughter back," Daisy said. She gently patted Victoria on the back. "Victoria, go say hello to your parents and your brother." Victoria didn't move. With a faint, mocking smile, she asked, "Aunt Daisy, are they really my parents and brother?" Daisy froze for a moment, then nodded. "Yes, they are. Why do you ask?" Victoria let out a cold laugh. "I'm supposed to be their daughter and sister, but why do they all look like they can't stand me?" The four people in the room all stiffened. They hadn't expected her to be so direct. Daisy froze again. She wanted to say something, but stopped herself. She knew what Darell and Julia were thinking. They didn't want to accept this daughter because they already had an excellent adopted one. They would rather stay home and comfort their adopted daughter's feelings than spend even a little time going to the village to pick up their real daughter. Simon and Curtis felt the same way. They were closer to the sister they had lived with for twenty years. None of them wanted to hurt her feelings just to pick up Victoria. Simon didn't even bother to show up; he was still at work. In the end, Daisy couldn't take it anymore and offered to go with Hector to bring Victoria home. What she didn't expect was that even after Victoria came back, Darell and Julia still acted like this. They didn't even try to hide it. Julia looked at Darell, and he looked back at her. In that brief exchange, they reached an understanding. Victoria clearly wasn't as quiet and easy to control as they had thought. They couldn't just brush her aside. If they wanted her to willingly take Angelica's place in the marriage to Jackson later, they would have to act nice and coax her a little. Julia hesitated, then forced herself to stand up. She put on a pained expression and walked toward Victoria. "My child, you've suffered so much out there." Victoria stepped aside slightly and avoided her touch. "Stop pretending. I don't see any concern in your eyes." Julia froze in place. A wave of anger rose inside her. She had lowered herself to show kindness, yet Victoria had refused it and embarrassed her in front of everyone. But to her, Victoria's lack of manners was no surprise. She had grown up in the countryside without her parents and had never been properly brought up. Julia forced a stiff smile. "I carried you for ten months. Of course, it hurts me to know you've suffered." Victoria sneered, "Is that so? If you really feel that way, why didn't you come pick me up today? Why did you send Uncle Hector and Aunt Daisy instead?" Daisy wanted to speak, but Hector gently held her hand and shook his head. He said quietly, "Daisy, we've already brought her back. What happens now is their family matter. Let them handle it. Let's go home." Daisy looked at Victoria, her eyes full of worry and sympathy. But she knew Hector was right. This was between Victoria and her parents. No matter what happened, she had no right to interfere. "Julia, now that Victoria is back, you should treat her well. Don't hurt her again. Daisy and I will head back now," Hector said politely, hoping his words would help a little. Darell nodded. "Thank you for your help today." Daisy said gently, "Victoria, we are leaving. If you need anything, come find us at Goldenwood Villa on the east side." With that, she reluctantly turned and left. Victoria watched them walk away, then quickly looked away. Once they were gone, Julia finally breathed a sigh of relief. "This is all my fault. Your father and I didn't go pick you up ourselves because I'm very emotional. "I was afraid that if I saw how poorly you were living, I wouldn't be able to handle it. So I stayed home to calm myself and prepare to welcome you." She was lying. Actually, after Angelica found out last night that she wasn't their real daughter, she had been upset the whole night. This morning, she was so distracted that she couldn't even eat. Julia felt sorry for her and stayed home to comfort her. Victoria's eyes were full of sarcasm. "So what exactly did you prepare for me?" Julia quickly said, "I've already cleaned up a room for you. Come, I'll show you." She reached for Victoria's hand again, but Victoria dodged her once more. "So cleaning a room was more important than coming to pick me up yourself." Julia's hand hung in the air. A trace of impatience flashed across her eyes. "Forget the room. I'm not even sure I'll stay," Victoria said. Then she pointed at the young woman about her age. "Who is she?" Angelica froze. Her eyes instantly turned red. She gently tugged on Curtis's sleeve. Curtis held her hand and said softly, "Angelica, don't be afraid." After comforting her, Curtis looked at Victoria coldly. His tone turned sharp. "I'm your brother, Curtis. And she's my sister, Angelica." He deliberately stressed the words "my sister." "I see." Victoria's voice carried a hint of sarcasm. "So that means she's the adopted daughter who was switched with me, right?" Angelica's hand trembled. Tears gathered in her eyes, ready to fall. Curtis's face darkened. He emphasized, "In my heart, Angelica is my real sister." Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Calling her your real sister? Are you an idiot?" Everyone except Victoria froze at her words. Curtis stared at her in disbelief. "You just called me an idiot, huh?" Victoria laughed mockingly. "Yeah. Did I say anything wrong? Don't you know her mother was the one who secretly switched us back then?" Angelica's birth mother, Jasmine, had worked as a customer service representative at a postpartum care center. When Julia was three months pregnant, she started looking for a high-end center, and Jasmine had served her. By coincidence, Jasmine was also pregnant at the time. When she realized Julia was wealthy, she started having bad thoughts. She secretly followed Julia to find out which center she chose and forced herself to spend the money to book the same one. During the recovery period after giving birth, Jasmine secretly switched her own daughter with Julia's without anyone noticing. At the time, Angelica had an allergic rash on her face. Julia didn't realize anything was wrong, and when she left the center, she took Angelica home. Angelica bit her lip. Tears finally streamed down her face. "I'm sorry." Curtis held her cold hand tightly and gently said, "Angelica, this has nothing to do with you." Then he turned to Victoria, his voice full of anger. "Yes, her mother switched you back then. But Angelica is innocent. She didn't know anything about it." Victoria laughed out loud, her eyes full of ridicule. "Oh, she's innocent? She spent twenty years enjoying my life, living in comfort and luxury. "And me? I was thrown into a trash can by her cruel mother in the freezing cold. If no one had found me, I would have died right after I was born." Chapter 5 I'll Leave Victoria's words left Curtis speechless. He had just started to feel a bit guilty when Angelica suddenly broke down in tears again. She said, "I'm sorry. It's all my fault. It's my fault for having a mother like that. Victoria, if you hate me, you can hit me or yell at me, but please don't blame Curtis." As she spoke, she struggled to pull free from Curtis's hand. With a determined look, she bit her lip and ran toward Victoria. "Angelica!" Curtis panicked and quickly got up to follow her. Angelica ran up to Victoria and was about to bow, but Curtis caught up just in time and pulled her back. "Angelica, what are you doing? This isn't your fault. It's your mother's fault." Victoria watched the whole scene and suddenly laughed. She even clapped her hands like she was watching a show. "This is really something. Are you putting on a pity act for me?" The small bit of guilt Curtis had felt disappeared right away. After helping Angelica steady herself, he looked at Victoria coldly. "Why are you being so unreasonable?" he asked. "Angelica already apologized sincerely, and you're still mocking her." "I'm not just mocking her. I'm mocking all of you," Victoria said. "Her mother planned everything, found a way to switch us, and let her take twenty years of the life that should have been mine. "Now that I'm back, you guys are still protecting her right in front of me. It's a shame that I ended up with a family like this." Curtis's face darkened even more. Julia looked helplessly at Darell. She hadn't expected Victoria to be so stubborn and didn't know how to deal with her. No matter how she looked at it, Julia just couldn't bring herself to like Victoria. Darell, who had been silent until now, finally spoke up. "That's enough, Victoria. Angelica's mother has already been punished. Angelica is alone now, with no one to rely on. "Your mother and I raised her for twenty years. We can't just throw her out. The Binder family has more than enough. Keeping her here is no big deal. She won't affect you." But Victoria didn't accept that. "If it's really no big deal, then she can live anywhere. Why does she have to stay here and bother me? "Every time I see her, I'm reminded of everything I went through after being switched." Darell didn't expect her to keep pushing like this. Just like Julia, he began to feel more and more resistant toward Victoria. Compared to Angelica, who was gentle and understanding, Victoria seemed completely rude to him. Angelica bit her lip and let her tears fall silently. She looked pitiful, making it hard not to feel sorry for her. Seeing how aggressive Victoria was, Curtis finally lost his temper. "So you won't be satisfied unless we send Angelica away, huh?" Victoria nodded. "That's right. We're not both living here. It's one or the other." As soon as she said that, everyone's faces darkened. "I don't want to leave you," Angelica said through her tears, looking completely wronged. It made anyone who saw her feel bad. Curtis held her hand tightly. "Angelica, don't worry. You don't have to go anywhere. As long as I'm here, I won't let anyone drive you out of the Binder family. You'll always be my sister. You're part of us." Victoria raised an eyebrow. "So you want me to leave, huh?" Julia was already at her limit, but she forced herself to stay calm. "Victoria, you just got back. You don't really know Angelica yet. "She's kind and understanding. Once you spend some time with her, you'll accept her. Her staying here won't affect your place. No matter what, you're our real daughter." Victoria sneered, "Really? Then why did all of you look disgusted the moment you saw me? Is it because I'm not as pretty as her? Or because I'm not as refined? "But have you forgotten? If we had never been switched, the pretty, refined one would be me. Everything she has now was built on the suffering I endured for her." Julia froze and quickly shook her head. "That's not it. We just haven't adjusted yet." "You need time to adjust to your own daughter, huh? Then why didn't Uncle Hector and Aunt Daisy need time when they saw me?" Victoria pressed. Julia had no answer. But she thought it was because Hector and Daisy had no children, so of course, they would be happy. She took a deep breath and softened her voice. "Victoria, we won't treat you badly from now on. Your living expenses will be the same as Angelica's. Your father and I won't favor one over the other." Victoria gave a faint, mocking smile. "Should I thank you for that? Honestly, for me, not favoring one over the other is already the biggest favoritism. "You two are really kind. You don't want your own daughter, but you're willing to spend money raising the daughter of someone who ruined my life. I've never seen people this generous." Julia held back her anger and continued, "Victoria, stop making trouble. You're my real daughter. We finally found you. How could we let you keep suffering out there?" Victoria replied, "So you knew I was suffering. While I was suffering, that criminal's daughter was living here, enjoying everything you gave her in my place. "And now, on the very first day I come back, you're ready to push me away again." Curtis said coldly, "Get this straight. We're not pushing you away. You're the one making things difficult. You could stay here peacefully, but you refuse to accept Angelica." "How could I accept the daughter of a criminal?" Victoria asked. "If I hadn't been lucky enough to survive, her mother would be both a trafficker and a murderer. "She committed the crime, but her daughter hasn't been punished at all. Why should she get to keep living this rich, comfortable life as if nothing had happened?" Angelica's body swayed. Curtis quickly held her steady, his anger finally breaking through. "With your attitude, do you even deserve to stay here while Angelica leaves?" "Of course I do. First, I'm a Binder by blood. Second, unlike you, I'm not an idiot." After snapping at him, Victoria lost her patience. "Have you decided? Is she leaving, or am I?" Curtis pulled Angelica into his arms protectively and said firmly, "Dad, Mom, if I have to choose, then I only recognize Angelica as my sister." "Good. One vote." Victoria raised her index finger and then looked at Julia. "What about you?" Julia forced down her frustration and said gently, "Victoria, don't do this—" "Alright, that's two votes," Victoria said, not even bothering to listen. She turned to Darell. "Your vote doesn't matter anymore. There are already two votes for Angelica. Fine. Since that's the case, she stays. I'll leave." A trace of anxiety flashed in Angelica's eyes. If Victoria really left, there would be no one to take her place in marrying Jackson. ------ 👇👇👇 There are limited chapters to put here, click “continue reading” to open App to continue reading (It will automatically jump to the book)
When a killer came in the night, Victoria Binder didn’t scream—she fought. And she won, burying the proof in her own garden. That was just the beginning. Unveiled as the lost heiress to a mighty fortune, Victoria returned to a family that despised her. She wasn’t there for their love. She was there for what was hers: the power, the legacy, the truth. ------ Chapter 1 I Want to Marry You "Victoria, we need to break up. It turns out I'm actually the heir to the Fairbank family, one of the most powerful families in Benwig City. You're just a country girl who sells herbs. You're not good enough for me anymore." Victoria Binder had just received a call from her boyfriend, Gavin Alvarado—no, Gavin Fairbank now. She had been about to tell him that she was the long-lost daughter of a wealthy family herself, but before she could say a word, she heard him claim she wasn't good enough for him. She let out a silent, cold laugh. The medicinal herbs she grew were incredibly valuable. Countless rich and influential families were trying to buy them at high prices. Her products had even appeared several times at the largest auction house in Benwig City. Gavin's arrogant voice came through the phone again. "With my status now, I need to marry a proper heiress from a family that matches mine. "But since we dated for two months, I won't treat you badly. Before I marry someone suitable, you can stay with me. Even after I get married, I can still keep you as my—" Before he could finish, Victoria snapped, "Asshole. If you want to break up, then we're done." She hung up immediately. The handsome man standing in front of her, Jackson Thornton, raised an eyebrow. He had been waiting for her response. He smiled. "So? You just found out you're the heiress of the Binder family, one of the richest families in Benwig City, and you still got dumped?" Victoria looked up at him and smiled brightly. "Funny coincidence. He just told me that he's the heir to a wealthy family in Benwig City and that I'm not good enough for him." Then her expression shifted, turning doubtful. "Wait a second. This whole thing about being the real daughter or real son of some rich family... Isn't that some new kind of scam going around?" Jackson paused for a moment, then smiled. "Of course not. You really are the true daughter of the Binder family." Victoria gave a nonchalant hum. She took the basket off her back, sat down on a chair, and began sorting the herbs she had just picked. "Then who are you?" she asked. "Why are you the one coming to find me instead of my biological parents?" Jackson glanced at the shabby house in front of him, then looked at Victoria, who sat casually on a small stool. He said, "If nothing unexpected happens, I'll soon be your fiancé. I'm Jackson, the eldest son of the Thornton family in Benwig City." Victoria almost slipped off her stool. She stared at him in shock. "What? Fiancé?" "That's right. But as you can see, I'm disabled now. I lost the use of my legs last month." Sitting in his wheelchair, Jackson lifted a hand and pointed at his legs, giving a helpless smile. "I see. And what does that have to do with you coming to find me today?" Victoria asked. Then she suddenly understood. "Wait. Are you saying that I'm the real daughter of the wealthy Binder family, and that they're planning to bring me back and have me marry you?" Jackson nodded, a hint of admiration in his eyes. "Exactly." Victoria's gaze flickered. Jackson continued, "Because of my legs, I'm about to be dumped. Just like you." Victoria caught on quickly. "So the one who was supposed to marry you was the Binder family's adopted daughter. But now that you're disabled, she doesn't want to marry you anymore." Jackson nodded again. "Yes. That's exactly it." Victoria almost let out a bitter laugh. "Then why don't you look upset at all?" Jackson said calmly, "You just got dumped by your boyfriend, and you don't look upset either." "He's just trash. Good riddance." Victoria curled her lips in disdain. Jackson studied her, the admiration in his eyes deepening. "You're surprisingly chill about it." Victoria let out a small scoff. "Of course. Why waste time and energy feeling bad over someone who isn't worth it?" She had started dating Gavin after saving his life by chance two years ago. After that, he had chased after her nonstop, using gratitude as an excuse. For two whole years, he acted devoted, as if he would never marry anyone but her. He didn't seem to have any serious flaws. She figured having a man around could help her take care of the herb garden and keep other men from bothering her, so she agreed to date him. But she never expected that the moment Gavin found out he was the heir to a wealthy family, he would turn on her so quickly. Jackson smiled. "Same here. She's trash anyway. Better not to marry her." There had never been anything between him and Angelica Binder. Their engagement had only been arranged by his grandfather for a business alliance. Now that his legs were disabled, Angelica's parents naturally didn't want her to marry him anymore. But the Thornton family was the most powerful family in Benwig City, with huge wealth and influence. They weren't willing to give up the alliance, either. In the end, they planned to have their biological daughter, Victoria, marry him in Angelica's place. Victoria went straight to the point. "It's just strange. How could it be such a coincidence? Right after your legs were disabled, my birth parents suddenly found me and decided to have me marry you instead of their adopted daughter." She let out a cold, mocking laugh. "Looks like they always knew I was their real daughter. I just had no value to them, so they left me out here all this time and never brought me home." Jackson didn't try to comfort her with lies. "I think you're right." Victoria gave a cold sneer. If that was true, then her birth parents were even more heartless than she had thought. Still, one thing didn't make sense to her. "Since you already know what the Binder family is planning, why not just give up on the alliance? Why walk straight into their trap?" "I had someone look into you," Jackson said calmly. "You sell medicine, and you're pretty well-known around here. "I heard you've treated quite a few difficult cases with your own methods. My legs are disabled. Over the past month, I've invited top doctors from all over the country, but none of them could help. "So I came here myself to see if marrying you would be a trap or a chance for me." He didn't hide why he came. Victoria found him interesting. She shrugged. "Well, you've seen me now. I'm just a wild country girl. My birth parents, the ones I've never even met, clearly don't like me. "Do you still want to marry someone like me? I'm just a real daughter who isn't valued and is just being used as a substitute bride." Jackson looked at her closely. At first glance, she wasn't the delicate type raised in comfort. Her skin wasn't soft. It had a light wheat tone that made her look healthy and full of life. But if one looked more carefully, her features were actually very refined. Her eyes were bright and clear, and there was strength in the way she looked at people. There was no trace of disrespect in Jackson's gaze. He looked sincere. "Yes. After meeting you, I'm sure I want to marry you. I just don't know if you're willing to give me a chance." Victoria studied his face. She had to admit that he was strikingly handsome, the kind of man who wouldn't be forgotten even in a huge crowd. His features were sharp, and his face was well-defined. What stood out the most was his eyes. Even after going through something as serious as losing the use of his legs, they were still clear. There was no bitterness or confusion. Victoria glanced at his legs again. "What's going on with them?" "They were broken with a wooden club last month," Jackson said. "I've had many well-known doctors take a look. They all said my legs are beyond saving. I'll never stand again." "Pull up your pant legs. Let me see," said Victoria. "Okay." Jackson did as she said, lifting his pant legs to reveal his knees and lower legs, covered in scars. Victoria's expression darkened. She set the herbs aside, stood up, and walked over to him. Then she bent down and pressed carefully on his knees. The pain made Jackson frown, but he didn't make a sound. "They can be treated," Victoria said firmly. Hope lit up in Jackson's eyes at once. Thinking about how her birth parents had ignored her existence for so many years, Victoria made up her mind. She would go back to Benwig City and take her place as the Binder family's true daughter. She wanted to meet them face to face. She clapped her hands lightly and sat back down on the small stool. "I can marry you." Jackson raised an eyebrow. "Do you have any conditions?" Victoria tilted her head and smiled brightly. "Listen to you. Do I need conditions to marry you? You're so good-looking. If I fix your legs, I'll be the one getting the better deal." Jackson hadn't expected her to be so straightforward. His brow lifted higher, and he let out a soft laugh. "Alright. Then it's settled. I'll wait for you to return to the Binder family." Chapter 2 A Welcome Gift After Jackson left his phone number with Victoria, he left the village with his assistant, Ollie Rowse. Victoria watched him go, her eyes growing thoughtful. She took out her phone and dialed a number. "Mara, I need you to look into everyone in the Binder family in Benwig City right away. Focus on their daughter. I want everything you can find, and I want it by tonight." "Yes, boss," Mara replied. After hanging up, Victoria's gaze turned even sharper. Ford had once told her about that freezing winter night twenty years ago. He had been on his way to settle down in a small southern town when he heard a baby crying from inside a trash bin. He got out of the car to check and found a baby girl, not even a month old, her skin red from the cold. If she hadn't been crying so loudly, and if he hadn't happened to pass that deserted road, she would have died quietly in that trash bin. That baby was Victoria. Ford gave her that name, hoping she would grow up strong and tough no matter what life threw at her. Even on his deathbed, Ford never stopped looking for her biological parents. And all this time, Victoria had believed they must have abandoned her because they had no other choice. But now, it seemed that wasn't true. Her biological parents didn't want her and had no intention of taking her back. If it weren't for the adopted daughter they had raised for twenty years, Victoria might have gone her whole life without parents. Just then, someone called out from outside, "Victoria, who was that man in the nice car looking for you?" It was Stephan, a middle-aged man from next door. He spent most of his time up in the mountains hunting herbs. Victoria put her phone away and walked out, smiling at him. "To be honest with you, that was my fiancé." Stephan looked surprised. "Your fiancé? You have good taste. He's a handsome man. Why didn't you ask him to stay for dinner?" "He had things to take care of in the city. He couldn't stay today," Victoria said. "Next time he comes, make sure he stays for a meal. Everything we eat here is grown by us. Let him try it. It's much better and healthier than city food," Stephan said. "I will," Victoria said with a smile. Stephan grabbed his tools and headed up into the mountains. Only after he left did Victoria go back inside to keep sorting the herbs she had picked. ***** After leaving Mullinran Village, Ollie, who was driving, glanced at Jackson's calm face in the rearview mirror and asked carefully, "Mr. Thornton, are you really going to marry her? "You saw it yourself. Her own parents don't even want her. She makes a living selling herbs and doing some basic medical work. "You just went through something serious, and this is when you need support the most. Marrying her won't help you secure your position in the Thornton family." Jackson shifted his gaze away from the fields outside the window and gently rubbed the petals of a purple flower he had picked from Victoria's doorstep. He asked, "Ollie, do you remember six months ago, when my grandfather was seriously ill and needed a very rare herb to survive?" Ollie wasn't sure why he changed the subject, but he nodded. "Of course. That herb showed up at the biggest auction house in Benwig City. You spent 30 million dollars to get it." "Didn't you notice? That same rare herb was hanging casually on the wall of her simple, run-down house," Jackson said. That one bundle alone would be worth a fortune at any auction in Benwig City. "What?" Ollie was stunned. From the moment they walked into Victoria's house, he had only noticed how shabby it looked and missed everything else. Now it finally clicked. "Do you mean her background might not be as simple as it seems?" Jackson lifted the purple flower to his nose and took a light breath. "I can't say for sure what her background is yet. But one thing is clear. Her medical skills are far from simple." Ollie understood right away. If that was true, then there was real hope for Jackson's legs. Still, he couldn't help asking, "If all you want is to fix your legs, you could just pay her a large amount of money. There's no need to marry her." Jackson blinked and slowly turned the flower between his fingers. A faint smile appeared on his lips. "What if I said I fell for her at first sight? Would you believe me?" Ollie paused and looked at him again through the rearview mirror. He seemed calm. He wasn't exactly joking, but he wasn't completely serious, either. But Jackson rarely joked, so Ollie couldn't tell how much of it was real. In the end, he chose to believe him. "I believe you." "Good. In my eyes, she is already my fiancée. From now on, you need to treat her with respect," Jackson said. "Understood." Ollie nodded. Jackson wasn't joking. When it came to love, he had never believed in feelings that grew over time. To him, if there was no spark at first sight, then staying together would only lead to a relationship based on weighing pros and cons, not the kind of love that made his heart race. That was why, when his grandfather arranged his engagement to Angelica, he had agreed for practical reasons alone. But when he saw Victoria, everything changed. It felt like the world spun around him, and everything else faded away. In his eyes, she was the only color left. He couldn't explain why it had to be her. Maybe it was that moment when their eyes met, when the light in hers pulled him in like a whirlpool. Jackson picked up a book from the car and carefully placed the small purple flower between its pages. Then he closed the book and shut his eyes. ***** At eight that evening, Victoria had just finished bringing in the herbs she had been drying on the roof when her phone rang. She set the herbs aside, brushed the dust off her hands, and picked up the call. Mara's cool voice came through. "Boss, I found what you asked for. The Binder family has only one daughter. She was born to the second son, Darell, and his wife, Julia. Her name is Angelica. She's the same age as you. "She's very spoiled at home. Two months ago, Darell arranged a great marriage for her. She's engaged to Jackson, the eldest son of the Thornton family, the most powerful family in Benwig City. "Jackson had already been chosen by his grandfather, Gerry, as the next heir. But last month, he had an accident. Someone broke both his legs, and the announcement was put on hold." "What is Angelica like?" Victoria asked. "She has a very good reputation. She's beautiful and talented. A lot of rich young men in Benwig City admire her. That's probably why she gained Gerry's approval for the marriage," Mara said. Victoria let out a cold laugh to herself. She didn't believe for a second that Angelica's perfect life came without tricks. "Got it. Now find out if Angelica is really Darell and Julia's biological daughter," Victoria said. "You're focusing on the Binder family, especially Angelica. What are you planning to do?" Mara asked. "I'm going back to take my place," Victoria said. A faint spark lit up in her deep eyes. She found the idea of being the Binder family's real daughter interesting. Victoria had many identities. The one she used the most was a village herbalist and healer. In her daily life, she spent time with her retired scientist friends in the village, growing new herbs and developing new medicines. Over the years, she had cultivated twenty kinds of rare medicinal plants. Because they were so hard to produce, they sold for extremely high prices. Any one of them, if sold at auction in Benwig City, could earn more than most people made in a lifetime. On top of that, she was skilled in traditional medical techniques. When she treated regular villagers, she charged normal fees. But when rich families or powerful figures came to her, her starting fee was three million dollars. Of course, she guaranteed results. If she couldn't cure them, she wouldn't take a single dollar. This identity alone had already made her very rich. Money no longer meant much to her. So when her ex-boyfriend, Gavin, said she wasn't good enough for him, she found it almost funny. If she wanted, she could build her own place in Benwig City without relying on anyone. Over the years, all her different identities had started to feel dull. It was time to try something new. And she had to admit, Jackson impressed her. Out of all the people she had treated, none had faced sudden injury like he did, so calm and steady. His willpower was strong. He was someone who would go far. He was handsome and capable. It would be a waste for him to stay crippled. So she would fix his legs. Mara quickly understood, her voice turning serious. "Understood, boss. I'll get on it right away." ***** Late that night, Victoria was fast asleep when she heard wood cracking outside. Her eyes opened at once, sharp and alert, and she turned toward the sound. Anyone showing up at this hour without warning was not from the village. She had spread powders around her home to keep wild animals away, so no beasts would come near. That left only one answer. Someone had broken in. Victoria got up quietly and, using the moonlight, moved to hide behind the door. Soon, her old wooden door was kicked open, and a shadow rushed inside. She hadn't expected him to be so bold, barging in instead of sneaking around. She flicked a silver needle straight at him. The man let out a low groan and dropped to the ground. Victoria turned on the light, filling the room with brightness. She kicked him aside and finally saw his face clearly. He looked like a hardened criminal. She grabbed a rope, walked over, and tied up his hands and feet. Once he was secured, she took out a needle and stuck it into his neck. Within seconds, he woke up. Victoria sat on the bed, crossing her legs as she played with another needle. "If you don't want to suffer, you'd better tell me the truth. Who sent you?" The man quickly sized up the situation. "People who hire killers stay anonymous. Who would be stupid enough to give their name? But they said that if I raped you, they would get me out of the country safely." Victoria's eyes turned cold and sharp. If he needed to run overseas, that meant he was already a wanted criminal. The man hurried to beg, "I've told you everything I know. Let me go. I won't take this job anymore." Victoria nodded. "Fine." She walked over, pulled out the needle, and untied the ropes. "You can leave." The man rubbed his wrists. "Thanks—" Before he could finish, his face suddenly changed. He lifted his leg and tried to kick Victoria in the knee. But the moment his foot rose, a sharp pain shot through him. Then his whole body went numb. He couldn't move. He looked down in terror. A small black snake had bitten his ankle. "How is there a poisonous snake here—" Before he could finish, blood burst from his throat. His body fell stiffly to the ground. After a few jerks, he went still. Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Trying to kill me in my place? You asked for it. Good job, Blackie. Go rest." The little black snake slipped into a dark corner and quickly disappeared. Victoria picked up a hoe, stuffed the body into a large basket, and lifted it onto her back with ease. She carried it outside and buried it near her vegetable garden. It would make good fertilizer for her herbs. After that, she let out a long breath, brushed off her hands, and looked up at the nearly full moon. She had just learned who she really was, and someone had already sent a man to ruin her. It seemed that someone had prepared a "welcome gift" for her in advance. Chapter 3 We've Got Your Back The next day at noon, a black Bentley worth 1.5 million dollars stopped in front of Victoria's house. Victoria was grinding the herbs she had picked the day before. When she heard the car, she glanced out the window and checked the license plate. It was from Benwig City, just as she expected. She finished grinding the herbs, put them into jars, brushed the dust off her hands, and walked outside. She went straight to the car and knocked on the window. A moment later, the window slid down, revealing the still handsome face of a middle-aged man—Hector Binder. He looked about fifty, with neatly slicked-back hair. A woman sat beside him. She looked about the same age. Even though she wasn't young anymore, she had taken good care of herself and looked as if she were in her thirties. Her features were still soft and beautiful. Victoria didn't waste time. "Are you here for me?" Hector, sitting in the back seat, looked at her, then at the photo in his hand. His eyes lit up. "Daisy, it's her. She's the one we're looking for." Daisy's eyes filled with excitement, even shining with tears. "Yes, it's her. No mistake." They quickly opened the door, got out of the car, and walked over to Victoria. Hector nodded. "Yes. You're the real daughter the Binder family lost years ago. We're here to take you back." Victoria looked straight into his eyes. He seemed like a decent man, and the excitement in his expression matched Daisy's. It didn't look fake. This couple didn't seem to have anything to do with what happened to her last night. Hector paused, a little surprised. "How did you know we were coming?" But he didn't dwell on it. Instead, he explained, "You are the young lady of the Binder family. "When you were little, someone switched you with another baby. That's why you ended up here. You've suffered for twenty years, living away from your real home." As soon as he finished, Daisy started to choke up. "Poor child." Victoria stayed calm. "So, are you my parents?" Hector and Daisy froze. They exchanged a look, then answered awkwardly, "No. We're your uncle and aunt." Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Then why aren't my parents here? Why did they send you instead?" Daisy looked uneasy. "Something came up at home. They couldn't leave, so they asked us to come get you." Victoria saw right through it. "You don't have to cover for them. I'm not a child. What could be more important than picking up their own daughter? They just didn't want to come." Hearing that, Daisy stepped forward and gently hugged her. Tears slipped down her face. "My poor child, you've suffered so much." Victoria didn't expect the sudden hug. At first, she wanted to pull away, but the warmth of it stopped her. It felt soft and comforting, unlike any embrace she had experienced in twenty years. It was, perhaps, the closest she had ever come to what a mother's embrace should feel like. She let out a quiet sigh. For a moment, she thought that if these two were her real parents, it wouldn't be so bad. After a while, Daisy let go and held her hand. "Go pack your things. We'll take you home today. You won't have to live like this anymore." Victoria nodded. "Okay. Wait for me. I'll go pack." She didn't need to bring clothes. The only things she needed were the medicines she had made. After packing all the bottles of medicine powder and poison powder from the wooden cabinet, Victoria called out, "Blackie, Whitey, Greenie, come out. I'm taking you somewhere new." As soon as she finished, three small snakes slid out from the corners and crawled into a sack. Victoria tied the sack and slung it over her shoulder. Then she took a drum from the old cabinet. After giving the shabby house one last look, she walked outside and began to beat the drum. The loud sound of the drum echoed through the area. Hector and Daisy, waiting outside, looked confused. Before long, the villagers gathered around. They looked at Victoria with concern. "Victoria, what's wrong? What happened?" Victoria set down the drum, cleared her throat, and said, "Everyone, you all know I'm an orphan. I grew up without parents, raised by all of you. "But now I know who my real parents are. It turns out I'm the daughter of the Binder family in Benwig City." The villagers were happy for her at first, but then she continued, "But here's the thing. My real parents knew all along who I was, but they never came to acknowledge me. "And now, the only reason they're taking me back is to make me marry a disabled man in place of their adopted daughter." Hector and Daisy were stunned. They had no idea about any of this. The villagers were furious. "What kind of people are they? They knew you were their real daughter but ignored you all this time, and now they want to use you like this, huh?" "Blind fools! You're such a good girl, and they treat you like a tool, making you marry some cripple instead of their adopted daughter." "Victoria, don't listen to those heartless people." "That's right. Ignore them. We'll go teach them a lesson." "The Binder family? They're nothing special in Benwig City, acting all high and mighty. Victoria, you don't need to go back with them." Victoria raised her hand to quiet them. "Everyone, calm down. I've decided to go back to the Binder family for this arranged marriage. "But I'm going back to teach them a lesson. So I'm telling you all ahead of time. Please help take care of the herbs I just planted in my yard." Even though the villagers didn't really understand, they still respected her choice. "Okay. But if anyone from the Binder family dares to bully you, just call me. I'll get people to take them down," one person said. "That's right. We've got your back," another added. Victoria waved her hand. "Thank you, everyone. That's all I wanted to say. You can all head back now." After that, she turned to Hector and Daisy, who were still waiting, and gave them a light smile. "We can go now." Hector and Daisy were still a little stunned. When they heard her, they finally snapped out of it. "Oh, okay." "Let me carry that." The driver stepped forward and reached for the sack. "Be careful. It's heavy," Victoria said. The driver didn't believe it at first. But the moment he took it with both hands, he almost dropped it on his foot. Victoria blinked at him. "Can you handle it? Don't break anything inside." "No problem." The driver forced a smile, gritted his teeth, and lifted the sack into the trunk. By the time he got back into the driver's seat, he was sweating all over. He hadn't expected Victoria to be this strong despite looking so thin. After getting into the car, Daisy and Hector looked at each other, then kept glancing at Victoria. They seemed to want to say something, but neither of them knew how to start. In the end, Daisy asked, "Victoria, you just told the villagers about marrying a disabled man instead of that adopted daughter. What did you mean?" "You didn't know?" Victoria looked back at her, her eyes narrowing with suspicion. Daisy shook her head. "Hector and I really had no idea. About half a month ago, your parents suddenly told us Angelica wasn't their biological daughter. Then they sent people to look into it. "Just yesterday, they found out their real daughter was living here. That's why they want to bring you back today." Hector nodded to confirm her words. Victoria smiled faintly. "Then why do you think they didn't come themselves?" Daisy fell silent. To her, it was absurd that Victoria's parents would have relatives fetch their biological daughter instead of coming themselves. But the truth would hurt Victoria, so she chose not to say anything. Victoria let out a bitter laugh. "Aunt Daisy, even if you don't say it, I can guess. Just like I said, they don't want to acknowledge me. "They're only bringing me back because they have no choice. They want me to marry that disabled heir in place of their precious adopted daughter." Her gaze was clear and calm, and there was a quiet maturity about her that went far beyond her years. Hector frowned slightly. "Victoria, how did you find out about this arranged marriage?" Victoria smiled. "Secret." On the way, Daisy told her a lot about the Binder family. It wasn't much different from what Mara had already found out. The Binder family was still led by Calvin. He had two sons and one daughter. The eldest son, Hector, was the one who had come to get Victoria, and his wife was Daisy. They didn't have any children. The second son, Darell, was Victoria's biological father. He and his wife, Julia, had two sons and one daughter. The eldest son, Simon, managed the family's entertainment company, Brightstar Entertainment. The second son, Curtis, was a well-known singer under the same company. Then there was the youngest daughter, Angelica. She was considered very outstanding. At just twenty, she had already skipped grades and finished college. She was now preparing to study abroad after getting engaged to the eldest son of the Thornton family. Angelica was the baby who had been switched with Victoria. As for Calvin's daughter, Sirena, she had already married into another wealthy family and only returned for holidays. The drive from the village to Benwig City took six hours over bumpy roads. By the time they arrived, it was dark. "We're here," the driver said as he stopped the car. Victoria looked out the window. In front of her stood a large estate, with several villas spread across it. It looked grand and impressive. The Binder family mansion alone was almost as big as the entire Mullinran Village. Victoria got out of the car and followed Hector and Daisy inside. The head butler, Milton, who had been waiting at the door, stepped forward respectfully. "You're back." He looked at Victoria and gave a polite nod. "This must be Miss Victoria Binder." "Yes," Daisy replied. Then she looked at Victoria gently. "Victoria, go in and meet your parents and brother." Victoria said nothing. She quietly followed them inside. They passed through the wide front yard and stepped into the entrance hall. Standing at the doorway, she quickly scanned the four people sitting on the sofas in the main hall. First, she saw a middle-aged couple dressed in expensive clothes, carrying themselves with an air of wealth and status. Next was a handsome young man who looked a bit rebellious. Finally, there was a beautiful young woman about her age. The corners of her eyes were red, and she looked pitiful, as if she had been crying. None of them looked happy. Their faces were tense, filled with worry. When they looked at her, Victoria caught the flash of disgust in their eyes. A faint smile appeared on her lips. She thought the family was really quite interesting. Chapter 4 Are You an Idiot? "Darell, Julia, I brought your daughter back," Daisy said. She gently patted Victoria on the back. "Victoria, go say hello to your parents and your brother." Victoria didn't move. With a faint, mocking smile, she asked, "Aunt Daisy, are they really my parents and brother?" Daisy froze for a moment, then nodded. "Yes, they are. Why do you ask?" Victoria let out a cold laugh. "I'm supposed to be their daughter and sister, but why do they all look like they can't stand me?" The four people in the room all stiffened. They hadn't expected her to be so direct. Daisy froze again. She wanted to say something, but stopped herself. She knew what Darell and Julia were thinking. They didn't want to accept this daughter because they already had an excellent adopted one. They would rather stay home and comfort their adopted daughter's feelings than spend even a little time going to the village to pick up their real daughter. Simon and Curtis felt the same way. They were closer to the sister they had lived with for twenty years. None of them wanted to hurt her feelings just to pick up Victoria. Simon didn't even bother to show up; he was still at work. In the end, Daisy couldn't take it anymore and offered to go with Hector to bring Victoria home. What she didn't expect was that even after Victoria came back, Darell and Julia still acted like this. They didn't even try to hide it. Julia looked at Darell, and he looked back at her. In that brief exchange, they reached an understanding. Victoria clearly wasn't as quiet and easy to control as they had thought. They couldn't just brush her aside. If they wanted her to willingly take Angelica's place in the marriage to Jackson later, they would have to act nice and coax her a little. Julia hesitated, then forced herself to stand up. She put on a pained expression and walked toward Victoria. "My child, you've suffered so much out there." Victoria stepped aside slightly and avoided her touch. "Stop pretending. I don't see any concern in your eyes." Julia froze in place. A wave of anger rose inside her. She had lowered herself to show kindness, yet Victoria had refused it and embarrassed her in front of everyone. But to her, Victoria's lack of manners was no surprise. She had grown up in the countryside without her parents and had never been properly brought up. Julia forced a stiff smile. "I carried you for ten months. Of course, it hurts me to know you've suffered." Victoria sneered, "Is that so? If you really feel that way, why didn't you come pick me up today? Why did you send Uncle Hector and Aunt Daisy instead?" Daisy wanted to speak, but Hector gently held her hand and shook his head. He said quietly, "Daisy, we've already brought her back. What happens now is their family matter. Let them handle it. Let's go home." Daisy looked at Victoria, her eyes full of worry and sympathy. But she knew Hector was right. This was between Victoria and her parents. No matter what happened, she had no right to interfere. "Julia, now that Victoria is back, you should treat her well. Don't hurt her again. Daisy and I will head back now," Hector said politely, hoping his words would help a little. Darell nodded. "Thank you for your help today." Daisy said gently, "Victoria, we are leaving. If you need anything, come find us at Goldenwood Villa on the east side." With that, she reluctantly turned and left. Victoria watched them walk away, then quickly looked away. Once they were gone, Julia finally breathed a sigh of relief. "This is all my fault. Your father and I didn't go pick you up ourselves because I'm very emotional. "I was afraid that if I saw how poorly you were living, I wouldn't be able to handle it. So I stayed home to calm myself and prepare to welcome you." She was lying. Actually, after Angelica found out last night that she wasn't their real daughter, she had been upset the whole night. This morning, she was so distracted that she couldn't even eat. Julia felt sorry for her and stayed home to comfort her. Victoria's eyes were full of sarcasm. "So what exactly did you prepare for me?" Julia quickly said, "I've already cleaned up a room for you. Come, I'll show you." She reached for Victoria's hand again, but Victoria dodged her once more. "So cleaning a room was more important than coming to pick me up yourself." Julia's hand hung in the air. A trace of impatience flashed across her eyes. "Forget the room. I'm not even sure I'll stay," Victoria said. Then she pointed at the young woman about her age. "Who is she?" Angelica froze. Her eyes instantly turned red. She gently tugged on Curtis's sleeve. Curtis held her hand and said softly, "Angelica, don't be afraid." After comforting her, Curtis looked at Victoria coldly. His tone turned sharp. "I'm your brother, Curtis. And she's my sister, Angelica." He deliberately stressed the words "my sister." "I see." Victoria's voice carried a hint of sarcasm. "So that means she's the adopted daughter who was switched with me, right?" Angelica's hand trembled. Tears gathered in her eyes, ready to fall. Curtis's face darkened. He emphasized, "In my heart, Angelica is my real sister." Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Calling her your real sister? Are you an idiot?" Everyone except Victoria froze at her words. Curtis stared at her in disbelief. "You just called me an idiot, huh?" Victoria laughed mockingly. "Yeah. Did I say anything wrong? Don't you know her mother was the one who secretly switched us back then?" Angelica's birth mother, Jasmine, had worked as a customer service representative at a postpartum care center. When Julia was three months pregnant, she started looking for a high-end center, and Jasmine had served her. By coincidence, Jasmine was also pregnant at the time. When she realized Julia was wealthy, she started having bad thoughts. She secretly followed Julia to find out which center she chose and forced herself to spend the money to book the same one. During the recovery period after giving birth, Jasmine secretly switched her own daughter with Julia's without anyone noticing. At the time, Angelica had an allergic rash on her face. Julia didn't realize anything was wrong, and when she left the center, she took Angelica home. Angelica bit her lip. Tears finally streamed down her face. "I'm sorry." Curtis held her cold hand tightly and gently said, "Angelica, this has nothing to do with you." Then he turned to Victoria, his voice full of anger. "Yes, her mother switched you back then. But Angelica is innocent. She didn't know anything about it." Victoria laughed out loud, her eyes full of ridicule. "Oh, she's innocent? She spent twenty years enjoying my life, living in comfort and luxury. "And me? I was thrown into a trash can by her cruel mother in the freezing cold. If no one had found me, I would have died right after I was born." Chapter 5 I'll Leave Victoria's words left Curtis speechless. He had just started to feel a bit guilty when Angelica suddenly broke down in tears again. She said, "I'm sorry. It's all my fault. It's my fault for having a mother like that. Victoria, if you hate me, you can hit me or yell at me, but please don't blame Curtis." As she spoke, she struggled to pull free from Curtis's hand. With a determined look, she bit her lip and ran toward Victoria. "Angelica!" Curtis panicked and quickly got up to follow her. Angelica ran up to Victoria and was about to bow, but Curtis caught up just in time and pulled her back. "Angelica, what are you doing? This isn't your fault. It's your mother's fault." Victoria watched the whole scene and suddenly laughed. She even clapped her hands like she was watching a show. "This is really something. Are you putting on a pity act for me?" The small bit of guilt Curtis had felt disappeared right away. After helping Angelica steady herself, he looked at Victoria coldly. "Why are you being so unreasonable?" he asked. "Angelica already apologized sincerely, and you're still mocking her." "I'm not just mocking her. I'm mocking all of you," Victoria said. "Her mother planned everything, found a way to switch us, and let her take twenty years of the life that should have been mine. "Now that I'm back, you guys are still protecting her right in front of me. It's a shame that I ended up with a family like this." Curtis's face darkened even more. Julia looked helplessly at Darell. She hadn't expected Victoria to be so stubborn and didn't know how to deal with her. No matter how she looked at it, Julia just couldn't bring herself to like Victoria. Darell, who had been silent until now, finally spoke up. "That's enough, Victoria. Angelica's mother has already been punished. Angelica is alone now, with no one to rely on. "Your mother and I raised her for twenty years. We can't just throw her out. The Binder family has more than enough. Keeping her here is no big deal. She won't affect you." But Victoria didn't accept that. "If it's really no big deal, then she can live anywhere. Why does she have to stay here and bother me? "Every time I see her, I'm reminded of everything I went through after being switched." Darell didn't expect her to keep pushing like this. Just like Julia, he began to feel more and more resistant toward Victoria. Compared to Angelica, who was gentle and understanding, Victoria seemed completely rude to him. Angelica bit her lip and let her tears fall silently. She looked pitiful, making it hard not to feel sorry for her. Seeing how aggressive Victoria was, Curtis finally lost his temper. "So you won't be satisfied unless we send Angelica away, huh?" Victoria nodded. "That's right. We're not both living here. It's one or the other." As soon as she said that, everyone's faces darkened. "I don't want to leave you," Angelica said through her tears, looking completely wronged. It made anyone who saw her feel bad. Curtis held her hand tightly. "Angelica, don't worry. You don't have to go anywhere. As long as I'm here, I won't let anyone drive you out of the Binder family. You'll always be my sister. You're part of us." Victoria raised an eyebrow. "So you want me to leave, huh?" Julia was already at her limit, but she forced herself to stay calm. "Victoria, you just got back. You don't really know Angelica yet. "She's kind and understanding. Once you spend some time with her, you'll accept her. Her staying here won't affect your place. No matter what, you're our real daughter." Victoria sneered, "Really? Then why did all of you look disgusted the moment you saw me? Is it because I'm not as pretty as her? Or because I'm not as refined? "But have you forgotten? If we had never been switched, the pretty, refined one would be me. Everything she has now was built on the suffering I endured for her." Julia froze and quickly shook her head. "That's not it. We just haven't adjusted yet." "You need time to adjust to your own daughter, huh? Then why didn't Uncle Hector and Aunt Daisy need time when they saw me?" Victoria pressed. Julia had no answer. But she thought it was because Hector and Daisy had no children, so of course, they would be happy. She took a deep breath and softened her voice. "Victoria, we won't treat you badly from now on. Your living expenses will be the same as Angelica's. Your father and I won't favor one over the other." Victoria gave a faint, mocking smile. "Should I thank you for that? Honestly, for me, not favoring one over the other is already the biggest favoritism. "You two are really kind. You don't want your own daughter, but you're willing to spend money raising the daughter of someone who ruined my life. I've never seen people this generous." Julia held back her anger and continued, "Victoria, stop making trouble. You're my real daughter. We finally found you. How could we let you keep suffering out there?" Victoria replied, "So you knew I was suffering. While I was suffering, that criminal's daughter was living here, enjoying everything you gave her in my place. "And now, on the very first day I come back, you're ready to push me away again." Curtis said coldly, "Get this straight. We're not pushing you away. You're the one making things difficult. You could stay here peacefully, but you refuse to accept Angelica." "How could I accept the daughter of a criminal?" Victoria asked. "If I hadn't been lucky enough to survive, her mother would be both a trafficker and a murderer. "She committed the crime, but her daughter hasn't been punished at all. Why should she get to keep living this rich, comfortable life as if nothing had happened?" Angelica's body swayed. Curtis quickly held her steady, his anger finally breaking through. "With your attitude, do you even deserve to stay here while Angelica leaves?" "Of course I do. First, I'm a Binder by blood. Second, unlike you, I'm not an idiot." After snapping at him, Victoria lost her patience. "Have you decided? Is she leaving, or am I?" Curtis pulled Angelica into his arms protectively and said firmly, "Dad, Mom, if I have to choose, then I only recognize Angelica as my sister." "Good. One vote." Victoria raised her index finger and then looked at Julia. "What about you?" Julia forced down her frustration and said gently, "Victoria, don't do this—" "Alright, that's two votes," Victoria said, not even bothering to listen. She turned to Darell. "Your vote doesn't matter anymore. There are already two votes for Angelica. Fine. Since that's the case, she stays. I'll leave." A trace of anxiety flashed in Angelica's eyes. If Victoria really left, there would be no one to take her place in marrying Jackson. ------ 👇👇👇 There are limited chapters to put here, click “continue reading” to open App to continue reading (It will automatically jump to the book)
When a killer came in the night, Victoria Binder didn’t scream—she fought. And she won, burying the proof in her own garden. That was just the beginning. Unveiled as the lost heiress to a mighty fortune, Victoria returned to a family that despised her. She wasn’t there for their love. She was there for what was hers: the power, the legacy, the truth. ------ Chapter 1 I Want to Marry You "Victoria, we need to break up. It turns out I'm actually the heir to the Fairbank family, one of the most powerful families in Benwig City. You're just a country girl who sells herbs. You're not good enough for me anymore." Victoria Binder had just received a call from her boyfriend, Gavin Alvarado—no, Gavin Fairbank now. She had been about to tell him that she was the long-lost daughter of a wealthy family herself, but before she could say a word, she heard him claim she wasn't good enough for him. She let out a silent, cold laugh. The medicinal herbs she grew were incredibly valuable. Countless rich and influential families were trying to buy them at high prices. Her products had even appeared several times at the largest auction house in Benwig City. Gavin's arrogant voice came through the phone again. "With my status now, I need to marry a proper heiress from a family that matches mine. "But since we dated for two months, I won't treat you badly. Before I marry someone suitable, you can stay with me. Even after I get married, I can still keep you as my—" Before he could finish, Victoria snapped, "Asshole. If you want to break up, then we're done." She hung up immediately. The handsome man standing in front of her, Jackson Thornton, raised an eyebrow. He had been waiting for her response. He smiled. "So? You just found out you're the heiress of the Binder family, one of the richest families in Benwig City, and you still got dumped?" Victoria looked up at him and smiled brightly. "Funny coincidence. He just told me that he's the heir to a wealthy family in Benwig City and that I'm not good enough for him." Then her expression shifted, turning doubtful. "Wait a second. This whole thing about being the real daughter or real son of some rich family... Isn't that some new kind of scam going around?" Jackson paused for a moment, then smiled. "Of course not. You really are the true daughter of the Binder family." Victoria gave a nonchalant hum. She took the basket off her back, sat down on a chair, and began sorting the herbs she had just picked. "Then who are you?" she asked. "Why are you the one coming to find me instead of my biological parents?" Jackson glanced at the shabby house in front of him, then looked at Victoria, who sat casually on a small stool. He said, "If nothing unexpected happens, I'll soon be your fiancé. I'm Jackson, the eldest son of the Thornton family in Benwig City." Victoria almost slipped off her stool. She stared at him in shock. "What? Fiancé?" "That's right. But as you can see, I'm disabled now. I lost the use of my legs last month." Sitting in his wheelchair, Jackson lifted a hand and pointed at his legs, giving a helpless smile. "I see. And what does that have to do with you coming to find me today?" Victoria asked. Then she suddenly understood. "Wait. Are you saying that I'm the real daughter of the wealthy Binder family, and that they're planning to bring me back and have me marry you?" Jackson nodded, a hint of admiration in his eyes. "Exactly." Victoria's gaze flickered. Jackson continued, "Because of my legs, I'm about to be dumped. Just like you." Victoria caught on quickly. "So the one who was supposed to marry you was the Binder family's adopted daughter. But now that you're disabled, she doesn't want to marry you anymore." Jackson nodded again. "Yes. That's exactly it." Victoria almost let out a bitter laugh. "Then why don't you look upset at all?" Jackson said calmly, "You just got dumped by your boyfriend, and you don't look upset either." "He's just trash. Good riddance." Victoria curled her lips in disdain. Jackson studied her, the admiration in his eyes deepening. "You're surprisingly chill about it." Victoria let out a small scoff. "Of course. Why waste time and energy feeling bad over someone who isn't worth it?" She had started dating Gavin after saving his life by chance two years ago. After that, he had chased after her nonstop, using gratitude as an excuse. For two whole years, he acted devoted, as if he would never marry anyone but her. He didn't seem to have any serious flaws. She figured having a man around could help her take care of the herb garden and keep other men from bothering her, so she agreed to date him. But she never expected that the moment Gavin found out he was the heir to a wealthy family, he would turn on her so quickly. Jackson smiled. "Same here. She's trash anyway. Better not to marry her." There had never been anything between him and Angelica Binder. Their engagement had only been arranged by his grandfather for a business alliance. Now that his legs were disabled, Angelica's parents naturally didn't want her to marry him anymore. But the Thornton family was the most powerful family in Benwig City, with huge wealth and influence. They weren't willing to give up the alliance, either. In the end, they planned to have their biological daughter, Victoria, marry him in Angelica's place. Victoria went straight to the point. "It's just strange. How could it be such a coincidence? Right after your legs were disabled, my birth parents suddenly found me and decided to have me marry you instead of their adopted daughter." She let out a cold, mocking laugh. "Looks like they always knew I was their real daughter. I just had no value to them, so they left me out here all this time and never brought me home." Jackson didn't try to comfort her with lies. "I think you're right." Victoria gave a cold sneer. If that was true, then her birth parents were even more heartless than she had thought. Still, one thing didn't make sense to her. "Since you already know what the Binder family is planning, why not just give up on the alliance? Why walk straight into their trap?" "I had someone look into you," Jackson said calmly. "You sell medicine, and you're pretty well-known around here. "I heard you've treated quite a few difficult cases with your own methods. My legs are disabled. Over the past month, I've invited top doctors from all over the country, but none of them could help. "So I came here myself to see if marrying you would be a trap or a chance for me." He didn't hide why he came. Victoria found him interesting. She shrugged. "Well, you've seen me now. I'm just a wild country girl. My birth parents, the ones I've never even met, clearly don't like me. "Do you still want to marry someone like me? I'm just a real daughter who isn't valued and is just being used as a substitute bride." Jackson looked at her closely. At first glance, she wasn't the delicate type raised in comfort. Her skin wasn't soft. It had a light wheat tone that made her look healthy and full of life. But if one looked more carefully, her features were actually very refined. Her eyes were bright and clear, and there was strength in the way she looked at people. There was no trace of disrespect in Jackson's gaze. He looked sincere. "Yes. After meeting you, I'm sure I want to marry you. I just don't know if you're willing to give me a chance." Victoria studied his face. She had to admit that he was strikingly handsome, the kind of man who wouldn't be forgotten even in a huge crowd. His features were sharp, and his face was well-defined. What stood out the most was his eyes. Even after going through something as serious as losing the use of his legs, they were still clear. There was no bitterness or confusion. Victoria glanced at his legs again. "What's going on with them?" "They were broken with a wooden club last month," Jackson said. "I've had many well-known doctors take a look. They all said my legs are beyond saving. I'll never stand again." "Pull up your pant legs. Let me see," said Victoria. "Okay." Jackson did as she said, lifting his pant legs to reveal his knees and lower legs, covered in scars. Victoria's expression darkened. She set the herbs aside, stood up, and walked over to him. Then she bent down and pressed carefully on his knees. The pain made Jackson frown, but he didn't make a sound. "They can be treated," Victoria said firmly. Hope lit up in Jackson's eyes at once. Thinking about how her birth parents had ignored her existence for so many years, Victoria made up her mind. She would go back to Benwig City and take her place as the Binder family's true daughter. She wanted to meet them face to face. She clapped her hands lightly and sat back down on the small stool. "I can marry you." Jackson raised an eyebrow. "Do you have any conditions?" Victoria tilted her head and smiled brightly. "Listen to you. Do I need conditions to marry you? You're so good-looking. If I fix your legs, I'll be the one getting the better deal." Jackson hadn't expected her to be so straightforward. His brow lifted higher, and he let out a soft laugh. "Alright. Then it's settled. I'll wait for you to return to the Binder family." Chapter 2 A Welcome Gift After Jackson left his phone number with Victoria, he left the village with his assistant, Ollie Rowse. Victoria watched him go, her eyes growing thoughtful. She took out her phone and dialed a number. "Mara, I need you to look into everyone in the Binder family in Benwig City right away. Focus on their daughter. I want everything you can find, and I want it by tonight." "Yes, boss," Mara replied. After hanging up, Victoria's gaze turned even sharper. Ford had once told her about that freezing winter night twenty years ago. He had been on his way to settle down in a small southern town when he heard a baby crying from inside a trash bin. He got out of the car to check and found a baby girl, not even a month old, her skin red from the cold. If she hadn't been crying so loudly, and if he hadn't happened to pass that deserted road, she would have died quietly in that trash bin. That baby was Victoria. Ford gave her that name, hoping she would grow up strong and tough no matter what life threw at her. Even on his deathbed, Ford never stopped looking for her biological parents. And all this time, Victoria had believed they must have abandoned her because they had no other choice. But now, it seemed that wasn't true. Her biological parents didn't want her and had no intention of taking her back. If it weren't for the adopted daughter they had raised for twenty years, Victoria might have gone her whole life without parents. Just then, someone called out from outside, "Victoria, who was that man in the nice car looking for you?" It was Stephan, a middle-aged man from next door. He spent most of his time up in the mountains hunting herbs. Victoria put her phone away and walked out, smiling at him. "To be honest with you, that was my fiancé." Stephan looked surprised. "Your fiancé? You have good taste. He's a handsome man. Why didn't you ask him to stay for dinner?" "He had things to take care of in the city. He couldn't stay today," Victoria said. "Next time he comes, make sure he stays for a meal. Everything we eat here is grown by us. Let him try it. It's much better and healthier than city food," Stephan said. "I will," Victoria said with a smile. Stephan grabbed his tools and headed up into the mountains. Only after he left did Victoria go back inside to keep sorting the herbs she had picked. ***** After leaving Mullinran Village, Ollie, who was driving, glanced at Jackson's calm face in the rearview mirror and asked carefully, "Mr. Thornton, are you really going to marry her? "You saw it yourself. Her own parents don't even want her. She makes a living selling herbs and doing some basic medical work. "You just went through something serious, and this is when you need support the most. Marrying her won't help you secure your position in the Thornton family." Jackson shifted his gaze away from the fields outside the window and gently rubbed the petals of a purple flower he had picked from Victoria's doorstep. He asked, "Ollie, do you remember six months ago, when my grandfather was seriously ill and needed a very rare herb to survive?" Ollie wasn't sure why he changed the subject, but he nodded. "Of course. That herb showed up at the biggest auction house in Benwig City. You spent 30 million dollars to get it." "Didn't you notice? That same rare herb was hanging casually on the wall of her simple, run-down house," Jackson said. That one bundle alone would be worth a fortune at any auction in Benwig City. "What?" Ollie was stunned. From the moment they walked into Victoria's house, he had only noticed how shabby it looked and missed everything else. Now it finally clicked. "Do you mean her background might not be as simple as it seems?" Jackson lifted the purple flower to his nose and took a light breath. "I can't say for sure what her background is yet. But one thing is clear. Her medical skills are far from simple." Ollie understood right away. If that was true, then there was real hope for Jackson's legs. Still, he couldn't help asking, "If all you want is to fix your legs, you could just pay her a large amount of money. There's no need to marry her." Jackson blinked and slowly turned the flower between his fingers. A faint smile appeared on his lips. "What if I said I fell for her at first sight? Would you believe me?" Ollie paused and looked at him again through the rearview mirror. He seemed calm. He wasn't exactly joking, but he wasn't completely serious, either. But Jackson rarely joked, so Ollie couldn't tell how much of it was real. In the end, he chose to believe him. "I believe you." "Good. In my eyes, she is already my fiancée. From now on, you need to treat her with respect," Jackson said. "Understood." Ollie nodded. Jackson wasn't joking. When it came to love, he had never believed in feelings that grew over time. To him, if there was no spark at first sight, then staying together would only lead to a relationship based on weighing pros and cons, not the kind of love that made his heart race. That was why, when his grandfather arranged his engagement to Angelica, he had agreed for practical reasons alone. But when he saw Victoria, everything changed. It felt like the world spun around him, and everything else faded away. In his eyes, she was the only color left. He couldn't explain why it had to be her. Maybe it was that moment when their eyes met, when the light in hers pulled him in like a whirlpool. Jackson picked up a book from the car and carefully placed the small purple flower between its pages. Then he closed the book and shut his eyes. ***** At eight that evening, Victoria had just finished bringing in the herbs she had been drying on the roof when her phone rang. She set the herbs aside, brushed the dust off her hands, and picked up the call. Mara's cool voice came through. "Boss, I found what you asked for. The Binder family has only one daughter. She was born to the second son, Darell, and his wife, Julia. Her name is Angelica. She's the same age as you. "She's very spoiled at home. Two months ago, Darell arranged a great marriage for her. She's engaged to Jackson, the eldest son of the Thornton family, the most powerful family in Benwig City. "Jackson had already been chosen by his grandfather, Gerry, as the next heir. But last month, he had an accident. Someone broke both his legs, and the announcement was put on hold." "What is Angelica like?" Victoria asked. "She has a very good reputation. She's beautiful and talented. A lot of rich young men in Benwig City admire her. That's probably why she gained Gerry's approval for the marriage," Mara said. Victoria let out a cold laugh to herself. She didn't believe for a second that Angelica's perfect life came without tricks. "Got it. Now find out if Angelica is really Darell and Julia's biological daughter," Victoria said. "You're focusing on the Binder family, especially Angelica. What are you planning to do?" Mara asked. "I'm going back to take my place," Victoria said. A faint spark lit up in her deep eyes. She found the idea of being the Binder family's real daughter interesting. Victoria had many identities. The one she used the most was a village herbalist and healer. In her daily life, she spent time with her retired scientist friends in the village, growing new herbs and developing new medicines. Over the years, she had cultivated twenty kinds of rare medicinal plants. Because they were so hard to produce, they sold for extremely high prices. Any one of them, if sold at auction in Benwig City, could earn more than most people made in a lifetime. On top of that, she was skilled in traditional medical techniques. When she treated regular villagers, she charged normal fees. But when rich families or powerful figures came to her, her starting fee was three million dollars. Of course, she guaranteed results. If she couldn't cure them, she wouldn't take a single dollar. This identity alone had already made her very rich. Money no longer meant much to her. So when her ex-boyfriend, Gavin, said she wasn't good enough for him, she found it almost funny. If she wanted, she could build her own place in Benwig City without relying on anyone. Over the years, all her different identities had started to feel dull. It was time to try something new. And she had to admit, Jackson impressed her. Out of all the people she had treated, none had faced sudden injury like he did, so calm and steady. His willpower was strong. He was someone who would go far. He was handsome and capable. It would be a waste for him to stay crippled. So she would fix his legs. Mara quickly understood, her voice turning serious. "Understood, boss. I'll get on it right away." ***** Late that night, Victoria was fast asleep when she heard wood cracking outside. Her eyes opened at once, sharp and alert, and she turned toward the sound. Anyone showing up at this hour without warning was not from the village. She had spread powders around her home to keep wild animals away, so no beasts would come near. That left only one answer. Someone had broken in. Victoria got up quietly and, using the moonlight, moved to hide behind the door. Soon, her old wooden door was kicked open, and a shadow rushed inside. She hadn't expected him to be so bold, barging in instead of sneaking around. She flicked a silver needle straight at him. The man let out a low groan and dropped to the ground. Victoria turned on the light, filling the room with brightness. She kicked him aside and finally saw his face clearly. He looked like a hardened criminal. She grabbed a rope, walked over, and tied up his hands and feet. Once he was secured, she took out a needle and stuck it into his neck. Within seconds, he woke up. Victoria sat on the bed, crossing her legs as she played with another needle. "If you don't want to suffer, you'd better tell me the truth. Who sent you?" The man quickly sized up the situation. "People who hire killers stay anonymous. Who would be stupid enough to give their name? But they said that if I raped you, they would get me out of the country safely." Victoria's eyes turned cold and sharp. If he needed to run overseas, that meant he was already a wanted criminal. The man hurried to beg, "I've told you everything I know. Let me go. I won't take this job anymore." Victoria nodded. "Fine." She walked over, pulled out the needle, and untied the ropes. "You can leave." The man rubbed his wrists. "Thanks—" Before he could finish, his face suddenly changed. He lifted his leg and tried to kick Victoria in the knee. But the moment his foot rose, a sharp pain shot through him. Then his whole body went numb. He couldn't move. He looked down in terror. A small black snake had bitten his ankle. "How is there a poisonous snake here—" Before he could finish, blood burst from his throat. His body fell stiffly to the ground. After a few jerks, he went still. Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Trying to kill me in my place? You asked for it. Good job, Blackie. Go rest." The little black snake slipped into a dark corner and quickly disappeared. Victoria picked up a hoe, stuffed the body into a large basket, and lifted it onto her back with ease. She carried it outside and buried it near her vegetable garden. It would make good fertilizer for her herbs. After that, she let out a long breath, brushed off her hands, and looked up at the nearly full moon. She had just learned who she really was, and someone had already sent a man to ruin her. It seemed that someone had prepared a "welcome gift" for her in advance. Chapter 3 We've Got Your Back The next day at noon, a black Bentley worth 1.5 million dollars stopped in front of Victoria's house. Victoria was grinding the herbs she had picked the day before. When she heard the car, she glanced out the window and checked the license plate. It was from Benwig City, just as she expected. She finished grinding the herbs, put them into jars, brushed the dust off her hands, and walked outside. She went straight to the car and knocked on the window. A moment later, the window slid down, revealing the still handsome face of a middle-aged man—Hector Binder. He looked about fifty, with neatly slicked-back hair. A woman sat beside him. She looked about the same age. Even though she wasn't young anymore, she had taken good care of herself and looked as if she were in her thirties. Her features were still soft and beautiful. Victoria didn't waste time. "Are you here for me?" Hector, sitting in the back seat, looked at her, then at the photo in his hand. His eyes lit up. "Daisy, it's her. She's the one we're looking for." Daisy's eyes filled with excitement, even shining with tears. "Yes, it's her. No mistake." They quickly opened the door, got out of the car, and walked over to Victoria. Hector nodded. "Yes. You're the real daughter the Binder family lost years ago. We're here to take you back." Victoria looked straight into his eyes. He seemed like a decent man, and the excitement in his expression matched Daisy's. It didn't look fake. This couple didn't seem to have anything to do with what happened to her last night. Hector paused, a little surprised. "How did you know we were coming?" But he didn't dwell on it. Instead, he explained, "You are the young lady of the Binder family. "When you were little, someone switched you with another baby. That's why you ended up here. You've suffered for twenty years, living away from your real home." As soon as he finished, Daisy started to choke up. "Poor child." Victoria stayed calm. "So, are you my parents?" Hector and Daisy froze. They exchanged a look, then answered awkwardly, "No. We're your uncle and aunt." Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Then why aren't my parents here? Why did they send you instead?" Daisy looked uneasy. "Something came up at home. They couldn't leave, so they asked us to come get you." Victoria saw right through it. "You don't have to cover for them. I'm not a child. What could be more important than picking up their own daughter? They just didn't want to come." Hearing that, Daisy stepped forward and gently hugged her. Tears slipped down her face. "My poor child, you've suffered so much." Victoria didn't expect the sudden hug. At first, she wanted to pull away, but the warmth of it stopped her. It felt soft and comforting, unlike any embrace she had experienced in twenty years. It was, perhaps, the closest she had ever come to what a mother's embrace should feel like. She let out a quiet sigh. For a moment, she thought that if these two were her real parents, it wouldn't be so bad. After a while, Daisy let go and held her hand. "Go pack your things. We'll take you home today. You won't have to live like this anymore." Victoria nodded. "Okay. Wait for me. I'll go pack." She didn't need to bring clothes. The only things she needed were the medicines she had made. After packing all the bottles of medicine powder and poison powder from the wooden cabinet, Victoria called out, "Blackie, Whitey, Greenie, come out. I'm taking you somewhere new." As soon as she finished, three small snakes slid out from the corners and crawled into a sack. Victoria tied the sack and slung it over her shoulder. Then she took a drum from the old cabinet. After giving the shabby house one last look, she walked outside and began to beat the drum. The loud sound of the drum echoed through the area. Hector and Daisy, waiting outside, looked confused. Before long, the villagers gathered around. They looked at Victoria with concern. "Victoria, what's wrong? What happened?" Victoria set down the drum, cleared her throat, and said, "Everyone, you all know I'm an orphan. I grew up without parents, raised by all of you. "But now I know who my real parents are. It turns out I'm the daughter of the Binder family in Benwig City." The villagers were happy for her at first, but then she continued, "But here's the thing. My real parents knew all along who I was, but they never came to acknowledge me. "And now, the only reason they're taking me back is to make me marry a disabled man in place of their adopted daughter." Hector and Daisy were stunned. They had no idea about any of this. The villagers were furious. "What kind of people are they? They knew you were their real daughter but ignored you all this time, and now they want to use you like this, huh?" "Blind fools! You're such a good girl, and they treat you like a tool, making you marry some cripple instead of their adopted daughter." "Victoria, don't listen to those heartless people." "That's right. Ignore them. We'll go teach them a lesson." "The Binder family? They're nothing special in Benwig City, acting all high and mighty. Victoria, you don't need to go back with them." Victoria raised her hand to quiet them. "Everyone, calm down. I've decided to go back to the Binder family for this arranged marriage. "But I'm going back to teach them a lesson. So I'm telling you all ahead of time. Please help take care of the herbs I just planted in my yard." Even though the villagers didn't really understand, they still respected her choice. "Okay. But if anyone from the Binder family dares to bully you, just call me. I'll get people to take them down," one person said. "That's right. We've got your back," another added. Victoria waved her hand. "Thank you, everyone. That's all I wanted to say. You can all head back now." After that, she turned to Hector and Daisy, who were still waiting, and gave them a light smile. "We can go now." Hector and Daisy were still a little stunned. When they heard her, they finally snapped out of it. "Oh, okay." "Let me carry that." The driver stepped forward and reached for the sack. "Be careful. It's heavy," Victoria said. The driver didn't believe it at first. But the moment he took it with both hands, he almost dropped it on his foot. Victoria blinked at him. "Can you handle it? Don't break anything inside." "No problem." The driver forced a smile, gritted his teeth, and lifted the sack into the trunk. By the time he got back into the driver's seat, he was sweating all over. He hadn't expected Victoria to be this strong despite looking so thin. After getting into the car, Daisy and Hector looked at each other, then kept glancing at Victoria. They seemed to want to say something, but neither of them knew how to start. In the end, Daisy asked, "Victoria, you just told the villagers about marrying a disabled man instead of that adopted daughter. What did you mean?" "You didn't know?" Victoria looked back at her, her eyes narrowing with suspicion. Daisy shook her head. "Hector and I really had no idea. About half a month ago, your parents suddenly told us Angelica wasn't their biological daughter. Then they sent people to look into it. "Just yesterday, they found out their real daughter was living here. That's why they want to bring you back today." Hector nodded to confirm her words. Victoria smiled faintly. "Then why do you think they didn't come themselves?" Daisy fell silent. To her, it was absurd that Victoria's parents would have relatives fetch their biological daughter instead of coming themselves. But the truth would hurt Victoria, so she chose not to say anything. Victoria let out a bitter laugh. "Aunt Daisy, even if you don't say it, I can guess. Just like I said, they don't want to acknowledge me. "They're only bringing me back because they have no choice. They want me to marry that disabled heir in place of their precious adopted daughter." Her gaze was clear and calm, and there was a quiet maturity about her that went far beyond her years. Hector frowned slightly. "Victoria, how did you find out about this arranged marriage?" Victoria smiled. "Secret." On the way, Daisy told her a lot about the Binder family. It wasn't much different from what Mara had already found out. The Binder family was still led by Calvin. He had two sons and one daughter. The eldest son, Hector, was the one who had come to get Victoria, and his wife was Daisy. They didn't have any children. The second son, Darell, was Victoria's biological father. He and his wife, Julia, had two sons and one daughter. The eldest son, Simon, managed the family's entertainment company, Brightstar Entertainment. The second son, Curtis, was a well-known singer under the same company. Then there was the youngest daughter, Angelica. She was considered very outstanding. At just twenty, she had already skipped grades and finished college. She was now preparing to study abroad after getting engaged to the eldest son of the Thornton family. Angelica was the baby who had been switched with Victoria. As for Calvin's daughter, Sirena, she had already married into another wealthy family and only returned for holidays. The drive from the village to Benwig City took six hours over bumpy roads. By the time they arrived, it was dark. "We're here," the driver said as he stopped the car. Victoria looked out the window. In front of her stood a large estate, with several villas spread across it. It looked grand and impressive. The Binder family mansion alone was almost as big as the entire Mullinran Village. Victoria got out of the car and followed Hector and Daisy inside. The head butler, Milton, who had been waiting at the door, stepped forward respectfully. "You're back." He looked at Victoria and gave a polite nod. "This must be Miss Victoria Binder." "Yes," Daisy replied. Then she looked at Victoria gently. "Victoria, go in and meet your parents and brother." Victoria said nothing. She quietly followed them inside. They passed through the wide front yard and stepped into the entrance hall. Standing at the doorway, she quickly scanned the four people sitting on the sofas in the main hall. First, she saw a middle-aged couple dressed in expensive clothes, carrying themselves with an air of wealth and status. Next was a handsome young man who looked a bit rebellious. Finally, there was a beautiful young woman about her age. The corners of her eyes were red, and she looked pitiful, as if she had been crying. None of them looked happy. Their faces were tense, filled with worry. When they looked at her, Victoria caught the flash of disgust in their eyes. A faint smile appeared on her lips. She thought the family was really quite interesting. Chapter 4 Are You an Idiot? "Darell, Julia, I brought your daughter back," Daisy said. She gently patted Victoria on the back. "Victoria, go say hello to your parents and your brother." Victoria didn't move. With a faint, mocking smile, she asked, "Aunt Daisy, are they really my parents and brother?" Daisy froze for a moment, then nodded. "Yes, they are. Why do you ask?" Victoria let out a cold laugh. "I'm supposed to be their daughter and sister, but why do they all look like they can't stand me?" The four people in the room all stiffened. They hadn't expected her to be so direct. Daisy froze again. She wanted to say something, but stopped herself. She knew what Darell and Julia were thinking. They didn't want to accept this daughter because they already had an excellent adopted one. They would rather stay home and comfort their adopted daughter's feelings than spend even a little time going to the village to pick up their real daughter. Simon and Curtis felt the same way. They were closer to the sister they had lived with for twenty years. None of them wanted to hurt her feelings just to pick up Victoria. Simon didn't even bother to show up; he was still at work. In the end, Daisy couldn't take it anymore and offered to go with Hector to bring Victoria home. What she didn't expect was that even after Victoria came back, Darell and Julia still acted like this. They didn't even try to hide it. Julia looked at Darell, and he looked back at her. In that brief exchange, they reached an understanding. Victoria clearly wasn't as quiet and easy to control as they had thought. They couldn't just brush her aside. If they wanted her to willingly take Angelica's place in the marriage to Jackson later, they would have to act nice and coax her a little. Julia hesitated, then forced herself to stand up. She put on a pained expression and walked toward Victoria. "My child, you've suffered so much out there." Victoria stepped aside slightly and avoided her touch. "Stop pretending. I don't see any concern in your eyes." Julia froze in place. A wave of anger rose inside her. She had lowered herself to show kindness, yet Victoria had refused it and embarrassed her in front of everyone. But to her, Victoria's lack of manners was no surprise. She had grown up in the countryside without her parents and had never been properly brought up. Julia forced a stiff smile. "I carried you for ten months. Of course, it hurts me to know you've suffered." Victoria sneered, "Is that so? If you really feel that way, why didn't you come pick me up today? Why did you send Uncle Hector and Aunt Daisy instead?" Daisy wanted to speak, but Hector gently held her hand and shook his head. He said quietly, "Daisy, we've already brought her back. What happens now is their family matter. Let them handle it. Let's go home." Daisy looked at Victoria, her eyes full of worry and sympathy. But she knew Hector was right. This was between Victoria and her parents. No matter what happened, she had no right to interfere. "Julia, now that Victoria is back, you should treat her well. Don't hurt her again. Daisy and I will head back now," Hector said politely, hoping his words would help a little. Darell nodded. "Thank you for your help today." Daisy said gently, "Victoria, we are leaving. If you need anything, come find us at Goldenwood Villa on the east side." With that, she reluctantly turned and left. Victoria watched them walk away, then quickly looked away. Once they were gone, Julia finally breathed a sigh of relief. "This is all my fault. Your father and I didn't go pick you up ourselves because I'm very emotional. "I was afraid that if I saw how poorly you were living, I wouldn't be able to handle it. So I stayed home to calm myself and prepare to welcome you." She was lying. Actually, after Angelica found out last night that she wasn't their real daughter, she had been upset the whole night. This morning, she was so distracted that she couldn't even eat. Julia felt sorry for her and stayed home to comfort her. Victoria's eyes were full of sarcasm. "So what exactly did you prepare for me?" Julia quickly said, "I've already cleaned up a room for you. Come, I'll show you." She reached for Victoria's hand again, but Victoria dodged her once more. "So cleaning a room was more important than coming to pick me up yourself." Julia's hand hung in the air. A trace of impatience flashed across her eyes. "Forget the room. I'm not even sure I'll stay," Victoria said. Then she pointed at the young woman about her age. "Who is she?" Angelica froze. Her eyes instantly turned red. She gently tugged on Curtis's sleeve. Curtis held her hand and said softly, "Angelica, don't be afraid." After comforting her, Curtis looked at Victoria coldly. His tone turned sharp. "I'm your brother, Curtis. And she's my sister, Angelica." He deliberately stressed the words "my sister." "I see." Victoria's voice carried a hint of sarcasm. "So that means she's the adopted daughter who was switched with me, right?" Angelica's hand trembled. Tears gathered in her eyes, ready to fall. Curtis's face darkened. He emphasized, "In my heart, Angelica is my real sister." Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Calling her your real sister? Are you an idiot?" Everyone except Victoria froze at her words. Curtis stared at her in disbelief. "You just called me an idiot, huh?" Victoria laughed mockingly. "Yeah. Did I say anything wrong? Don't you know her mother was the one who secretly switched us back then?" Angelica's birth mother, Jasmine, had worked as a customer service representative at a postpartum care center. When Julia was three months pregnant, she started looking for a high-end center, and Jasmine had served her. By coincidence, Jasmine was also pregnant at the time. When she realized Julia was wealthy, she started having bad thoughts. She secretly followed Julia to find out which center she chose and forced herself to spend the money to book the same one. During the recovery period after giving birth, Jasmine secretly switched her own daughter with Julia's without anyone noticing. At the time, Angelica had an allergic rash on her face. Julia didn't realize anything was wrong, and when she left the center, she took Angelica home. Angelica bit her lip. Tears finally streamed down her face. "I'm sorry." Curtis held her cold hand tightly and gently said, "Angelica, this has nothing to do with you." Then he turned to Victoria, his voice full of anger. "Yes, her mother switched you back then. But Angelica is innocent. She didn't know anything about it." Victoria laughed out loud, her eyes full of ridicule. "Oh, she's innocent? She spent twenty years enjoying my life, living in comfort and luxury. "And me? I was thrown into a trash can by her cruel mother in the freezing cold. If no one had found me, I would have died right after I was born." Chapter 5 I'll Leave Victoria's words left Curtis speechless. He had just started to feel a bit guilty when Angelica suddenly broke down in tears again. She said, "I'm sorry. It's all my fault. It's my fault for having a mother like that. Victoria, if you hate me, you can hit me or yell at me, but please don't blame Curtis." As she spoke, she struggled to pull free from Curtis's hand. With a determined look, she bit her lip and ran toward Victoria. "Angelica!" Curtis panicked and quickly got up to follow her. Angelica ran up to Victoria and was about to bow, but Curtis caught up just in time and pulled her back. "Angelica, what are you doing? This isn't your fault. It's your mother's fault." Victoria watched the whole scene and suddenly laughed. She even clapped her hands like she was watching a show. "This is really something. Are you putting on a pity act for me?" The small bit of guilt Curtis had felt disappeared right away. After helping Angelica steady herself, he looked at Victoria coldly. "Why are you being so unreasonable?" he asked. "Angelica already apologized sincerely, and you're still mocking her." "I'm not just mocking her. I'm mocking all of you," Victoria said. "Her mother planned everything, found a way to switch us, and let her take twenty years of the life that should have been mine. "Now that I'm back, you guys are still protecting her right in front of me. It's a shame that I ended up with a family like this." Curtis's face darkened even more. Julia looked helplessly at Darell. She hadn't expected Victoria to be so stubborn and didn't know how to deal with her. No matter how she looked at it, Julia just couldn't bring herself to like Victoria. Darell, who had been silent until now, finally spoke up. "That's enough, Victoria. Angelica's mother has already been punished. Angelica is alone now, with no one to rely on. "Your mother and I raised her for twenty years. We can't just throw her out. The Binder family has more than enough. Keeping her here is no big deal. She won't affect you." But Victoria didn't accept that. "If it's really no big deal, then she can live anywhere. Why does she have to stay here and bother me? "Every time I see her, I'm reminded of everything I went through after being switched." Darell didn't expect her to keep pushing like this. Just like Julia, he began to feel more and more resistant toward Victoria. Compared to Angelica, who was gentle and understanding, Victoria seemed completely rude to him. Angelica bit her lip and let her tears fall silently. She looked pitiful, making it hard not to feel sorry for her. Seeing how aggressive Victoria was, Curtis finally lost his temper. "So you won't be satisfied unless we send Angelica away, huh?" Victoria nodded. "That's right. We're not both living here. It's one or the other." As soon as she said that, everyone's faces darkened. "I don't want to leave you," Angelica said through her tears, looking completely wronged. It made anyone who saw her feel bad. Curtis held her hand tightly. "Angelica, don't worry. You don't have to go anywhere. As long as I'm here, I won't let anyone drive you out of the Binder family. You'll always be my sister. You're part of us." Victoria raised an eyebrow. "So you want me to leave, huh?" Julia was already at her limit, but she forced herself to stay calm. "Victoria, you just got back. You don't really know Angelica yet. "She's kind and understanding. Once you spend some time with her, you'll accept her. Her staying here won't affect your place. No matter what, you're our real daughter." Victoria sneered, "Really? Then why did all of you look disgusted the moment you saw me? Is it because I'm not as pretty as her? Or because I'm not as refined? "But have you forgotten? If we had never been switched, the pretty, refined one would be me. Everything she has now was built on the suffering I endured for her." Julia froze and quickly shook her head. "That's not it. We just haven't adjusted yet." "You need time to adjust to your own daughter, huh? Then why didn't Uncle Hector and Aunt Daisy need time when they saw me?" Victoria pressed. Julia had no answer. But she thought it was because Hector and Daisy had no children, so of course, they would be happy. She took a deep breath and softened her voice. "Victoria, we won't treat you badly from now on. Your living expenses will be the same as Angelica's. Your father and I won't favor one over the other." Victoria gave a faint, mocking smile. "Should I thank you for that? Honestly, for me, not favoring one over the other is already the biggest favoritism. "You two are really kind. You don't want your own daughter, but you're willing to spend money raising the daughter of someone who ruined my life. I've never seen people this generous." Julia held back her anger and continued, "Victoria, stop making trouble. You're my real daughter. We finally found you. How could we let you keep suffering out there?" Victoria replied, "So you knew I was suffering. While I was suffering, that criminal's daughter was living here, enjoying everything you gave her in my place. "And now, on the very first day I come back, you're ready to push me away again." Curtis said coldly, "Get this straight. We're not pushing you away. You're the one making things difficult. You could stay here peacefully, but you refuse to accept Angelica." "How could I accept the daughter of a criminal?" Victoria asked. "If I hadn't been lucky enough to survive, her mother would be both a trafficker and a murderer. "She committed the crime, but her daughter hasn't been punished at all. Why should she get to keep living this rich, comfortable life as if nothing had happened?" Angelica's body swayed. Curtis quickly held her steady, his anger finally breaking through. "With your attitude, do you even deserve to stay here while Angelica leaves?" "Of course I do. First, I'm a Binder by blood. Second, unlike you, I'm not an idiot." After snapping at him, Victoria lost her patience. "Have you decided? Is she leaving, or am I?" Curtis pulled Angelica into his arms protectively and said firmly, "Dad, Mom, if I have to choose, then I only recognize Angelica as my sister." "Good. One vote." Victoria raised her index finger and then looked at Julia. "What about you?" Julia forced down her frustration and said gently, "Victoria, don't do this—" "Alright, that's two votes," Victoria said, not even bothering to listen. She turned to Darell. "Your vote doesn't matter anymore. There are already two votes for Angelica. Fine. Since that's the case, she stays. I'll leave." A trace of anxiety flashed in Angelica's eyes. If Victoria really left, there would be no one to take her place in marrying Jackson. ------ 👇👇👇 There are limited chapters to put here, click “continue reading” to open App to continue reading (It will automatically jump to the book)
When a killer came in the night, Victoria Binder didn’t scream—she fought. And she won, burying the proof in her own garden. That was just the beginning. Unveiled as the lost heiress to a mighty fortune, Victoria returned to a family that despised her. She wasn’t there for their love. She was there for what was hers: the power, the legacy, the truth. ------ Chapter 1 I Want to Marry You "Victoria, we need to break up. It turns out I'm actually the heir to the Fairbank family, one of the most powerful families in Benwig City. You're just a country girl who sells herbs. You're not good enough for me anymore." Victoria Binder had just received a call from her boyfriend, Gavin Alvarado—no, Gavin Fairbank now. She had been about to tell him that she was the long-lost daughter of a wealthy family herself, but before she could say a word, she heard him claim she wasn't good enough for him. She let out a silent, cold laugh. The medicinal herbs she grew were incredibly valuable. Countless rich and influential families were trying to buy them at high prices. Her products had even appeared several times at the largest auction house in Benwig City. Gavin's arrogant voice came through the phone again. "With my status now, I need to marry a proper heiress from a family that matches mine. "But since we dated for two months, I won't treat you badly. Before I marry someone suitable, you can stay with me. Even after I get married, I can still keep you as my—" Before he could finish, Victoria snapped, "Asshole. If you want to break up, then we're done." She hung up immediately. The handsome man standing in front of her, Jackson Thornton, raised an eyebrow. He had been waiting for her response. He smiled. "So? You just found out you're the heiress of the Binder family, one of the richest families in Benwig City, and you still got dumped?" Victoria looked up at him and smiled brightly. "Funny coincidence. He just told me that he's the heir to a wealthy family in Benwig City and that I'm not good enough for him." Then her expression shifted, turning doubtful. "Wait a second. This whole thing about being the real daughter or real son of some rich family... Isn't that some new kind of scam going around?" Jackson paused for a moment, then smiled. "Of course not. You really are the true daughter of the Binder family." Victoria gave a nonchalant hum. She took the basket off her back, sat down on a chair, and began sorting the herbs she had just picked. "Then who are you?" she asked. "Why are you the one coming to find me instead of my biological parents?" Jackson glanced at the shabby house in front of him, then looked at Victoria, who sat casually on a small stool. He said, "If nothing unexpected happens, I'll soon be your fiancé. I'm Jackson, the eldest son of the Thornton family in Benwig City." Victoria almost slipped off her stool. She stared at him in shock. "What? Fiancé?" "That's right. But as you can see, I'm disabled now. I lost the use of my legs last month." Sitting in his wheelchair, Jackson lifted a hand and pointed at his legs, giving a helpless smile. "I see. And what does that have to do with you coming to find me today?" Victoria asked. Then she suddenly understood. "Wait. Are you saying that I'm the real daughter of the wealthy Binder family, and that they're planning to bring me back and have me marry you?" Jackson nodded, a hint of admiration in his eyes. "Exactly." Victoria's gaze flickered. Jackson continued, "Because of my legs, I'm about to be dumped. Just like you." Victoria caught on quickly. "So the one who was supposed to marry you was the Binder family's adopted daughter. But now that you're disabled, she doesn't want to marry you anymore." Jackson nodded again. "Yes. That's exactly it." Victoria almost let out a bitter laugh. "Then why don't you look upset at all?" Jackson said calmly, "You just got dumped by your boyfriend, and you don't look upset either." "He's just trash. Good riddance." Victoria curled her lips in disdain. Jackson studied her, the admiration in his eyes deepening. "You're surprisingly chill about it." Victoria let out a small scoff. "Of course. Why waste time and energy feeling bad over someone who isn't worth it?" She had started dating Gavin after saving his life by chance two years ago. After that, he had chased after her nonstop, using gratitude as an excuse. For two whole years, he acted devoted, as if he would never marry anyone but her. He didn't seem to have any serious flaws. She figured having a man around could help her take care of the herb garden and keep other men from bothering her, so she agreed to date him. But she never expected that the moment Gavin found out he was the heir to a wealthy family, he would turn on her so quickly. Jackson smiled. "Same here. She's trash anyway. Better not to marry her." There had never been anything between him and Angelica Binder. Their engagement had only been arranged by his grandfather for a business alliance. Now that his legs were disabled, Angelica's parents naturally didn't want her to marry him anymore. But the Thornton family was the most powerful family in Benwig City, with huge wealth and influence. They weren't willing to give up the alliance, either. In the end, they planned to have their biological daughter, Victoria, marry him in Angelica's place. Victoria went straight to the point. "It's just strange. How could it be such a coincidence? Right after your legs were disabled, my birth parents suddenly found me and decided to have me marry you instead of their adopted daughter." She let out a cold, mocking laugh. "Looks like they always knew I was their real daughter. I just had no value to them, so they left me out here all this time and never brought me home." Jackson didn't try to comfort her with lies. "I think you're right." Victoria gave a cold sneer. If that was true, then her birth parents were even more heartless than she had thought. Still, one thing didn't make sense to her. "Since you already know what the Binder family is planning, why not just give up on the alliance? Why walk straight into their trap?" "I had someone look into you," Jackson said calmly. "You sell medicine, and you're pretty well-known around here. "I heard you've treated quite a few difficult cases with your own methods. My legs are disabled. Over the past month, I've invited top doctors from all over the country, but none of them could help. "So I came here myself to see if marrying you would be a trap or a chance for me." He didn't hide why he came. Victoria found him interesting. She shrugged. "Well, you've seen me now. I'm just a wild country girl. My birth parents, the ones I've never even met, clearly don't like me. "Do you still want to marry someone like me? I'm just a real daughter who isn't valued and is just being used as a substitute bride." Jackson looked at her closely. At first glance, she wasn't the delicate type raised in comfort. Her skin wasn't soft. It had a light wheat tone that made her look healthy and full of life. But if one looked more carefully, her features were actually very refined. Her eyes were bright and clear, and there was strength in the way she looked at people. There was no trace of disrespect in Jackson's gaze. He looked sincere. "Yes. After meeting you, I'm sure I want to marry you. I just don't know if you're willing to give me a chance." Victoria studied his face. She had to admit that he was strikingly handsome, the kind of man who wouldn't be forgotten even in a huge crowd. His features were sharp, and his face was well-defined. What stood out the most was his eyes. Even after going through something as serious as losing the use of his legs, they were still clear. There was no bitterness or confusion. Victoria glanced at his legs again. "What's going on with them?" "They were broken with a wooden club last month," Jackson said. "I've had many well-known doctors take a look. They all said my legs are beyond saving. I'll never stand again." "Pull up your pant legs. Let me see," said Victoria. "Okay." Jackson did as she said, lifting his pant legs to reveal his knees and lower legs, covered in scars. Victoria's expression darkened. She set the herbs aside, stood up, and walked over to him. Then she bent down and pressed carefully on his knees. The pain made Jackson frown, but he didn't make a sound. "They can be treated," Victoria said firmly. Hope lit up in Jackson's eyes at once. Thinking about how her birth parents had ignored her existence for so many years, Victoria made up her mind. She would go back to Benwig City and take her place as the Binder family's true daughter. She wanted to meet them face to face. She clapped her hands lightly and sat back down on the small stool. "I can marry you." Jackson raised an eyebrow. "Do you have any conditions?" Victoria tilted her head and smiled brightly. "Listen to you. Do I need conditions to marry you? You're so good-looking. If I fix your legs, I'll be the one getting the better deal." Jackson hadn't expected her to be so straightforward. His brow lifted higher, and he let out a soft laugh. "Alright. Then it's settled. I'll wait for you to return to the Binder family." Chapter 2 A Welcome Gift After Jackson left his phone number with Victoria, he left the village with his assistant, Ollie Rowse. Victoria watched him go, her eyes growing thoughtful. She took out her phone and dialed a number. "Mara, I need you to look into everyone in the Binder family in Benwig City right away. Focus on their daughter. I want everything you can find, and I want it by tonight." "Yes, boss," Mara replied. After hanging up, Victoria's gaze turned even sharper. Ford had once told her about that freezing winter night twenty years ago. He had been on his way to settle down in a small southern town when he heard a baby crying from inside a trash bin. He got out of the car to check and found a baby girl, not even a month old, her skin red from the cold. If she hadn't been crying so loudly, and if he hadn't happened to pass that deserted road, she would have died quietly in that trash bin. That baby was Victoria. Ford gave her that name, hoping she would grow up strong and tough no matter what life threw at her. Even on his deathbed, Ford never stopped looking for her biological parents. And all this time, Victoria had believed they must have abandoned her because they had no other choice. But now, it seemed that wasn't true. Her biological parents didn't want her and had no intention of taking her back. If it weren't for the adopted daughter they had raised for twenty years, Victoria might have gone her whole life without parents. Just then, someone called out from outside, "Victoria, who was that man in the nice car looking for you?" It was Stephan, a middle-aged man from next door. He spent most of his time up in the mountains hunting herbs. Victoria put her phone away and walked out, smiling at him. "To be honest with you, that was my fiancé." Stephan looked surprised. "Your fiancé? You have good taste. He's a handsome man. Why didn't you ask him to stay for dinner?" "He had things to take care of in the city. He couldn't stay today," Victoria said. "Next time he comes, make sure he stays for a meal. Everything we eat here is grown by us. Let him try it. It's much better and healthier than city food," Stephan said. "I will," Victoria said with a smile. Stephan grabbed his tools and headed up into the mountains. Only after he left did Victoria go back inside to keep sorting the herbs she had picked. ***** After leaving Mullinran Village, Ollie, who was driving, glanced at Jackson's calm face in the rearview mirror and asked carefully, "Mr. Thornton, are you really going to marry her? "You saw it yourself. Her own parents don't even want her. She makes a living selling herbs and doing some basic medical work. "You just went through something serious, and this is when you need support the most. Marrying her won't help you secure your position in the Thornton family." Jackson shifted his gaze away from the fields outside the window and gently rubbed the petals of a purple flower he had picked from Victoria's doorstep. He asked, "Ollie, do you remember six months ago, when my grandfather was seriously ill and needed a very rare herb to survive?" Ollie wasn't sure why he changed the subject, but he nodded. "Of course. That herb showed up at the biggest auction house in Benwig City. You spent 30 million dollars to get it." "Didn't you notice? That same rare herb was hanging casually on the wall of her simple, run-down house," Jackson said. That one bundle alone would be worth a fortune at any auction in Benwig City. "What?" Ollie was stunned. From the moment they walked into Victoria's house, he had only noticed how shabby it looked and missed everything else. Now it finally clicked. "Do you mean her background might not be as simple as it seems?" Jackson lifted the purple flower to his nose and took a light breath. "I can't say for sure what her background is yet. But one thing is clear. Her medical skills are far from simple." Ollie understood right away. If that was true, then there was real hope for Jackson's legs. Still, he couldn't help asking, "If all you want is to fix your legs, you could just pay her a large amount of money. There's no need to marry her." Jackson blinked and slowly turned the flower between his fingers. A faint smile appeared on his lips. "What if I said I fell for her at first sight? Would you believe me?" Ollie paused and looked at him again through the rearview mirror. He seemed calm. He wasn't exactly joking, but he wasn't completely serious, either. But Jackson rarely joked, so Ollie couldn't tell how much of it was real. In the end, he chose to believe him. "I believe you." "Good. In my eyes, she is already my fiancée. From now on, you need to treat her with respect," Jackson said. "Understood." Ollie nodded. Jackson wasn't joking. When it came to love, he had never believed in feelings that grew over time. To him, if there was no spark at first sight, then staying together would only lead to a relationship based on weighing pros and cons, not the kind of love that made his heart race. That was why, when his grandfather arranged his engagement to Angelica, he had agreed for practical reasons alone. But when he saw Victoria, everything changed. It felt like the world spun around him, and everything else faded away. In his eyes, she was the only color left. He couldn't explain why it had to be her. Maybe it was that moment when their eyes met, when the light in hers pulled him in like a whirlpool. Jackson picked up a book from the car and carefully placed the small purple flower between its pages. Then he closed the book and shut his eyes. ***** At eight that evening, Victoria had just finished bringing in the herbs she had been drying on the roof when her phone rang. She set the herbs aside, brushed the dust off her hands, and picked up the call. Mara's cool voice came through. "Boss, I found what you asked for. The Binder family has only one daughter. She was born to the second son, Darell, and his wife, Julia. Her name is Angelica. She's the same age as you. "She's very spoiled at home. Two months ago, Darell arranged a great marriage for her. She's engaged to Jackson, the eldest son of the Thornton family, the most powerful family in Benwig City. "Jackson had already been chosen by his grandfather, Gerry, as the next heir. But last month, he had an accident. Someone broke both his legs, and the announcement was put on hold." "What is Angelica like?" Victoria asked. "She has a very good reputation. She's beautiful and talented. A lot of rich young men in Benwig City admire her. That's probably why she gained Gerry's approval for the marriage," Mara said. Victoria let out a cold laugh to herself. She didn't believe for a second that Angelica's perfect life came without tricks. "Got it. Now find out if Angelica is really Darell and Julia's biological daughter," Victoria said. "You're focusing on the Binder family, especially Angelica. What are you planning to do?" Mara asked. "I'm going back to take my place," Victoria said. A faint spark lit up in her deep eyes. She found the idea of being the Binder family's real daughter interesting. Victoria had many identities. The one she used the most was a village herbalist and healer. In her daily life, she spent time with her retired scientist friends in the village, growing new herbs and developing new medicines. Over the years, she had cultivated twenty kinds of rare medicinal plants. Because they were so hard to produce, they sold for extremely high prices. Any one of them, if sold at auction in Benwig City, could earn more than most people made in a lifetime. On top of that, she was skilled in traditional medical techniques. When she treated regular villagers, she charged normal fees. But when rich families or powerful figures came to her, her starting fee was three million dollars. Of course, she guaranteed results. If she couldn't cure them, she wouldn't take a single dollar. This identity alone had already made her very rich. Money no longer meant much to her. So when her ex-boyfriend, Gavin, said she wasn't good enough for him, she found it almost funny. If she wanted, she could build her own place in Benwig City without relying on anyone. Over the years, all her different identities had started to feel dull. It was time to try something new. And she had to admit, Jackson impressed her. Out of all the people she had treated, none had faced sudden injury like he did, so calm and steady. His willpower was strong. He was someone who would go far. He was handsome and capable. It would be a waste for him to stay crippled. So she would fix his legs. Mara quickly understood, her voice turning serious. "Understood, boss. I'll get on it right away." ***** Late that night, Victoria was fast asleep when she heard wood cracking outside. Her eyes opened at once, sharp and alert, and she turned toward the sound. Anyone showing up at this hour without warning was not from the village. She had spread powders around her home to keep wild animals away, so no beasts would come near. That left only one answer. Someone had broken in. Victoria got up quietly and, using the moonlight, moved to hide behind the door. Soon, her old wooden door was kicked open, and a shadow rushed inside. She hadn't expected him to be so bold, barging in instead of sneaking around. She flicked a silver needle straight at him. The man let out a low groan and dropped to the ground. Victoria turned on the light, filling the room with brightness. She kicked him aside and finally saw his face clearly. He looked like a hardened criminal. She grabbed a rope, walked over, and tied up his hands and feet. Once he was secured, she took out a needle and stuck it into his neck. Within seconds, he woke up. Victoria sat on the bed, crossing her legs as she played with another needle. "If you don't want to suffer, you'd better tell me the truth. Who sent you?" The man quickly sized up the situation. "People who hire killers stay anonymous. Who would be stupid enough to give their name? But they said that if I raped you, they would get me out of the country safely." Victoria's eyes turned cold and sharp. If he needed to run overseas, that meant he was already a wanted criminal. The man hurried to beg, "I've told you everything I know. Let me go. I won't take this job anymore." Victoria nodded. "Fine." She walked over, pulled out the needle, and untied the ropes. "You can leave." The man rubbed his wrists. "Thanks—" Before he could finish, his face suddenly changed. He lifted his leg and tried to kick Victoria in the knee. But the moment his foot rose, a sharp pain shot through him. Then his whole body went numb. He couldn't move. He looked down in terror. A small black snake had bitten his ankle. "How is there a poisonous snake here—" Before he could finish, blood burst from his throat. His body fell stiffly to the ground. After a few jerks, he went still. Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Trying to kill me in my place? You asked for it. Good job, Blackie. Go rest." The little black snake slipped into a dark corner and quickly disappeared. Victoria picked up a hoe, stuffed the body into a large basket, and lifted it onto her back with ease. She carried it outside and buried it near her vegetable garden. It would make good fertilizer for her herbs. After that, she let out a long breath, brushed off her hands, and looked up at the nearly full moon. She had just learned who she really was, and someone had already sent a man to ruin her. It seemed that someone had prepared a "welcome gift" for her in advance. Chapter 3 We've Got Your Back The next day at noon, a black Bentley worth 1.5 million dollars stopped in front of Victoria's house. Victoria was grinding the herbs she had picked the day before. When she heard the car, she glanced out the window and checked the license plate. It was from Benwig City, just as she expected. She finished grinding the herbs, put them into jars, brushed the dust off her hands, and walked outside. She went straight to the car and knocked on the window. A moment later, the window slid down, revealing the still handsome face of a middle-aged man—Hector Binder. He looked about fifty, with neatly slicked-back hair. A woman sat beside him. She looked about the same age. Even though she wasn't young anymore, she had taken good care of herself and looked as if she were in her thirties. Her features were still soft and beautiful. Victoria didn't waste time. "Are you here for me?" Hector, sitting in the back seat, looked at her, then at the photo in his hand. His eyes lit up. "Daisy, it's her. She's the one we're looking for." Daisy's eyes filled with excitement, even shining with tears. "Yes, it's her. No mistake." They quickly opened the door, got out of the car, and walked over to Victoria. Hector nodded. "Yes. You're the real daughter the Binder family lost years ago. We're here to take you back." Victoria looked straight into his eyes. He seemed like a decent man, and the excitement in his expression matched Daisy's. It didn't look fake. This couple didn't seem to have anything to do with what happened to her last night. Hector paused, a little surprised. "How did you know we were coming?" But he didn't dwell on it. Instead, he explained, "You are the young lady of the Binder family. "When you were little, someone switched you with another baby. That's why you ended up here. You've suffered for twenty years, living away from your real home." As soon as he finished, Daisy started to choke up. "Poor child." Victoria stayed calm. "So, are you my parents?" Hector and Daisy froze. They exchanged a look, then answered awkwardly, "No. We're your uncle and aunt." Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Then why aren't my parents here? Why did they send you instead?" Daisy looked uneasy. "Something came up at home. They couldn't leave, so they asked us to come get you." Victoria saw right through it. "You don't have to cover for them. I'm not a child. What could be more important than picking up their own daughter? They just didn't want to come." Hearing that, Daisy stepped forward and gently hugged her. Tears slipped down her face. "My poor child, you've suffered so much." Victoria didn't expect the sudden hug. At first, she wanted to pull away, but the warmth of it stopped her. It felt soft and comforting, unlike any embrace she had experienced in twenty years. It was, perhaps, the closest she had ever come to what a mother's embrace should feel like. She let out a quiet sigh. For a moment, she thought that if these two were her real parents, it wouldn't be so bad. After a while, Daisy let go and held her hand. "Go pack your things. We'll take you home today. You won't have to live like this anymore." Victoria nodded. "Okay. Wait for me. I'll go pack." She didn't need to bring clothes. The only things she needed were the medicines she had made. After packing all the bottles of medicine powder and poison powder from the wooden cabinet, Victoria called out, "Blackie, Whitey, Greenie, come out. I'm taking you somewhere new." As soon as she finished, three small snakes slid out from the corners and crawled into a sack. Victoria tied the sack and slung it over her shoulder. Then she took a drum from the old cabinet. After giving the shabby house one last look, she walked outside and began to beat the drum. The loud sound of the drum echoed through the area. Hector and Daisy, waiting outside, looked confused. Before long, the villagers gathered around. They looked at Victoria with concern. "Victoria, what's wrong? What happened?" Victoria set down the drum, cleared her throat, and said, "Everyone, you all know I'm an orphan. I grew up without parents, raised by all of you. "But now I know who my real parents are. It turns out I'm the daughter of the Binder family in Benwig City." The villagers were happy for her at first, but then she continued, "But here's the thing. My real parents knew all along who I was, but they never came to acknowledge me. "And now, the only reason they're taking me back is to make me marry a disabled man in place of their adopted daughter." Hector and Daisy were stunned. They had no idea about any of this. The villagers were furious. "What kind of people are they? They knew you were their real daughter but ignored you all this time, and now they want to use you like this, huh?" "Blind fools! You're such a good girl, and they treat you like a tool, making you marry some cripple instead of their adopted daughter." "Victoria, don't listen to those heartless people." "That's right. Ignore them. We'll go teach them a lesson." "The Binder family? They're nothing special in Benwig City, acting all high and mighty. Victoria, you don't need to go back with them." Victoria raised her hand to quiet them. "Everyone, calm down. I've decided to go back to the Binder family for this arranged marriage. "But I'm going back to teach them a lesson. So I'm telling you all ahead of time. Please help take care of the herbs I just planted in my yard." Even though the villagers didn't really understand, they still respected her choice. "Okay. But if anyone from the Binder family dares to bully you, just call me. I'll get people to take them down," one person said. "That's right. We've got your back," another added. Victoria waved her hand. "Thank you, everyone. That's all I wanted to say. You can all head back now." After that, she turned to Hector and Daisy, who were still waiting, and gave them a light smile. "We can go now." Hector and Daisy were still a little stunned. When they heard her, they finally snapped out of it. "Oh, okay." "Let me carry that." The driver stepped forward and reached for the sack. "Be careful. It's heavy," Victoria said. The driver didn't believe it at first. But the moment he took it with both hands, he almost dropped it on his foot. Victoria blinked at him. "Can you handle it? Don't break anything inside." "No problem." The driver forced a smile, gritted his teeth, and lifted the sack into the trunk. By the time he got back into the driver's seat, he was sweating all over. He hadn't expected Victoria to be this strong despite looking so thin. After getting into the car, Daisy and Hector looked at each other, then kept glancing at Victoria. They seemed to want to say something, but neither of them knew how to start. In the end, Daisy asked, "Victoria, you just told the villagers about marrying a disabled man instead of that adopted daughter. What did you mean?" "You didn't know?" Victoria looked back at her, her eyes narrowing with suspicion. Daisy shook her head. "Hector and I really had no idea. About half a month ago, your parents suddenly told us Angelica wasn't their biological daughter. Then they sent people to look into it. "Just yesterday, they found out their real daughter was living here. That's why they want to bring you back today." Hector nodded to confirm her words. Victoria smiled faintly. "Then why do you think they didn't come themselves?" Daisy fell silent. To her, it was absurd that Victoria's parents would have relatives fetch their biological daughter instead of coming themselves. But the truth would hurt Victoria, so she chose not to say anything. Victoria let out a bitter laugh. "Aunt Daisy, even if you don't say it, I can guess. Just like I said, they don't want to acknowledge me. "They're only bringing me back because they have no choice. They want me to marry that disabled heir in place of their precious adopted daughter." Her gaze was clear and calm, and there was a quiet maturity about her that went far beyond her years. Hector frowned slightly. "Victoria, how did you find out about this arranged marriage?" Victoria smiled. "Secret." On the way, Daisy told her a lot about the Binder family. It wasn't much different from what Mara had already found out. The Binder family was still led by Calvin. He had two sons and one daughter. The eldest son, Hector, was the one who had come to get Victoria, and his wife was Daisy. They didn't have any children. The second son, Darell, was Victoria's biological father. He and his wife, Julia, had two sons and one daughter. The eldest son, Simon, managed the family's entertainment company, Brightstar Entertainment. The second son, Curtis, was a well-known singer under the same company. Then there was the youngest daughter, Angelica. She was considered very outstanding. At just twenty, she had already skipped grades and finished college. She was now preparing to study abroad after getting engaged to the eldest son of the Thornton family. Angelica was the baby who had been switched with Victoria. As for Calvin's daughter, Sirena, she had already married into another wealthy family and only returned for holidays. The drive from the village to Benwig City took six hours over bumpy roads. By the time they arrived, it was dark. "We're here," the driver said as he stopped the car. Victoria looked out the window. In front of her stood a large estate, with several villas spread across it. It looked grand and impressive. The Binder family mansion alone was almost as big as the entire Mullinran Village. Victoria got out of the car and followed Hector and Daisy inside. The head butler, Milton, who had been waiting at the door, stepped forward respectfully. "You're back." He looked at Victoria and gave a polite nod. "This must be Miss Victoria Binder." "Yes," Daisy replied. Then she looked at Victoria gently. "Victoria, go in and meet your parents and brother." Victoria said nothing. She quietly followed them inside. They passed through the wide front yard and stepped into the entrance hall. Standing at the doorway, she quickly scanned the four people sitting on the sofas in the main hall. First, she saw a middle-aged couple dressed in expensive clothes, carrying themselves with an air of wealth and status. Next was a handsome young man who looked a bit rebellious. Finally, there was a beautiful young woman about her age. The corners of her eyes were red, and she looked pitiful, as if she had been crying. None of them looked happy. Their faces were tense, filled with worry. When they looked at her, Victoria caught the flash of disgust in their eyes. A faint smile appeared on her lips. She thought the family was really quite interesting. Chapter 4 Are You an Idiot? "Darell, Julia, I brought your daughter back," Daisy said. She gently patted Victoria on the back. "Victoria, go say hello to your parents and your brother." Victoria didn't move. With a faint, mocking smile, she asked, "Aunt Daisy, are they really my parents and brother?" Daisy froze for a moment, then nodded. "Yes, they are. Why do you ask?" Victoria let out a cold laugh. "I'm supposed to be their daughter and sister, but why do they all look like they can't stand me?" The four people in the room all stiffened. They hadn't expected her to be so direct. Daisy froze again. She wanted to say something, but stopped herself. She knew what Darell and Julia were thinking. They didn't want to accept this daughter because they already had an excellent adopted one. They would rather stay home and comfort their adopted daughter's feelings than spend even a little time going to the village to pick up their real daughter. Simon and Curtis felt the same way. They were closer to the sister they had lived with for twenty years. None of them wanted to hurt her feelings just to pick up Victoria. Simon didn't even bother to show up; he was still at work. In the end, Daisy couldn't take it anymore and offered to go with Hector to bring Victoria home. What she didn't expect was that even after Victoria came back, Darell and Julia still acted like this. They didn't even try to hide it. Julia looked at Darell, and he looked back at her. In that brief exchange, they reached an understanding. Victoria clearly wasn't as quiet and easy to control as they had thought. They couldn't just brush her aside. If they wanted her to willingly take Angelica's place in the marriage to Jackson later, they would have to act nice and coax her a little. Julia hesitated, then forced herself to stand up. She put on a pained expression and walked toward Victoria. "My child, you've suffered so much out there." Victoria stepped aside slightly and avoided her touch. "Stop pretending. I don't see any concern in your eyes." Julia froze in place. A wave of anger rose inside her. She had lowered herself to show kindness, yet Victoria had refused it and embarrassed her in front of everyone. But to her, Victoria's lack of manners was no surprise. She had grown up in the countryside without her parents and had never been properly brought up. Julia forced a stiff smile. "I carried you for ten months. Of course, it hurts me to know you've suffered." Victoria sneered, "Is that so? If you really feel that way, why didn't you come pick me up today? Why did you send Uncle Hector and Aunt Daisy instead?" Daisy wanted to speak, but Hector gently held her hand and shook his head. He said quietly, "Daisy, we've already brought her back. What happens now is their family matter. Let them handle it. Let's go home." Daisy looked at Victoria, her eyes full of worry and sympathy. But she knew Hector was right. This was between Victoria and her parents. No matter what happened, she had no right to interfere. "Julia, now that Victoria is back, you should treat her well. Don't hurt her again. Daisy and I will head back now," Hector said politely, hoping his words would help a little. Darell nodded. "Thank you for your help today." Daisy said gently, "Victoria, we are leaving. If you need anything, come find us at Goldenwood Villa on the east side." With that, she reluctantly turned and left. Victoria watched them walk away, then quickly looked away. Once they were gone, Julia finally breathed a sigh of relief. "This is all my fault. Your father and I didn't go pick you up ourselves because I'm very emotional. "I was afraid that if I saw how poorly you were living, I wouldn't be able to handle it. So I stayed home to calm myself and prepare to welcome you." She was lying. Actually, after Angelica found out last night that she wasn't their real daughter, she had been upset the whole night. This morning, she was so distracted that she couldn't even eat. Julia felt sorry for her and stayed home to comfort her. Victoria's eyes were full of sarcasm. "So what exactly did you prepare for me?" Julia quickly said, "I've already cleaned up a room for you. Come, I'll show you." She reached for Victoria's hand again, but Victoria dodged her once more. "So cleaning a room was more important than coming to pick me up yourself." Julia's hand hung in the air. A trace of impatience flashed across her eyes. "Forget the room. I'm not even sure I'll stay," Victoria said. Then she pointed at the young woman about her age. "Who is she?" Angelica froze. Her eyes instantly turned red. She gently tugged on Curtis's sleeve. Curtis held her hand and said softly, "Angelica, don't be afraid." After comforting her, Curtis looked at Victoria coldly. His tone turned sharp. "I'm your brother, Curtis. And she's my sister, Angelica." He deliberately stressed the words "my sister." "I see." Victoria's voice carried a hint of sarcasm. "So that means she's the adopted daughter who was switched with me, right?" Angelica's hand trembled. Tears gathered in her eyes, ready to fall. Curtis's face darkened. He emphasized, "In my heart, Angelica is my real sister." Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Calling her your real sister? Are you an idiot?" Everyone except Victoria froze at her words. Curtis stared at her in disbelief. "You just called me an idiot, huh?" Victoria laughed mockingly. "Yeah. Did I say anything wrong? Don't you know her mother was the one who secretly switched us back then?" Angelica's birth mother, Jasmine, had worked as a customer service representative at a postpartum care center. When Julia was three months pregnant, she started looking for a high-end center, and Jasmine had served her. By coincidence, Jasmine was also pregnant at the time. When she realized Julia was wealthy, she started having bad thoughts. She secretly followed Julia to find out which center she chose and forced herself to spend the money to book the same one. During the recovery period after giving birth, Jasmine secretly switched her own daughter with Julia's without anyone noticing. At the time, Angelica had an allergic rash on her face. Julia didn't realize anything was wrong, and when she left the center, she took Angelica home. Angelica bit her lip. Tears finally streamed down her face. "I'm sorry." Curtis held her cold hand tightly and gently said, "Angelica, this has nothing to do with you." Then he turned to Victoria, his voice full of anger. "Yes, her mother switched you back then. But Angelica is innocent. She didn't know anything about it." Victoria laughed out loud, her eyes full of ridicule. "Oh, she's innocent? She spent twenty years enjoying my life, living in comfort and luxury. "And me? I was thrown into a trash can by her cruel mother in the freezing cold. If no one had found me, I would have died right after I was born." Chapter 5 I'll Leave Victoria's words left Curtis speechless. He had just started to feel a bit guilty when Angelica suddenly broke down in tears again. She said, "I'm sorry. It's all my fault. It's my fault for having a mother like that. Victoria, if you hate me, you can hit me or yell at me, but please don't blame Curtis." As she spoke, she struggled to pull free from Curtis's hand. With a determined look, she bit her lip and ran toward Victoria. "Angelica!" Curtis panicked and quickly got up to follow her. Angelica ran up to Victoria and was about to bow, but Curtis caught up just in time and pulled her back. "Angelica, what are you doing? This isn't your fault. It's your mother's fault." Victoria watched the whole scene and suddenly laughed. She even clapped her hands like she was watching a show. "This is really something. Are you putting on a pity act for me?" The small bit of guilt Curtis had felt disappeared right away. After helping Angelica steady herself, he looked at Victoria coldly. "Why are you being so unreasonable?" he asked. "Angelica already apologized sincerely, and you're still mocking her." "I'm not just mocking her. I'm mocking all of you," Victoria said. "Her mother planned everything, found a way to switch us, and let her take twenty years of the life that should have been mine. "Now that I'm back, you guys are still protecting her right in front of me. It's a shame that I ended up with a family like this." Curtis's face darkened even more. Julia looked helplessly at Darell. She hadn't expected Victoria to be so stubborn and didn't know how to deal with her. No matter how she looked at it, Julia just couldn't bring herself to like Victoria. Darell, who had been silent until now, finally spoke up. "That's enough, Victoria. Angelica's mother has already been punished. Angelica is alone now, with no one to rely on. "Your mother and I raised her for twenty years. We can't just throw her out. The Binder family has more than enough. Keeping her here is no big deal. She won't affect you." But Victoria didn't accept that. "If it's really no big deal, then she can live anywhere. Why does she have to stay here and bother me? "Every time I see her, I'm reminded of everything I went through after being switched." Darell didn't expect her to keep pushing like this. Just like Julia, he began to feel more and more resistant toward Victoria. Compared to Angelica, who was gentle and understanding, Victoria seemed completely rude to him. Angelica bit her lip and let her tears fall silently. She looked pitiful, making it hard not to feel sorry for her. Seeing how aggressive Victoria was, Curtis finally lost his temper. "So you won't be satisfied unless we send Angelica away, huh?" Victoria nodded. "That's right. We're not both living here. It's one or the other." As soon as she said that, everyone's faces darkened. "I don't want to leave you," Angelica said through her tears, looking completely wronged. It made anyone who saw her feel bad. Curtis held her hand tightly. "Angelica, don't worry. You don't have to go anywhere. As long as I'm here, I won't let anyone drive you out of the Binder family. You'll always be my sister. You're part of us." Victoria raised an eyebrow. "So you want me to leave, huh?" Julia was already at her limit, but she forced herself to stay calm. "Victoria, you just got back. You don't really know Angelica yet. "She's kind and understanding. Once you spend some time with her, you'll accept her. Her staying here won't affect your place. No matter what, you're our real daughter." Victoria sneered, "Really? Then why did all of you look disgusted the moment you saw me? Is it because I'm not as pretty as her? Or because I'm not as refined? "But have you forgotten? If we had never been switched, the pretty, refined one would be me. Everything she has now was built on the suffering I endured for her." Julia froze and quickly shook her head. "That's not it. We just haven't adjusted yet." "You need time to adjust to your own daughter, huh? Then why didn't Uncle Hector and Aunt Daisy need time when they saw me?" Victoria pressed. Julia had no answer. But she thought it was because Hector and Daisy had no children, so of course, they would be happy. She took a deep breath and softened her voice. "Victoria, we won't treat you badly from now on. Your living expenses will be the same as Angelica's. Your father and I won't favor one over the other." Victoria gave a faint, mocking smile. "Should I thank you for that? Honestly, for me, not favoring one over the other is already the biggest favoritism. "You two are really kind. You don't want your own daughter, but you're willing to spend money raising the daughter of someone who ruined my life. I've never seen people this generous." Julia held back her anger and continued, "Victoria, stop making trouble. You're my real daughter. We finally found you. How could we let you keep suffering out there?" Victoria replied, "So you knew I was suffering. While I was suffering, that criminal's daughter was living here, enjoying everything you gave her in my place. "And now, on the very first day I come back, you're ready to push me away again." Curtis said coldly, "Get this straight. We're not pushing you away. You're the one making things difficult. You could stay here peacefully, but you refuse to accept Angelica." "How could I accept the daughter of a criminal?" Victoria asked. "If I hadn't been lucky enough to survive, her mother would be both a trafficker and a murderer. "She committed the crime, but her daughter hasn't been punished at all. Why should she get to keep living this rich, comfortable life as if nothing had happened?" Angelica's body swayed. Curtis quickly held her steady, his anger finally breaking through. "With your attitude, do you even deserve to stay here while Angelica leaves?" "Of course I do. First, I'm a Binder by blood. Second, unlike you, I'm not an idiot." After snapping at him, Victoria lost her patience. "Have you decided? Is she leaving, or am I?" Curtis pulled Angelica into his arms protectively and said firmly, "Dad, Mom, if I have to choose, then I only recognize Angelica as my sister." "Good. One vote." Victoria raised her index finger and then looked at Julia. "What about you?" Julia forced down her frustration and said gently, "Victoria, don't do this—" "Alright, that's two votes," Victoria said, not even bothering to listen. She turned to Darell. "Your vote doesn't matter anymore. There are already two votes for Angelica. Fine. Since that's the case, she stays. I'll leave." A trace of anxiety flashed in Angelica's eyes. If Victoria really left, there would be no one to take her place in marrying Jackson. ------ 👇👇👇 There are limited chapters to put here, click “continue reading” to open App to continue reading (It will automatically jump to the book)
When a killer came in the night, Victoria Binder didn’t scream—she fought. And she won, burying the proof in her own garden. That was just the beginning. Unveiled as the lost heiress to a mighty fortune, Victoria returned to a family that despised her. She wasn’t there for their love. She was there for what was hers: the power, the legacy, the truth. ------ Chapter 1 I Want to Marry You "Victoria, we need to break up. It turns out I'm actually the heir to the Fairbank family, one of the most powerful families in Benwig City. You're just a country girl who sells herbs. You're not good enough for me anymore." Victoria Binder had just received a call from her boyfriend, Gavin Alvarado—no, Gavin Fairbank now. She had been about to tell him that she was the long-lost daughter of a wealthy family herself, but before she could say a word, she heard him claim she wasn't good enough for him. She let out a silent, cold laugh. The medicinal herbs she grew were incredibly valuable. Countless rich and influential families were trying to buy them at high prices. Her products had even appeared several times at the largest auction house in Benwig City. Gavin's arrogant voice came through the phone again. "With my status now, I need to marry a proper heiress from a family that matches mine. "But since we dated for two months, I won't treat you badly. Before I marry someone suitable, you can stay with me. Even after I get married, I can still keep you as my—" Before he could finish, Victoria snapped, "Asshole. If you want to break up, then we're done." She hung up immediately. The handsome man standing in front of her, Jackson Thornton, raised an eyebrow. He had been waiting for her response. He smiled. "So? You just found out you're the heiress of the Binder family, one of the richest families in Benwig City, and you still got dumped?" Victoria looked up at him and smiled brightly. "Funny coincidence. He just told me that he's the heir to a wealthy family in Benwig City and that I'm not good enough for him." Then her expression shifted, turning doubtful. "Wait a second. This whole thing about being the real daughter or real son of some rich family... Isn't that some new kind of scam going around?" Jackson paused for a moment, then smiled. "Of course not. You really are the true daughter of the Binder family." Victoria gave a nonchalant hum. She took the basket off her back, sat down on a chair, and began sorting the herbs she had just picked. "Then who are you?" she asked. "Why are you the one coming to find me instead of my biological parents?" Jackson glanced at the shabby house in front of him, then looked at Victoria, who sat casually on a small stool. He said, "If nothing unexpected happens, I'll soon be your fiancé. I'm Jackson, the eldest son of the Thornton family in Benwig City." Victoria almost slipped off her stool. She stared at him in shock. "What? Fiancé?" "That's right. But as you can see, I'm disabled now. I lost the use of my legs last month." Sitting in his wheelchair, Jackson lifted a hand and pointed at his legs, giving a helpless smile. "I see. And what does that have to do with you coming to find me today?" Victoria asked. Then she suddenly understood. "Wait. Are you saying that I'm the real daughter of the wealthy Binder family, and that they're planning to bring me back and have me marry you?" Jackson nodded, a hint of admiration in his eyes. "Exactly." Victoria's gaze flickered. Jackson continued, "Because of my legs, I'm about to be dumped. Just like you." Victoria caught on quickly. "So the one who was supposed to marry you was the Binder family's adopted daughter. But now that you're disabled, she doesn't want to marry you anymore." Jackson nodded again. "Yes. That's exactly it." Victoria almost let out a bitter laugh. "Then why don't you look upset at all?" Jackson said calmly, "You just got dumped by your boyfriend, and you don't look upset either." "He's just trash. Good riddance." Victoria curled her lips in disdain. Jackson studied her, the admiration in his eyes deepening. "You're surprisingly chill about it." Victoria let out a small scoff. "Of course. Why waste time and energy feeling bad over someone who isn't worth it?" She had started dating Gavin after saving his life by chance two years ago. After that, he had chased after her nonstop, using gratitude as an excuse. For two whole years, he acted devoted, as if he would never marry anyone but her. He didn't seem to have any serious flaws. She figured having a man around could help her take care of the herb garden and keep other men from bothering her, so she agreed to date him. But she never expected that the moment Gavin found out he was the heir to a wealthy family, he would turn on her so quickly. Jackson smiled. "Same here. She's trash anyway. Better not to marry her." There had never been anything between him and Angelica Binder. Their engagement had only been arranged by his grandfather for a business alliance. Now that his legs were disabled, Angelica's parents naturally didn't want her to marry him anymore. But the Thornton family was the most powerful family in Benwig City, with huge wealth and influence. They weren't willing to give up the alliance, either. In the end, they planned to have their biological daughter, Victoria, marry him in Angelica's place. Victoria went straight to the point. "It's just strange. How could it be such a coincidence? Right after your legs were disabled, my birth parents suddenly found me and decided to have me marry you instead of their adopted daughter." She let out a cold, mocking laugh. "Looks like they always knew I was their real daughter. I just had no value to them, so they left me out here all this time and never brought me home." Jackson didn't try to comfort her with lies. "I think you're right." Victoria gave a cold sneer. If that was true, then her birth parents were even more heartless than she had thought. Still, one thing didn't make sense to her. "Since you already know what the Binder family is planning, why not just give up on the alliance? Why walk straight into their trap?" "I had someone look into you," Jackson said calmly. "You sell medicine, and you're pretty well-known around here. "I heard you've treated quite a few difficult cases with your own methods. My legs are disabled. Over the past month, I've invited top doctors from all over the country, but none of them could help. "So I came here myself to see if marrying you would be a trap or a chance for me." He didn't hide why he came. Victoria found him interesting. She shrugged. "Well, you've seen me now. I'm just a wild country girl. My birth parents, the ones I've never even met, clearly don't like me. "Do you still want to marry someone like me? I'm just a real daughter who isn't valued and is just being used as a substitute bride." Jackson looked at her closely. At first glance, she wasn't the delicate type raised in comfort. Her skin wasn't soft. It had a light wheat tone that made her look healthy and full of life. But if one looked more carefully, her features were actually very refined. Her eyes were bright and clear, and there was strength in the way she looked at people. There was no trace of disrespect in Jackson's gaze. He looked sincere. "Yes. After meeting you, I'm sure I want to marry you. I just don't know if you're willing to give me a chance." Victoria studied his face. She had to admit that he was strikingly handsome, the kind of man who wouldn't be forgotten even in a huge crowd. His features were sharp, and his face was well-defined. What stood out the most was his eyes. Even after going through something as serious as losing the use of his legs, they were still clear. There was no bitterness or confusion. Victoria glanced at his legs again. "What's going on with them?" "They were broken with a wooden club last month," Jackson said. "I've had many well-known doctors take a look. They all said my legs are beyond saving. I'll never stand again." "Pull up your pant legs. Let me see," said Victoria. "Okay." Jackson did as she said, lifting his pant legs to reveal his knees and lower legs, covered in scars. Victoria's expression darkened. She set the herbs aside, stood up, and walked over to him. Then she bent down and pressed carefully on his knees. The pain made Jackson frown, but he didn't make a sound. "They can be treated," Victoria said firmly. Hope lit up in Jackson's eyes at once. Thinking about how her birth parents had ignored her existence for so many years, Victoria made up her mind. She would go back to Benwig City and take her place as the Binder family's true daughter. She wanted to meet them face to face. She clapped her hands lightly and sat back down on the small stool. "I can marry you." Jackson raised an eyebrow. "Do you have any conditions?" Victoria tilted her head and smiled brightly. "Listen to you. Do I need conditions to marry you? You're so good-looking. If I fix your legs, I'll be the one getting the better deal." Jackson hadn't expected her to be so straightforward. His brow lifted higher, and he let out a soft laugh. "Alright. Then it's settled. I'll wait for you to return to the Binder family." Chapter 2 A Welcome Gift After Jackson left his phone number with Victoria, he left the village with his assistant, Ollie Rowse. Victoria watched him go, her eyes growing thoughtful. She took out her phone and dialed a number. "Mara, I need you to look into everyone in the Binder family in Benwig City right away. Focus on their daughter. I want everything you can find, and I want it by tonight." "Yes, boss," Mara replied. After hanging up, Victoria's gaze turned even sharper. Ford had once told her about that freezing winter night twenty years ago. He had been on his way to settle down in a small southern town when he heard a baby crying from inside a trash bin. He got out of the car to check and found a baby girl, not even a month old, her skin red from the cold. If she hadn't been crying so loudly, and if he hadn't happened to pass that deserted road, she would have died quietly in that trash bin. That baby was Victoria. Ford gave her that name, hoping she would grow up strong and tough no matter what life threw at her. Even on his deathbed, Ford never stopped looking for her biological parents. And all this time, Victoria had believed they must have abandoned her because they had no other choice. But now, it seemed that wasn't true. Her biological parents didn't want her and had no intention of taking her back. If it weren't for the adopted daughter they had raised for twenty years, Victoria might have gone her whole life without parents. Just then, someone called out from outside, "Victoria, who was that man in the nice car looking for you?" It was Stephan, a middle-aged man from next door. He spent most of his time up in the mountains hunting herbs. Victoria put her phone away and walked out, smiling at him. "To be honest with you, that was my fiancé." Stephan looked surprised. "Your fiancé? You have good taste. He's a handsome man. Why didn't you ask him to stay for dinner?" "He had things to take care of in the city. He couldn't stay today," Victoria said. "Next time he comes, make sure he stays for a meal. Everything we eat here is grown by us. Let him try it. It's much better and healthier than city food," Stephan said. "I will," Victoria said with a smile. Stephan grabbed his tools and headed up into the mountains. Only after he left did Victoria go back inside to keep sorting the herbs she had picked. ***** After leaving Mullinran Village, Ollie, who was driving, glanced at Jackson's calm face in the rearview mirror and asked carefully, "Mr. Thornton, are you really going to marry her? "You saw it yourself. Her own parents don't even want her. She makes a living selling herbs and doing some basic medical work. "You just went through something serious, and this is when you need support the most. Marrying her won't help you secure your position in the Thornton family." Jackson shifted his gaze away from the fields outside the window and gently rubbed the petals of a purple flower he had picked from Victoria's doorstep. He asked, "Ollie, do you remember six months ago, when my grandfather was seriously ill and needed a very rare herb to survive?" Ollie wasn't sure why he changed the subject, but he nodded. "Of course. That herb showed up at the biggest auction house in Benwig City. You spent 30 million dollars to get it." "Didn't you notice? That same rare herb was hanging casually on the wall of her simple, run-down house," Jackson said. That one bundle alone would be worth a fortune at any auction in Benwig City. "What?" Ollie was stunned. From the moment they walked into Victoria's house, he had only noticed how shabby it looked and missed everything else. Now it finally clicked. "Do you mean her background might not be as simple as it seems?" Jackson lifted the purple flower to his nose and took a light breath. "I can't say for sure what her background is yet. But one thing is clear. Her medical skills are far from simple." Ollie understood right away. If that was true, then there was real hope for Jackson's legs. Still, he couldn't help asking, "If all you want is to fix your legs, you could just pay her a large amount of money. There's no need to marry her." Jackson blinked and slowly turned the flower between his fingers. A faint smile appeared on his lips. "What if I said I fell for her at first sight? Would you believe me?" Ollie paused and looked at him again through the rearview mirror. He seemed calm. He wasn't exactly joking, but he wasn't completely serious, either. But Jackson rarely joked, so Ollie couldn't tell how much of it was real. In the end, he chose to believe him. "I believe you." "Good. In my eyes, she is already my fiancée. From now on, you need to treat her with respect," Jackson said. "Understood." Ollie nodded. Jackson wasn't joking. When it came to love, he had never believed in feelings that grew over time. To him, if there was no spark at first sight, then staying together would only lead to a relationship based on weighing pros and cons, not the kind of love that made his heart race. That was why, when his grandfather arranged his engagement to Angelica, he had agreed for practical reasons alone. But when he saw Victoria, everything changed. It felt like the world spun around him, and everything else faded away. In his eyes, she was the only color left. He couldn't explain why it had to be her. Maybe it was that moment when their eyes met, when the light in hers pulled him in like a whirlpool. Jackson picked up a book from the car and carefully placed the small purple flower between its pages. Then he closed the book and shut his eyes. ***** At eight that evening, Victoria had just finished bringing in the herbs she had been drying on the roof when her phone rang. She set the herbs aside, brushed the dust off her hands, and picked up the call. Mara's cool voice came through. "Boss, I found what you asked for. The Binder family has only one daughter. She was born to the second son, Darell, and his wife, Julia. Her name is Angelica. She's the same age as you. "She's very spoiled at home. Two months ago, Darell arranged a great marriage for her. She's engaged to Jackson, the eldest son of the Thornton family, the most powerful family in Benwig City. "Jackson had already been chosen by his grandfather, Gerry, as the next heir. But last month, he had an accident. Someone broke both his legs, and the announcement was put on hold." "What is Angelica like?" Victoria asked. "She has a very good reputation. She's beautiful and talented. A lot of rich young men in Benwig City admire her. That's probably why she gained Gerry's approval for the marriage," Mara said. Victoria let out a cold laugh to herself. She didn't believe for a second that Angelica's perfect life came without tricks. "Got it. Now find out if Angelica is really Darell and Julia's biological daughter," Victoria said. "You're focusing on the Binder family, especially Angelica. What are you planning to do?" Mara asked. "I'm going back to take my place," Victoria said. A faint spark lit up in her deep eyes. She found the idea of being the Binder family's real daughter interesting. Victoria had many identities. The one she used the most was a village herbalist and healer. In her daily life, she spent time with her retired scientist friends in the village, growing new herbs and developing new medicines. Over the years, she had cultivated twenty kinds of rare medicinal plants. Because they were so hard to produce, they sold for extremely high prices. Any one of them, if sold at auction in Benwig City, could earn more than most people made in a lifetime. On top of that, she was skilled in traditional medical techniques. When she treated regular villagers, she charged normal fees. But when rich families or powerful figures came to her, her starting fee was three million dollars. Of course, she guaranteed results. If she couldn't cure them, she wouldn't take a single dollar. This identity alone had already made her very rich. Money no longer meant much to her. So when her ex-boyfriend, Gavin, said she wasn't good enough for him, she found it almost funny. If she wanted, she could build her own place in Benwig City without relying on anyone. Over the years, all her different identities had started to feel dull. It was time to try something new. And she had to admit, Jackson impressed her. Out of all the people she had treated, none had faced sudden injury like he did, so calm and steady. His willpower was strong. He was someone who would go far. He was handsome and capable. It would be a waste for him to stay crippled. So she would fix his legs. Mara quickly understood, her voice turning serious. "Understood, boss. I'll get on it right away." ***** Late that night, Victoria was fast asleep when she heard wood cracking outside. Her eyes opened at once, sharp and alert, and she turned toward the sound. Anyone showing up at this hour without warning was not from the village. She had spread powders around her home to keep wild animals away, so no beasts would come near. That left only one answer. Someone had broken in. Victoria got up quietly and, using the moonlight, moved to hide behind the door. Soon, her old wooden door was kicked open, and a shadow rushed inside. She hadn't expected him to be so bold, barging in instead of sneaking around. She flicked a silver needle straight at him. The man let out a low groan and dropped to the ground. Victoria turned on the light, filling the room with brightness. She kicked him aside and finally saw his face clearly. He looked like a hardened criminal. She grabbed a rope, walked over, and tied up his hands and feet. Once he was secured, she took out a needle and stuck it into his neck. Within seconds, he woke up. Victoria sat on the bed, crossing her legs as she played with another needle. "If you don't want to suffer, you'd better tell me the truth. Who sent you?" The man quickly sized up the situation. "People who hire killers stay anonymous. Who would be stupid enough to give their name? But they said that if I raped you, they would get me out of the country safely." Victoria's eyes turned cold and sharp. If he needed to run overseas, that meant he was already a wanted criminal. The man hurried to beg, "I've told you everything I know. Let me go. I won't take this job anymore." Victoria nodded. "Fine." She walked over, pulled out the needle, and untied the ropes. "You can leave." The man rubbed his wrists. "Thanks—" Before he could finish, his face suddenly changed. He lifted his leg and tried to kick Victoria in the knee. But the moment his foot rose, a sharp pain shot through him. Then his whole body went numb. He couldn't move. He looked down in terror. A small black snake had bitten his ankle. "How is there a poisonous snake here—" Before he could finish, blood burst from his throat. His body fell stiffly to the ground. After a few jerks, he went still. Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Trying to kill me in my place? You asked for it. Good job, Blackie. Go rest." The little black snake slipped into a dark corner and quickly disappeared. Victoria picked up a hoe, stuffed the body into a large basket, and lifted it onto her back with ease. She carried it outside and buried it near her vegetable garden. It would make good fertilizer for her herbs. After that, she let out a long breath, brushed off her hands, and looked up at the nearly full moon. She had just learned who she really was, and someone had already sent a man to ruin her. It seemed that someone had prepared a "welcome gift" for her in advance. Chapter 3 We've Got Your Back The next day at noon, a black Bentley worth 1.5 million dollars stopped in front of Victoria's house. Victoria was grinding the herbs she had picked the day before. When she heard the car, she glanced out the window and checked the license plate. It was from Benwig City, just as she expected. She finished grinding the herbs, put them into jars, brushed the dust off her hands, and walked outside. She went straight to the car and knocked on the window. A moment later, the window slid down, revealing the still handsome face of a middle-aged man—Hector Binder. He looked about fifty, with neatly slicked-back hair. A woman sat beside him. She looked about the same age. Even though she wasn't young anymore, she had taken good care of herself and looked as if she were in her thirties. Her features were still soft and beautiful. Victoria didn't waste time. "Are you here for me?" Hector, sitting in the back seat, looked at her, then at the photo in his hand. His eyes lit up. "Daisy, it's her. She's the one we're looking for." Daisy's eyes filled with excitement, even shining with tears. "Yes, it's her. No mistake." They quickly opened the door, got out of the car, and walked over to Victoria. Hector nodded. "Yes. You're the real daughter the Binder family lost years ago. We're here to take you back." Victoria looked straight into his eyes. He seemed like a decent man, and the excitement in his expression matched Daisy's. It didn't look fake. This couple didn't seem to have anything to do with what happened to her last night. Hector paused, a little surprised. "How did you know we were coming?" But he didn't dwell on it. Instead, he explained, "You are the young lady of the Binder family. "When you were little, someone switched you with another baby. That's why you ended up here. You've suffered for twenty years, living away from your real home." As soon as he finished, Daisy started to choke up. "Poor child." Victoria stayed calm. "So, are you my parents?" Hector and Daisy froze. They exchanged a look, then answered awkwardly, "No. We're your uncle and aunt." Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Then why aren't my parents here? Why did they send you instead?" Daisy looked uneasy. "Something came up at home. They couldn't leave, so they asked us to come get you." Victoria saw right through it. "You don't have to cover for them. I'm not a child. What could be more important than picking up their own daughter? They just didn't want to come." Hearing that, Daisy stepped forward and gently hugged her. Tears slipped down her face. "My poor child, you've suffered so much." Victoria didn't expect the sudden hug. At first, she wanted to pull away, but the warmth of it stopped her. It felt soft and comforting, unlike any embrace she had experienced in twenty years. It was, perhaps, the closest she had ever come to what a mother's embrace should feel like. She let out a quiet sigh. For a moment, she thought that if these two were her real parents, it wouldn't be so bad. After a while, Daisy let go and held her hand. "Go pack your things. We'll take you home today. You won't have to live like this anymore." Victoria nodded. "Okay. Wait for me. I'll go pack." She didn't need to bring clothes. The only things she needed were the medicines she had made. After packing all the bottles of medicine powder and poison powder from the wooden cabinet, Victoria called out, "Blackie, Whitey, Greenie, come out. I'm taking you somewhere new." As soon as she finished, three small snakes slid out from the corners and crawled into a sack. Victoria tied the sack and slung it over her shoulder. Then she took a drum from the old cabinet. After giving the shabby house one last look, she walked outside and began to beat the drum. The loud sound of the drum echoed through the area. Hector and Daisy, waiting outside, looked confused. Before long, the villagers gathered around. They looked at Victoria with concern. "Victoria, what's wrong? What happened?" Victoria set down the drum, cleared her throat, and said, "Everyone, you all know I'm an orphan. I grew up without parents, raised by all of you. "But now I know who my real parents are. It turns out I'm the daughter of the Binder family in Benwig City." The villagers were happy for her at first, but then she continued, "But here's the thing. My real parents knew all along who I was, but they never came to acknowledge me. "And now, the only reason they're taking me back is to make me marry a disabled man in place of their adopted daughter." Hector and Daisy were stunned. They had no idea about any of this. The villagers were furious. "What kind of people are they? They knew you were their real daughter but ignored you all this time, and now they want to use you like this, huh?" "Blind fools! You're such a good girl, and they treat you like a tool, making you marry some cripple instead of their adopted daughter." "Victoria, don't listen to those heartless people." "That's right. Ignore them. We'll go teach them a lesson." "The Binder family? They're nothing special in Benwig City, acting all high and mighty. Victoria, you don't need to go back with them." Victoria raised her hand to quiet them. "Everyone, calm down. I've decided to go back to the Binder family for this arranged marriage. "But I'm going back to teach them a lesson. So I'm telling you all ahead of time. Please help take care of the herbs I just planted in my yard." Even though the villagers didn't really understand, they still respected her choice. "Okay. But if anyone from the Binder family dares to bully you, just call me. I'll get people to take them down," one person said. "That's right. We've got your back," another added. Victoria waved her hand. "Thank you, everyone. That's all I wanted to say. You can all head back now." After that, she turned to Hector and Daisy, who were still waiting, and gave them a light smile. "We can go now." Hector and Daisy were still a little stunned. When they heard her, they finally snapped out of it. "Oh, okay." "Let me carry that." The driver stepped forward and reached for the sack. "Be careful. It's heavy," Victoria said. The driver didn't believe it at first. But the moment he took it with both hands, he almost dropped it on his foot. Victoria blinked at him. "Can you handle it? Don't break anything inside." "No problem." The driver forced a smile, gritted his teeth, and lifted the sack into the trunk. By the time he got back into the driver's seat, he was sweating all over. He hadn't expected Victoria to be this strong despite looking so thin. After getting into the car, Daisy and Hector looked at each other, then kept glancing at Victoria. They seemed to want to say something, but neither of them knew how to start. In the end, Daisy asked, "Victoria, you just told the villagers about marrying a disabled man instead of that adopted daughter. What did you mean?" "You didn't know?" Victoria looked back at her, her eyes narrowing with suspicion. Daisy shook her head. "Hector and I really had no idea. About half a month ago, your parents suddenly told us Angelica wasn't their biological daughter. Then they sent people to look into it. "Just yesterday, they found out their real daughter was living here. That's why they want to bring you back today." Hector nodded to confirm her words. Victoria smiled faintly. "Then why do you think they didn't come themselves?" Daisy fell silent. To her, it was absurd that Victoria's parents would have relatives fetch their biological daughter instead of coming themselves. But the truth would hurt Victoria, so she chose not to say anything. Victoria let out a bitter laugh. "Aunt Daisy, even if you don't say it, I can guess. Just like I said, they don't want to acknowledge me. "They're only bringing me back because they have no choice. They want me to marry that disabled heir in place of their precious adopted daughter." Her gaze was clear and calm, and there was a quiet maturity about her that went far beyond her years. Hector frowned slightly. "Victoria, how did you find out about this arranged marriage?" Victoria smiled. "Secret." On the way, Daisy told her a lot about the Binder family. It wasn't much different from what Mara had already found out. The Binder family was still led by Calvin. He had two sons and one daughter. The eldest son, Hector, was the one who had come to get Victoria, and his wife was Daisy. They didn't have any children. The second son, Darell, was Victoria's biological father. He and his wife, Julia, had two sons and one daughter. The eldest son, Simon, managed the family's entertainment company, Brightstar Entertainment. The second son, Curtis, was a well-known singer under the same company. Then there was the youngest daughter, Angelica. She was considered very outstanding. At just twenty, she had already skipped grades and finished college. She was now preparing to study abroad after getting engaged to the eldest son of the Thornton family. Angelica was the baby who had been switched with Victoria. As for Calvin's daughter, Sirena, she had already married into another wealthy family and only returned for holidays. The drive from the village to Benwig City took six hours over bumpy roads. By the time they arrived, it was dark. "We're here," the driver said as he stopped the car. Victoria looked out the window. In front of her stood a large estate, with several villas spread across it. It looked grand and impressive. The Binder family mansion alone was almost as big as the entire Mullinran Village. Victoria got out of the car and followed Hector and Daisy inside. The head butler, Milton, who had been waiting at the door, stepped forward respectfully. "You're back." He looked at Victoria and gave a polite nod. "This must be Miss Victoria Binder." "Yes," Daisy replied. Then she looked at Victoria gently. "Victoria, go in and meet your parents and brother." Victoria said nothing. She quietly followed them inside. They passed through the wide front yard and stepped into the entrance hall. Standing at the doorway, she quickly scanned the four people sitting on the sofas in the main hall. First, she saw a middle-aged couple dressed in expensive clothes, carrying themselves with an air of wealth and status. Next was a handsome young man who looked a bit rebellious. Finally, there was a beautiful young woman about her age. The corners of her eyes were red, and she looked pitiful, as if she had been crying. None of them looked happy. Their faces were tense, filled with worry. When they looked at her, Victoria caught the flash of disgust in their eyes. A faint smile appeared on her lips. She thought the family was really quite interesting. Chapter 4 Are You an Idiot? "Darell, Julia, I brought your daughter back," Daisy said. She gently patted Victoria on the back. "Victoria, go say hello to your parents and your brother." Victoria didn't move. With a faint, mocking smile, she asked, "Aunt Daisy, are they really my parents and brother?" Daisy froze for a moment, then nodded. "Yes, they are. Why do you ask?" Victoria let out a cold laugh. "I'm supposed to be their daughter and sister, but why do they all look like they can't stand me?" The four people in the room all stiffened. They hadn't expected her to be so direct. Daisy froze again. She wanted to say something, but stopped herself. She knew what Darell and Julia were thinking. They didn't want to accept this daughter because they already had an excellent adopted one. They would rather stay home and comfort their adopted daughter's feelings than spend even a little time going to the village to pick up their real daughter. Simon and Curtis felt the same way. They were closer to the sister they had lived with for twenty years. None of them wanted to hurt her feelings just to pick up Victoria. Simon didn't even bother to show up; he was still at work. In the end, Daisy couldn't take it anymore and offered to go with Hector to bring Victoria home. What she didn't expect was that even after Victoria came back, Darell and Julia still acted like this. They didn't even try to hide it. Julia looked at Darell, and he looked back at her. In that brief exchange, they reached an understanding. Victoria clearly wasn't as quiet and easy to control as they had thought. They couldn't just brush her aside. If they wanted her to willingly take Angelica's place in the marriage to Jackson later, they would have to act nice and coax her a little. Julia hesitated, then forced herself to stand up. She put on a pained expression and walked toward Victoria. "My child, you've suffered so much out there." Victoria stepped aside slightly and avoided her touch. "Stop pretending. I don't see any concern in your eyes." Julia froze in place. A wave of anger rose inside her. She had lowered herself to show kindness, yet Victoria had refused it and embarrassed her in front of everyone. But to her, Victoria's lack of manners was no surprise. She had grown up in the countryside without her parents and had never been properly brought up. Julia forced a stiff smile. "I carried you for ten months. Of course, it hurts me to know you've suffered." Victoria sneered, "Is that so? If you really feel that way, why didn't you come pick me up today? Why did you send Uncle Hector and Aunt Daisy instead?" Daisy wanted to speak, but Hector gently held her hand and shook his head. He said quietly, "Daisy, we've already brought her back. What happens now is their family matter. Let them handle it. Let's go home." Daisy looked at Victoria, her eyes full of worry and sympathy. But she knew Hector was right. This was between Victoria and her parents. No matter what happened, she had no right to interfere. "Julia, now that Victoria is back, you should treat her well. Don't hurt her again. Daisy and I will head back now," Hector said politely, hoping his words would help a little. Darell nodded. "Thank you for your help today." Daisy said gently, "Victoria, we are leaving. If you need anything, come find us at Goldenwood Villa on the east side." With that, she reluctantly turned and left. Victoria watched them walk away, then quickly looked away. Once they were gone, Julia finally breathed a sigh of relief. "This is all my fault. Your father and I didn't go pick you up ourselves because I'm very emotional. "I was afraid that if I saw how poorly you were living, I wouldn't be able to handle it. So I stayed home to calm myself and prepare to welcome you." She was lying. Actually, after Angelica found out last night that she wasn't their real daughter, she had been upset the whole night. This morning, she was so distracted that she couldn't even eat. Julia felt sorry for her and stayed home to comfort her. Victoria's eyes were full of sarcasm. "So what exactly did you prepare for me?" Julia quickly said, "I've already cleaned up a room for you. Come, I'll show you." She reached for Victoria's hand again, but Victoria dodged her once more. "So cleaning a room was more important than coming to pick me up yourself." Julia's hand hung in the air. A trace of impatience flashed across her eyes. "Forget the room. I'm not even sure I'll stay," Victoria said. Then she pointed at the young woman about her age. "Who is she?" Angelica froze. Her eyes instantly turned red. She gently tugged on Curtis's sleeve. Curtis held her hand and said softly, "Angelica, don't be afraid." After comforting her, Curtis looked at Victoria coldly. His tone turned sharp. "I'm your brother, Curtis. And she's my sister, Angelica." He deliberately stressed the words "my sister." "I see." Victoria's voice carried a hint of sarcasm. "So that means she's the adopted daughter who was switched with me, right?" Angelica's hand trembled. Tears gathered in her eyes, ready to fall. Curtis's face darkened. He emphasized, "In my heart, Angelica is my real sister." Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Calling her your real sister? Are you an idiot?" Everyone except Victoria froze at her words. Curtis stared at her in disbelief. "You just called me an idiot, huh?" Victoria laughed mockingly. "Yeah. Did I say anything wrong? Don't you know her mother was the one who secretly switched us back then?" Angelica's birth mother, Jasmine, had worked as a customer service representative at a postpartum care center. When Julia was three months pregnant, she started looking for a high-end center, and Jasmine had served her. By coincidence, Jasmine was also pregnant at the time. When she realized Julia was wealthy, she started having bad thoughts. She secretly followed Julia to find out which center she chose and forced herself to spend the money to book the same one. During the recovery period after giving birth, Jasmine secretly switched her own daughter with Julia's without anyone noticing. At the time, Angelica had an allergic rash on her face. Julia didn't realize anything was wrong, and when she left the center, she took Angelica home. Angelica bit her lip. Tears finally streamed down her face. "I'm sorry." Curtis held her cold hand tightly and gently said, "Angelica, this has nothing to do with you." Then he turned to Victoria, his voice full of anger. "Yes, her mother switched you back then. But Angelica is innocent. She didn't know anything about it." Victoria laughed out loud, her eyes full of ridicule. "Oh, she's innocent? She spent twenty years enjoying my life, living in comfort and luxury. "And me? I was thrown into a trash can by her cruel mother in the freezing cold. If no one had found me, I would have died right after I was born." Chapter 5 I'll Leave Victoria's words left Curtis speechless. He had just started to feel a bit guilty when Angelica suddenly broke down in tears again. She said, "I'm sorry. It's all my fault. It's my fault for having a mother like that. Victoria, if you hate me, you can hit me or yell at me, but please don't blame Curtis." As she spoke, she struggled to pull free from Curtis's hand. With a determined look, she bit her lip and ran toward Victoria. "Angelica!" Curtis panicked and quickly got up to follow her. Angelica ran up to Victoria and was about to bow, but Curtis caught up just in time and pulled her back. "Angelica, what are you doing? This isn't your fault. It's your mother's fault." Victoria watched the whole scene and suddenly laughed. She even clapped her hands like she was watching a show. "This is really something. Are you putting on a pity act for me?" The small bit of guilt Curtis had felt disappeared right away. After helping Angelica steady herself, he looked at Victoria coldly. "Why are you being so unreasonable?" he asked. "Angelica already apologized sincerely, and you're still mocking her." "I'm not just mocking her. I'm mocking all of you," Victoria said. "Her mother planned everything, found a way to switch us, and let her take twenty years of the life that should have been mine. "Now that I'm back, you guys are still protecting her right in front of me. It's a shame that I ended up with a family like this." Curtis's face darkened even more. Julia looked helplessly at Darell. She hadn't expected Victoria to be so stubborn and didn't know how to deal with her. No matter how she looked at it, Julia just couldn't bring herself to like Victoria. Darell, who had been silent until now, finally spoke up. "That's enough, Victoria. Angelica's mother has already been punished. Angelica is alone now, with no one to rely on. "Your mother and I raised her for twenty years. We can't just throw her out. The Binder family has more than enough. Keeping her here is no big deal. She won't affect you." But Victoria didn't accept that. "If it's really no big deal, then she can live anywhere. Why does she have to stay here and bother me? "Every time I see her, I'm reminded of everything I went through after being switched." Darell didn't expect her to keep pushing like this. Just like Julia, he began to feel more and more resistant toward Victoria. Compared to Angelica, who was gentle and understanding, Victoria seemed completely rude to him. Angelica bit her lip and let her tears fall silently. She looked pitiful, making it hard not to feel sorry for her. Seeing how aggressive Victoria was, Curtis finally lost his temper. "So you won't be satisfied unless we send Angelica away, huh?" Victoria nodded. "That's right. We're not both living here. It's one or the other." As soon as she said that, everyone's faces darkened. "I don't want to leave you," Angelica said through her tears, looking completely wronged. It made anyone who saw her feel bad. Curtis held her hand tightly. "Angelica, don't worry. You don't have to go anywhere. As long as I'm here, I won't let anyone drive you out of the Binder family. You'll always be my sister. You're part of us." Victoria raised an eyebrow. "So you want me to leave, huh?" Julia was already at her limit, but she forced herself to stay calm. "Victoria, you just got back. You don't really know Angelica yet. "She's kind and understanding. Once you spend some time with her, you'll accept her. Her staying here won't affect your place. No matter what, you're our real daughter." Victoria sneered, "Really? Then why did all of you look disgusted the moment you saw me? Is it because I'm not as pretty as her? Or because I'm not as refined? "But have you forgotten? If we had never been switched, the pretty, refined one would be me. Everything she has now was built on the suffering I endured for her." Julia froze and quickly shook her head. "That's not it. We just haven't adjusted yet." "You need time to adjust to your own daughter, huh? Then why didn't Uncle Hector and Aunt Daisy need time when they saw me?" Victoria pressed. Julia had no answer. But she thought it was because Hector and Daisy had no children, so of course, they would be happy. She took a deep breath and softened her voice. "Victoria, we won't treat you badly from now on. Your living expenses will be the same as Angelica's. Your father and I won't favor one over the other." Victoria gave a faint, mocking smile. "Should I thank you for that? Honestly, for me, not favoring one over the other is already the biggest favoritism. "You two are really kind. You don't want your own daughter, but you're willing to spend money raising the daughter of someone who ruined my life. I've never seen people this generous." Julia held back her anger and continued, "Victoria, stop making trouble. You're my real daughter. We finally found you. How could we let you keep suffering out there?" Victoria replied, "So you knew I was suffering. While I was suffering, that criminal's daughter was living here, enjoying everything you gave her in my place. "And now, on the very first day I come back, you're ready to push me away again." Curtis said coldly, "Get this straight. We're not pushing you away. You're the one making things difficult. You could stay here peacefully, but you refuse to accept Angelica." "How could I accept the daughter of a criminal?" Victoria asked. "If I hadn't been lucky enough to survive, her mother would be both a trafficker and a murderer. "She committed the crime, but her daughter hasn't been punished at all. Why should she get to keep living this rich, comfortable life as if nothing had happened?" Angelica's body swayed. Curtis quickly held her steady, his anger finally breaking through. "With your attitude, do you even deserve to stay here while Angelica leaves?" "Of course I do. First, I'm a Binder by blood. Second, unlike you, I'm not an idiot." After snapping at him, Victoria lost her patience. "Have you decided? Is she leaving, or am I?" Curtis pulled Angelica into his arms protectively and said firmly, "Dad, Mom, if I have to choose, then I only recognize Angelica as my sister." "Good. One vote." Victoria raised her index finger and then looked at Julia. "What about you?" Julia forced down her frustration and said gently, "Victoria, don't do this—" "Alright, that's two votes," Victoria said, not even bothering to listen. She turned to Darell. "Your vote doesn't matter anymore. There are already two votes for Angelica. Fine. Since that's the case, she stays. I'll leave." A trace of anxiety flashed in Angelica's eyes. If Victoria really left, there would be no one to take her place in marrying Jackson. ------ 👇👇👇 There are limited chapters to put here, click “continue reading” to open App to continue reading (It will automatically jump to the book)
When a killer came in the night, Victoria Binder didn’t scream—she fought. And she won, burying the proof in her own garden. That was just the beginning. Unveiled as the lost heiress to a mighty fortune, Victoria returned to a family that despised her. She wasn’t there for their love. She was there for what was hers: the power, the legacy, the truth. ------ Chapter 1 I Want to Marry You "Victoria, we need to break up. It turns out I'm actually the heir to the Fairbank family, one of the most powerful families in Benwig City. You're just a country girl who sells herbs. You're not good enough for me anymore." Victoria Binder had just received a call from her boyfriend, Gavin Alvarado—no, Gavin Fairbank now. She had been about to tell him that she was the long-lost daughter of a wealthy family herself, but before she could say a word, she heard him claim she wasn't good enough for him. She let out a silent, cold laugh. The medicinal herbs she grew were incredibly valuable. Countless rich and influential families were trying to buy them at high prices. Her products had even appeared several times at the largest auction house in Benwig City. Gavin's arrogant voice came through the phone again. "With my status now, I need to marry a proper heiress from a family that matches mine. "But since we dated for two months, I won't treat you badly. Before I marry someone suitable, you can stay with me. Even after I get married, I can still keep you as my—" Before he could finish, Victoria snapped, "Asshole. If you want to break up, then we're done." She hung up immediately. The handsome man standing in front of her, Jackson Thornton, raised an eyebrow. He had been waiting for her response. He smiled. "So? You just found out you're the heiress of the Binder family, one of the richest families in Benwig City, and you still got dumped?" Victoria looked up at him and smiled brightly. "Funny coincidence. He just told me that he's the heir to a wealthy family in Benwig City and that I'm not good enough for him." Then her expression shifted, turning doubtful. "Wait a second. This whole thing about being the real daughter or real son of some rich family... Isn't that some new kind of scam going around?" Jackson paused for a moment, then smiled. "Of course not. You really are the true daughter of the Binder family." Victoria gave a nonchalant hum. She took the basket off her back, sat down on a chair, and began sorting the herbs she had just picked. "Then who are you?" she asked. "Why are you the one coming to find me instead of my biological parents?" Jackson glanced at the shabby house in front of him, then looked at Victoria, who sat casually on a small stool. He said, "If nothing unexpected happens, I'll soon be your fiancé. I'm Jackson, the eldest son of the Thornton family in Benwig City." Victoria almost slipped off her stool. She stared at him in shock. "What? Fiancé?" "That's right. But as you can see, I'm disabled now. I lost the use of my legs last month." Sitting in his wheelchair, Jackson lifted a hand and pointed at his legs, giving a helpless smile. "I see. And what does that have to do with you coming to find me today?" Victoria asked. Then she suddenly understood. "Wait. Are you saying that I'm the real daughter of the wealthy Binder family, and that they're planning to bring me back and have me marry you?" Jackson nodded, a hint of admiration in his eyes. "Exactly." Victoria's gaze flickered. Jackson continued, "Because of my legs, I'm about to be dumped. Just like you." Victoria caught on quickly. "So the one who was supposed to marry you was the Binder family's adopted daughter. But now that you're disabled, she doesn't want to marry you anymore." Jackson nodded again. "Yes. That's exactly it." Victoria almost let out a bitter laugh. "Then why don't you look upset at all?" Jackson said calmly, "You just got dumped by your boyfriend, and you don't look upset either." "He's just trash. Good riddance." Victoria curled her lips in disdain. Jackson studied her, the admiration in his eyes deepening. "You're surprisingly chill about it." Victoria let out a small scoff. "Of course. Why waste time and energy feeling bad over someone who isn't worth it?" She had started dating Gavin after saving his life by chance two years ago. After that, he had chased after her nonstop, using gratitude as an excuse. For two whole years, he acted devoted, as if he would never marry anyone but her. He didn't seem to have any serious flaws. She figured having a man around could help her take care of the herb garden and keep other men from bothering her, so she agreed to date him. But she never expected that the moment Gavin found out he was the heir to a wealthy family, he would turn on her so quickly. Jackson smiled. "Same here. She's trash anyway. Better not to marry her." There had never been anything between him and Angelica Binder. Their engagement had only been arranged by his grandfather for a business alliance. Now that his legs were disabled, Angelica's parents naturally didn't want her to marry him anymore. But the Thornton family was the most powerful family in Benwig City, with huge wealth and influence. They weren't willing to give up the alliance, either. In the end, they planned to have their biological daughter, Victoria, marry him in Angelica's place. Victoria went straight to the point. "It's just strange. How could it be such a coincidence? Right after your legs were disabled, my birth parents suddenly found me and decided to have me marry you instead of their adopted daughter." She let out a cold, mocking laugh. "Looks like they always knew I was their real daughter. I just had no value to them, so they left me out here all this time and never brought me home." Jackson didn't try to comfort her with lies. "I think you're right." Victoria gave a cold sneer. If that was true, then her birth parents were even more heartless than she had thought. Still, one thing didn't make sense to her. "Since you already know what the Binder family is planning, why not just give up on the alliance? Why walk straight into their trap?" "I had someone look into you," Jackson said calmly. "You sell medicine, and you're pretty well-known around here. "I heard you've treated quite a few difficult cases with your own methods. My legs are disabled. Over the past month, I've invited top doctors from all over the country, but none of them could help. "So I came here myself to see if marrying you would be a trap or a chance for me." He didn't hide why he came. Victoria found him interesting. She shrugged. "Well, you've seen me now. I'm just a wild country girl. My birth parents, the ones I've never even met, clearly don't like me. "Do you still want to marry someone like me? I'm just a real daughter who isn't valued and is just being used as a substitute bride." Jackson looked at her closely. At first glance, she wasn't the delicate type raised in comfort. Her skin wasn't soft. It had a light wheat tone that made her look healthy and full of life. But if one looked more carefully, her features were actually very refined. Her eyes were bright and clear, and there was strength in the way she looked at people. There was no trace of disrespect in Jackson's gaze. He looked sincere. "Yes. After meeting you, I'm sure I want to marry you. I just don't know if you're willing to give me a chance." Victoria studied his face. She had to admit that he was strikingly handsome, the kind of man who wouldn't be forgotten even in a huge crowd. His features were sharp, and his face was well-defined. What stood out the most was his eyes. Even after going through something as serious as losing the use of his legs, they were still clear. There was no bitterness or confusion. Victoria glanced at his legs again. "What's going on with them?" "They were broken with a wooden club last month," Jackson said. "I've had many well-known doctors take a look. They all said my legs are beyond saving. I'll never stand again." "Pull up your pant legs. Let me see," said Victoria. "Okay." Jackson did as she said, lifting his pant legs to reveal his knees and lower legs, covered in scars. Victoria's expression darkened. She set the herbs aside, stood up, and walked over to him. Then she bent down and pressed carefully on his knees. The pain made Jackson frown, but he didn't make a sound. "They can be treated," Victoria said firmly. Hope lit up in Jackson's eyes at once. Thinking about how her birth parents had ignored her existence for so many years, Victoria made up her mind. She would go back to Benwig City and take her place as the Binder family's true daughter. She wanted to meet them face to face. She clapped her hands lightly and sat back down on the small stool. "I can marry you." Jackson raised an eyebrow. "Do you have any conditions?" Victoria tilted her head and smiled brightly. "Listen to you. Do I need conditions to marry you? You're so good-looking. If I fix your legs, I'll be the one getting the better deal." Jackson hadn't expected her to be so straightforward. His brow lifted higher, and he let out a soft laugh. "Alright. Then it's settled. I'll wait for you to return to the Binder family." Chapter 2 A Welcome Gift After Jackson left his phone number with Victoria, he left the village with his assistant, Ollie Rowse. Victoria watched him go, her eyes growing thoughtful. She took out her phone and dialed a number. "Mara, I need you to look into everyone in the Binder family in Benwig City right away. Focus on their daughter. I want everything you can find, and I want it by tonight." "Yes, boss," Mara replied. After hanging up, Victoria's gaze turned even sharper. Ford had once told her about that freezing winter night twenty years ago. He had been on his way to settle down in a small southern town when he heard a baby crying from inside a trash bin. He got out of the car to check and found a baby girl, not even a month old, her skin red from the cold. If she hadn't been crying so loudly, and if he hadn't happened to pass that deserted road, she would have died quietly in that trash bin. That baby was Victoria. Ford gave her that name, hoping she would grow up strong and tough no matter what life threw at her. Even on his deathbed, Ford never stopped looking for her biological parents. And all this time, Victoria had believed they must have abandoned her because they had no other choice. But now, it seemed that wasn't true. Her biological parents didn't want her and had no intention of taking her back. If it weren't for the adopted daughter they had raised for twenty years, Victoria might have gone her whole life without parents. Just then, someone called out from outside, "Victoria, who was that man in the nice car looking for you?" It was Stephan, a middle-aged man from next door. He spent most of his time up in the mountains hunting herbs. Victoria put her phone away and walked out, smiling at him. "To be honest with you, that was my fiancé." Stephan looked surprised. "Your fiancé? You have good taste. He's a handsome man. Why didn't you ask him to stay for dinner?" "He had things to take care of in the city. He couldn't stay today," Victoria said. "Next time he comes, make sure he stays for a meal. Everything we eat here is grown by us. Let him try it. It's much better and healthier than city food," Stephan said. "I will," Victoria said with a smile. Stephan grabbed his tools and headed up into the mountains. Only after he left did Victoria go back inside to keep sorting the herbs she had picked. ***** After leaving Mullinran Village, Ollie, who was driving, glanced at Jackson's calm face in the rearview mirror and asked carefully, "Mr. Thornton, are you really going to marry her? "You saw it yourself. Her own parents don't even want her. She makes a living selling herbs and doing some basic medical work. "You just went through something serious, and this is when you need support the most. Marrying her won't help you secure your position in the Thornton family." Jackson shifted his gaze away from the fields outside the window and gently rubbed the petals of a purple flower he had picked from Victoria's doorstep. He asked, "Ollie, do you remember six months ago, when my grandfather was seriously ill and needed a very rare herb to survive?" Ollie wasn't sure why he changed the subject, but he nodded. "Of course. That herb showed up at the biggest auction house in Benwig City. You spent 30 million dollars to get it." "Didn't you notice? That same rare herb was hanging casually on the wall of her simple, run-down house," Jackson said. That one bundle alone would be worth a fortune at any auction in Benwig City. "What?" Ollie was stunned. From the moment they walked into Victoria's house, he had only noticed how shabby it looked and missed everything else. Now it finally clicked. "Do you mean her background might not be as simple as it seems?" Jackson lifted the purple flower to his nose and took a light breath. "I can't say for sure what her background is yet. But one thing is clear. Her medical skills are far from simple." Ollie understood right away. If that was true, then there was real hope for Jackson's legs. Still, he couldn't help asking, "If all you want is to fix your legs, you could just pay her a large amount of money. There's no need to marry her." Jackson blinked and slowly turned the flower between his fingers. A faint smile appeared on his lips. "What if I said I fell for her at first sight? Would you believe me?" Ollie paused and looked at him again through the rearview mirror. He seemed calm. He wasn't exactly joking, but he wasn't completely serious, either. But Jackson rarely joked, so Ollie couldn't tell how much of it was real. In the end, he chose to believe him. "I believe you." "Good. In my eyes, she is already my fiancée. From now on, you need to treat her with respect," Jackson said. "Understood." Ollie nodded. Jackson wasn't joking. When it came to love, he had never believed in feelings that grew over time. To him, if there was no spark at first sight, then staying together would only lead to a relationship based on weighing pros and cons, not the kind of love that made his heart race. That was why, when his grandfather arranged his engagement to Angelica, he had agreed for practical reasons alone. But when he saw Victoria, everything changed. It felt like the world spun around him, and everything else faded away. In his eyes, she was the only color left. He couldn't explain why it had to be her. Maybe it was that moment when their eyes met, when the light in hers pulled him in like a whirlpool. Jackson picked up a book from the car and carefully placed the small purple flower between its pages. Then he closed the book and shut his eyes. ***** At eight that evening, Victoria had just finished bringing in the herbs she had been drying on the roof when her phone rang. She set the herbs aside, brushed the dust off her hands, and picked up the call. Mara's cool voice came through. "Boss, I found what you asked for. The Binder family has only one daughter. She was born to the second son, Darell, and his wife, Julia. Her name is Angelica. She's the same age as you. "She's very spoiled at home. Two months ago, Darell arranged a great marriage for her. She's engaged to Jackson, the eldest son of the Thornton family, the most powerful family in Benwig City. "Jackson had already been chosen by his grandfather, Gerry, as the next heir. But last month, he had an accident. Someone broke both his legs, and the announcement was put on hold." "What is Angelica like?" Victoria asked. "She has a very good reputation. She's beautiful and talented. A lot of rich young men in Benwig City admire her. That's probably why she gained Gerry's approval for the marriage," Mara said. Victoria let out a cold laugh to herself. She didn't believe for a second that Angelica's perfect life came without tricks. "Got it. Now find out if Angelica is really Darell and Julia's biological daughter," Victoria said. "You're focusing on the Binder family, especially Angelica. What are you planning to do?" Mara asked. "I'm going back to take my place," Victoria said. A faint spark lit up in her deep eyes. She found the idea of being the Binder family's real daughter interesting. Victoria had many identities. The one she used the most was a village herbalist and healer. In her daily life, she spent time with her retired scientist friends in the village, growing new herbs and developing new medicines. Over the years, she had cultivated twenty kinds of rare medicinal plants. Because they were so hard to produce, they sold for extremely high prices. Any one of them, if sold at auction in Benwig City, could earn more than most people made in a lifetime. On top of that, she was skilled in traditional medical techniques. When she treated regular villagers, she charged normal fees. But when rich families or powerful figures came to her, her starting fee was three million dollars. Of course, she guaranteed results. If she couldn't cure them, she wouldn't take a single dollar. This identity alone had already made her very rich. Money no longer meant much to her. So when her ex-boyfriend, Gavin, said she wasn't good enough for him, she found it almost funny. If she wanted, she could build her own place in Benwig City without relying on anyone. Over the years, all her different identities had started to feel dull. It was time to try something new. And she had to admit, Jackson impressed her. Out of all the people she had treated, none had faced sudden injury like he did, so calm and steady. His willpower was strong. He was someone who would go far. He was handsome and capable. It would be a waste for him to stay crippled. So she would fix his legs. Mara quickly understood, her voice turning serious. "Understood, boss. I'll get on it right away." ***** Late that night, Victoria was fast asleep when she heard wood cracking outside. Her eyes opened at once, sharp and alert, and she turned toward the sound. Anyone showing up at this hour without warning was not from the village. She had spread powders around her home to keep wild animals away, so no beasts would come near. That left only one answer. Someone had broken in. Victoria got up quietly and, using the moonlight, moved to hide behind the door. Soon, her old wooden door was kicked open, and a shadow rushed inside. She hadn't expected him to be so bold, barging in instead of sneaking around. She flicked a silver needle straight at him. The man let out a low groan and dropped to the ground. Victoria turned on the light, filling the room with brightness. She kicked him aside and finally saw his face clearly. He looked like a hardened criminal. She grabbed a rope, walked over, and tied up his hands and feet. Once he was secured, she took out a needle and stuck it into his neck. Within seconds, he woke up. Victoria sat on the bed, crossing her legs as she played with another needle. "If you don't want to suffer, you'd better tell me the truth. Who sent you?" The man quickly sized up the situation. "People who hire killers stay anonymous. Who would be stupid enough to give their name? But they said that if I raped you, they would get me out of the country safely." Victoria's eyes turned cold and sharp. If he needed to run overseas, that meant he was already a wanted criminal. The man hurried to beg, "I've told you everything I know. Let me go. I won't take this job anymore." Victoria nodded. "Fine." She walked over, pulled out the needle, and untied the ropes. "You can leave." The man rubbed his wrists. "Thanks—" Before he could finish, his face suddenly changed. He lifted his leg and tried to kick Victoria in the knee. But the moment his foot rose, a sharp pain shot through him. Then his whole body went numb. He couldn't move. He looked down in terror. A small black snake had bitten his ankle. "How is there a poisonous snake here—" Before he could finish, blood burst from his throat. His body fell stiffly to the ground. After a few jerks, he went still. Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Trying to kill me in my place? You asked for it. Good job, Blackie. Go rest." The little black snake slipped into a dark corner and quickly disappeared. Victoria picked up a hoe, stuffed the body into a large basket, and lifted it onto her back with ease. She carried it outside and buried it near her vegetable garden. It would make good fertilizer for her herbs. After that, she let out a long breath, brushed off her hands, and looked up at the nearly full moon. She had just learned who she really was, and someone had already sent a man to ruin her. It seemed that someone had prepared a "welcome gift" for her in advance. Chapter 3 We've Got Your Back The next day at noon, a black Bentley worth 1.5 million dollars stopped in front of Victoria's house. Victoria was grinding the herbs she had picked the day before. When she heard the car, she glanced out the window and checked the license plate. It was from Benwig City, just as she expected. She finished grinding the herbs, put them into jars, brushed the dust off her hands, and walked outside. She went straight to the car and knocked on the window. A moment later, the window slid down, revealing the still handsome face of a middle-aged man—Hector Binder. He looked about fifty, with neatly slicked-back hair. A woman sat beside him. She looked about the same age. Even though she wasn't young anymore, she had taken good care of herself and looked as if she were in her thirties. Her features were still soft and beautiful. Victoria didn't waste time. "Are you here for me?" Hector, sitting in the back seat, looked at her, then at the photo in his hand. His eyes lit up. "Daisy, it's her. She's the one we're looking for." Daisy's eyes filled with excitement, even shining with tears. "Yes, it's her. No mistake." They quickly opened the door, got out of the car, and walked over to Victoria. Hector nodded. "Yes. You're the real daughter the Binder family lost years ago. We're here to take you back." Victoria looked straight into his eyes. He seemed like a decent man, and the excitement in his expression matched Daisy's. It didn't look fake. This couple didn't seem to have anything to do with what happened to her last night. Hector paused, a little surprised. "How did you know we were coming?" But he didn't dwell on it. Instead, he explained, "You are the young lady of the Binder family. "When you were little, someone switched you with another baby. That's why you ended up here. You've suffered for twenty years, living away from your real home." As soon as he finished, Daisy started to choke up. "Poor child." Victoria stayed calm. "So, are you my parents?" Hector and Daisy froze. They exchanged a look, then answered awkwardly, "No. We're your uncle and aunt." Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Then why aren't my parents here? Why did they send you instead?" Daisy looked uneasy. "Something came up at home. They couldn't leave, so they asked us to come get you." Victoria saw right through it. "You don't have to cover for them. I'm not a child. What could be more important than picking up their own daughter? They just didn't want to come." Hearing that, Daisy stepped forward and gently hugged her. Tears slipped down her face. "My poor child, you've suffered so much." Victoria didn't expect the sudden hug. At first, she wanted to pull away, but the warmth of it stopped her. It felt soft and comforting, unlike any embrace she had experienced in twenty years. It was, perhaps, the closest she had ever come to what a mother's embrace should feel like. She let out a quiet sigh. For a moment, she thought that if these two were her real parents, it wouldn't be so bad. After a while, Daisy let go and held her hand. "Go pack your things. We'll take you home today. You won't have to live like this anymore." Victoria nodded. "Okay. Wait for me. I'll go pack." She didn't need to bring clothes. The only things she needed were the medicines she had made. After packing all the bottles of medicine powder and poison powder from the wooden cabinet, Victoria called out, "Blackie, Whitey, Greenie, come out. I'm taking you somewhere new." As soon as she finished, three small snakes slid out from the corners and crawled into a sack. Victoria tied the sack and slung it over her shoulder. Then she took a drum from the old cabinet. After giving the shabby house one last look, she walked outside and began to beat the drum. The loud sound of the drum echoed through the area. Hector and Daisy, waiting outside, looked confused. Before long, the villagers gathered around. They looked at Victoria with concern. "Victoria, what's wrong? What happened?" Victoria set down the drum, cleared her throat, and said, "Everyone, you all know I'm an orphan. I grew up without parents, raised by all of you. "But now I know who my real parents are. It turns out I'm the daughter of the Binder family in Benwig City." The villagers were happy for her at first, but then she continued, "But here's the thing. My real parents knew all along who I was, but they never came to acknowledge me. "And now, the only reason they're taking me back is to make me marry a disabled man in place of their adopted daughter." Hector and Daisy were stunned. They had no idea about any of this. The villagers were furious. "What kind of people are they? They knew you were their real daughter but ignored you all this time, and now they want to use you like this, huh?" "Blind fools! You're such a good girl, and they treat you like a tool, making you marry some cripple instead of their adopted daughter." "Victoria, don't listen to those heartless people." "That's right. Ignore them. We'll go teach them a lesson." "The Binder family? They're nothing special in Benwig City, acting all high and mighty. Victoria, you don't need to go back with them." Victoria raised her hand to quiet them. "Everyone, calm down. I've decided to go back to the Binder family for this arranged marriage. "But I'm going back to teach them a lesson. So I'm telling you all ahead of time. Please help take care of the herbs I just planted in my yard." Even though the villagers didn't really understand, they still respected her choice. "Okay. But if anyone from the Binder family dares to bully you, just call me. I'll get people to take them down," one person said. "That's right. We've got your back," another added. Victoria waved her hand. "Thank you, everyone. That's all I wanted to say. You can all head back now." After that, she turned to Hector and Daisy, who were still waiting, and gave them a light smile. "We can go now." Hector and Daisy were still a little stunned. When they heard her, they finally snapped out of it. "Oh, okay." "Let me carry that." The driver stepped forward and reached for the sack. "Be careful. It's heavy," Victoria said. The driver didn't believe it at first. But the moment he took it with both hands, he almost dropped it on his foot. Victoria blinked at him. "Can you handle it? Don't break anything inside." "No problem." The driver forced a smile, gritted his teeth, and lifted the sack into the trunk. By the time he got back into the driver's seat, he was sweating all over. He hadn't expected Victoria to be this strong despite looking so thin. After getting into the car, Daisy and Hector looked at each other, then kept glancing at Victoria. They seemed to want to say something, but neither of them knew how to start. In the end, Daisy asked, "Victoria, you just told the villagers about marrying a disabled man instead of that adopted daughter. What did you mean?" "You didn't know?" Victoria looked back at her, her eyes narrowing with suspicion. Daisy shook her head. "Hector and I really had no idea. About half a month ago, your parents suddenly told us Angelica wasn't their biological daughter. Then they sent people to look into it. "Just yesterday, they found out their real daughter was living here. That's why they want to bring you back today." Hector nodded to confirm her words. Victoria smiled faintly. "Then why do you think they didn't come themselves?" Daisy fell silent. To her, it was absurd that Victoria's parents would have relatives fetch their biological daughter instead of coming themselves. But the truth would hurt Victoria, so she chose not to say anything. Victoria let out a bitter laugh. "Aunt Daisy, even if you don't say it, I can guess. Just like I said, they don't want to acknowledge me. "They're only bringing me back because they have no choice. They want me to marry that disabled heir in place of their precious adopted daughter." Her gaze was clear and calm, and there was a quiet maturity about her that went far beyond her years. Hector frowned slightly. "Victoria, how did you find out about this arranged marriage?" Victoria smiled. "Secret." On the way, Daisy told her a lot about the Binder family. It wasn't much different from what Mara had already found out. The Binder family was still led by Calvin. He had two sons and one daughter. The eldest son, Hector, was the one who had come to get Victoria, and his wife was Daisy. They didn't have any children. The second son, Darell, was Victoria's biological father. He and his wife, Julia, had two sons and one daughter. The eldest son, Simon, managed the family's entertainment company, Brightstar Entertainment. The second son, Curtis, was a well-known singer under the same company. Then there was the youngest daughter, Angelica. She was considered very outstanding. At just twenty, she had already skipped grades and finished college. She was now preparing to study abroad after getting engaged to the eldest son of the Thornton family. Angelica was the baby who had been switched with Victoria. As for Calvin's daughter, Sirena, she had already married into another wealthy family and only returned for holidays. The drive from the village to Benwig City took six hours over bumpy roads. By the time they arrived, it was dark. "We're here," the driver said as he stopped the car. Victoria looked out the window. In front of her stood a large estate, with several villas spread across it. It looked grand and impressive. The Binder family mansion alone was almost as big as the entire Mullinran Village. Victoria got out of the car and followed Hector and Daisy inside. The head butler, Milton, who had been waiting at the door, stepped forward respectfully. "You're back." He looked at Victoria and gave a polite nod. "This must be Miss Victoria Binder." "Yes," Daisy replied. Then she looked at Victoria gently. "Victoria, go in and meet your parents and brother." Victoria said nothing. She quietly followed them inside. They passed through the wide front yard and stepped into the entrance hall. Standing at the doorway, she quickly scanned the four people sitting on the sofas in the main hall. First, she saw a middle-aged couple dressed in expensive clothes, carrying themselves with an air of wealth and status. Next was a handsome young man who looked a bit rebellious. Finally, there was a beautiful young woman about her age. The corners of her eyes were red, and she looked pitiful, as if she had been crying. None of them looked happy. Their faces were tense, filled with worry. When they looked at her, Victoria caught the flash of disgust in their eyes. A faint smile appeared on her lips. She thought the family was really quite interesting. Chapter 4 Are You an Idiot? "Darell, Julia, I brought your daughter back," Daisy said. She gently patted Victoria on the back. "Victoria, go say hello to your parents and your brother." Victoria didn't move. With a faint, mocking smile, she asked, "Aunt Daisy, are they really my parents and brother?" Daisy froze for a moment, then nodded. "Yes, they are. Why do you ask?" Victoria let out a cold laugh. "I'm supposed to be their daughter and sister, but why do they all look like they can't stand me?" The four people in the room all stiffened. They hadn't expected her to be so direct. Daisy froze again. She wanted to say something, but stopped herself. She knew what Darell and Julia were thinking. They didn't want to accept this daughter because they already had an excellent adopted one. They would rather stay home and comfort their adopted daughter's feelings than spend even a little time going to the village to pick up their real daughter. Simon and Curtis felt the same way. They were closer to the sister they had lived with for twenty years. None of them wanted to hurt her feelings just to pick up Victoria. Simon didn't even bother to show up; he was still at work. In the end, Daisy couldn't take it anymore and offered to go with Hector to bring Victoria home. What she didn't expect was that even after Victoria came back, Darell and Julia still acted like this. They didn't even try to hide it. Julia looked at Darell, and he looked back at her. In that brief exchange, they reached an understanding. Victoria clearly wasn't as quiet and easy to control as they had thought. They couldn't just brush her aside. If they wanted her to willingly take Angelica's place in the marriage to Jackson later, they would have to act nice and coax her a little. Julia hesitated, then forced herself to stand up. She put on a pained expression and walked toward Victoria. "My child, you've suffered so much out there." Victoria stepped aside slightly and avoided her touch. "Stop pretending. I don't see any concern in your eyes." Julia froze in place. A wave of anger rose inside her. She had lowered herself to show kindness, yet Victoria had refused it and embarrassed her in front of everyone. But to her, Victoria's lack of manners was no surprise. She had grown up in the countryside without her parents and had never been properly brought up. Julia forced a stiff smile. "I carried you for ten months. Of course, it hurts me to know you've suffered." Victoria sneered, "Is that so? If you really feel that way, why didn't you come pick me up today? Why did you send Uncle Hector and Aunt Daisy instead?" Daisy wanted to speak, but Hector gently held her hand and shook his head. He said quietly, "Daisy, we've already brought her back. What happens now is their family matter. Let them handle it. Let's go home." Daisy looked at Victoria, her eyes full of worry and sympathy. But she knew Hector was right. This was between Victoria and her parents. No matter what happened, she had no right to interfere. "Julia, now that Victoria is back, you should treat her well. Don't hurt her again. Daisy and I will head back now," Hector said politely, hoping his words would help a little. Darell nodded. "Thank you for your help today." Daisy said gently, "Victoria, we are leaving. If you need anything, come find us at Goldenwood Villa on the east side." With that, she reluctantly turned and left. Victoria watched them walk away, then quickly looked away. Once they were gone, Julia finally breathed a sigh of relief. "This is all my fault. Your father and I didn't go pick you up ourselves because I'm very emotional. "I was afraid that if I saw how poorly you were living, I wouldn't be able to handle it. So I stayed home to calm myself and prepare to welcome you." She was lying. Actually, after Angelica found out last night that she wasn't their real daughter, she had been upset the whole night. This morning, she was so distracted that she couldn't even eat. Julia felt sorry for her and stayed home to comfort her. Victoria's eyes were full of sarcasm. "So what exactly did you prepare for me?" Julia quickly said, "I've already cleaned up a room for you. Come, I'll show you." She reached for Victoria's hand again, but Victoria dodged her once more. "So cleaning a room was more important than coming to pick me up yourself." Julia's hand hung in the air. A trace of impatience flashed across her eyes. "Forget the room. I'm not even sure I'll stay," Victoria said. Then she pointed at the young woman about her age. "Who is she?" Angelica froze. Her eyes instantly turned red. She gently tugged on Curtis's sleeve. Curtis held her hand and said softly, "Angelica, don't be afraid." After comforting her, Curtis looked at Victoria coldly. His tone turned sharp. "I'm your brother, Curtis. And she's my sister, Angelica." He deliberately stressed the words "my sister." "I see." Victoria's voice carried a hint of sarcasm. "So that means she's the adopted daughter who was switched with me, right?" Angelica's hand trembled. Tears gathered in her eyes, ready to fall. Curtis's face darkened. He emphasized, "In my heart, Angelica is my real sister." Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Calling her your real sister? Are you an idiot?" Everyone except Victoria froze at her words. Curtis stared at her in disbelief. "You just called me an idiot, huh?" Victoria laughed mockingly. "Yeah. Did I say anything wrong? Don't you know her mother was the one who secretly switched us back then?" Angelica's birth mother, Jasmine, had worked as a customer service representative at a postpartum care center. When Julia was three months pregnant, she started looking for a high-end center, and Jasmine had served her. By coincidence, Jasmine was also pregnant at the time. When she realized Julia was wealthy, she started having bad thoughts. She secretly followed Julia to find out which center she chose and forced herself to spend the money to book the same one. During the recovery period after giving birth, Jasmine secretly switched her own daughter with Julia's without anyone noticing. At the time, Angelica had an allergic rash on her face. Julia didn't realize anything was wrong, and when she left the center, she took Angelica home. Angelica bit her lip. Tears finally streamed down her face. "I'm sorry." Curtis held her cold hand tightly and gently said, "Angelica, this has nothing to do with you." Then he turned to Victoria, his voice full of anger. "Yes, her mother switched you back then. But Angelica is innocent. She didn't know anything about it." Victoria laughed out loud, her eyes full of ridicule. "Oh, she's innocent? She spent twenty years enjoying my life, living in comfort and luxury. "And me? I was thrown into a trash can by her cruel mother in the freezing cold. If no one had found me, I would have died right after I was born." Chapter 5 I'll Leave Victoria's words left Curtis speechless. He had just started to feel a bit guilty when Angelica suddenly broke down in tears again. She said, "I'm sorry. It's all my fault. It's my fault for having a mother like that. Victoria, if you hate me, you can hit me or yell at me, but please don't blame Curtis." As she spoke, she struggled to pull free from Curtis's hand. With a determined look, she bit her lip and ran toward Victoria. "Angelica!" Curtis panicked and quickly got up to follow her. Angelica ran up to Victoria and was about to bow, but Curtis caught up just in time and pulled her back. "Angelica, what are you doing? This isn't your fault. It's your mother's fault." Victoria watched the whole scene and suddenly laughed. She even clapped her hands like she was watching a show. "This is really something. Are you putting on a pity act for me?" The small bit of guilt Curtis had felt disappeared right away. After helping Angelica steady herself, he looked at Victoria coldly. "Why are you being so unreasonable?" he asked. "Angelica already apologized sincerely, and you're still mocking her." "I'm not just mocking her. I'm mocking all of you," Victoria said. "Her mother planned everything, found a way to switch us, and let her take twenty years of the life that should have been mine. "Now that I'm back, you guys are still protecting her right in front of me. It's a shame that I ended up with a family like this." Curtis's face darkened even more. Julia looked helplessly at Darell. She hadn't expected Victoria to be so stubborn and didn't know how to deal with her. No matter how she looked at it, Julia just couldn't bring herself to like Victoria. Darell, who had been silent until now, finally spoke up. "That's enough, Victoria. Angelica's mother has already been punished. Angelica is alone now, with no one to rely on. "Your mother and I raised her for twenty years. We can't just throw her out. The Binder family has more than enough. Keeping her here is no big deal. She won't affect you." But Victoria didn't accept that. "If it's really no big deal, then she can live anywhere. Why does she have to stay here and bother me? "Every time I see her, I'm reminded of everything I went through after being switched." Darell didn't expect her to keep pushing like this. Just like Julia, he began to feel more and more resistant toward Victoria. Compared to Angelica, who was gentle and understanding, Victoria seemed completely rude to him. Angelica bit her lip and let her tears fall silently. She looked pitiful, making it hard not to feel sorry for her. Seeing how aggressive Victoria was, Curtis finally lost his temper. "So you won't be satisfied unless we send Angelica away, huh?" Victoria nodded. "That's right. We're not both living here. It's one or the other." As soon as she said that, everyone's faces darkened. "I don't want to leave you," Angelica said through her tears, looking completely wronged. It made anyone who saw her feel bad. Curtis held her hand tightly. "Angelica, don't worry. You don't have to go anywhere. As long as I'm here, I won't let anyone drive you out of the Binder family. You'll always be my sister. You're part of us." Victoria raised an eyebrow. "So you want me to leave, huh?" Julia was already at her limit, but she forced herself to stay calm. "Victoria, you just got back. You don't really know Angelica yet. "She's kind and understanding. Once you spend some time with her, you'll accept her. Her staying here won't affect your place. No matter what, you're our real daughter." Victoria sneered, "Really? Then why did all of you look disgusted the moment you saw me? Is it because I'm not as pretty as her? Or because I'm not as refined? "But have you forgotten? If we had never been switched, the pretty, refined one would be me. Everything she has now was built on the suffering I endured for her." Julia froze and quickly shook her head. "That's not it. We just haven't adjusted yet." "You need time to adjust to your own daughter, huh? Then why didn't Uncle Hector and Aunt Daisy need time when they saw me?" Victoria pressed. Julia had no answer. But she thought it was because Hector and Daisy had no children, so of course, they would be happy. She took a deep breath and softened her voice. "Victoria, we won't treat you badly from now on. Your living expenses will be the same as Angelica's. Your father and I won't favor one over the other." Victoria gave a faint, mocking smile. "Should I thank you for that? Honestly, for me, not favoring one over the other is already the biggest favoritism. "You two are really kind. You don't want your own daughter, but you're willing to spend money raising the daughter of someone who ruined my life. I've never seen people this generous." Julia held back her anger and continued, "Victoria, stop making trouble. You're my real daughter. We finally found you. How could we let you keep suffering out there?" Victoria replied, "So you knew I was suffering. While I was suffering, that criminal's daughter was living here, enjoying everything you gave her in my place. "And now, on the very first day I come back, you're ready to push me away again." Curtis said coldly, "Get this straight. We're not pushing you away. You're the one making things difficult. You could stay here peacefully, but you refuse to accept Angelica." "How could I accept the daughter of a criminal?" Victoria asked. "If I hadn't been lucky enough to survive, her mother would be both a trafficker and a murderer. "She committed the crime, but her daughter hasn't been punished at all. Why should she get to keep living this rich, comfortable life as if nothing had happened?" Angelica's body swayed. Curtis quickly held her steady, his anger finally breaking through. "With your attitude, do you even deserve to stay here while Angelica leaves?" "Of course I do. First, I'm a Binder by blood. Second, unlike you, I'm not an idiot." After snapping at him, Victoria lost her patience. "Have you decided? Is she leaving, or am I?" Curtis pulled Angelica into his arms protectively and said firmly, "Dad, Mom, if I have to choose, then I only recognize Angelica as my sister." "Good. One vote." Victoria raised her index finger and then looked at Julia. "What about you?" Julia forced down her frustration and said gently, "Victoria, don't do this—" "Alright, that's two votes," Victoria said, not even bothering to listen. She turned to Darell. "Your vote doesn't matter anymore. There are already two votes for Angelica. Fine. Since that's the case, she stays. I'll leave." A trace of anxiety flashed in Angelica's eyes. If Victoria really left, there would be no one to take her place in marrying Jackson. ------ 👇👇👇 There are limited chapters to put here, click “continue reading” to open App to continue reading (It will automatically jump to the book)
When a killer came in the night, Victoria Binder didn’t scream—she fought. And she won, burying the proof in her own garden. That was just the beginning. Unveiled as the lost heiress to a mighty fortune, Victoria returned to a family that despised her. She wasn’t there for their love. She was there for what was hers: the power, the legacy, the truth. ------ Chapter 1 I Want to Marry You "Victoria, we need to break up. It turns out I'm actually the heir to the Fairbank family, one of the most powerful families in Benwig City. You're just a country girl who sells herbs. You're not good enough for me anymore." Victoria Binder had just received a call from her boyfriend, Gavin Alvarado—no, Gavin Fairbank now. She had been about to tell him that she was the long-lost daughter of a wealthy family herself, but before she could say a word, she heard him claim she wasn't good enough for him. She let out a silent, cold laugh. The medicinal herbs she grew were incredibly valuable. Countless rich and influential families were trying to buy them at high prices. Her products had even appeared several times at the largest auction house in Benwig City. Gavin's arrogant voice came through the phone again. "With my status now, I need to marry a proper heiress from a family that matches mine. "But since we dated for two months, I won't treat you badly. Before I marry someone suitable, you can stay with me. Even after I get married, I can still keep you as my—" Before he could finish, Victoria snapped, "Asshole. If you want to break up, then we're done." She hung up immediately. The handsome man standing in front of her, Jackson Thornton, raised an eyebrow. He had been waiting for her response. He smiled. "So? You just found out you're the heiress of the Binder family, one of the richest families in Benwig City, and you still got dumped?" Victoria looked up at him and smiled brightly. "Funny coincidence. He just told me that he's the heir to a wealthy family in Benwig City and that I'm not good enough for him." Then her expression shifted, turning doubtful. "Wait a second. This whole thing about being the real daughter or real son of some rich family... Isn't that some new kind of scam going around?" Jackson paused for a moment, then smiled. "Of course not. You really are the true daughter of the Binder family." Victoria gave a nonchalant hum. She took the basket off her back, sat down on a chair, and began sorting the herbs she had just picked. "Then who are you?" she asked. "Why are you the one coming to find me instead of my biological parents?" Jackson glanced at the shabby house in front of him, then looked at Victoria, who sat casually on a small stool. He said, "If nothing unexpected happens, I'll soon be your fiancé. I'm Jackson, the eldest son of the Thornton family in Benwig City." Victoria almost slipped off her stool. She stared at him in shock. "What? Fiancé?" "That's right. But as you can see, I'm disabled now. I lost the use of my legs last month." Sitting in his wheelchair, Jackson lifted a hand and pointed at his legs, giving a helpless smile. "I see. And what does that have to do with you coming to find me today?" Victoria asked. Then she suddenly understood. "Wait. Are you saying that I'm the real daughter of the wealthy Binder family, and that they're planning to bring me back and have me marry you?" Jackson nodded, a hint of admiration in his eyes. "Exactly." Victoria's gaze flickered. Jackson continued, "Because of my legs, I'm about to be dumped. Just like you." Victoria caught on quickly. "So the one who was supposed to marry you was the Binder family's adopted daughter. But now that you're disabled, she doesn't want to marry you anymore." Jackson nodded again. "Yes. That's exactly it." Victoria almost let out a bitter laugh. "Then why don't you look upset at all?" Jackson said calmly, "You just got dumped by your boyfriend, and you don't look upset either." "He's just trash. Good riddance." Victoria curled her lips in disdain. Jackson studied her, the admiration in his eyes deepening. "You're surprisingly chill about it." Victoria let out a small scoff. "Of course. Why waste time and energy feeling bad over someone who isn't worth it?" She had started dating Gavin after saving his life by chance two years ago. After that, he had chased after her nonstop, using gratitude as an excuse. For two whole years, he acted devoted, as if he would never marry anyone but her. He didn't seem to have any serious flaws. She figured having a man around could help her take care of the herb garden and keep other men from bothering her, so she agreed to date him. But she never expected that the moment Gavin found out he was the heir to a wealthy family, he would turn on her so quickly. Jackson smiled. "Same here. She's trash anyway. Better not to marry her." There had never been anything between him and Angelica Binder. Their engagement had only been arranged by his grandfather for a business alliance. Now that his legs were disabled, Angelica's parents naturally didn't want her to marry him anymore. But the Thornton family was the most powerful family in Benwig City, with huge wealth and influence. They weren't willing to give up the alliance, either. In the end, they planned to have their biological daughter, Victoria, marry him in Angelica's place. Victoria went straight to the point. "It's just strange. How could it be such a coincidence? Right after your legs were disabled, my birth parents suddenly found me and decided to have me marry you instead of their adopted daughter." She let out a cold, mocking laugh. "Looks like they always knew I was their real daughter. I just had no value to them, so they left me out here all this time and never brought me home." Jackson didn't try to comfort her with lies. "I think you're right." Victoria gave a cold sneer. If that was true, then her birth parents were even more heartless than she had thought. Still, one thing didn't make sense to her. "Since you already know what the Binder family is planning, why not just give up on the alliance? Why walk straight into their trap?" "I had someone look into you," Jackson said calmly. "You sell medicine, and you're pretty well-known around here. "I heard you've treated quite a few difficult cases with your own methods. My legs are disabled. Over the past month, I've invited top doctors from all over the country, but none of them could help. "So I came here myself to see if marrying you would be a trap or a chance for me." He didn't hide why he came. Victoria found him interesting. She shrugged. "Well, you've seen me now. I'm just a wild country girl. My birth parents, the ones I've never even met, clearly don't like me. "Do you still want to marry someone like me? I'm just a real daughter who isn't valued and is just being used as a substitute bride." Jackson looked at her closely. At first glance, she wasn't the delicate type raised in comfort. Her skin wasn't soft. It had a light wheat tone that made her look healthy and full of life. But if one looked more carefully, her features were actually very refined. Her eyes were bright and clear, and there was strength in the way she looked at people. There was no trace of disrespect in Jackson's gaze. He looked sincere. "Yes. After meeting you, I'm sure I want to marry you. I just don't know if you're willing to give me a chance." Victoria studied his face. She had to admit that he was strikingly handsome, the kind of man who wouldn't be forgotten even in a huge crowd. His features were sharp, and his face was well-defined. What stood out the most was his eyes. Even after going through something as serious as losing the use of his legs, they were still clear. There was no bitterness or confusion. Victoria glanced at his legs again. "What's going on with them?" "They were broken with a wooden club last month," Jackson said. "I've had many well-known doctors take a look. They all said my legs are beyond saving. I'll never stand again." "Pull up your pant legs. Let me see," said Victoria. "Okay." Jackson did as she said, lifting his pant legs to reveal his knees and lower legs, covered in scars. Victoria's expression darkened. She set the herbs aside, stood up, and walked over to him. Then she bent down and pressed carefully on his knees. The pain made Jackson frown, but he didn't make a sound. "They can be treated," Victoria said firmly. Hope lit up in Jackson's eyes at once. Thinking about how her birth parents had ignored her existence for so many years, Victoria made up her mind. She would go back to Benwig City and take her place as the Binder family's true daughter. She wanted to meet them face to face. She clapped her hands lightly and sat back down on the small stool. "I can marry you." Jackson raised an eyebrow. "Do you have any conditions?" Victoria tilted her head and smiled brightly. "Listen to you. Do I need conditions to marry you? You're so good-looking. If I fix your legs, I'll be the one getting the better deal." Jackson hadn't expected her to be so straightforward. His brow lifted higher, and he let out a soft laugh. "Alright. Then it's settled. I'll wait for you to return to the Binder family." Chapter 2 A Welcome Gift After Jackson left his phone number with Victoria, he left the village with his assistant, Ollie Rowse. Victoria watched him go, her eyes growing thoughtful. She took out her phone and dialed a number. "Mara, I need you to look into everyone in the Binder family in Benwig City right away. Focus on their daughter. I want everything you can find, and I want it by tonight." "Yes, boss," Mara replied. After hanging up, Victoria's gaze turned even sharper. Ford had once told her about that freezing winter night twenty years ago. He had been on his way to settle down in a small southern town when he heard a baby crying from inside a trash bin. He got out of the car to check and found a baby girl, not even a month old, her skin red from the cold. If she hadn't been crying so loudly, and if he hadn't happened to pass that deserted road, she would have died quietly in that trash bin. That baby was Victoria. Ford gave her that name, hoping she would grow up strong and tough no matter what life threw at her. Even on his deathbed, Ford never stopped looking for her biological parents. And all this time, Victoria had believed they must have abandoned her because they had no other choice. But now, it seemed that wasn't true. Her biological parents didn't want her and had no intention of taking her back. If it weren't for the adopted daughter they had raised for twenty years, Victoria might have gone her whole life without parents. Just then, someone called out from outside, "Victoria, who was that man in the nice car looking for you?" It was Stephan, a middle-aged man from next door. He spent most of his time up in the mountains hunting herbs. Victoria put her phone away and walked out, smiling at him. "To be honest with you, that was my fiancé." Stephan looked surprised. "Your fiancé? You have good taste. He's a handsome man. Why didn't you ask him to stay for dinner?" "He had things to take care of in the city. He couldn't stay today," Victoria said. "Next time he comes, make sure he stays for a meal. Everything we eat here is grown by us. Let him try it. It's much better and healthier than city food," Stephan said. "I will," Victoria said with a smile. Stephan grabbed his tools and headed up into the mountains. Only after he left did Victoria go back inside to keep sorting the herbs she had picked. ***** After leaving Mullinran Village, Ollie, who was driving, glanced at Jackson's calm face in the rearview mirror and asked carefully, "Mr. Thornton, are you really going to marry her? "You saw it yourself. Her own parents don't even want her. She makes a living selling herbs and doing some basic medical work. "You just went through something serious, and this is when you need support the most. Marrying her won't help you secure your position in the Thornton family." Jackson shifted his gaze away from the fields outside the window and gently rubbed the petals of a purple flower he had picked from Victoria's doorstep. He asked, "Ollie, do you remember six months ago, when my grandfather was seriously ill and needed a very rare herb to survive?" Ollie wasn't sure why he changed the subject, but he nodded. "Of course. That herb showed up at the biggest auction house in Benwig City. You spent 30 million dollars to get it." "Didn't you notice? That same rare herb was hanging casually on the wall of her simple, run-down house," Jackson said. That one bundle alone would be worth a fortune at any auction in Benwig City. "What?" Ollie was stunned. From the moment they walked into Victoria's house, he had only noticed how shabby it looked and missed everything else. Now it finally clicked. "Do you mean her background might not be as simple as it seems?" Jackson lifted the purple flower to his nose and took a light breath. "I can't say for sure what her background is yet. But one thing is clear. Her medical skills are far from simple." Ollie understood right away. If that was true, then there was real hope for Jackson's legs. Still, he couldn't help asking, "If all you want is to fix your legs, you could just pay her a large amount of money. There's no need to marry her." Jackson blinked and slowly turned the flower between his fingers. A faint smile appeared on his lips. "What if I said I fell for her at first sight? Would you believe me?" Ollie paused and looked at him again through the rearview mirror. He seemed calm. He wasn't exactly joking, but he wasn't completely serious, either. But Jackson rarely joked, so Ollie couldn't tell how much of it was real. In the end, he chose to believe him. "I believe you." "Good. In my eyes, she is already my fiancée. From now on, you need to treat her with respect," Jackson said. "Understood." Ollie nodded. Jackson wasn't joking. When it came to love, he had never believed in feelings that grew over time. To him, if there was no spark at first sight, then staying together would only lead to a relationship based on weighing pros and cons, not the kind of love that made his heart race. That was why, when his grandfather arranged his engagement to Angelica, he had agreed for practical reasons alone. But when he saw Victoria, everything changed. It felt like the world spun around him, and everything else faded away. In his eyes, she was the only color left. He couldn't explain why it had to be her. Maybe it was that moment when their eyes met, when the light in hers pulled him in like a whirlpool. Jackson picked up a book from the car and carefully placed the small purple flower between its pages. Then he closed the book and shut his eyes. ***** At eight that evening, Victoria had just finished bringing in the herbs she had been drying on the roof when her phone rang. She set the herbs aside, brushed the dust off her hands, and picked up the call. Mara's cool voice came through. "Boss, I found what you asked for. The Binder family has only one daughter. She was born to the second son, Darell, and his wife, Julia. Her name is Angelica. She's the same age as you. "She's very spoiled at home. Two months ago, Darell arranged a great marriage for her. She's engaged to Jackson, the eldest son of the Thornton family, the most powerful family in Benwig City. "Jackson had already been chosen by his grandfather, Gerry, as the next heir. But last month, he had an accident. Someone broke both his legs, and the announcement was put on hold." "What is Angelica like?" Victoria asked. "She has a very good reputation. She's beautiful and talented. A lot of rich young men in Benwig City admire her. That's probably why she gained Gerry's approval for the marriage," Mara said. Victoria let out a cold laugh to herself. She didn't believe for a second that Angelica's perfect life came without tricks. "Got it. Now find out if Angelica is really Darell and Julia's biological daughter," Victoria said. "You're focusing on the Binder family, especially Angelica. What are you planning to do?" Mara asked. "I'm going back to take my place," Victoria said. A faint spark lit up in her deep eyes. She found the idea of being the Binder family's real daughter interesting. Victoria had many identities. The one she used the most was a village herbalist and healer. In her daily life, she spent time with her retired scientist friends in the village, growing new herbs and developing new medicines. Over the years, she had cultivated twenty kinds of rare medicinal plants. Because they were so hard to produce, they sold for extremely high prices. Any one of them, if sold at auction in Benwig City, could earn more than most people made in a lifetime. On top of that, she was skilled in traditional medical techniques. When she treated regular villagers, she charged normal fees. But when rich families or powerful figures came to her, her starting fee was three million dollars. Of course, she guaranteed results. If she couldn't cure them, she wouldn't take a single dollar. This identity alone had already made her very rich. Money no longer meant much to her. So when her ex-boyfriend, Gavin, said she wasn't good enough for him, she found it almost funny. If she wanted, she could build her own place in Benwig City without relying on anyone. Over the years, all her different identities had started to feel dull. It was time to try something new. And she had to admit, Jackson impressed her. Out of all the people she had treated, none had faced sudden injury like he did, so calm and steady. His willpower was strong. He was someone who would go far. He was handsome and capable. It would be a waste for him to stay crippled. So she would fix his legs. Mara quickly understood, her voice turning serious. "Understood, boss. I'll get on it right away." ***** Late that night, Victoria was fast asleep when she heard wood cracking outside. Her eyes opened at once, sharp and alert, and she turned toward the sound. Anyone showing up at this hour without warning was not from the village. She had spread powders around her home to keep wild animals away, so no beasts would come near. That left only one answer. Someone had broken in. Victoria got up quietly and, using the moonlight, moved to hide behind the door. Soon, her old wooden door was kicked open, and a shadow rushed inside. She hadn't expected him to be so bold, barging in instead of sneaking around. She flicked a silver needle straight at him. The man let out a low groan and dropped to the ground. Victoria turned on the light, filling the room with brightness. She kicked him aside and finally saw his face clearly. He looked like a hardened criminal. She grabbed a rope, walked over, and tied up his hands and feet. Once he was secured, she took out a needle and stuck it into his neck. Within seconds, he woke up. Victoria sat on the bed, crossing her legs as she played with another needle. "If you don't want to suffer, you'd better tell me the truth. Who sent you?" The man quickly sized up the situation. "People who hire killers stay anonymous. Who would be stupid enough to give their name? But they said that if I raped you, they would get me out of the country safely." Victoria's eyes turned cold and sharp. If he needed to run overseas, that meant he was already a wanted criminal. The man hurried to beg, "I've told you everything I know. Let me go. I won't take this job anymore." Victoria nodded. "Fine." She walked over, pulled out the needle, and untied the ropes. "You can leave." The man rubbed his wrists. "Thanks—" Before he could finish, his face suddenly changed. He lifted his leg and tried to kick Victoria in the knee. But the moment his foot rose, a sharp pain shot through him. Then his whole body went numb. He couldn't move. He looked down in terror. A small black snake had bitten his ankle. "How is there a poisonous snake here—" Before he could finish, blood burst from his throat. His body fell stiffly to the ground. After a few jerks, he went still. Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Trying to kill me in my place? You asked for it. Good job, Blackie. Go rest." The little black snake slipped into a dark corner and quickly disappeared. Victoria picked up a hoe, stuffed the body into a large basket, and lifted it onto her back with ease. She carried it outside and buried it near her vegetable garden. It would make good fertilizer for her herbs. After that, she let out a long breath, brushed off her hands, and looked up at the nearly full moon. She had just learned who she really was, and someone had already sent a man to ruin her. It seemed that someone had prepared a "welcome gift" for her in advance. Chapter 3 We've Got Your Back The next day at noon, a black Bentley worth 1.5 million dollars stopped in front of Victoria's house. Victoria was grinding the herbs she had picked the day before. When she heard the car, she glanced out the window and checked the license plate. It was from Benwig City, just as she expected. She finished grinding the herbs, put them into jars, brushed the dust off her hands, and walked outside. She went straight to the car and knocked on the window. A moment later, the window slid down, revealing the still handsome face of a middle-aged man—Hector Binder. He looked about fifty, with neatly slicked-back hair. A woman sat beside him. She looked about the same age. Even though she wasn't young anymore, she had taken good care of herself and looked as if she were in her thirties. Her features were still soft and beautiful. Victoria didn't waste time. "Are you here for me?" Hector, sitting in the back seat, looked at her, then at the photo in his hand. His eyes lit up. "Daisy, it's her. She's the one we're looking for." Daisy's eyes filled with excitement, even shining with tears. "Yes, it's her. No mistake." They quickly opened the door, got out of the car, and walked over to Victoria. Hector nodded. "Yes. You're the real daughter the Binder family lost years ago. We're here to take you back." Victoria looked straight into his eyes. He seemed like a decent man, and the excitement in his expression matched Daisy's. It didn't look fake. This couple didn't seem to have anything to do with what happened to her last night. Hector paused, a little surprised. "How did you know we were coming?" But he didn't dwell on it. Instead, he explained, "You are the young lady of the Binder family. "When you were little, someone switched you with another baby. That's why you ended up here. You've suffered for twenty years, living away from your real home." As soon as he finished, Daisy started to choke up. "Poor child." Victoria stayed calm. "So, are you my parents?" Hector and Daisy froze. They exchanged a look, then answered awkwardly, "No. We're your uncle and aunt." Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Then why aren't my parents here? Why did they send you instead?" Daisy looked uneasy. "Something came up at home. They couldn't leave, so they asked us to come get you." Victoria saw right through it. "You don't have to cover for them. I'm not a child. What could be more important than picking up their own daughter? They just didn't want to come." Hearing that, Daisy stepped forward and gently hugged her. Tears slipped down her face. "My poor child, you've suffered so much." Victoria didn't expect the sudden hug. At first, she wanted to pull away, but the warmth of it stopped her. It felt soft and comforting, unlike any embrace she had experienced in twenty years. It was, perhaps, the closest she had ever come to what a mother's embrace should feel like. She let out a quiet sigh. For a moment, she thought that if these two were her real parents, it wouldn't be so bad. After a while, Daisy let go and held her hand. "Go pack your things. We'll take you home today. You won't have to live like this anymore." Victoria nodded. "Okay. Wait for me. I'll go pack." She didn't need to bring clothes. The only things she needed were the medicines she had made. After packing all the bottles of medicine powder and poison powder from the wooden cabinet, Victoria called out, "Blackie, Whitey, Greenie, come out. I'm taking you somewhere new." As soon as she finished, three small snakes slid out from the corners and crawled into a sack. Victoria tied the sack and slung it over her shoulder. Then she took a drum from the old cabinet. After giving the shabby house one last look, she walked outside and began to beat the drum. The loud sound of the drum echoed through the area. Hector and Daisy, waiting outside, looked confused. Before long, the villagers gathered around. They looked at Victoria with concern. "Victoria, what's wrong? What happened?" Victoria set down the drum, cleared her throat, and said, "Everyone, you all know I'm an orphan. I grew up without parents, raised by all of you. "But now I know who my real parents are. It turns out I'm the daughter of the Binder family in Benwig City." The villagers were happy for her at first, but then she continued, "But here's the thing. My real parents knew all along who I was, but they never came to acknowledge me. "And now, the only reason they're taking me back is to make me marry a disabled man in place of their adopted daughter." Hector and Daisy were stunned. They had no idea about any of this. The villagers were furious. "What kind of people are they? They knew you were their real daughter but ignored you all this time, and now they want to use you like this, huh?" "Blind fools! You're such a good girl, and they treat you like a tool, making you marry some cripple instead of their adopted daughter." "Victoria, don't listen to those heartless people." "That's right. Ignore them. We'll go teach them a lesson." "The Binder family? They're nothing special in Benwig City, acting all high and mighty. Victoria, you don't need to go back with them." Victoria raised her hand to quiet them. "Everyone, calm down. I've decided to go back to the Binder family for this arranged marriage. "But I'm going back to teach them a lesson. So I'm telling you all ahead of time. Please help take care of the herbs I just planted in my yard." Even though the villagers didn't really understand, they still respected her choice. "Okay. But if anyone from the Binder family dares to bully you, just call me. I'll get people to take them down," one person said. "That's right. We've got your back," another added. Victoria waved her hand. "Thank you, everyone. That's all I wanted to say. You can all head back now." After that, she turned to Hector and Daisy, who were still waiting, and gave them a light smile. "We can go now." Hector and Daisy were still a little stunned. When they heard her, they finally snapped out of it. "Oh, okay." "Let me carry that." The driver stepped forward and reached for the sack. "Be careful. It's heavy," Victoria said. The driver didn't believe it at first. But the moment he took it with both hands, he almost dropped it on his foot. Victoria blinked at him. "Can you handle it? Don't break anything inside." "No problem." The driver forced a smile, gritted his teeth, and lifted the sack into the trunk. By the time he got back into the driver's seat, he was sweating all over. He hadn't expected Victoria to be this strong despite looking so thin. After getting into the car, Daisy and Hector looked at each other, then kept glancing at Victoria. They seemed to want to say something, but neither of them knew how to start. In the end, Daisy asked, "Victoria, you just told the villagers about marrying a disabled man instead of that adopted daughter. What did you mean?" "You didn't know?" Victoria looked back at her, her eyes narrowing with suspicion. Daisy shook her head. "Hector and I really had no idea. About half a month ago, your parents suddenly told us Angelica wasn't their biological daughter. Then they sent people to look into it. "Just yesterday, they found out their real daughter was living here. That's why they want to bring you back today." Hector nodded to confirm her words. Victoria smiled faintly. "Then why do you think they didn't come themselves?" Daisy fell silent. To her, it was absurd that Victoria's parents would have relatives fetch their biological daughter instead of coming themselves. But the truth would hurt Victoria, so she chose not to say anything. Victoria let out a bitter laugh. "Aunt Daisy, even if you don't say it, I can guess. Just like I said, they don't want to acknowledge me. "They're only bringing me back because they have no choice. They want me to marry that disabled heir in place of their precious adopted daughter." Her gaze was clear and calm, and there was a quiet maturity about her that went far beyond her years. Hector frowned slightly. "Victoria, how did you find out about this arranged marriage?" Victoria smiled. "Secret." On the way, Daisy told her a lot about the Binder family. It wasn't much different from what Mara had already found out. The Binder family was still led by Calvin. He had two sons and one daughter. The eldest son, Hector, was the one who had come to get Victoria, and his wife was Daisy. They didn't have any children. The second son, Darell, was Victoria's biological father. He and his wife, Julia, had two sons and one daughter. The eldest son, Simon, managed the family's entertainment company, Brightstar Entertainment. The second son, Curtis, was a well-known singer under the same company. Then there was the youngest daughter, Angelica. She was considered very outstanding. At just twenty, she had already skipped grades and finished college. She was now preparing to study abroad after getting engaged to the eldest son of the Thornton family. Angelica was the baby who had been switched with Victoria. As for Calvin's daughter, Sirena, she had already married into another wealthy family and only returned for holidays. The drive from the village to Benwig City took six hours over bumpy roads. By the time they arrived, it was dark. "We're here," the driver said as he stopped the car. Victoria looked out the window. In front of her stood a large estate, with several villas spread across it. It looked grand and impressive. The Binder family mansion alone was almost as big as the entire Mullinran Village. Victoria got out of the car and followed Hector and Daisy inside. The head butler, Milton, who had been waiting at the door, stepped forward respectfully. "You're back." He looked at Victoria and gave a polite nod. "This must be Miss Victoria Binder." "Yes," Daisy replied. Then she looked at Victoria gently. "Victoria, go in and meet your parents and brother." Victoria said nothing. She quietly followed them inside. They passed through the wide front yard and stepped into the entrance hall. Standing at the doorway, she quickly scanned the four people sitting on the sofas in the main hall. First, she saw a middle-aged couple dressed in expensive clothes, carrying themselves with an air of wealth and status. Next was a handsome young man who looked a bit rebellious. Finally, there was a beautiful young woman about her age. The corners of her eyes were red, and she looked pitiful, as if she had been crying. None of them looked happy. Their faces were tense, filled with worry. When they looked at her, Victoria caught the flash of disgust in their eyes. A faint smile appeared on her lips. She thought the family was really quite interesting. Chapter 4 Are You an Idiot? "Darell, Julia, I brought your daughter back," Daisy said. She gently patted Victoria on the back. "Victoria, go say hello to your parents and your brother." Victoria didn't move. With a faint, mocking smile, she asked, "Aunt Daisy, are they really my parents and brother?" Daisy froze for a moment, then nodded. "Yes, they are. Why do you ask?" Victoria let out a cold laugh. "I'm supposed to be their daughter and sister, but why do they all look like they can't stand me?" The four people in the room all stiffened. They hadn't expected her to be so direct. Daisy froze again. She wanted to say something, but stopped herself. She knew what Darell and Julia were thinking. They didn't want to accept this daughter because they already had an excellent adopted one. They would rather stay home and comfort their adopted daughter's feelings than spend even a little time going to the village to pick up their real daughter. Simon and Curtis felt the same way. They were closer to the sister they had lived with for twenty years. None of them wanted to hurt her feelings just to pick up Victoria. Simon didn't even bother to show up; he was still at work. In the end, Daisy couldn't take it anymore and offered to go with Hector to bring Victoria home. What she didn't expect was that even after Victoria came back, Darell and Julia still acted like this. They didn't even try to hide it. Julia looked at Darell, and he looked back at her. In that brief exchange, they reached an understanding. Victoria clearly wasn't as quiet and easy to control as they had thought. They couldn't just brush her aside. If they wanted her to willingly take Angelica's place in the marriage to Jackson later, they would have to act nice and coax her a little. Julia hesitated, then forced herself to stand up. She put on a pained expression and walked toward Victoria. "My child, you've suffered so much out there." Victoria stepped aside slightly and avoided her touch. "Stop pretending. I don't see any concern in your eyes." Julia froze in place. A wave of anger rose inside her. She had lowered herself to show kindness, yet Victoria had refused it and embarrassed her in front of everyone. But to her, Victoria's lack of manners was no surprise. She had grown up in the countryside without her parents and had never been properly brought up. Julia forced a stiff smile. "I carried you for ten months. Of course, it hurts me to know you've suffered." Victoria sneered, "Is that so? If you really feel that way, why didn't you come pick me up today? Why did you send Uncle Hector and Aunt Daisy instead?" Daisy wanted to speak, but Hector gently held her hand and shook his head. He said quietly, "Daisy, we've already brought her back. What happens now is their family matter. Let them handle it. Let's go home." Daisy looked at Victoria, her eyes full of worry and sympathy. But she knew Hector was right. This was between Victoria and her parents. No matter what happened, she had no right to interfere. "Julia, now that Victoria is back, you should treat her well. Don't hurt her again. Daisy and I will head back now," Hector said politely, hoping his words would help a little. Darell nodded. "Thank you for your help today." Daisy said gently, "Victoria, we are leaving. If you need anything, come find us at Goldenwood Villa on the east side." With that, she reluctantly turned and left. Victoria watched them walk away, then quickly looked away. Once they were gone, Julia finally breathed a sigh of relief. "This is all my fault. Your father and I didn't go pick you up ourselves because I'm very emotional. "I was afraid that if I saw how poorly you were living, I wouldn't be able to handle it. So I stayed home to calm myself and prepare to welcome you." She was lying. Actually, after Angelica found out last night that she wasn't their real daughter, she had been upset the whole night. This morning, she was so distracted that she couldn't even eat. Julia felt sorry for her and stayed home to comfort her. Victoria's eyes were full of sarcasm. "So what exactly did you prepare for me?" Julia quickly said, "I've already cleaned up a room for you. Come, I'll show you." She reached for Victoria's hand again, but Victoria dodged her once more. "So cleaning a room was more important than coming to pick me up yourself." Julia's hand hung in the air. A trace of impatience flashed across her eyes. "Forget the room. I'm not even sure I'll stay," Victoria said. Then she pointed at the young woman about her age. "Who is she?" Angelica froze. Her eyes instantly turned red. She gently tugged on Curtis's sleeve. Curtis held her hand and said softly, "Angelica, don't be afraid." After comforting her, Curtis looked at Victoria coldly. His tone turned sharp. "I'm your brother, Curtis. And she's my sister, Angelica." He deliberately stressed the words "my sister." "I see." Victoria's voice carried a hint of sarcasm. "So that means she's the adopted daughter who was switched with me, right?" Angelica's hand trembled. Tears gathered in her eyes, ready to fall. Curtis's face darkened. He emphasized, "In my heart, Angelica is my real sister." Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Calling her your real sister? Are you an idiot?" Everyone except Victoria froze at her words. Curtis stared at her in disbelief. "You just called me an idiot, huh?" Victoria laughed mockingly. "Yeah. Did I say anything wrong? Don't you know her mother was the one who secretly switched us back then?" Angelica's birth mother, Jasmine, had worked as a customer service representative at a postpartum care center. When Julia was three months pregnant, she started looking for a high-end center, and Jasmine had served her. By coincidence, Jasmine was also pregnant at the time. When she realized Julia was wealthy, she started having bad thoughts. She secretly followed Julia to find out which center she chose and forced herself to spend the money to book the same one. During the recovery period after giving birth, Jasmine secretly switched her own daughter with Julia's without anyone noticing. At the time, Angelica had an allergic rash on her face. Julia didn't realize anything was wrong, and when she left the center, she took Angelica home. Angelica bit her lip. Tears finally streamed down her face. "I'm sorry." Curtis held her cold hand tightly and gently said, "Angelica, this has nothing to do with you." Then he turned to Victoria, his voice full of anger. "Yes, her mother switched you back then. But Angelica is innocent. She didn't know anything about it." Victoria laughed out loud, her eyes full of ridicule. "Oh, she's innocent? She spent twenty years enjoying my life, living in comfort and luxury. "And me? I was thrown into a trash can by her cruel mother in the freezing cold. If no one had found me, I would have died right after I was born." Chapter 5 I'll Leave Victoria's words left Curtis speechless. He had just started to feel a bit guilty when Angelica suddenly broke down in tears again. She said, "I'm sorry. It's all my fault. It's my fault for having a mother like that. Victoria, if you hate me, you can hit me or yell at me, but please don't blame Curtis." As she spoke, she struggled to pull free from Curtis's hand. With a determined look, she bit her lip and ran toward Victoria. "Angelica!" Curtis panicked and quickly got up to follow her. Angelica ran up to Victoria and was about to bow, but Curtis caught up just in time and pulled her back. "Angelica, what are you doing? This isn't your fault. It's your mother's fault." Victoria watched the whole scene and suddenly laughed. She even clapped her hands like she was watching a show. "This is really something. Are you putting on a pity act for me?" The small bit of guilt Curtis had felt disappeared right away. After helping Angelica steady herself, he looked at Victoria coldly. "Why are you being so unreasonable?" he asked. "Angelica already apologized sincerely, and you're still mocking her." "I'm not just mocking her. I'm mocking all of you," Victoria said. "Her mother planned everything, found a way to switch us, and let her take twenty years of the life that should have been mine. "Now that I'm back, you guys are still protecting her right in front of me. It's a shame that I ended up with a family like this." Curtis's face darkened even more. Julia looked helplessly at Darell. She hadn't expected Victoria to be so stubborn and didn't know how to deal with her. No matter how she looked at it, Julia just couldn't bring herself to like Victoria. Darell, who had been silent until now, finally spoke up. "That's enough, Victoria. Angelica's mother has already been punished. Angelica is alone now, with no one to rely on. "Your mother and I raised her for twenty years. We can't just throw her out. The Binder family has more than enough. Keeping her here is no big deal. She won't affect you." But Victoria didn't accept that. "If it's really no big deal, then she can live anywhere. Why does she have to stay here and bother me? "Every time I see her, I'm reminded of everything I went through after being switched." Darell didn't expect her to keep pushing like this. Just like Julia, he began to feel more and more resistant toward Victoria. Compared to Angelica, who was gentle and understanding, Victoria seemed completely rude to him. Angelica bit her lip and let her tears fall silently. She looked pitiful, making it hard not to feel sorry for her. Seeing how aggressive Victoria was, Curtis finally lost his temper. "So you won't be satisfied unless we send Angelica away, huh?" Victoria nodded. "That's right. We're not both living here. It's one or the other." As soon as she said that, everyone's faces darkened. "I don't want to leave you," Angelica said through her tears, looking completely wronged. It made anyone who saw her feel bad. Curtis held her hand tightly. "Angelica, don't worry. You don't have to go anywhere. As long as I'm here, I won't let anyone drive you out of the Binder family. You'll always be my sister. You're part of us." Victoria raised an eyebrow. "So you want me to leave, huh?" Julia was already at her limit, but she forced herself to stay calm. "Victoria, you just got back. You don't really know Angelica yet. "She's kind and understanding. Once you spend some time with her, you'll accept her. Her staying here won't affect your place. No matter what, you're our real daughter." Victoria sneered, "Really? Then why did all of you look disgusted the moment you saw me? Is it because I'm not as pretty as her? Or because I'm not as refined? "But have you forgotten? If we had never been switched, the pretty, refined one would be me. Everything she has now was built on the suffering I endured for her." Julia froze and quickly shook her head. "That's not it. We just haven't adjusted yet." "You need time to adjust to your own daughter, huh? Then why didn't Uncle Hector and Aunt Daisy need time when they saw me?" Victoria pressed. Julia had no answer. But she thought it was because Hector and Daisy had no children, so of course, they would be happy. She took a deep breath and softened her voice. "Victoria, we won't treat you badly from now on. Your living expenses will be the same as Angelica's. Your father and I won't favor one over the other." Victoria gave a faint, mocking smile. "Should I thank you for that? Honestly, for me, not favoring one over the other is already the biggest favoritism. "You two are really kind. You don't want your own daughter, but you're willing to spend money raising the daughter of someone who ruined my life. I've never seen people this generous." Julia held back her anger and continued, "Victoria, stop making trouble. You're my real daughter. We finally found you. How could we let you keep suffering out there?" Victoria replied, "So you knew I was suffering. While I was suffering, that criminal's daughter was living here, enjoying everything you gave her in my place. "And now, on the very first day I come back, you're ready to push me away again." Curtis said coldly, "Get this straight. We're not pushing you away. You're the one making things difficult. You could stay here peacefully, but you refuse to accept Angelica." "How could I accept the daughter of a criminal?" Victoria asked. "If I hadn't been lucky enough to survive, her mother would be both a trafficker and a murderer. "She committed the crime, but her daughter hasn't been punished at all. Why should she get to keep living this rich, comfortable life as if nothing had happened?" Angelica's body swayed. Curtis quickly held her steady, his anger finally breaking through. "With your attitude, do you even deserve to stay here while Angelica leaves?" "Of course I do. First, I'm a Binder by blood. Second, unlike you, I'm not an idiot." After snapping at him, Victoria lost her patience. "Have you decided? Is she leaving, or am I?" Curtis pulled Angelica into his arms protectively and said firmly, "Dad, Mom, if I have to choose, then I only recognize Angelica as my sister." "Good. One vote." Victoria raised her index finger and then looked at Julia. "What about you?" Julia forced down her frustration and said gently, "Victoria, don't do this—" "Alright, that's two votes," Victoria said, not even bothering to listen. She turned to Darell. "Your vote doesn't matter anymore. There are already two votes for Angelica. Fine. Since that's the case, she stays. I'll leave." A trace of anxiety flashed in Angelica's eyes. If Victoria really left, there would be no one to take her place in marrying Jackson. ------ 👇👇👇 There are limited chapters to put here, click “continue reading” to open App to continue reading (It will automatically jump to the book)
When a killer came in the night, Victoria Binder didn’t scream—she fought. And she won, burying the proof in her own garden. That was just the beginning. Unveiled as the lost heiress to a mighty fortune, Victoria returned to a family that despised her. She wasn’t there for their love. She was there for what was hers: the power, the legacy, the truth. ------ Chapter 1 I Want to Marry You "Victoria, we need to break up. It turns out I'm actually the heir to the Fairbank family, one of the most powerful families in Benwig City. You're just a country girl who sells herbs. You're not good enough for me anymore." Victoria Binder had just received a call from her boyfriend, Gavin Alvarado—no, Gavin Fairbank now. She had been about to tell him that she was the long-lost daughter of a wealthy family herself, but before she could say a word, she heard him claim she wasn't good enough for him. She let out a silent, cold laugh. The medicinal herbs she grew were incredibly valuable. Countless rich and influential families were trying to buy them at high prices. Her products had even appeared several times at the largest auction house in Benwig City. Gavin's arrogant voice came through the phone again. "With my status now, I need to marry a proper heiress from a family that matches mine. "But since we dated for two months, I won't treat you badly. Before I marry someone suitable, you can stay with me. Even after I get married, I can still keep you as my—" Before he could finish, Victoria snapped, "Asshole. If you want to break up, then we're done." She hung up immediately. The handsome man standing in front of her, Jackson Thornton, raised an eyebrow. He had been waiting for her response. He smiled. "So? You just found out you're the heiress of the Binder family, one of the richest families in Benwig City, and you still got dumped?" Victoria looked up at him and smiled brightly. "Funny coincidence. He just told me that he's the heir to a wealthy family in Benwig City and that I'm not good enough for him." Then her expression shifted, turning doubtful. "Wait a second. This whole thing about being the real daughter or real son of some rich family... Isn't that some new kind of scam going around?" Jackson paused for a moment, then smiled. "Of course not. You really are the true daughter of the Binder family." Victoria gave a nonchalant hum. She took the basket off her back, sat down on a chair, and began sorting the herbs she had just picked. "Then who are you?" she asked. "Why are you the one coming to find me instead of my biological parents?" Jackson glanced at the shabby house in front of him, then looked at Victoria, who sat casually on a small stool. He said, "If nothing unexpected happens, I'll soon be your fiancé. I'm Jackson, the eldest son of the Thornton family in Benwig City." Victoria almost slipped off her stool. She stared at him in shock. "What? Fiancé?" "That's right. But as you can see, I'm disabled now. I lost the use of my legs last month." Sitting in his wheelchair, Jackson lifted a hand and pointed at his legs, giving a helpless smile. "I see. And what does that have to do with you coming to find me today?" Victoria asked. Then she suddenly understood. "Wait. Are you saying that I'm the real daughter of the wealthy Binder family, and that they're planning to bring me back and have me marry you?" Jackson nodded, a hint of admiration in his eyes. "Exactly." Victoria's gaze flickered. Jackson continued, "Because of my legs, I'm about to be dumped. Just like you." Victoria caught on quickly. "So the one who was supposed to marry you was the Binder family's adopted daughter. But now that you're disabled, she doesn't want to marry you anymore." Jackson nodded again. "Yes. That's exactly it." Victoria almost let out a bitter laugh. "Then why don't you look upset at all?" Jackson said calmly, "You just got dumped by your boyfriend, and you don't look upset either." "He's just trash. Good riddance." Victoria curled her lips in disdain. Jackson studied her, the admiration in his eyes deepening. "You're surprisingly chill about it." Victoria let out a small scoff. "Of course. Why waste time and energy feeling bad over someone who isn't worth it?" She had started dating Gavin after saving his life by chance two years ago. After that, he had chased after her nonstop, using gratitude as an excuse. For two whole years, he acted devoted, as if he would never marry anyone but her. He didn't seem to have any serious flaws. She figured having a man around could help her take care of the herb garden and keep other men from bothering her, so she agreed to date him. But she never expected that the moment Gavin found out he was the heir to a wealthy family, he would turn on her so quickly. Jackson smiled. "Same here. She's trash anyway. Better not to marry her." There had never been anything between him and Angelica Binder. Their engagement had only been arranged by his grandfather for a business alliance. Now that his legs were disabled, Angelica's parents naturally didn't want her to marry him anymore. But the Thornton family was the most powerful family in Benwig City, with huge wealth and influence. They weren't willing to give up the alliance, either. In the end, they planned to have their biological daughter, Victoria, marry him in Angelica's place. Victoria went straight to the point. "It's just strange. How could it be such a coincidence? Right after your legs were disabled, my birth parents suddenly found me and decided to have me marry you instead of their adopted daughter." She let out a cold, mocking laugh. "Looks like they always knew I was their real daughter. I just had no value to them, so they left me out here all this time and never brought me home." Jackson didn't try to comfort her with lies. "I think you're right." Victoria gave a cold sneer. If that was true, then her birth parents were even more heartless than she had thought. Still, one thing didn't make sense to her. "Since you already know what the Binder family is planning, why not just give up on the alliance? Why walk straight into their trap?" "I had someone look into you," Jackson said calmly. "You sell medicine, and you're pretty well-known around here. "I heard you've treated quite a few difficult cases with your own methods. My legs are disabled. Over the past month, I've invited top doctors from all over the country, but none of them could help. "So I came here myself to see if marrying you would be a trap or a chance for me." He didn't hide why he came. Victoria found him interesting. She shrugged. "Well, you've seen me now. I'm just a wild country girl. My birth parents, the ones I've never even met, clearly don't like me. "Do you still want to marry someone like me? I'm just a real daughter who isn't valued and is just being used as a substitute bride." Jackson looked at her closely. At first glance, she wasn't the delicate type raised in comfort. Her skin wasn't soft. It had a light wheat tone that made her look healthy and full of life. But if one looked more carefully, her features were actually very refined. Her eyes were bright and clear, and there was strength in the way she looked at people. There was no trace of disrespect in Jackson's gaze. He looked sincere. "Yes. After meeting you, I'm sure I want to marry you. I just don't know if you're willing to give me a chance." Victoria studied his face. She had to admit that he was strikingly handsome, the kind of man who wouldn't be forgotten even in a huge crowd. His features were sharp, and his face was well-defined. What stood out the most was his eyes. Even after going through something as serious as losing the use of his legs, they were still clear. There was no bitterness or confusion. Victoria glanced at his legs again. "What's going on with them?" "They were broken with a wooden club last month," Jackson said. "I've had many well-known doctors take a look. They all said my legs are beyond saving. I'll never stand again." "Pull up your pant legs. Let me see," said Victoria. "Okay." Jackson did as she said, lifting his pant legs to reveal his knees and lower legs, covered in scars. Victoria's expression darkened. She set the herbs aside, stood up, and walked over to him. Then she bent down and pressed carefully on his knees. The pain made Jackson frown, but he didn't make a sound. "They can be treated," Victoria said firmly. Hope lit up in Jackson's eyes at once. Thinking about how her birth parents had ignored her existence for so many years, Victoria made up her mind. She would go back to Benwig City and take her place as the Binder family's true daughter. She wanted to meet them face to face. She clapped her hands lightly and sat back down on the small stool. "I can marry you." Jackson raised an eyebrow. "Do you have any conditions?" Victoria tilted her head and smiled brightly. "Listen to you. Do I need conditions to marry you? You're so good-looking. If I fix your legs, I'll be the one getting the better deal." Jackson hadn't expected her to be so straightforward. His brow lifted higher, and he let out a soft laugh. "Alright. Then it's settled. I'll wait for you to return to the Binder family." Chapter 2 A Welcome Gift After Jackson left his phone number with Victoria, he left the village with his assistant, Ollie Rowse. Victoria watched him go, her eyes growing thoughtful. She took out her phone and dialed a number. "Mara, I need you to look into everyone in the Binder family in Benwig City right away. Focus on their daughter. I want everything you can find, and I want it by tonight." "Yes, boss," Mara replied. After hanging up, Victoria's gaze turned even sharper. Ford had once told her about that freezing winter night twenty years ago. He had been on his way to settle down in a small southern town when he heard a baby crying from inside a trash bin. He got out of the car to check and found a baby girl, not even a month old, her skin red from the cold. If she hadn't been crying so loudly, and if he hadn't happened to pass that deserted road, she would have died quietly in that trash bin. That baby was Victoria. Ford gave her that name, hoping she would grow up strong and tough no matter what life threw at her. Even on his deathbed, Ford never stopped looking for her biological parents. And all this time, Victoria had believed they must have abandoned her because they had no other choice. But now, it seemed that wasn't true. Her biological parents didn't want her and had no intention of taking her back. If it weren't for the adopted daughter they had raised for twenty years, Victoria might have gone her whole life without parents. Just then, someone called out from outside, "Victoria, who was that man in the nice car looking for you?" It was Stephan, a middle-aged man from next door. He spent most of his time up in the mountains hunting herbs. Victoria put her phone away and walked out, smiling at him. "To be honest with you, that was my fiancé." Stephan looked surprised. "Your fiancé? You have good taste. He's a handsome man. Why didn't you ask him to stay for dinner?" "He had things to take care of in the city. He couldn't stay today," Victoria said. "Next time he comes, make sure he stays for a meal. Everything we eat here is grown by us. Let him try it. It's much better and healthier than city food," Stephan said. "I will," Victoria said with a smile. Stephan grabbed his tools and headed up into the mountains. Only after he left did Victoria go back inside to keep sorting the herbs she had picked. ***** After leaving Mullinran Village, Ollie, who was driving, glanced at Jackson's calm face in the rearview mirror and asked carefully, "Mr. Thornton, are you really going to marry her? "You saw it yourself. Her own parents don't even want her. She makes a living selling herbs and doing some basic medical work. "You just went through something serious, and this is when you need support the most. Marrying her won't help you secure your position in the Thornton family." Jackson shifted his gaze away from the fields outside the window and gently rubbed the petals of a purple flower he had picked from Victoria's doorstep. He asked, "Ollie, do you remember six months ago, when my grandfather was seriously ill and needed a very rare herb to survive?" Ollie wasn't sure why he changed the subject, but he nodded. "Of course. That herb showed up at the biggest auction house in Benwig City. You spent 30 million dollars to get it." "Didn't you notice? That same rare herb was hanging casually on the wall of her simple, run-down house," Jackson said. That one bundle alone would be worth a fortune at any auction in Benwig City. "What?" Ollie was stunned. From the moment they walked into Victoria's house, he had only noticed how shabby it looked and missed everything else. Now it finally clicked. "Do you mean her background might not be as simple as it seems?" Jackson lifted the purple flower to his nose and took a light breath. "I can't say for sure what her background is yet. But one thing is clear. Her medical skills are far from simple." Ollie understood right away. If that was true, then there was real hope for Jackson's legs. Still, he couldn't help asking, "If all you want is to fix your legs, you could just pay her a large amount of money. There's no need to marry her." Jackson blinked and slowly turned the flower between his fingers. A faint smile appeared on his lips. "What if I said I fell for her at first sight? Would you believe me?" Ollie paused and looked at him again through the rearview mirror. He seemed calm. He wasn't exactly joking, but he wasn't completely serious, either. But Jackson rarely joked, so Ollie couldn't tell how much of it was real. In the end, he chose to believe him. "I believe you." "Good. In my eyes, she is already my fiancée. From now on, you need to treat her with respect," Jackson said. "Understood." Ollie nodded. Jackson wasn't joking. When it came to love, he had never believed in feelings that grew over time. To him, if there was no spark at first sight, then staying together would only lead to a relationship based on weighing pros and cons, not the kind of love that made his heart race. That was why, when his grandfather arranged his engagement to Angelica, he had agreed for practical reasons alone. But when he saw Victoria, everything changed. It felt like the world spun around him, and everything else faded away. In his eyes, she was the only color left. He couldn't explain why it had to be her. Maybe it was that moment when their eyes met, when the light in hers pulled him in like a whirlpool. Jackson picked up a book from the car and carefully placed the small purple flower between its pages. Then he closed the book and shut his eyes. ***** At eight that evening, Victoria had just finished bringing in the herbs she had been drying on the roof when her phone rang. She set the herbs aside, brushed the dust off her hands, and picked up the call. Mara's cool voice came through. "Boss, I found what you asked for. The Binder family has only one daughter. She was born to the second son, Darell, and his wife, Julia. Her name is Angelica. She's the same age as you. "She's very spoiled at home. Two months ago, Darell arranged a great marriage for her. She's engaged to Jackson, the eldest son of the Thornton family, the most powerful family in Benwig City. "Jackson had already been chosen by his grandfather, Gerry, as the next heir. But last month, he had an accident. Someone broke both his legs, and the announcement was put on hold." "What is Angelica like?" Victoria asked. "She has a very good reputation. She's beautiful and talented. A lot of rich young men in Benwig City admire her. That's probably why she gained Gerry's approval for the marriage," Mara said. Victoria let out a cold laugh to herself. She didn't believe for a second that Angelica's perfect life came without tricks. "Got it. Now find out if Angelica is really Darell and Julia's biological daughter," Victoria said. "You're focusing on the Binder family, especially Angelica. What are you planning to do?" Mara asked. "I'm going back to take my place," Victoria said. A faint spark lit up in her deep eyes. She found the idea of being the Binder family's real daughter interesting. Victoria had many identities. The one she used the most was a village herbalist and healer. In her daily life, she spent time with her retired scientist friends in the village, growing new herbs and developing new medicines. Over the years, she had cultivated twenty kinds of rare medicinal plants. Because they were so hard to produce, they sold for extremely high prices. Any one of them, if sold at auction in Benwig City, could earn more than most people made in a lifetime. On top of that, she was skilled in traditional medical techniques. When she treated regular villagers, she charged normal fees. But when rich families or powerful figures came to her, her starting fee was three million dollars. Of course, she guaranteed results. If she couldn't cure them, she wouldn't take a single dollar. This identity alone had already made her very rich. Money no longer meant much to her. So when her ex-boyfriend, Gavin, said she wasn't good enough for him, she found it almost funny. If she wanted, she could build her own place in Benwig City without relying on anyone. Over the years, all her different identities had started to feel dull. It was time to try something new. And she had to admit, Jackson impressed her. Out of all the people she had treated, none had faced sudden injury like he did, so calm and steady. His willpower was strong. He was someone who would go far. He was handsome and capable. It would be a waste for him to stay crippled. So she would fix his legs. Mara quickly understood, her voice turning serious. "Understood, boss. I'll get on it right away." ***** Late that night, Victoria was fast asleep when she heard wood cracking outside. Her eyes opened at once, sharp and alert, and she turned toward the sound. Anyone showing up at this hour without warning was not from the village. She had spread powders around her home to keep wild animals away, so no beasts would come near. That left only one answer. Someone had broken in. Victoria got up quietly and, using the moonlight, moved to hide behind the door. Soon, her old wooden door was kicked open, and a shadow rushed inside. She hadn't expected him to be so bold, barging in instead of sneaking around. She flicked a silver needle straight at him. The man let out a low groan and dropped to the ground. Victoria turned on the light, filling the room with brightness. She kicked him aside and finally saw his face clearly. He looked like a hardened criminal. She grabbed a rope, walked over, and tied up his hands and feet. Once he was secured, she took out a needle and stuck it into his neck. Within seconds, he woke up. Victoria sat on the bed, crossing her legs as she played with another needle. "If you don't want to suffer, you'd better tell me the truth. Who sent you?" The man quickly sized up the situation. "People who hire killers stay anonymous. Who would be stupid enough to give their name? But they said that if I raped you, they would get me out of the country safely." Victoria's eyes turned cold and sharp. If he needed to run overseas, that meant he was already a wanted criminal. The man hurried to beg, "I've told you everything I know. Let me go. I won't take this job anymore." Victoria nodded. "Fine." She walked over, pulled out the needle, and untied the ropes. "You can leave." The man rubbed his wrists. "Thanks—" Before he could finish, his face suddenly changed. He lifted his leg and tried to kick Victoria in the knee. But the moment his foot rose, a sharp pain shot through him. Then his whole body went numb. He couldn't move. He looked down in terror. A small black snake had bitten his ankle. "How is there a poisonous snake here—" Before he could finish, blood burst from his throat. His body fell stiffly to the ground. After a few jerks, he went still. Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Trying to kill me in my place? You asked for it. Good job, Blackie. Go rest." The little black snake slipped into a dark corner and quickly disappeared. Victoria picked up a hoe, stuffed the body into a large basket, and lifted it onto her back with ease. She carried it outside and buried it near her vegetable garden. It would make good fertilizer for her herbs. After that, she let out a long breath, brushed off her hands, and looked up at the nearly full moon. She had just learned who she really was, and someone had already sent a man to ruin her. It seemed that someone had prepared a "welcome gift" for her in advance. Chapter 3 We've Got Your Back The next day at noon, a black Bentley worth 1.5 million dollars stopped in front of Victoria's house. Victoria was grinding the herbs she had picked the day before. When she heard the car, she glanced out the window and checked the license plate. It was from Benwig City, just as she expected. She finished grinding the herbs, put them into jars, brushed the dust off her hands, and walked outside. She went straight to the car and knocked on the window. A moment later, the window slid down, revealing the still handsome face of a middle-aged man—Hector Binder. He looked about fifty, with neatly slicked-back hair. A woman sat beside him. She looked about the same age. Even though she wasn't young anymore, she had taken good care of herself and looked as if she were in her thirties. Her features were still soft and beautiful. Victoria didn't waste time. "Are you here for me?" Hector, sitting in the back seat, looked at her, then at the photo in his hand. His eyes lit up. "Daisy, it's her. She's the one we're looking for." Daisy's eyes filled with excitement, even shining with tears. "Yes, it's her. No mistake." They quickly opened the door, got out of the car, and walked over to Victoria. Hector nodded. "Yes. You're the real daughter the Binder family lost years ago. We're here to take you back." Victoria looked straight into his eyes. He seemed like a decent man, and the excitement in his expression matched Daisy's. It didn't look fake. This couple didn't seem to have anything to do with what happened to her last night. Hector paused, a little surprised. "How did you know we were coming?" But he didn't dwell on it. Instead, he explained, "You are the young lady of the Binder family. "When you were little, someone switched you with another baby. That's why you ended up here. You've suffered for twenty years, living away from your real home." As soon as he finished, Daisy started to choke up. "Poor child." Victoria stayed calm. "So, are you my parents?" Hector and Daisy froze. They exchanged a look, then answered awkwardly, "No. We're your uncle and aunt." Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Then why aren't my parents here? Why did they send you instead?" Daisy looked uneasy. "Something came up at home. They couldn't leave, so they asked us to come get you." Victoria saw right through it. "You don't have to cover for them. I'm not a child. What could be more important than picking up their own daughter? They just didn't want to come." Hearing that, Daisy stepped forward and gently hugged her. Tears slipped down her face. "My poor child, you've suffered so much." Victoria didn't expect the sudden hug. At first, she wanted to pull away, but the warmth of it stopped her. It felt soft and comforting, unlike any embrace she had experienced in twenty years. It was, perhaps, the closest she had ever come to what a mother's embrace should feel like. She let out a quiet sigh. For a moment, she thought that if these two were her real parents, it wouldn't be so bad. After a while, Daisy let go and held her hand. "Go pack your things. We'll take you home today. You won't have to live like this anymore." Victoria nodded. "Okay. Wait for me. I'll go pack." She didn't need to bring clothes. The only things she needed were the medicines she had made. After packing all the bottles of medicine powder and poison powder from the wooden cabinet, Victoria called out, "Blackie, Whitey, Greenie, come out. I'm taking you somewhere new." As soon as she finished, three small snakes slid out from the corners and crawled into a sack. Victoria tied the sack and slung it over her shoulder. Then she took a drum from the old cabinet. After giving the shabby house one last look, she walked outside and began to beat the drum. The loud sound of the drum echoed through the area. Hector and Daisy, waiting outside, looked confused. Before long, the villagers gathered around. They looked at Victoria with concern. "Victoria, what's wrong? What happened?" Victoria set down the drum, cleared her throat, and said, "Everyone, you all know I'm an orphan. I grew up without parents, raised by all of you. "But now I know who my real parents are. It turns out I'm the daughter of the Binder family in Benwig City." The villagers were happy for her at first, but then she continued, "But here's the thing. My real parents knew all along who I was, but they never came to acknowledge me. "And now, the only reason they're taking me back is to make me marry a disabled man in place of their adopted daughter." Hector and Daisy were stunned. They had no idea about any of this. The villagers were furious. "What kind of people are they? They knew you were their real daughter but ignored you all this time, and now they want to use you like this, huh?" "Blind fools! You're such a good girl, and they treat you like a tool, making you marry some cripple instead of their adopted daughter." "Victoria, don't listen to those heartless people." "That's right. Ignore them. We'll go teach them a lesson." "The Binder family? They're nothing special in Benwig City, acting all high and mighty. Victoria, you don't need to go back with them." Victoria raised her hand to quiet them. "Everyone, calm down. I've decided to go back to the Binder family for this arranged marriage. "But I'm going back to teach them a lesson. So I'm telling you all ahead of time. Please help take care of the herbs I just planted in my yard." Even though the villagers didn't really understand, they still respected her choice. "Okay. But if anyone from the Binder family dares to bully you, just call me. I'll get people to take them down," one person said. "That's right. We've got your back," another added. Victoria waved her hand. "Thank you, everyone. That's all I wanted to say. You can all head back now." After that, she turned to Hector and Daisy, who were still waiting, and gave them a light smile. "We can go now." Hector and Daisy were still a little stunned. When they heard her, they finally snapped out of it. "Oh, okay." "Let me carry that." The driver stepped forward and reached for the sack. "Be careful. It's heavy," Victoria said. The driver didn't believe it at first. But the moment he took it with both hands, he almost dropped it on his foot. Victoria blinked at him. "Can you handle it? Don't break anything inside." "No problem." The driver forced a smile, gritted his teeth, and lifted the sack into the trunk. By the time he got back into the driver's seat, he was sweating all over. He hadn't expected Victoria to be this strong despite looking so thin. After getting into the car, Daisy and Hector looked at each other, then kept glancing at Victoria. They seemed to want to say something, but neither of them knew how to start. In the end, Daisy asked, "Victoria, you just told the villagers about marrying a disabled man instead of that adopted daughter. What did you mean?" "You didn't know?" Victoria looked back at her, her eyes narrowing with suspicion. Daisy shook her head. "Hector and I really had no idea. About half a month ago, your parents suddenly told us Angelica wasn't their biological daughter. Then they sent people to look into it. "Just yesterday, they found out their real daughter was living here. That's why they want to bring you back today." Hector nodded to confirm her words. Victoria smiled faintly. "Then why do you think they didn't come themselves?" Daisy fell silent. To her, it was absurd that Victoria's parents would have relatives fetch their biological daughter instead of coming themselves. But the truth would hurt Victoria, so she chose not to say anything. Victoria let out a bitter laugh. "Aunt Daisy, even if you don't say it, I can guess. Just like I said, they don't want to acknowledge me. "They're only bringing me back because they have no choice. They want me to marry that disabled heir in place of their precious adopted daughter." Her gaze was clear and calm, and there was a quiet maturity about her that went far beyond her years. Hector frowned slightly. "Victoria, how did you find out about this arranged marriage?" Victoria smiled. "Secret." On the way, Daisy told her a lot about the Binder family. It wasn't much different from what Mara had already found out. The Binder family was still led by Calvin. He had two sons and one daughter. The eldest son, Hector, was the one who had come to get Victoria, and his wife was Daisy. They didn't have any children. The second son, Darell, was Victoria's biological father. He and his wife, Julia, had two sons and one daughter. The eldest son, Simon, managed the family's entertainment company, Brightstar Entertainment. The second son, Curtis, was a well-known singer under the same company. Then there was the youngest daughter, Angelica. She was considered very outstanding. At just twenty, she had already skipped grades and finished college. She was now preparing to study abroad after getting engaged to the eldest son of the Thornton family. Angelica was the baby who had been switched with Victoria. As for Calvin's daughter, Sirena, she had already married into another wealthy family and only returned for holidays. The drive from the village to Benwig City took six hours over bumpy roads. By the time they arrived, it was dark. "We're here," the driver said as he stopped the car. Victoria looked out the window. In front of her stood a large estate, with several villas spread across it. It looked grand and impressive. The Binder family mansion alone was almost as big as the entire Mullinran Village. Victoria got out of the car and followed Hector and Daisy inside. The head butler, Milton, who had been waiting at the door, stepped forward respectfully. "You're back." He looked at Victoria and gave a polite nod. "This must be Miss Victoria Binder." "Yes," Daisy replied. Then she looked at Victoria gently. "Victoria, go in and meet your parents and brother." Victoria said nothing. She quietly followed them inside. They passed through the wide front yard and stepped into the entrance hall. Standing at the doorway, she quickly scanned the four people sitting on the sofas in the main hall. First, she saw a middle-aged couple dressed in expensive clothes, carrying themselves with an air of wealth and status. Next was a handsome young man who looked a bit rebellious. Finally, there was a beautiful young woman about her age. The corners of her eyes were red, and she looked pitiful, as if she had been crying. None of them looked happy. Their faces were tense, filled with worry. When they looked at her, Victoria caught the flash of disgust in their eyes. A faint smile appeared on her lips. She thought the family was really quite interesting. Chapter 4 Are You an Idiot? "Darell, Julia, I brought your daughter back," Daisy said. She gently patted Victoria on the back. "Victoria, go say hello to your parents and your brother." Victoria didn't move. With a faint, mocking smile, she asked, "Aunt Daisy, are they really my parents and brother?" Daisy froze for a moment, then nodded. "Yes, they are. Why do you ask?" Victoria let out a cold laugh. "I'm supposed to be their daughter and sister, but why do they all look like they can't stand me?" The four people in the room all stiffened. They hadn't expected her to be so direct. Daisy froze again. She wanted to say something, but stopped herself. She knew what Darell and Julia were thinking. They didn't want to accept this daughter because they already had an excellent adopted one. They would rather stay home and comfort their adopted daughter's feelings than spend even a little time going to the village to pick up their real daughter. Simon and Curtis felt the same way. They were closer to the sister they had lived with for twenty years. None of them wanted to hurt her feelings just to pick up Victoria. Simon didn't even bother to show up; he was still at work. In the end, Daisy couldn't take it anymore and offered to go with Hector to bring Victoria home. What she didn't expect was that even after Victoria came back, Darell and Julia still acted like this. They didn't even try to hide it. Julia looked at Darell, and he looked back at her. In that brief exchange, they reached an understanding. Victoria clearly wasn't as quiet and easy to control as they had thought. They couldn't just brush her aside. If they wanted her to willingly take Angelica's place in the marriage to Jackson later, they would have to act nice and coax her a little. Julia hesitated, then forced herself to stand up. She put on a pained expression and walked toward Victoria. "My child, you've suffered so much out there." Victoria stepped aside slightly and avoided her touch. "Stop pretending. I don't see any concern in your eyes." Julia froze in place. A wave of anger rose inside her. She had lowered herself to show kindness, yet Victoria had refused it and embarrassed her in front of everyone. But to her, Victoria's lack of manners was no surprise. She had grown up in the countryside without her parents and had never been properly brought up. Julia forced a stiff smile. "I carried you for ten months. Of course, it hurts me to know you've suffered." Victoria sneered, "Is that so? If you really feel that way, why didn't you come pick me up today? Why did you send Uncle Hector and Aunt Daisy instead?" Daisy wanted to speak, but Hector gently held her hand and shook his head. He said quietly, "Daisy, we've already brought her back. What happens now is their family matter. Let them handle it. Let's go home." Daisy looked at Victoria, her eyes full of worry and sympathy. But she knew Hector was right. This was between Victoria and her parents. No matter what happened, she had no right to interfere. "Julia, now that Victoria is back, you should treat her well. Don't hurt her again. Daisy and I will head back now," Hector said politely, hoping his words would help a little. Darell nodded. "Thank you for your help today." Daisy said gently, "Victoria, we are leaving. If you need anything, come find us at Goldenwood Villa on the east side." With that, she reluctantly turned and left. Victoria watched them walk away, then quickly looked away. Once they were gone, Julia finally breathed a sigh of relief. "This is all my fault. Your father and I didn't go pick you up ourselves because I'm very emotional. "I was afraid that if I saw how poorly you were living, I wouldn't be able to handle it. So I stayed home to calm myself and prepare to welcome you." She was lying. Actually, after Angelica found out last night that she wasn't their real daughter, she had been upset the whole night. This morning, she was so distracted that she couldn't even eat. Julia felt sorry for her and stayed home to comfort her. Victoria's eyes were full of sarcasm. "So what exactly did you prepare for me?" Julia quickly said, "I've already cleaned up a room for you. Come, I'll show you." She reached for Victoria's hand again, but Victoria dodged her once more. "So cleaning a room was more important than coming to pick me up yourself." Julia's hand hung in the air. A trace of impatience flashed across her eyes. "Forget the room. I'm not even sure I'll stay," Victoria said. Then she pointed at the young woman about her age. "Who is she?" Angelica froze. Her eyes instantly turned red. She gently tugged on Curtis's sleeve. Curtis held her hand and said softly, "Angelica, don't be afraid." After comforting her, Curtis looked at Victoria coldly. His tone turned sharp. "I'm your brother, Curtis. And she's my sister, Angelica." He deliberately stressed the words "my sister." "I see." Victoria's voice carried a hint of sarcasm. "So that means she's the adopted daughter who was switched with me, right?" Angelica's hand trembled. Tears gathered in her eyes, ready to fall. Curtis's face darkened. He emphasized, "In my heart, Angelica is my real sister." Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Calling her your real sister? Are you an idiot?" Everyone except Victoria froze at her words. Curtis stared at her in disbelief. "You just called me an idiot, huh?" Victoria laughed mockingly. "Yeah. Did I say anything wrong? Don't you know her mother was the one who secretly switched us back then?" Angelica's birth mother, Jasmine, had worked as a customer service representative at a postpartum care center. When Julia was three months pregnant, she started looking for a high-end center, and Jasmine had served her. By coincidence, Jasmine was also pregnant at the time. When she realized Julia was wealthy, she started having bad thoughts. She secretly followed Julia to find out which center she chose and forced herself to spend the money to book the same one. During the recovery period after giving birth, Jasmine secretly switched her own daughter with Julia's without anyone noticing. At the time, Angelica had an allergic rash on her face. Julia didn't realize anything was wrong, and when she left the center, she took Angelica home. Angelica bit her lip. Tears finally streamed down her face. "I'm sorry." Curtis held her cold hand tightly and gently said, "Angelica, this has nothing to do with you." Then he turned to Victoria, his voice full of anger. "Yes, her mother switched you back then. But Angelica is innocent. She didn't know anything about it." Victoria laughed out loud, her eyes full of ridicule. "Oh, she's innocent? She spent twenty years enjoying my life, living in comfort and luxury. "And me? I was thrown into a trash can by her cruel mother in the freezing cold. If no one had found me, I would have died right after I was born." Chapter 5 I'll Leave Victoria's words left Curtis speechless. He had just started to feel a bit guilty when Angelica suddenly broke down in tears again. She said, "I'm sorry. It's all my fault. It's my fault for having a mother like that. Victoria, if you hate me, you can hit me or yell at me, but please don't blame Curtis." As she spoke, she struggled to pull free from Curtis's hand. With a determined look, she bit her lip and ran toward Victoria. "Angelica!" Curtis panicked and quickly got up to follow her. Angelica ran up to Victoria and was about to bow, but Curtis caught up just in time and pulled her back. "Angelica, what are you doing? This isn't your fault. It's your mother's fault." Victoria watched the whole scene and suddenly laughed. She even clapped her hands like she was watching a show. "This is really something. Are you putting on a pity act for me?" The small bit of guilt Curtis had felt disappeared right away. After helping Angelica steady herself, he looked at Victoria coldly. "Why are you being so unreasonable?" he asked. "Angelica already apologized sincerely, and you're still mocking her." "I'm not just mocking her. I'm mocking all of you," Victoria said. "Her mother planned everything, found a way to switch us, and let her take twenty years of the life that should have been mine. "Now that I'm back, you guys are still protecting her right in front of me. It's a shame that I ended up with a family like this." Curtis's face darkened even more. Julia looked helplessly at Darell. She hadn't expected Victoria to be so stubborn and didn't know how to deal with her. No matter how she looked at it, Julia just couldn't bring herself to like Victoria. Darell, who had been silent until now, finally spoke up. "That's enough, Victoria. Angelica's mother has already been punished. Angelica is alone now, with no one to rely on. "Your mother and I raised her for twenty years. We can't just throw her out. The Binder family has more than enough. Keeping her here is no big deal. She won't affect you." But Victoria didn't accept that. "If it's really no big deal, then she can live anywhere. Why does she have to stay here and bother me? "Every time I see her, I'm reminded of everything I went through after being switched." Darell didn't expect her to keep pushing like this. Just like Julia, he began to feel more and more resistant toward Victoria. Compared to Angelica, who was gentle and understanding, Victoria seemed completely rude to him. Angelica bit her lip and let her tears fall silently. She looked pitiful, making it hard not to feel sorry for her. Seeing how aggressive Victoria was, Curtis finally lost his temper. "So you won't be satisfied unless we send Angelica away, huh?" Victoria nodded. "That's right. We're not both living here. It's one or the other." As soon as she said that, everyone's faces darkened. "I don't want to leave you," Angelica said through her tears, looking completely wronged. It made anyone who saw her feel bad. Curtis held her hand tightly. "Angelica, don't worry. You don't have to go anywhere. As long as I'm here, I won't let anyone drive you out of the Binder family. You'll always be my sister. You're part of us." Victoria raised an eyebrow. "So you want me to leave, huh?" Julia was already at her limit, but she forced herself to stay calm. "Victoria, you just got back. You don't really know Angelica yet. "She's kind and understanding. Once you spend some time with her, you'll accept her. Her staying here won't affect your place. No matter what, you're our real daughter." Victoria sneered, "Really? Then why did all of you look disgusted the moment you saw me? Is it because I'm not as pretty as her? Or because I'm not as refined? "But have you forgotten? If we had never been switched, the pretty, refined one would be me. Everything she has now was built on the suffering I endured for her." Julia froze and quickly shook her head. "That's not it. We just haven't adjusted yet." "You need time to adjust to your own daughter, huh? Then why didn't Uncle Hector and Aunt Daisy need time when they saw me?" Victoria pressed. Julia had no answer. But she thought it was because Hector and Daisy had no children, so of course, they would be happy. She took a deep breath and softened her voice. "Victoria, we won't treat you badly from now on. Your living expenses will be the same as Angelica's. Your father and I won't favor one over the other." Victoria gave a faint, mocking smile. "Should I thank you for that? Honestly, for me, not favoring one over the other is already the biggest favoritism. "You two are really kind. You don't want your own daughter, but you're willing to spend money raising the daughter of someone who ruined my life. I've never seen people this generous." Julia held back her anger and continued, "Victoria, stop making trouble. You're my real daughter. We finally found you. How could we let you keep suffering out there?" Victoria replied, "So you knew I was suffering. While I was suffering, that criminal's daughter was living here, enjoying everything you gave her in my place. "And now, on the very first day I come back, you're ready to push me away again." Curtis said coldly, "Get this straight. We're not pushing you away. You're the one making things difficult. You could stay here peacefully, but you refuse to accept Angelica." "How could I accept the daughter of a criminal?" Victoria asked. "If I hadn't been lucky enough to survive, her mother would be both a trafficker and a murderer. "She committed the crime, but her daughter hasn't been punished at all. Why should she get to keep living this rich, comfortable life as if nothing had happened?" Angelica's body swayed. Curtis quickly held her steady, his anger finally breaking through. "With your attitude, do you even deserve to stay here while Angelica leaves?" "Of course I do. First, I'm a Binder by blood. Second, unlike you, I'm not an idiot." After snapping at him, Victoria lost her patience. "Have you decided? Is she leaving, or am I?" Curtis pulled Angelica into his arms protectively and said firmly, "Dad, Mom, if I have to choose, then I only recognize Angelica as my sister." "Good. One vote." Victoria raised her index finger and then looked at Julia. "What about you?" Julia forced down her frustration and said gently, "Victoria, don't do this—" "Alright, that's two votes," Victoria said, not even bothering to listen. She turned to Darell. "Your vote doesn't matter anymore. There are already two votes for Angelica. Fine. Since that's the case, she stays. I'll leave." A trace of anxiety flashed in Angelica's eyes. If Victoria really left, there would be no one to take her place in marrying Jackson. ------ 👇👇👇 There are limited chapters to put here, click “continue reading” to open App to continue reading (It will automatically jump to the book)
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When a killer came in the night, Victoria Binder didn’t scream—she fought. And she won, burying the proof in her own garden. That was just the beginning. Unveiled as the lost heiress to a mighty fortune, Victoria returned to a family that despised her. She wasn’t there for their love. She was there for what was hers: the power, the legacy, the truth. ------ Chapter 1 I Want to Marry You "Victoria, we need to break up. It turns out I'm actually the heir to the Fairbank family, one of the most powerful families in Benwig City. You're just a country girl who sells herbs. You're not good enough for me anymore." Victoria Binder had just received a call from her boyfriend, Gavin Alvarado—no, Gavin Fairbank now. She had been about to tell him that she was the long-lost daughter of a wealthy family herself, but before she could say a word, she heard him claim she wasn't good enough for him. She let out a silent, cold laugh. The medicinal herbs she grew were incredibly valuable. Countless rich and influential families were trying to buy them at high prices. Her products had even appeared several times at the largest auction house in Benwig City. Gavin's arrogant voice came through the phone again. "With my status now, I need to marry a proper heiress from a family that matches mine. "But since we dated for two months, I won't treat you badly. Before I marry someone suitable, you can stay with me. Even after I get married, I can still keep you as my—" Before he could finish, Victoria snapped, "Asshole. If you want to break up, then we're done." She hung up immediately. The handsome man standing in front of her, Jackson Thornton, raised an eyebrow. He had been waiting for her response. He smiled. "So? You just found out you're the heiress of the Binder family, one of the richest families in Benwig City, and you still got dumped?" Victoria looked up at him and smiled brightly. "Funny coincidence. He just told me that he's the heir to a wealthy family in Benwig City and that I'm not good enough for him." Then her expression shifted, turning doubtful. "Wait a second. This whole thing about being the real daughter or real son of some rich family... Isn't that some new kind of scam going around?" Jackson paused for a moment, then smiled. "Of course not. You really are the true daughter of the Binder family." Victoria gave a nonchalant hum. She took the basket off her back, sat down on a chair, and began sorting the herbs she had just picked. "Then who are you?" she asked. "Why are you the one coming to find me instead of my biological parents?" Jackson glanced at the shabby house in front of him, then looked at Victoria, who sat casually on a small stool. He said, "If nothing unexpected happens, I'll soon be your fiancé. I'm Jackson, the eldest son of the Thornton family in Benwig City." Victoria almost slipped off her stool. She stared at him in shock. "What? Fiancé?" "That's right. But as you can see, I'm disabled now. I lost the use of my legs last month." Sitting in his wheelchair, Jackson lifted a hand and pointed at his legs, giving a helpless smile. "I see. And what does that have to do with you coming to find me today?" Victoria asked. Then she suddenly understood. "Wait. Are you saying that I'm the real daughter of the wealthy Binder family, and that they're planning to bring me back and have me marry you?" Jackson nodded, a hint of admiration in his eyes. "Exactly." Victoria's gaze flickered. Jackson continued, "Because of my legs, I'm about to be dumped. Just like you." Victoria caught on quickly. "So the one who was supposed to marry you was the Binder family's adopted daughter. But now that you're disabled, she doesn't want to marry you anymore." Jackson nodded again. "Yes. That's exactly it." Victoria almost let out a bitter laugh. "Then why don't you look upset at all?" Jackson said calmly, "You just got dumped by your boyfriend, and you don't look upset either." "He's just trash. Good riddance." Victoria curled her lips in disdain. Jackson studied her, the admiration in his eyes deepening. "You're surprisingly chill about it." Victoria let out a small scoff. "Of course. Why waste time and energy feeling bad over someone who isn't worth it?" She had started dating Gavin after saving his life by chance two years ago. After that, he had chased after her nonstop, using gratitude as an excuse. For two whole years, he acted devoted, as if he would never marry anyone but her. He didn't seem to have any serious flaws. She figured having a man around could help her take care of the herb garden and keep other men from bothering her, so she agreed to date him. But she never expected that the moment Gavin found out he was the heir to a wealthy family, he would turn on her so quickly. Jackson smiled. "Same here. She's trash anyway. Better not to marry her." There had never been anything between him and Angelica Binder. Their engagement had only been arranged by his grandfather for a business alliance. Now that his legs were disabled, Angelica's parents naturally didn't want her to marry him anymore. But the Thornton family was the most powerful family in Benwig City, with huge wealth and influence. They weren't willing to give up the alliance, either. In the end, they planned to have their biological daughter, Victoria, marry him in Angelica's place. Victoria went straight to the point. "It's just strange. How could it be such a coincidence? Right after your legs were disabled, my birth parents suddenly found me and decided to have me marry you instead of their adopted daughter." She let out a cold, mocking laugh. "Looks like they always knew I was their real daughter. I just had no value to them, so they left me out here all this time and never brought me home." Jackson didn't try to comfort her with lies. "I think you're right." Victoria gave a cold sneer. If that was true, then her birth parents were even more heartless than she had thought. Still, one thing didn't make sense to her. "Since you already know what the Binder family is planning, why not just give up on the alliance? Why walk straight into their trap?" "I had someone look into you," Jackson said calmly. "You sell medicine, and you're pretty well-known around here. "I heard you've treated quite a few difficult cases with your own methods. My legs are disabled. Over the past month, I've invited top doctors from all over the country, but none of them could help. "So I came here myself to see if marrying you would be a trap or a chance for me." He didn't hide why he came. Victoria found him interesting. She shrugged. "Well, you've seen me now. I'm just a wild country girl. My birth parents, the ones I've never even met, clearly don't like me. "Do you still want to marry someone like me? I'm just a real daughter who isn't valued and is just being used as a substitute bride." Jackson looked at her closely. At first glance, she wasn't the delicate type raised in comfort. Her skin wasn't soft. It had a light wheat tone that made her look healthy and full of life. But if one looked more carefully, her features were actually very refined. Her eyes were bright and clear, and there was strength in the way she looked at people. There was no trace of disrespect in Jackson's gaze. He looked sincere. "Yes. After meeting you, I'm sure I want to marry you. I just don't know if you're willing to give me a chance." Victoria studied his face. She had to admit that he was strikingly handsome, the kind of man who wouldn't be forgotten even in a huge crowd. His features were sharp, and his face was well-defined. What stood out the most was his eyes. Even after going through something as serious as losing the use of his legs, they were still clear. There was no bitterness or confusion. Victoria glanced at his legs again. "What's going on with them?" "They were broken with a wooden club last month," Jackson said. "I've had many well-known doctors take a look. They all said my legs are beyond saving. I'll never stand again." "Pull up your pant legs. Let me see," said Victoria. "Okay." Jackson did as she said, lifting his pant legs to reveal his knees and lower legs, covered in scars. Victoria's expression darkened. She set the herbs aside, stood up, and walked over to him. Then she bent down and pressed carefully on his knees. The pain made Jackson frown, but he didn't make a sound. "They can be treated," Victoria said firmly. Hope lit up in Jackson's eyes at once. Thinking about how her birth parents had ignored her existence for so many years, Victoria made up her mind. She would go back to Benwig City and take her place as the Binder family's true daughter. She wanted to meet them face to face. She clapped her hands lightly and sat back down on the small stool. "I can marry you." Jackson raised an eyebrow. "Do you have any conditions?" Victoria tilted her head and smiled brightly. "Listen to you. Do I need conditions to marry you? You're so good-looking. If I fix your legs, I'll be the one getting the better deal." Jackson hadn't expected her to be so straightforward. His brow lifted higher, and he let out a soft laugh. "Alright. Then it's settled. I'll wait for you to return to the Binder family." Chapter 2 A Welcome Gift After Jackson left his phone number with Victoria, he left the village with his assistant, Ollie Rowse. Victoria watched him go, her eyes growing thoughtful. She took out her phone and dialed a number. "Mara, I need you to look into everyone in the Binder family in Benwig City right away. Focus on their daughter. I want everything you can find, and I want it by tonight." "Yes, boss," Mara replied. After hanging up, Victoria's gaze turned even sharper. Ford had once told her about that freezing winter night twenty years ago. He had been on his way to settle down in a small southern town when he heard a baby crying from inside a trash bin. He got out of the car to check and found a baby girl, not even a month old, her skin red from the cold. If she hadn't been crying so loudly, and if he hadn't happened to pass that deserted road, she would have died quietly in that trash bin. That baby was Victoria. Ford gave her that name, hoping she would grow up strong and tough no matter what life threw at her. Even on his deathbed, Ford never stopped looking for her biological parents. And all this time, Victoria had believed they must have abandoned her because they had no other choice. But now, it seemed that wasn't true. Her biological parents didn't want her and had no intention of taking her back. If it weren't for the adopted daughter they had raised for twenty years, Victoria might have gone her whole life without parents. Just then, someone called out from outside, "Victoria, who was that man in the nice car looking for you?" It was Stephan, a middle-aged man from next door. He spent most of his time up in the mountains hunting herbs. Victoria put her phone away and walked out, smiling at him. "To be honest with you, that was my fiancé." Stephan looked surprised. "Your fiancé? You have good taste. He's a handsome man. Why didn't you ask him to stay for dinner?" "He had things to take care of in the city. He couldn't stay today," Victoria said. "Next time he comes, make sure he stays for a meal. Everything we eat here is grown by us. Let him try it. It's much better and healthier than city food," Stephan said. "I will," Victoria said with a smile. Stephan grabbed his tools and headed up into the mountains. Only after he left did Victoria go back inside to keep sorting the herbs she had picked. ***** After leaving Mullinran Village, Ollie, who was driving, glanced at Jackson's calm face in the rearview mirror and asked carefully, "Mr. Thornton, are you really going to marry her? "You saw it yourself. Her own parents don't even want her. She makes a living selling herbs and doing some basic medical work. "You just went through something serious, and this is when you need support the most. Marrying her won't help you secure your position in the Thornton family." Jackson shifted his gaze away from the fields outside the window and gently rubbed the petals of a purple flower he had picked from Victoria's doorstep. He asked, "Ollie, do you remember six months ago, when my grandfather was seriously ill and needed a very rare herb to survive?" Ollie wasn't sure why he changed the subject, but he nodded. "Of course. That herb showed up at the biggest auction house in Benwig City. You spent 30 million dollars to get it." "Didn't you notice? That same rare herb was hanging casually on the wall of her simple, run-down house," Jackson said. That one bundle alone would be worth a fortune at any auction in Benwig City. "What?" Ollie was stunned. From the moment they walked into Victoria's house, he had only noticed how shabby it looked and missed everything else. Now it finally clicked. "Do you mean her background might not be as simple as it seems?" Jackson lifted the purple flower to his nose and took a light breath. "I can't say for sure what her background is yet. But one thing is clear. Her medical skills are far from simple." Ollie understood right away. If that was true, then there was real hope for Jackson's legs. Still, he couldn't help asking, "If all you want is to fix your legs, you could just pay her a large amount of money. There's no need to marry her." Jackson blinked and slowly turned the flower between his fingers. A faint smile appeared on his lips. "What if I said I fell for her at first sight? Would you believe me?" Ollie paused and looked at him again through the rearview mirror. He seemed calm. He wasn't exactly joking, but he wasn't completely serious, either. But Jackson rarely joked, so Ollie couldn't tell how much of it was real. In the end, he chose to believe him. "I believe you." "Good. In my eyes, she is already my fiancée. From now on, you need to treat her with respect," Jackson said. "Understood." Ollie nodded. Jackson wasn't joking. When it came to love, he had never believed in feelings that grew over time. To him, if there was no spark at first sight, then staying together would only lead to a relationship based on weighing pros and cons, not the kind of love that made his heart race. That was why, when his grandfather arranged his engagement to Angelica, he had agreed for practical reasons alone. But when he saw Victoria, everything changed. It felt like the world spun around him, and everything else faded away. In his eyes, she was the only color left. He couldn't explain why it had to be her. Maybe it was that moment when their eyes met, when the light in hers pulled him in like a whirlpool. Jackson picked up a book from the car and carefully placed the small purple flower between its pages. Then he closed the book and shut his eyes. ***** At eight that evening, Victoria had just finished bringing in the herbs she had been drying on the roof when her phone rang. She set the herbs aside, brushed the dust off her hands, and picked up the call. Mara's cool voice came through. "Boss, I found what you asked for. The Binder family has only one daughter. She was born to the second son, Darell, and his wife, Julia. Her name is Angelica. She's the same age as you. "She's very spoiled at home. Two months ago, Darell arranged a great marriage for her. She's engaged to Jackson, the eldest son of the Thornton family, the most powerful family in Benwig City. "Jackson had already been chosen by his grandfather, Gerry, as the next heir. But last month, he had an accident. Someone broke both his legs, and the announcement was put on hold." "What is Angelica like?" Victoria asked. "She has a very good reputation. She's beautiful and talented. A lot of rich young men in Benwig City admire her. That's probably why she gained Gerry's approval for the marriage," Mara said. Victoria let out a cold laugh to herself. She didn't believe for a second that Angelica's perfect life came without tricks. "Got it. Now find out if Angelica is really Darell and Julia's biological daughter," Victoria said. "You're focusing on the Binder family, especially Angelica. What are you planning to do?" Mara asked. "I'm going back to take my place," Victoria said. A faint spark lit up in her deep eyes. She found the idea of being the Binder family's real daughter interesting. Victoria had many identities. The one she used the most was a village herbalist and healer. In her daily life, she spent time with her retired scientist friends in the village, growing new herbs and developing new medicines. Over the years, she had cultivated twenty kinds of rare medicinal plants. Because they were so hard to produce, they sold for extremely high prices. Any one of them, if sold at auction in Benwig City, could earn more than most people made in a lifetime. On top of that, she was skilled in traditional medical techniques. When she treated regular villagers, she charged normal fees. But when rich families or powerful figures came to her, her starting fee was three million dollars. Of course, she guaranteed results. If she couldn't cure them, she wouldn't take a single dollar. This identity alone had already made her very rich. Money no longer meant much to her. So when her ex-boyfriend, Gavin, said she wasn't good enough for him, she found it almost funny. If she wanted, she could build her own place in Benwig City without relying on anyone. Over the years, all her different identities had started to feel dull. It was time to try something new. And she had to admit, Jackson impressed her. Out of all the people she had treated, none had faced sudden injury like he did, so calm and steady. His willpower was strong. He was someone who would go far. He was handsome and capable. It would be a waste for him to stay crippled. So she would fix his legs. Mara quickly understood, her voice turning serious. "Understood, boss. I'll get on it right away." ***** Late that night, Victoria was fast asleep when she heard wood cracking outside. Her eyes opened at once, sharp and alert, and she turned toward the sound. Anyone showing up at this hour without warning was not from the village. She had spread powders around her home to keep wild animals away, so no beasts would come near. That left only one answer. Someone had broken in. Victoria got up quietly and, using the moonlight, moved to hide behind the door. Soon, her old wooden door was kicked open, and a shadow rushed inside. She hadn't expected him to be so bold, barging in instead of sneaking around. She flicked a silver needle straight at him. The man let out a low groan and dropped to the ground. Victoria turned on the light, filling the room with brightness. She kicked him aside and finally saw his face clearly. He looked like a hardened criminal. She grabbed a rope, walked over, and tied up his hands and feet. Once he was secured, she took out a needle and stuck it into his neck. Within seconds, he woke up. Victoria sat on the bed, crossing her legs as she played with another needle. "If you don't want to suffer, you'd better tell me the truth. Who sent you?" The man quickly sized up the situation. "People who hire killers stay anonymous. Who would be stupid enough to give their name? But they said that if I raped you, they would get me out of the country safely." Victoria's eyes turned cold and sharp. If he needed to run overseas, that meant he was already a wanted criminal. The man hurried to beg, "I've told you everything I know. Let me go. I won't take this job anymore." Victoria nodded. "Fine." She walked over, pulled out the needle, and untied the ropes. "You can leave." The man rubbed his wrists. "Thanks—" Before he could finish, his face suddenly changed. He lifted his leg and tried to kick Victoria in the knee. But the moment his foot rose, a sharp pain shot through him. Then his whole body went numb. He couldn't move. He looked down in terror. A small black snake had bitten his ankle. "How is there a poisonous snake here—" Before he could finish, blood burst from his throat. His body fell stiffly to the ground. After a few jerks, he went still. Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Trying to kill me in my place? You asked for it. Good job, Blackie. Go rest." The little black snake slipped into a dark corner and quickly disappeared. Victoria picked up a hoe, stuffed the body into a large basket, and lifted it onto her back with ease. She carried it outside and buried it near her vegetable garden. It would make good fertilizer for her herbs. After that, she let out a long breath, brushed off her hands, and looked up at the nearly full moon. She had just learned who she really was, and someone had already sent a man to ruin her. It seemed that someone had prepared a "welcome gift" for her in advance. Chapter 3 We've Got Your Back The next day at noon, a black Bentley worth 1.5 million dollars stopped in front of Victoria's house. Victoria was grinding the herbs she had picked the day before. When she heard the car, she glanced out the window and checked the license plate. It was from Benwig City, just as she expected. She finished grinding the herbs, put them into jars, brushed the dust off her hands, and walked outside. She went straight to the car and knocked on the window. A moment later, the window slid down, revealing the still handsome face of a middle-aged man—Hector Binder. He looked about fifty, with neatly slicked-back hair. A woman sat beside him. She looked about the same age. Even though she wasn't young anymore, she had taken good care of herself and looked as if she were in her thirties. Her features were still soft and beautiful. Victoria didn't waste time. "Are you here for me?" Hector, sitting in the back seat, looked at her, then at the photo in his hand. His eyes lit up. "Daisy, it's her. She's the one we're looking for." Daisy's eyes filled with excitement, even shining with tears. "Yes, it's her. No mistake." They quickly opened the door, got out of the car, and walked over to Victoria. Hector nodded. "Yes. You're the real daughter the Binder family lost years ago. We're here to take you back." Victoria looked straight into his eyes. He seemed like a decent man, and the excitement in his expression matched Daisy's. It didn't look fake. This couple didn't seem to have anything to do with what happened to her last night. Hector paused, a little surprised. "How did you know we were coming?" But he didn't dwell on it. Instead, he explained, "You are the young lady of the Binder family. "When you were little, someone switched you with another baby. That's why you ended up here. You've suffered for twenty years, living away from your real home." As soon as he finished, Daisy started to choke up. "Poor child." Victoria stayed calm. "So, are you my parents?" Hector and Daisy froze. They exchanged a look, then answered awkwardly, "No. We're your uncle and aunt." Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Then why aren't my parents here? Why did they send you instead?" Daisy looked uneasy. "Something came up at home. They couldn't leave, so they asked us to come get you." Victoria saw right through it. "You don't have to cover for them. I'm not a child. What could be more important than picking up their own daughter? They just didn't want to come." Hearing that, Daisy stepped forward and gently hugged her. Tears slipped down her face. "My poor child, you've suffered so much." Victoria didn't expect the sudden hug. At first, she wanted to pull away, but the warmth of it stopped her. It felt soft and comforting, unlike any embrace she had experienced in twenty years. It was, perhaps, the closest she had ever come to what a mother's embrace should feel like. She let out a quiet sigh. For a moment, she thought that if these two were her real parents, it wouldn't be so bad. After a while, Daisy let go and held her hand. "Go pack your things. We'll take you home today. You won't have to live like this anymore." Victoria nodded. "Okay. Wait for me. I'll go pack." She didn't need to bring clothes. The only things she needed were the medicines she had made. After packing all the bottles of medicine powder and poison powder from the wooden cabinet, Victoria called out, "Blackie, Whitey, Greenie, come out. I'm taking you somewhere new." As soon as she finished, three small snakes slid out from the corners and crawled into a sack. Victoria tied the sack and slung it over her shoulder. Then she took a drum from the old cabinet. After giving the shabby house one last look, she walked outside and began to beat the drum. The loud sound of the drum echoed through the area. Hector and Daisy, waiting outside, looked confused. Before long, the villagers gathered around. They looked at Victoria with concern. "Victoria, what's wrong? What happened?" Victoria set down the drum, cleared her throat, and said, "Everyone, you all know I'm an orphan. I grew up without parents, raised by all of you. "But now I know who my real parents are. It turns out I'm the daughter of the Binder family in Benwig City." The villagers were happy for her at first, but then she continued, "But here's the thing. My real parents knew all along who I was, but they never came to acknowledge me. "And now, the only reason they're taking me back is to make me marry a disabled man in place of their adopted daughter." Hector and Daisy were stunned. They had no idea about any of this. The villagers were furious. "What kind of people are they? They knew you were their real daughter but ignored you all this time, and now they want to use you like this, huh?" "Blind fools! You're such a good girl, and they treat you like a tool, making you marry some cripple instead of their adopted daughter." "Victoria, don't listen to those heartless people." "That's right. Ignore them. We'll go teach them a lesson." "The Binder family? They're nothing special in Benwig City, acting all high and mighty. Victoria, you don't need to go back with them." Victoria raised her hand to quiet them. "Everyone, calm down. I've decided to go back to the Binder family for this arranged marriage. "But I'm going back to teach them a lesson. So I'm telling you all ahead of time. Please help take care of the herbs I just planted in my yard." Even though the villagers didn't really understand, they still respected her choice. "Okay. But if anyone from the Binder family dares to bully you, just call me. I'll get people to take them down," one person said. "That's right. We've got your back," another added. Victoria waved her hand. "Thank you, everyone. That's all I wanted to say. You can all head back now." After that, she turned to Hector and Daisy, who were still waiting, and gave them a light smile. "We can go now." Hector and Daisy were still a little stunned. When they heard her, they finally snapped out of it. "Oh, okay." "Let me carry that." The driver stepped forward and reached for the sack. "Be careful. It's heavy," Victoria said. The driver didn't believe it at first. But the moment he took it with both hands, he almost dropped it on his foot. Victoria blinked at him. "Can you handle it? Don't break anything inside." "No problem." The driver forced a smile, gritted his teeth, and lifted the sack into the trunk. By the time he got back into the driver's seat, he was sweating all over. He hadn't expected Victoria to be this strong despite looking so thin. After getting into the car, Daisy and Hector looked at each other, then kept glancing at Victoria. They seemed to want to say something, but neither of them knew how to start. In the end, Daisy asked, "Victoria, you just told the villagers about marrying a disabled man instead of that adopted daughter. What did you mean?" "You didn't know?" Victoria looked back at her, her eyes narrowing with suspicion. Daisy shook her head. "Hector and I really had no idea. About half a month ago, your parents suddenly told us Angelica wasn't their biological daughter. Then they sent people to look into it. "Just yesterday, they found out their real daughter was living here. That's why they want to bring you back today." Hector nodded to confirm her words. Victoria smiled faintly. "Then why do you think they didn't come themselves?" Daisy fell silent. To her, it was absurd that Victoria's parents would have relatives fetch their biological daughter instead of coming themselves. But the truth would hurt Victoria, so she chose not to say anything. Victoria let out a bitter laugh. "Aunt Daisy, even if you don't say it, I can guess. Just like I said, they don't want to acknowledge me. "They're only bringing me back because they have no choice. They want me to marry that disabled heir in place of their precious adopted daughter." Her gaze was clear and calm, and there was a quiet maturity about her that went far beyond her years. Hector frowned slightly. "Victoria, how did you find out about this arranged marriage?" Victoria smiled. "Secret." On the way, Daisy told her a lot about the Binder family. It wasn't much different from what Mara had already found out. The Binder family was still led by Calvin. He had two sons and one daughter. The eldest son, Hector, was the one who had come to get Victoria, and his wife was Daisy. They didn't have any children. The second son, Darell, was Victoria's biological father. He and his wife, Julia, had two sons and one daughter. The eldest son, Simon, managed the family's entertainment company, Brightstar Entertainment. The second son, Curtis, was a well-known singer under the same company. Then there was the youngest daughter, Angelica. She was considered very outstanding. At just twenty, she had already skipped grades and finished college. She was now preparing to study abroad after getting engaged to the eldest son of the Thornton family. Angelica was the baby who had been switched with Victoria. As for Calvin's daughter, Sirena, she had already married into another wealthy family and only returned for holidays. The drive from the village to Benwig City took six hours over bumpy roads. By the time they arrived, it was dark. "We're here," the driver said as he stopped the car. Victoria looked out the window. In front of her stood a large estate, with several villas spread across it. It looked grand and impressive. The Binder family mansion alone was almost as big as the entire Mullinran Village. Victoria got out of the car and followed Hector and Daisy inside. The head butler, Milton, who had been waiting at the door, stepped forward respectfully. "You're back." He looked at Victoria and gave a polite nod. "This must be Miss Victoria Binder." "Yes," Daisy replied. Then she looked at Victoria gently. "Victoria, go in and meet your parents and brother." Victoria said nothing. She quietly followed them inside. They passed through the wide front yard and stepped into the entrance hall. Standing at the doorway, she quickly scanned the four people sitting on the sofas in the main hall. First, she saw a middle-aged couple dressed in expensive clothes, carrying themselves with an air of wealth and status. Next was a handsome young man who looked a bit rebellious. Finally, there was a beautiful young woman about her age. The corners of her eyes were red, and she looked pitiful, as if she had been crying. None of them looked happy. Their faces were tense, filled with worry. When they looked at her, Victoria caught the flash of disgust in their eyes. A faint smile appeared on her lips. She thought the family was really quite interesting. Chapter 4 Are You an Idiot? "Darell, Julia, I brought your daughter back," Daisy said. She gently patted Victoria on the back. "Victoria, go say hello to your parents and your brother." Victoria didn't move. With a faint, mocking smile, she asked, "Aunt Daisy, are they really my parents and brother?" Daisy froze for a moment, then nodded. "Yes, they are. Why do you ask?" Victoria let out a cold laugh. "I'm supposed to be their daughter and sister, but why do they all look like they can't stand me?" The four people in the room all stiffened. They hadn't expected her to be so direct. Daisy froze again. She wanted to say something, but stopped herself. She knew what Darell and Julia were thinking. They didn't want to accept this daughter because they already had an excellent adopted one. They would rather stay home and comfort their adopted daughter's feelings than spend even a little time going to the village to pick up their real daughter. Simon and Curtis felt the same way. They were closer to the sister they had lived with for twenty years. None of them wanted to hurt her feelings just to pick up Victoria. Simon didn't even bother to show up; he was still at work. In the end, Daisy couldn't take it anymore and offered to go with Hector to bring Victoria home. What she didn't expect was that even after Victoria came back, Darell and Julia still acted like this. They didn't even try to hide it. Julia looked at Darell, and he looked back at her. In that brief exchange, they reached an understanding. Victoria clearly wasn't as quiet and easy to control as they had thought. They couldn't just brush her aside. If they wanted her to willingly take Angelica's place in the marriage to Jackson later, they would have to act nice and coax her a little. Julia hesitated, then forced herself to stand up. She put on a pained expression and walked toward Victoria. "My child, you've suffered so much out there." Victoria stepped aside slightly and avoided her touch. "Stop pretending. I don't see any concern in your eyes." Julia froze in place. A wave of anger rose inside her. She had lowered herself to show kindness, yet Victoria had refused it and embarrassed her in front of everyone. But to her, Victoria's lack of manners was no surprise. She had grown up in the countryside without her parents and had never been properly brought up. Julia forced a stiff smile. "I carried you for ten months. Of course, it hurts me to know you've suffered." Victoria sneered, "Is that so? If you really feel that way, why didn't you come pick me up today? Why did you send Uncle Hector and Aunt Daisy instead?" Daisy wanted to speak, but Hector gently held her hand and shook his head. He said quietly, "Daisy, we've already brought her back. What happens now is their family matter. Let them handle it. Let's go home." Daisy looked at Victoria, her eyes full of worry and sympathy. But she knew Hector was right. This was between Victoria and her parents. No matter what happened, she had no right to interfere. "Julia, now that Victoria is back, you should treat her well. Don't hurt her again. Daisy and I will head back now," Hector said politely, hoping his words would help a little. Darell nodded. "Thank you for your help today." Daisy said gently, "Victoria, we are leaving. If you need anything, come find us at Goldenwood Villa on the east side." With that, she reluctantly turned and left. Victoria watched them walk away, then quickly looked away. Once they were gone, Julia finally breathed a sigh of relief. "This is all my fault. Your father and I didn't go pick you up ourselves because I'm very emotional. "I was afraid that if I saw how poorly you were living, I wouldn't be able to handle it. So I stayed home to calm myself and prepare to welcome you." She was lying. Actually, after Angelica found out last night that she wasn't their real daughter, she had been upset the whole night. This morning, she was so distracted that she couldn't even eat. Julia felt sorry for her and stayed home to comfort her. Victoria's eyes were full of sarcasm. "So what exactly did you prepare for me?" Julia quickly said, "I've already cleaned up a room for you. Come, I'll show you." She reached for Victoria's hand again, but Victoria dodged her once more. "So cleaning a room was more important than coming to pick me up yourself." Julia's hand hung in the air. A trace of impatience flashed across her eyes. "Forget the room. I'm not even sure I'll stay," Victoria said. Then she pointed at the young woman about her age. "Who is she?" Angelica froze. Her eyes instantly turned red. She gently tugged on Curtis's sleeve. Curtis held her hand and said softly, "Angelica, don't be afraid." After comforting her, Curtis looked at Victoria coldly. His tone turned sharp. "I'm your brother, Curtis. And she's my sister, Angelica." He deliberately stressed the words "my sister." "I see." Victoria's voice carried a hint of sarcasm. "So that means she's the adopted daughter who was switched with me, right?" Angelica's hand trembled. Tears gathered in her eyes, ready to fall. Curtis's face darkened. He emphasized, "In my heart, Angelica is my real sister." Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Calling her your real sister? Are you an idiot?" Everyone except Victoria froze at her words. Curtis stared at her in disbelief. "You just called me an idiot, huh?" Victoria laughed mockingly. "Yeah. Did I say anything wrong? Don't you know her mother was the one who secretly switched us back then?" Angelica's birth mother, Jasmine, had worked as a customer service representative at a postpartum care center. When Julia was three months pregnant, she started looking for a high-end center, and Jasmine had served her. By coincidence, Jasmine was also pregnant at the time. When she realized Julia was wealthy, she started having bad thoughts. She secretly followed Julia to find out which center she chose and forced herself to spend the money to book the same one. During the recovery period after giving birth, Jasmine secretly switched her own daughter with Julia's without anyone noticing. At the time, Angelica had an allergic rash on her face. Julia didn't realize anything was wrong, and when she left the center, she took Angelica home. Angelica bit her lip. Tears finally streamed down her face. "I'm sorry." Curtis held her cold hand tightly and gently said, "Angelica, this has nothing to do with you." Then he turned to Victoria, his voice full of anger. "Yes, her mother switched you back then. But Angelica is innocent. She didn't know anything about it." Victoria laughed out loud, her eyes full of ridicule. "Oh, she's innocent? She spent twenty years enjoying my life, living in comfort and luxury. "And me? I was thrown into a trash can by her cruel mother in the freezing cold. If no one had found me, I would have died right after I was born." Chapter 5 I'll Leave Victoria's words left Curtis speechless. He had just started to feel a bit guilty when Angelica suddenly broke down in tears again. She said, "I'm sorry. It's all my fault. It's my fault for having a mother like that. Victoria, if you hate me, you can hit me or yell at me, but please don't blame Curtis." As she spoke, she struggled to pull free from Curtis's hand. With a determined look, she bit her lip and ran toward Victoria. "Angelica!" Curtis panicked and quickly got up to follow her. Angelica ran up to Victoria and was about to bow, but Curtis caught up just in time and pulled her back. "Angelica, what are you doing? This isn't your fault. It's your mother's fault." Victoria watched the whole scene and suddenly laughed. She even clapped her hands like she was watching a show. "This is really something. Are you putting on a pity act for me?" The small bit of guilt Curtis had felt disappeared right away. After helping Angelica steady herself, he looked at Victoria coldly. "Why are you being so unreasonable?" he asked. "Angelica already apologized sincerely, and you're still mocking her." "I'm not just mocking her. I'm mocking all of you," Victoria said. "Her mother planned everything, found a way to switch us, and let her take twenty years of the life that should have been mine. "Now that I'm back, you guys are still protecting her right in front of me. It's a shame that I ended up with a family like this." Curtis's face darkened even more. Julia looked helplessly at Darell. She hadn't expected Victoria to be so stubborn and didn't know how to deal with her. No matter how she looked at it, Julia just couldn't bring herself to like Victoria. Darell, who had been silent until now, finally spoke up. "That's enough, Victoria. Angelica's mother has already been punished. Angelica is alone now, with no one to rely on. "Your mother and I raised her for twenty years. We can't just throw her out. The Binder family has more than enough. Keeping her here is no big deal. She won't affect you." But Victoria didn't accept that. "If it's really no big deal, then she can live anywhere. Why does she have to stay here and bother me? "Every time I see her, I'm reminded of everything I went through after being switched." Darell didn't expect her to keep pushing like this. Just like Julia, he began to feel more and more resistant toward Victoria. Compared to Angelica, who was gentle and understanding, Victoria seemed completely rude to him. Angelica bit her lip and let her tears fall silently. She looked pitiful, making it hard not to feel sorry for her. Seeing how aggressive Victoria was, Curtis finally lost his temper. "So you won't be satisfied unless we send Angelica away, huh?" Victoria nodded. "That's right. We're not both living here. It's one or the other." As soon as she said that, everyone's faces darkened. "I don't want to leave you," Angelica said through her tears, looking completely wronged. It made anyone who saw her feel bad. Curtis held her hand tightly. "Angelica, don't worry. You don't have to go anywhere. As long as I'm here, I won't let anyone drive you out of the Binder family. You'll always be my sister. You're part of us." Victoria raised an eyebrow. "So you want me to leave, huh?" Julia was already at her limit, but she forced herself to stay calm. "Victoria, you just got back. You don't really know Angelica yet. "She's kind and understanding. Once you spend some time with her, you'll accept her. Her staying here won't affect your place. No matter what, you're our real daughter." Victoria sneered, "Really? Then why did all of you look disgusted the moment you saw me? Is it because I'm not as pretty as her? Or because I'm not as refined? "But have you forgotten? If we had never been switched, the pretty, refined one would be me. Everything she has now was built on the suffering I endured for her." Julia froze and quickly shook her head. "That's not it. We just haven't adjusted yet." "You need time to adjust to your own daughter, huh? Then why didn't Uncle Hector and Aunt Daisy need time when they saw me?" Victoria pressed. Julia had no answer. But she thought it was because Hector and Daisy had no children, so of course, they would be happy. She took a deep breath and softened her voice. "Victoria, we won't treat you badly from now on. Your living expenses will be the same as Angelica's. Your father and I won't favor one over the other." Victoria gave a faint, mocking smile. "Should I thank you for that? Honestly, for me, not favoring one over the other is already the biggest favoritism. "You two are really kind. You don't want your own daughter, but you're willing to spend money raising the daughter of someone who ruined my life. I've never seen people this generous." Julia held back her anger and continued, "Victoria, stop making trouble. You're my real daughter. We finally found you. How could we let you keep suffering out there?" Victoria replied, "So you knew I was suffering. While I was suffering, that criminal's daughter was living here, enjoying everything you gave her in my place. "And now, on the very first day I come back, you're ready to push me away again." Curtis said coldly, "Get this straight. We're not pushing you away. You're the one making things difficult. You could stay here peacefully, but you refuse to accept Angelica." "How could I accept the daughter of a criminal?" Victoria asked. "If I hadn't been lucky enough to survive, her mother would be both a trafficker and a murderer. "She committed the crime, but her daughter hasn't been punished at all. Why should she get to keep living this rich, comfortable life as if nothing had happened?" Angelica's body swayed. Curtis quickly held her steady, his anger finally breaking through. "With your attitude, do you even deserve to stay here while Angelica leaves?" "Of course I do. First, I'm a Binder by blood. Second, unlike you, I'm not an idiot." After snapping at him, Victoria lost her patience. "Have you decided? Is she leaving, or am I?" Curtis pulled Angelica into his arms protectively and said firmly, "Dad, Mom, if I have to choose, then I only recognize Angelica as my sister." "Good. One vote." Victoria raised her index finger and then looked at Julia. "What about you?" Julia forced down her frustration and said gently, "Victoria, don't do this—" "Alright, that's two votes," Victoria said, not even bothering to listen. She turned to Darell. "Your vote doesn't matter anymore. There are already two votes for Angelica. Fine. Since that's the case, she stays. I'll leave." A trace of anxiety flashed in Angelica's eyes. If Victoria really left, there would be no one to take her place in marrying Jackson. ------ 👇👇👇 There are limited chapters to put here, click “continue reading” to open App to continue reading (It will automatically jump to the book)
When a killer came in the night, Victoria Binder didn’t scream—she fought. And she won, burying the proof in her own garden. That was just the beginning. Unveiled as the lost heiress to a mighty fortune, Victoria returned to a family that despised her. She wasn’t there for their love. She was there for what was hers: the power, the legacy, the truth. ------ Chapter 1 I Want to Marry You "Victoria, we need to break up. It turns out I'm actually the heir to the Fairbank family, one of the most powerful families in Benwig City. You're just a country girl who sells herbs. You're not good enough for me anymore." Victoria Binder had just received a call from her boyfriend, Gavin Alvarado—no, Gavin Fairbank now. She had been about to tell him that she was the long-lost daughter of a wealthy family herself, but before she could say a word, she heard him claim she wasn't good enough for him. She let out a silent, cold laugh. The medicinal herbs she grew were incredibly valuable. Countless rich and influential families were trying to buy them at high prices. Her products had even appeared several times at the largest auction house in Benwig City. Gavin's arrogant voice came through the phone again. "With my status now, I need to marry a proper heiress from a family that matches mine. "But since we dated for two months, I won't treat you badly. Before I marry someone suitable, you can stay with me. Even after I get married, I can still keep you as my—" Before he could finish, Victoria snapped, "Asshole. If you want to break up, then we're done." She hung up immediately. The handsome man standing in front of her, Jackson Thornton, raised an eyebrow. He had been waiting for her response. He smiled. "So? You just found out you're the heiress of the Binder family, one of the richest families in Benwig City, and you still got dumped?" Victoria looked up at him and smiled brightly. "Funny coincidence. He just told me that he's the heir to a wealthy family in Benwig City and that I'm not good enough for him." Then her expression shifted, turning doubtful. "Wait a second. This whole thing about being the real daughter or real son of some rich family... Isn't that some new kind of scam going around?" Jackson paused for a moment, then smiled. "Of course not. You really are the true daughter of the Binder family." Victoria gave a nonchalant hum. She took the basket off her back, sat down on a chair, and began sorting the herbs she had just picked. "Then who are you?" she asked. "Why are you the one coming to find me instead of my biological parents?" Jackson glanced at the shabby house in front of him, then looked at Victoria, who sat casually on a small stool. He said, "If nothing unexpected happens, I'll soon be your fiancé. I'm Jackson, the eldest son of the Thornton family in Benwig City." Victoria almost slipped off her stool. She stared at him in shock. "What? Fiancé?" "That's right. But as you can see, I'm disabled now. I lost the use of my legs last month." Sitting in his wheelchair, Jackson lifted a hand and pointed at his legs, giving a helpless smile. "I see. And what does that have to do with you coming to find me today?" Victoria asked. Then she suddenly understood. "Wait. Are you saying that I'm the real daughter of the wealthy Binder family, and that they're planning to bring me back and have me marry you?" Jackson nodded, a hint of admiration in his eyes. "Exactly." Victoria's gaze flickered. Jackson continued, "Because of my legs, I'm about to be dumped. Just like you." Victoria caught on quickly. "So the one who was supposed to marry you was the Binder family's adopted daughter. But now that you're disabled, she doesn't want to marry you anymore." Jackson nodded again. "Yes. That's exactly it." Victoria almost let out a bitter laugh. "Then why don't you look upset at all?" Jackson said calmly, "You just got dumped by your boyfriend, and you don't look upset either." "He's just trash. Good riddance." Victoria curled her lips in disdain. Jackson studied her, the admiration in his eyes deepening. "You're surprisingly chill about it." Victoria let out a small scoff. "Of course. Why waste time and energy feeling bad over someone who isn't worth it?" She had started dating Gavin after saving his life by chance two years ago. After that, he had chased after her nonstop, using gratitude as an excuse. For two whole years, he acted devoted, as if he would never marry anyone but her. He didn't seem to have any serious flaws. She figured having a man around could help her take care of the herb garden and keep other men from bothering her, so she agreed to date him. But she never expected that the moment Gavin found out he was the heir to a wealthy family, he would turn on her so quickly. Jackson smiled. "Same here. She's trash anyway. Better not to marry her." There had never been anything between him and Angelica Binder. Their engagement had only been arranged by his grandfather for a business alliance. Now that his legs were disabled, Angelica's parents naturally didn't want her to marry him anymore. But the Thornton family was the most powerful family in Benwig City, with huge wealth and influence. They weren't willing to give up the alliance, either. In the end, they planned to have their biological daughter, Victoria, marry him in Angelica's place. Victoria went straight to the point. "It's just strange. How could it be such a coincidence? Right after your legs were disabled, my birth parents suddenly found me and decided to have me marry you instead of their adopted daughter." She let out a cold, mocking laugh. "Looks like they always knew I was their real daughter. I just had no value to them, so they left me out here all this time and never brought me home." Jackson didn't try to comfort her with lies. "I think you're right." Victoria gave a cold sneer. If that was true, then her birth parents were even more heartless than she had thought. Still, one thing didn't make sense to her. "Since you already know what the Binder family is planning, why not just give up on the alliance? Why walk straight into their trap?" "I had someone look into you," Jackson said calmly. "You sell medicine, and you're pretty well-known around here. "I heard you've treated quite a few difficult cases with your own methods. My legs are disabled. Over the past month, I've invited top doctors from all over the country, but none of them could help. "So I came here myself to see if marrying you would be a trap or a chance for me." He didn't hide why he came. Victoria found him interesting. She shrugged. "Well, you've seen me now. I'm just a wild country girl. My birth parents, the ones I've never even met, clearly don't like me. "Do you still want to marry someone like me? I'm just a real daughter who isn't valued and is just being used as a substitute bride." Jackson looked at her closely. At first glance, she wasn't the delicate type raised in comfort. Her skin wasn't soft. It had a light wheat tone that made her look healthy and full of life. But if one looked more carefully, her features were actually very refined. Her eyes were bright and clear, and there was strength in the way she looked at people. There was no trace of disrespect in Jackson's gaze. He looked sincere. "Yes. After meeting you, I'm sure I want to marry you. I just don't know if you're willing to give me a chance." Victoria studied his face. She had to admit that he was strikingly handsome, the kind of man who wouldn't be forgotten even in a huge crowd. His features were sharp, and his face was well-defined. What stood out the most was his eyes. Even after going through something as serious as losing the use of his legs, they were still clear. There was no bitterness or confusion. Victoria glanced at his legs again. "What's going on with them?" "They were broken with a wooden club last month," Jackson said. "I've had many well-known doctors take a look. They all said my legs are beyond saving. I'll never stand again." "Pull up your pant legs. Let me see," said Victoria. "Okay." Jackson did as she said, lifting his pant legs to reveal his knees and lower legs, covered in scars. Victoria's expression darkened. She set the herbs aside, stood up, and walked over to him. Then she bent down and pressed carefully on his knees. The pain made Jackson frown, but he didn't make a sound. "They can be treated," Victoria said firmly. Hope lit up in Jackson's eyes at once. Thinking about how her birth parents had ignored her existence for so many years, Victoria made up her mind. She would go back to Benwig City and take her place as the Binder family's true daughter. She wanted to meet them face to face. She clapped her hands lightly and sat back down on the small stool. "I can marry you." Jackson raised an eyebrow. "Do you have any conditions?" Victoria tilted her head and smiled brightly. "Listen to you. Do I need conditions to marry you? You're so good-looking. If I fix your legs, I'll be the one getting the better deal." Jackson hadn't expected her to be so straightforward. His brow lifted higher, and he let out a soft laugh. "Alright. Then it's settled. I'll wait for you to return to the Binder family." Chapter 2 A Welcome Gift After Jackson left his phone number with Victoria, he left the village with his assistant, Ollie Rowse. Victoria watched him go, her eyes growing thoughtful. She took out her phone and dialed a number. "Mara, I need you to look into everyone in the Binder family in Benwig City right away. Focus on their daughter. I want everything you can find, and I want it by tonight." "Yes, boss," Mara replied. After hanging up, Victoria's gaze turned even sharper. Ford had once told her about that freezing winter night twenty years ago. He had been on his way to settle down in a small southern town when he heard a baby crying from inside a trash bin. He got out of the car to check and found a baby girl, not even a month old, her skin red from the cold. If she hadn't been crying so loudly, and if he hadn't happened to pass that deserted road, she would have died quietly in that trash bin. That baby was Victoria. Ford gave her that name, hoping she would grow up strong and tough no matter what life threw at her. Even on his deathbed, Ford never stopped looking for her biological parents. And all this time, Victoria had believed they must have abandoned her because they had no other choice. But now, it seemed that wasn't true. Her biological parents didn't want her and had no intention of taking her back. If it weren't for the adopted daughter they had raised for twenty years, Victoria might have gone her whole life without parents. Just then, someone called out from outside, "Victoria, who was that man in the nice car looking for you?" It was Stephan, a middle-aged man from next door. He spent most of his time up in the mountains hunting herbs. Victoria put her phone away and walked out, smiling at him. "To be honest with you, that was my fiancé." Stephan looked surprised. "Your fiancé? You have good taste. He's a handsome man. Why didn't you ask him to stay for dinner?" "He had things to take care of in the city. He couldn't stay today," Victoria said. "Next time he comes, make sure he stays for a meal. Everything we eat here is grown by us. Let him try it. It's much better and healthier than city food," Stephan said. "I will," Victoria said with a smile. Stephan grabbed his tools and headed up into the mountains. Only after he left did Victoria go back inside to keep sorting the herbs she had picked. ***** After leaving Mullinran Village, Ollie, who was driving, glanced at Jackson's calm face in the rearview mirror and asked carefully, "Mr. Thornton, are you really going to marry her? "You saw it yourself. Her own parents don't even want her. She makes a living selling herbs and doing some basic medical work. "You just went through something serious, and this is when you need support the most. Marrying her won't help you secure your position in the Thornton family." Jackson shifted his gaze away from the fields outside the window and gently rubbed the petals of a purple flower he had picked from Victoria's doorstep. He asked, "Ollie, do you remember six months ago, when my grandfather was seriously ill and needed a very rare herb to survive?" Ollie wasn't sure why he changed the subject, but he nodded. "Of course. That herb showed up at the biggest auction house in Benwig City. You spent 30 million dollars to get it." "Didn't you notice? That same rare herb was hanging casually on the wall of her simple, run-down house," Jackson said. That one bundle alone would be worth a fortune at any auction in Benwig City. "What?" Ollie was stunned. From the moment they walked into Victoria's house, he had only noticed how shabby it looked and missed everything else. Now it finally clicked. "Do you mean her background might not be as simple as it seems?" Jackson lifted the purple flower to his nose and took a light breath. "I can't say for sure what her background is yet. But one thing is clear. Her medical skills are far from simple." Ollie understood right away. If that was true, then there was real hope for Jackson's legs. Still, he couldn't help asking, "If all you want is to fix your legs, you could just pay her a large amount of money. There's no need to marry her." Jackson blinked and slowly turned the flower between his fingers. A faint smile appeared on his lips. "What if I said I fell for her at first sight? Would you believe me?" Ollie paused and looked at him again through the rearview mirror. He seemed calm. He wasn't exactly joking, but he wasn't completely serious, either. But Jackson rarely joked, so Ollie couldn't tell how much of it was real. In the end, he chose to believe him. "I believe you." "Good. In my eyes, she is already my fiancée. From now on, you need to treat her with respect," Jackson said. "Understood." Ollie nodded. Jackson wasn't joking. When it came to love, he had never believed in feelings that grew over time. To him, if there was no spark at first sight, then staying together would only lead to a relationship based on weighing pros and cons, not the kind of love that made his heart race. That was why, when his grandfather arranged his engagement to Angelica, he had agreed for practical reasons alone. But when he saw Victoria, everything changed. It felt like the world spun around him, and everything else faded away. In his eyes, she was the only color left. He couldn't explain why it had to be her. Maybe it was that moment when their eyes met, when the light in hers pulled him in like a whirlpool. Jackson picked up a book from the car and carefully placed the small purple flower between its pages. Then he closed the book and shut his eyes. ***** At eight that evening, Victoria had just finished bringing in the herbs she had been drying on the roof when her phone rang. She set the herbs aside, brushed the dust off her hands, and picked up the call. Mara's cool voice came through. "Boss, I found what you asked for. The Binder family has only one daughter. She was born to the second son, Darell, and his wife, Julia. Her name is Angelica. She's the same age as you. "She's very spoiled at home. Two months ago, Darell arranged a great marriage for her. She's engaged to Jackson, the eldest son of the Thornton family, the most powerful family in Benwig City. "Jackson had already been chosen by his grandfather, Gerry, as the next heir. But last month, he had an accident. Someone broke both his legs, and the announcement was put on hold." "What is Angelica like?" Victoria asked. "She has a very good reputation. She's beautiful and talented. A lot of rich young men in Benwig City admire her. That's probably why she gained Gerry's approval for the marriage," Mara said. Victoria let out a cold laugh to herself. She didn't believe for a second that Angelica's perfect life came without tricks. "Got it. Now find out if Angelica is really Darell and Julia's biological daughter," Victoria said. "You're focusing on the Binder family, especially Angelica. What are you planning to do?" Mara asked. "I'm going back to take my place," Victoria said. A faint spark lit up in her deep eyes. She found the idea of being the Binder family's real daughter interesting. Victoria had many identities. The one she used the most was a village herbalist and healer. In her daily life, she spent time with her retired scientist friends in the village, growing new herbs and developing new medicines. Over the years, she had cultivated twenty kinds of rare medicinal plants. Because they were so hard to produce, they sold for extremely high prices. Any one of them, if sold at auction in Benwig City, could earn more than most people made in a lifetime. On top of that, she was skilled in traditional medical techniques. When she treated regular villagers, she charged normal fees. But when rich families or powerful figures came to her, her starting fee was three million dollars. Of course, she guaranteed results. If she couldn't cure them, she wouldn't take a single dollar. This identity alone had already made her very rich. Money no longer meant much to her. So when her ex-boyfriend, Gavin, said she wasn't good enough for him, she found it almost funny. If she wanted, she could build her own place in Benwig City without relying on anyone. Over the years, all her different identities had started to feel dull. It was time to try something new. And she had to admit, Jackson impressed her. Out of all the people she had treated, none had faced sudden injury like he did, so calm and steady. His willpower was strong. He was someone who would go far. He was handsome and capable. It would be a waste for him to stay crippled. So she would fix his legs. Mara quickly understood, her voice turning serious. "Understood, boss. I'll get on it right away." ***** Late that night, Victoria was fast asleep when she heard wood cracking outside. Her eyes opened at once, sharp and alert, and she turned toward the sound. Anyone showing up at this hour without warning was not from the village. She had spread powders around her home to keep wild animals away, so no beasts would come near. That left only one answer. Someone had broken in. Victoria got up quietly and, using the moonlight, moved to hide behind the door. Soon, her old wooden door was kicked open, and a shadow rushed inside. She hadn't expected him to be so bold, barging in instead of sneaking around. She flicked a silver needle straight at him. The man let out a low groan and dropped to the ground. Victoria turned on the light, filling the room with brightness. She kicked him aside and finally saw his face clearly. He looked like a hardened criminal. She grabbed a rope, walked over, and tied up his hands and feet. Once he was secured, she took out a needle and stuck it into his neck. Within seconds, he woke up. Victoria sat on the bed, crossing her legs as she played with another needle. "If you don't want to suffer, you'd better tell me the truth. Who sent you?" The man quickly sized up the situation. "People who hire killers stay anonymous. Who would be stupid enough to give their name? But they said that if I raped you, they would get me out of the country safely." Victoria's eyes turned cold and sharp. If he needed to run overseas, that meant he was already a wanted criminal. The man hurried to beg, "I've told you everything I know. Let me go. I won't take this job anymore." Victoria nodded. "Fine." She walked over, pulled out the needle, and untied the ropes. "You can leave." The man rubbed his wrists. "Thanks—" Before he could finish, his face suddenly changed. He lifted his leg and tried to kick Victoria in the knee. But the moment his foot rose, a sharp pain shot through him. Then his whole body went numb. He couldn't move. He looked down in terror. A small black snake had bitten his ankle. "How is there a poisonous snake here—" Before he could finish, blood burst from his throat. His body fell stiffly to the ground. After a few jerks, he went still. Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Trying to kill me in my place? You asked for it. Good job, Blackie. Go rest." The little black snake slipped into a dark corner and quickly disappeared. Victoria picked up a hoe, stuffed the body into a large basket, and lifted it onto her back with ease. She carried it outside and buried it near her vegetable garden. It would make good fertilizer for her herbs. After that, she let out a long breath, brushed off her hands, and looked up at the nearly full moon. She had just learned who she really was, and someone had already sent a man to ruin her. It seemed that someone had prepared a "welcome gift" for her in advance. Chapter 3 We've Got Your Back The next day at noon, a black Bentley worth 1.5 million dollars stopped in front of Victoria's house. Victoria was grinding the herbs she had picked the day before. When she heard the car, she glanced out the window and checked the license plate. It was from Benwig City, just as she expected. She finished grinding the herbs, put them into jars, brushed the dust off her hands, and walked outside. She went straight to the car and knocked on the window. A moment later, the window slid down, revealing the still handsome face of a middle-aged man—Hector Binder. He looked about fifty, with neatly slicked-back hair. A woman sat beside him. She looked about the same age. Even though she wasn't young anymore, she had taken good care of herself and looked as if she were in her thirties. Her features were still soft and beautiful. Victoria didn't waste time. "Are you here for me?" Hector, sitting in the back seat, looked at her, then at the photo in his hand. His eyes lit up. "Daisy, it's her. She's the one we're looking for." Daisy's eyes filled with excitement, even shining with tears. "Yes, it's her. No mistake." They quickly opened the door, got out of the car, and walked over to Victoria. Hector nodded. "Yes. You're the real daughter the Binder family lost years ago. We're here to take you back." Victoria looked straight into his eyes. He seemed like a decent man, and the excitement in his expression matched Daisy's. It didn't look fake. This couple didn't seem to have anything to do with what happened to her last night. Hector paused, a little surprised. "How did you know we were coming?" But he didn't dwell on it. Instead, he explained, "You are the young lady of the Binder family. "When you were little, someone switched you with another baby. That's why you ended up here. You've suffered for twenty years, living away from your real home." As soon as he finished, Daisy started to choke up. "Poor child." Victoria stayed calm. "So, are you my parents?" Hector and Daisy froze. They exchanged a look, then answered awkwardly, "No. We're your uncle and aunt." Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Then why aren't my parents here? Why did they send you instead?" Daisy looked uneasy. "Something came up at home. They couldn't leave, so they asked us to come get you." Victoria saw right through it. "You don't have to cover for them. I'm not a child. What could be more important than picking up their own daughter? They just didn't want to come." Hearing that, Daisy stepped forward and gently hugged her. Tears slipped down her face. "My poor child, you've suffered so much." Victoria didn't expect the sudden hug. At first, she wanted to pull away, but the warmth of it stopped her. It felt soft and comforting, unlike any embrace she had experienced in twenty years. It was, perhaps, the closest she had ever come to what a mother's embrace should feel like. She let out a quiet sigh. For a moment, she thought that if these two were her real parents, it wouldn't be so bad. After a while, Daisy let go and held her hand. "Go pack your things. We'll take you home today. You won't have to live like this anymore." Victoria nodded. "Okay. Wait for me. I'll go pack." She didn't need to bring clothes. The only things she needed were the medicines she had made. After packing all the bottles of medicine powder and poison powder from the wooden cabinet, Victoria called out, "Blackie, Whitey, Greenie, come out. I'm taking you somewhere new." As soon as she finished, three small snakes slid out from the corners and crawled into a sack. Victoria tied the sack and slung it over her shoulder. Then she took a drum from the old cabinet. After giving the shabby house one last look, she walked outside and began to beat the drum. The loud sound of the drum echoed through the area. Hector and Daisy, waiting outside, looked confused. Before long, the villagers gathered around. They looked at Victoria with concern. "Victoria, what's wrong? What happened?" Victoria set down the drum, cleared her throat, and said, "Everyone, you all know I'm an orphan. I grew up without parents, raised by all of you. "But now I know who my real parents are. It turns out I'm the daughter of the Binder family in Benwig City." The villagers were happy for her at first, but then she continued, "But here's the thing. My real parents knew all along who I was, but they never came to acknowledge me. "And now, the only reason they're taking me back is to make me marry a disabled man in place of their adopted daughter." Hector and Daisy were stunned. They had no idea about any of this. The villagers were furious. "What kind of people are they? They knew you were their real daughter but ignored you all this time, and now they want to use you like this, huh?" "Blind fools! You're such a good girl, and they treat you like a tool, making you marry some cripple instead of their adopted daughter." "Victoria, don't listen to those heartless people." "That's right. Ignore them. We'll go teach them a lesson." "The Binder family? They're nothing special in Benwig City, acting all high and mighty. Victoria, you don't need to go back with them." Victoria raised her hand to quiet them. "Everyone, calm down. I've decided to go back to the Binder family for this arranged marriage. "But I'm going back to teach them a lesson. So I'm telling you all ahead of time. Please help take care of the herbs I just planted in my yard." Even though the villagers didn't really understand, they still respected her choice. "Okay. But if anyone from the Binder family dares to bully you, just call me. I'll get people to take them down," one person said. "That's right. We've got your back," another added. Victoria waved her hand. "Thank you, everyone. That's all I wanted to say. You can all head back now." After that, she turned to Hector and Daisy, who were still waiting, and gave them a light smile. "We can go now." Hector and Daisy were still a little stunned. When they heard her, they finally snapped out of it. "Oh, okay." "Let me carry that." The driver stepped forward and reached for the sack. "Be careful. It's heavy," Victoria said. The driver didn't believe it at first. But the moment he took it with both hands, he almost dropped it on his foot. Victoria blinked at him. "Can you handle it? Don't break anything inside." "No problem." The driver forced a smile, gritted his teeth, and lifted the sack into the trunk. By the time he got back into the driver's seat, he was sweating all over. He hadn't expected Victoria to be this strong despite looking so thin. After getting into the car, Daisy and Hector looked at each other, then kept glancing at Victoria. They seemed to want to say something, but neither of them knew how to start. In the end, Daisy asked, "Victoria, you just told the villagers about marrying a disabled man instead of that adopted daughter. What did you mean?" "You didn't know?" Victoria looked back at her, her eyes narrowing with suspicion. Daisy shook her head. "Hector and I really had no idea. About half a month ago, your parents suddenly told us Angelica wasn't their biological daughter. Then they sent people to look into it. "Just yesterday, they found out their real daughter was living here. That's why they want to bring you back today." Hector nodded to confirm her words. Victoria smiled faintly. "Then why do you think they didn't come themselves?" Daisy fell silent. To her, it was absurd that Victoria's parents would have relatives fetch their biological daughter instead of coming themselves. But the truth would hurt Victoria, so she chose not to say anything. Victoria let out a bitter laugh. "Aunt Daisy, even if you don't say it, I can guess. Just like I said, they don't want to acknowledge me. "They're only bringing me back because they have no choice. They want me to marry that disabled heir in place of their precious adopted daughter." Her gaze was clear and calm, and there was a quiet maturity about her that went far beyond her years. Hector frowned slightly. "Victoria, how did you find out about this arranged marriage?" Victoria smiled. "Secret." On the way, Daisy told her a lot about the Binder family. It wasn't much different from what Mara had already found out. The Binder family was still led by Calvin. He had two sons and one daughter. The eldest son, Hector, was the one who had come to get Victoria, and his wife was Daisy. They didn't have any children. The second son, Darell, was Victoria's biological father. He and his wife, Julia, had two sons and one daughter. The eldest son, Simon, managed the family's entertainment company, Brightstar Entertainment. The second son, Curtis, was a well-known singer under the same company. Then there was the youngest daughter, Angelica. She was considered very outstanding. At just twenty, she had already skipped grades and finished college. She was now preparing to study abroad after getting engaged to the eldest son of the Thornton family. Angelica was the baby who had been switched with Victoria. As for Calvin's daughter, Sirena, she had already married into another wealthy family and only returned for holidays. The drive from the village to Benwig City took six hours over bumpy roads. By the time they arrived, it was dark. "We're here," the driver said as he stopped the car. Victoria looked out the window. In front of her stood a large estate, with several villas spread across it. It looked grand and impressive. The Binder family mansion alone was almost as big as the entire Mullinran Village. Victoria got out of the car and followed Hector and Daisy inside. The head butler, Milton, who had been waiting at the door, stepped forward respectfully. "You're back." He looked at Victoria and gave a polite nod. "This must be Miss Victoria Binder." "Yes," Daisy replied. Then she looked at Victoria gently. "Victoria, go in and meet your parents and brother." Victoria said nothing. She quietly followed them inside. They passed through the wide front yard and stepped into the entrance hall. Standing at the doorway, she quickly scanned the four people sitting on the sofas in the main hall. First, she saw a middle-aged couple dressed in expensive clothes, carrying themselves with an air of wealth and status. Next was a handsome young man who looked a bit rebellious. Finally, there was a beautiful young woman about her age. The corners of her eyes were red, and she looked pitiful, as if she had been crying. None of them looked happy. Their faces were tense, filled with worry. When they looked at her, Victoria caught the flash of disgust in their eyes. A faint smile appeared on her lips. She thought the family was really quite interesting. Chapter 4 Are You an Idiot? "Darell, Julia, I brought your daughter back," Daisy said. She gently patted Victoria on the back. "Victoria, go say hello to your parents and your brother." Victoria didn't move. With a faint, mocking smile, she asked, "Aunt Daisy, are they really my parents and brother?" Daisy froze for a moment, then nodded. "Yes, they are. Why do you ask?" Victoria let out a cold laugh. "I'm supposed to be their daughter and sister, but why do they all look like they can't stand me?" The four people in the room all stiffened. They hadn't expected her to be so direct. Daisy froze again. She wanted to say something, but stopped herself. She knew what Darell and Julia were thinking. They didn't want to accept this daughter because they already had an excellent adopted one. They would rather stay home and comfort their adopted daughter's feelings than spend even a little time going to the village to pick up their real daughter. Simon and Curtis felt the same way. They were closer to the sister they had lived with for twenty years. None of them wanted to hurt her feelings just to pick up Victoria. Simon didn't even bother to show up; he was still at work. In the end, Daisy couldn't take it anymore and offered to go with Hector to bring Victoria home. What she didn't expect was that even after Victoria came back, Darell and Julia still acted like this. They didn't even try to hide it. Julia looked at Darell, and he looked back at her. In that brief exchange, they reached an understanding. Victoria clearly wasn't as quiet and easy to control as they had thought. They couldn't just brush her aside. If they wanted her to willingly take Angelica's place in the marriage to Jackson later, they would have to act nice and coax her a little. Julia hesitated, then forced herself to stand up. She put on a pained expression and walked toward Victoria. "My child, you've suffered so much out there." Victoria stepped aside slightly and avoided her touch. "Stop pretending. I don't see any concern in your eyes." Julia froze in place. A wave of anger rose inside her. She had lowered herself to show kindness, yet Victoria had refused it and embarrassed her in front of everyone. But to her, Victoria's lack of manners was no surprise. She had grown up in the countryside without her parents and had never been properly brought up. Julia forced a stiff smile. "I carried you for ten months. Of course, it hurts me to know you've suffered." Victoria sneered, "Is that so? If you really feel that way, why didn't you come pick me up today? Why did you send Uncle Hector and Aunt Daisy instead?" Daisy wanted to speak, but Hector gently held her hand and shook his head. He said quietly, "Daisy, we've already brought her back. What happens now is their family matter. Let them handle it. Let's go home." Daisy looked at Victoria, her eyes full of worry and sympathy. But she knew Hector was right. This was between Victoria and her parents. No matter what happened, she had no right to interfere. "Julia, now that Victoria is back, you should treat her well. Don't hurt her again. Daisy and I will head back now," Hector said politely, hoping his words would help a little. Darell nodded. "Thank you for your help today." Daisy said gently, "Victoria, we are leaving. If you need anything, come find us at Goldenwood Villa on the east side." With that, she reluctantly turned and left. Victoria watched them walk away, then quickly looked away. Once they were gone, Julia finally breathed a sigh of relief. "This is all my fault. Your father and I didn't go pick you up ourselves because I'm very emotional. "I was afraid that if I saw how poorly you were living, I wouldn't be able to handle it. So I stayed home to calm myself and prepare to welcome you." She was lying. Actually, after Angelica found out last night that she wasn't their real daughter, she had been upset the whole night. This morning, she was so distracted that she couldn't even eat. Julia felt sorry for her and stayed home to comfort her. Victoria's eyes were full of sarcasm. "So what exactly did you prepare for me?" Julia quickly said, "I've already cleaned up a room for you. Come, I'll show you." She reached for Victoria's hand again, but Victoria dodged her once more. "So cleaning a room was more important than coming to pick me up yourself." Julia's hand hung in the air. A trace of impatience flashed across her eyes. "Forget the room. I'm not even sure I'll stay," Victoria said. Then she pointed at the young woman about her age. "Who is she?" Angelica froze. Her eyes instantly turned red. She gently tugged on Curtis's sleeve. Curtis held her hand and said softly, "Angelica, don't be afraid." After comforting her, Curtis looked at Victoria coldly. His tone turned sharp. "I'm your brother, Curtis. And she's my sister, Angelica." He deliberately stressed the words "my sister." "I see." Victoria's voice carried a hint of sarcasm. "So that means she's the adopted daughter who was switched with me, right?" Angelica's hand trembled. Tears gathered in her eyes, ready to fall. Curtis's face darkened. He emphasized, "In my heart, Angelica is my real sister." Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Calling her your real sister? Are you an idiot?" Everyone except Victoria froze at her words. Curtis stared at her in disbelief. "You just called me an idiot, huh?" Victoria laughed mockingly. "Yeah. Did I say anything wrong? Don't you know her mother was the one who secretly switched us back then?" Angelica's birth mother, Jasmine, had worked as a customer service representative at a postpartum care center. When Julia was three months pregnant, she started looking for a high-end center, and Jasmine had served her. By coincidence, Jasmine was also pregnant at the time. When she realized Julia was wealthy, she started having bad thoughts. She secretly followed Julia to find out which center she chose and forced herself to spend the money to book the same one. During the recovery period after giving birth, Jasmine secretly switched her own daughter with Julia's without anyone noticing. At the time, Angelica had an allergic rash on her face. Julia didn't realize anything was wrong, and when she left the center, she took Angelica home. Angelica bit her lip. Tears finally streamed down her face. "I'm sorry." Curtis held her cold hand tightly and gently said, "Angelica, this has nothing to do with you." Then he turned to Victoria, his voice full of anger. "Yes, her mother switched you back then. But Angelica is innocent. She didn't know anything about it." Victoria laughed out loud, her eyes full of ridicule. "Oh, she's innocent? She spent twenty years enjoying my life, living in comfort and luxury. "And me? I was thrown into a trash can by her cruel mother in the freezing cold. If no one had found me, I would have died right after I was born." Chapter 5 I'll Leave Victoria's words left Curtis speechless. He had just started to feel a bit guilty when Angelica suddenly broke down in tears again. She said, "I'm sorry. It's all my fault. It's my fault for having a mother like that. Victoria, if you hate me, you can hit me or yell at me, but please don't blame Curtis." As she spoke, she struggled to pull free from Curtis's hand. With a determined look, she bit her lip and ran toward Victoria. "Angelica!" Curtis panicked and quickly got up to follow her. Angelica ran up to Victoria and was about to bow, but Curtis caught up just in time and pulled her back. "Angelica, what are you doing? This isn't your fault. It's your mother's fault." Victoria watched the whole scene and suddenly laughed. She even clapped her hands like she was watching a show. "This is really something. Are you putting on a pity act for me?" The small bit of guilt Curtis had felt disappeared right away. After helping Angelica steady herself, he looked at Victoria coldly. "Why are you being so unreasonable?" he asked. "Angelica already apologized sincerely, and you're still mocking her." "I'm not just mocking her. I'm mocking all of you," Victoria said. "Her mother planned everything, found a way to switch us, and let her take twenty years of the life that should have been mine. "Now that I'm back, you guys are still protecting her right in front of me. It's a shame that I ended up with a family like this." Curtis's face darkened even more. Julia looked helplessly at Darell. She hadn't expected Victoria to be so stubborn and didn't know how to deal with her. No matter how she looked at it, Julia just couldn't bring herself to like Victoria. Darell, who had been silent until now, finally spoke up. "That's enough, Victoria. Angelica's mother has already been punished. Angelica is alone now, with no one to rely on. "Your mother and I raised her for twenty years. We can't just throw her out. The Binder family has more than enough. Keeping her here is no big deal. She won't affect you." But Victoria didn't accept that. "If it's really no big deal, then she can live anywhere. Why does she have to stay here and bother me? "Every time I see her, I'm reminded of everything I went through after being switched." Darell didn't expect her to keep pushing like this. Just like Julia, he began to feel more and more resistant toward Victoria. Compared to Angelica, who was gentle and understanding, Victoria seemed completely rude to him. Angelica bit her lip and let her tears fall silently. She looked pitiful, making it hard not to feel sorry for her. Seeing how aggressive Victoria was, Curtis finally lost his temper. "So you won't be satisfied unless we send Angelica away, huh?" Victoria nodded. "That's right. We're not both living here. It's one or the other." As soon as she said that, everyone's faces darkened. "I don't want to leave you," Angelica said through her tears, looking completely wronged. It made anyone who saw her feel bad. Curtis held her hand tightly. "Angelica, don't worry. You don't have to go anywhere. As long as I'm here, I won't let anyone drive you out of the Binder family. You'll always be my sister. You're part of us." Victoria raised an eyebrow. "So you want me to leave, huh?" Julia was already at her limit, but she forced herself to stay calm. "Victoria, you just got back. You don't really know Angelica yet. "She's kind and understanding. Once you spend some time with her, you'll accept her. Her staying here won't affect your place. No matter what, you're our real daughter." Victoria sneered, "Really? Then why did all of you look disgusted the moment you saw me? Is it because I'm not as pretty as her? Or because I'm not as refined? "But have you forgotten? If we had never been switched, the pretty, refined one would be me. Everything she has now was built on the suffering I endured for her." Julia froze and quickly shook her head. "That's not it. We just haven't adjusted yet." "You need time to adjust to your own daughter, huh? Then why didn't Uncle Hector and Aunt Daisy need time when they saw me?" Victoria pressed. Julia had no answer. But she thought it was because Hector and Daisy had no children, so of course, they would be happy. She took a deep breath and softened her voice. "Victoria, we won't treat you badly from now on. Your living expenses will be the same as Angelica's. Your father and I won't favor one over the other." Victoria gave a faint, mocking smile. "Should I thank you for that? Honestly, for me, not favoring one over the other is already the biggest favoritism. "You two are really kind. You don't want your own daughter, but you're willing to spend money raising the daughter of someone who ruined my life. I've never seen people this generous." Julia held back her anger and continued, "Victoria, stop making trouble. You're my real daughter. We finally found you. How could we let you keep suffering out there?" Victoria replied, "So you knew I was suffering. While I was suffering, that criminal's daughter was living here, enjoying everything you gave her in my place. "And now, on the very first day I come back, you're ready to push me away again." Curtis said coldly, "Get this straight. We're not pushing you away. You're the one making things difficult. You could stay here peacefully, but you refuse to accept Angelica." "How could I accept the daughter of a criminal?" Victoria asked. "If I hadn't been lucky enough to survive, her mother would be both a trafficker and a murderer. "She committed the crime, but her daughter hasn't been punished at all. Why should she get to keep living this rich, comfortable life as if nothing had happened?" Angelica's body swayed. Curtis quickly held her steady, his anger finally breaking through. "With your attitude, do you even deserve to stay here while Angelica leaves?" "Of course I do. First, I'm a Binder by blood. Second, unlike you, I'm not an idiot." After snapping at him, Victoria lost her patience. "Have you decided? Is she leaving, or am I?" Curtis pulled Angelica into his arms protectively and said firmly, "Dad, Mom, if I have to choose, then I only recognize Angelica as my sister." "Good. One vote." Victoria raised her index finger and then looked at Julia. "What about you?" Julia forced down her frustration and said gently, "Victoria, don't do this—" "Alright, that's two votes," Victoria said, not even bothering to listen. She turned to Darell. "Your vote doesn't matter anymore. There are already two votes for Angelica. Fine. Since that's the case, she stays. I'll leave." A trace of anxiety flashed in Angelica's eyes. If Victoria really left, there would be no one to take her place in marrying Jackson. ------ 👇👇👇 There are limited chapters to put here, click “continue reading” to open App to continue reading (It will automatically jump to the book)
When a killer came in the night, Victoria Binder didn’t scream—she fought. And she won, burying the proof in her own garden. That was just the beginning. Unveiled as the lost heiress to a mighty fortune, Victoria returned to a family that despised her. She wasn’t there for their love. She was there for what was hers: the power, the legacy, the truth. ------ Chapter 1 I Want to Marry You "Victoria, we need to break up. It turns out I'm actually the heir to the Fairbank family, one of the most powerful families in Benwig City. You're just a country girl who sells herbs. You're not good enough for me anymore." Victoria Binder had just received a call from her boyfriend, Gavin Alvarado—no, Gavin Fairbank now. She had been about to tell him that she was the long-lost daughter of a wealthy family herself, but before she could say a word, she heard him claim she wasn't good enough for him. She let out a silent, cold laugh. The medicinal herbs she grew were incredibly valuable. Countless rich and influential families were trying to buy them at high prices. Her products had even appeared several times at the largest auction house in Benwig City. Gavin's arrogant voice came through the phone again. "With my status now, I need to marry a proper heiress from a family that matches mine. "But since we dated for two months, I won't treat you badly. Before I marry someone suitable, you can stay with me. Even after I get married, I can still keep you as my—" Before he could finish, Victoria snapped, "Asshole. If you want to break up, then we're done." She hung up immediately. The handsome man standing in front of her, Jackson Thornton, raised an eyebrow. He had been waiting for her response. He smiled. "So? You just found out you're the heiress of the Binder family, one of the richest families in Benwig City, and you still got dumped?" Victoria looked up at him and smiled brightly. "Funny coincidence. He just told me that he's the heir to a wealthy family in Benwig City and that I'm not good enough for him." Then her expression shifted, turning doubtful. "Wait a second. This whole thing about being the real daughter or real son of some rich family... Isn't that some new kind of scam going around?" Jackson paused for a moment, then smiled. "Of course not. You really are the true daughter of the Binder family." Victoria gave a nonchalant hum. She took the basket off her back, sat down on a chair, and began sorting the herbs she had just picked. "Then who are you?" she asked. "Why are you the one coming to find me instead of my biological parents?" Jackson glanced at the shabby house in front of him, then looked at Victoria, who sat casually on a small stool. He said, "If nothing unexpected happens, I'll soon be your fiancé. I'm Jackson, the eldest son of the Thornton family in Benwig City." Victoria almost slipped off her stool. She stared at him in shock. "What? Fiancé?" "That's right. But as you can see, I'm disabled now. I lost the use of my legs last month." Sitting in his wheelchair, Jackson lifted a hand and pointed at his legs, giving a helpless smile. "I see. And what does that have to do with you coming to find me today?" Victoria asked. Then she suddenly understood. "Wait. Are you saying that I'm the real daughter of the wealthy Binder family, and that they're planning to bring me back and have me marry you?" Jackson nodded, a hint of admiration in his eyes. "Exactly." Victoria's gaze flickered. Jackson continued, "Because of my legs, I'm about to be dumped. Just like you." Victoria caught on quickly. "So the one who was supposed to marry you was the Binder family's adopted daughter. But now that you're disabled, she doesn't want to marry you anymore." Jackson nodded again. "Yes. That's exactly it." Victoria almost let out a bitter laugh. "Then why don't you look upset at all?" Jackson said calmly, "You just got dumped by your boyfriend, and you don't look upset either." "He's just trash. Good riddance." Victoria curled her lips in disdain. Jackson studied her, the admiration in his eyes deepening. "You're surprisingly chill about it." Victoria let out a small scoff. "Of course. Why waste time and energy feeling bad over someone who isn't worth it?" She had started dating Gavin after saving his life by chance two years ago. After that, he had chased after her nonstop, using gratitude as an excuse. For two whole years, he acted devoted, as if he would never marry anyone but her. He didn't seem to have any serious flaws. She figured having a man around could help her take care of the herb garden and keep other men from bothering her, so she agreed to date him. But she never expected that the moment Gavin found out he was the heir to a wealthy family, he would turn on her so quickly. Jackson smiled. "Same here. She's trash anyway. Better not to marry her." There had never been anything between him and Angelica Binder. Their engagement had only been arranged by his grandfather for a business alliance. Now that his legs were disabled, Angelica's parents naturally didn't want her to marry him anymore. But the Thornton family was the most powerful family in Benwig City, with huge wealth and influence. They weren't willing to give up the alliance, either. In the end, they planned to have their biological daughter, Victoria, marry him in Angelica's place. Victoria went straight to the point. "It's just strange. How could it be such a coincidence? Right after your legs were disabled, my birth parents suddenly found me and decided to have me marry you instead of their adopted daughter." She let out a cold, mocking laugh. "Looks like they always knew I was their real daughter. I just had no value to them, so they left me out here all this time and never brought me home." Jackson didn't try to comfort her with lies. "I think you're right." Victoria gave a cold sneer. If that was true, then her birth parents were even more heartless than she had thought. Still, one thing didn't make sense to her. "Since you already know what the Binder family is planning, why not just give up on the alliance? Why walk straight into their trap?" "I had someone look into you," Jackson said calmly. "You sell medicine, and you're pretty well-known around here. "I heard you've treated quite a few difficult cases with your own methods. My legs are disabled. Over the past month, I've invited top doctors from all over the country, but none of them could help. "So I came here myself to see if marrying you would be a trap or a chance for me." He didn't hide why he came. Victoria found him interesting. She shrugged. "Well, you've seen me now. I'm just a wild country girl. My birth parents, the ones I've never even met, clearly don't like me. "Do you still want to marry someone like me? I'm just a real daughter who isn't valued and is just being used as a substitute bride." Jackson looked at her closely. At first glance, she wasn't the delicate type raised in comfort. Her skin wasn't soft. It had a light wheat tone that made her look healthy and full of life. But if one looked more carefully, her features were actually very refined. Her eyes were bright and clear, and there was strength in the way she looked at people. There was no trace of disrespect in Jackson's gaze. He looked sincere. "Yes. After meeting you, I'm sure I want to marry you. I just don't know if you're willing to give me a chance." Victoria studied his face. She had to admit that he was strikingly handsome, the kind of man who wouldn't be forgotten even in a huge crowd. His features were sharp, and his face was well-defined. What stood out the most was his eyes. Even after going through something as serious as losing the use of his legs, they were still clear. There was no bitterness or confusion. Victoria glanced at his legs again. "What's going on with them?" "They were broken with a wooden club last month," Jackson said. "I've had many well-known doctors take a look. They all said my legs are beyond saving. I'll never stand again." "Pull up your pant legs. Let me see," said Victoria. "Okay." Jackson did as she said, lifting his pant legs to reveal his knees and lower legs, covered in scars. Victoria's expression darkened. She set the herbs aside, stood up, and walked over to him. Then she bent down and pressed carefully on his knees. The pain made Jackson frown, but he didn't make a sound. "They can be treated," Victoria said firmly. Hope lit up in Jackson's eyes at once. Thinking about how her birth parents had ignored her existence for so many years, Victoria made up her mind. She would go back to Benwig City and take her place as the Binder family's true daughter. She wanted to meet them face to face. She clapped her hands lightly and sat back down on the small stool. "I can marry you." Jackson raised an eyebrow. "Do you have any conditions?" Victoria tilted her head and smiled brightly. "Listen to you. Do I need conditions to marry you? You're so good-looking. If I fix your legs, I'll be the one getting the better deal." Jackson hadn't expected her to be so straightforward. His brow lifted higher, and he let out a soft laugh. "Alright. Then it's settled. I'll wait for you to return to the Binder family." Chapter 2 A Welcome Gift After Jackson left his phone number with Victoria, he left the village with his assistant, Ollie Rowse. Victoria watched him go, her eyes growing thoughtful. She took out her phone and dialed a number. "Mara, I need you to look into everyone in the Binder family in Benwig City right away. Focus on their daughter. I want everything you can find, and I want it by tonight." "Yes, boss," Mara replied. After hanging up, Victoria's gaze turned even sharper. Ford had once told her about that freezing winter night twenty years ago. He had been on his way to settle down in a small southern town when he heard a baby crying from inside a trash bin. He got out of the car to check and found a baby girl, not even a month old, her skin red from the cold. If she hadn't been crying so loudly, and if he hadn't happened to pass that deserted road, she would have died quietly in that trash bin. That baby was Victoria. Ford gave her that name, hoping she would grow up strong and tough no matter what life threw at her. Even on his deathbed, Ford never stopped looking for her biological parents. And all this time, Victoria had believed they must have abandoned her because they had no other choice. But now, it seemed that wasn't true. Her biological parents didn't want her and had no intention of taking her back. If it weren't for the adopted daughter they had raised for twenty years, Victoria might have gone her whole life without parents. Just then, someone called out from outside, "Victoria, who was that man in the nice car looking for you?" It was Stephan, a middle-aged man from next door. He spent most of his time up in the mountains hunting herbs. Victoria put her phone away and walked out, smiling at him. "To be honest with you, that was my fiancé." Stephan looked surprised. "Your fiancé? You have good taste. He's a handsome man. Why didn't you ask him to stay for dinner?" "He had things to take care of in the city. He couldn't stay today," Victoria said. "Next time he comes, make sure he stays for a meal. Everything we eat here is grown by us. Let him try it. It's much better and healthier than city food," Stephan said. "I will," Victoria said with a smile. Stephan grabbed his tools and headed up into the mountains. Only after he left did Victoria go back inside to keep sorting the herbs she had picked. ***** After leaving Mullinran Village, Ollie, who was driving, glanced at Jackson's calm face in the rearview mirror and asked carefully, "Mr. Thornton, are you really going to marry her? "You saw it yourself. Her own parents don't even want her. She makes a living selling herbs and doing some basic medical work. "You just went through something serious, and this is when you need support the most. Marrying her won't help you secure your position in the Thornton family." Jackson shifted his gaze away from the fields outside the window and gently rubbed the petals of a purple flower he had picked from Victoria's doorstep. He asked, "Ollie, do you remember six months ago, when my grandfather was seriously ill and needed a very rare herb to survive?" Ollie wasn't sure why he changed the subject, but he nodded. "Of course. That herb showed up at the biggest auction house in Benwig City. You spent 30 million dollars to get it." "Didn't you notice? That same rare herb was hanging casually on the wall of her simple, run-down house," Jackson said. That one bundle alone would be worth a fortune at any auction in Benwig City. "What?" Ollie was stunned. From the moment they walked into Victoria's house, he had only noticed how shabby it looked and missed everything else. Now it finally clicked. "Do you mean her background might not be as simple as it seems?" Jackson lifted the purple flower to his nose and took a light breath. "I can't say for sure what her background is yet. But one thing is clear. Her medical skills are far from simple." Ollie understood right away. If that was true, then there was real hope for Jackson's legs. Still, he couldn't help asking, "If all you want is to fix your legs, you could just pay her a large amount of money. There's no need to marry her." Jackson blinked and slowly turned the flower between his fingers. A faint smile appeared on his lips. "What if I said I fell for her at first sight? Would you believe me?" Ollie paused and looked at him again through the rearview mirror. He seemed calm. He wasn't exactly joking, but he wasn't completely serious, either. But Jackson rarely joked, so Ollie couldn't tell how much of it was real. In the end, he chose to believe him. "I believe you." "Good. In my eyes, she is already my fiancée. From now on, you need to treat her with respect," Jackson said. "Understood." Ollie nodded. Jackson wasn't joking. When it came to love, he had never believed in feelings that grew over time. To him, if there was no spark at first sight, then staying together would only lead to a relationship based on weighing pros and cons, not the kind of love that made his heart race. That was why, when his grandfather arranged his engagement to Angelica, he had agreed for practical reasons alone. But when he saw Victoria, everything changed. It felt like the world spun around him, and everything else faded away. In his eyes, she was the only color left. He couldn't explain why it had to be her. Maybe it was that moment when their eyes met, when the light in hers pulled him in like a whirlpool. Jackson picked up a book from the car and carefully placed the small purple flower between its pages. Then he closed the book and shut his eyes. ***** At eight that evening, Victoria had just finished bringing in the herbs she had been drying on the roof when her phone rang. She set the herbs aside, brushed the dust off her hands, and picked up the call. Mara's cool voice came through. "Boss, I found what you asked for. The Binder family has only one daughter. She was born to the second son, Darell, and his wife, Julia. Her name is Angelica. She's the same age as you. "She's very spoiled at home. Two months ago, Darell arranged a great marriage for her. She's engaged to Jackson, the eldest son of the Thornton family, the most powerful family in Benwig City. "Jackson had already been chosen by his grandfather, Gerry, as the next heir. But last month, he had an accident. Someone broke both his legs, and the announcement was put on hold." "What is Angelica like?" Victoria asked. "She has a very good reputation. She's beautiful and talented. A lot of rich young men in Benwig City admire her. That's probably why she gained Gerry's approval for the marriage," Mara said. Victoria let out a cold laugh to herself. She didn't believe for a second that Angelica's perfect life came without tricks. "Got it. Now find out if Angelica is really Darell and Julia's biological daughter," Victoria said. "You're focusing on the Binder family, especially Angelica. What are you planning to do?" Mara asked. "I'm going back to take my place," Victoria said. A faint spark lit up in her deep eyes. She found the idea of being the Binder family's real daughter interesting. Victoria had many identities. The one she used the most was a village herbalist and healer. In her daily life, she spent time with her retired scientist friends in the village, growing new herbs and developing new medicines. Over the years, she had cultivated twenty kinds of rare medicinal plants. Because they were so hard to produce, they sold for extremely high prices. Any one of them, if sold at auction in Benwig City, could earn more than most people made in a lifetime. On top of that, she was skilled in traditional medical techniques. When she treated regular villagers, she charged normal fees. But when rich families or powerful figures came to her, her starting fee was three million dollars. Of course, she guaranteed results. If she couldn't cure them, she wouldn't take a single dollar. This identity alone had already made her very rich. Money no longer meant much to her. So when her ex-boyfriend, Gavin, said she wasn't good enough for him, she found it almost funny. If she wanted, she could build her own place in Benwig City without relying on anyone. Over the years, all her different identities had started to feel dull. It was time to try something new. And she had to admit, Jackson impressed her. Out of all the people she had treated, none had faced sudden injury like he did, so calm and steady. His willpower was strong. He was someone who would go far. He was handsome and capable. It would be a waste for him to stay crippled. So she would fix his legs. Mara quickly understood, her voice turning serious. "Understood, boss. I'll get on it right away." ***** Late that night, Victoria was fast asleep when she heard wood cracking outside. Her eyes opened at once, sharp and alert, and she turned toward the sound. Anyone showing up at this hour without warning was not from the village. She had spread powders around her home to keep wild animals away, so no beasts would come near. That left only one answer. Someone had broken in. Victoria got up quietly and, using the moonlight, moved to hide behind the door. Soon, her old wooden door was kicked open, and a shadow rushed inside. She hadn't expected him to be so bold, barging in instead of sneaking around. She flicked a silver needle straight at him. The man let out a low groan and dropped to the ground. Victoria turned on the light, filling the room with brightness. She kicked him aside and finally saw his face clearly. He looked like a hardened criminal. She grabbed a rope, walked over, and tied up his hands and feet. Once he was secured, she took out a needle and stuck it into his neck. Within seconds, he woke up. Victoria sat on the bed, crossing her legs as she played with another needle. "If you don't want to suffer, you'd better tell me the truth. Who sent you?" The man quickly sized up the situation. "People who hire killers stay anonymous. Who would be stupid enough to give their name? But they said that if I raped you, they would get me out of the country safely." Victoria's eyes turned cold and sharp. If he needed to run overseas, that meant he was already a wanted criminal. The man hurried to beg, "I've told you everything I know. Let me go. I won't take this job anymore." Victoria nodded. "Fine." She walked over, pulled out the needle, and untied the ropes. "You can leave." The man rubbed his wrists. "Thanks—" Before he could finish, his face suddenly changed. He lifted his leg and tried to kick Victoria in the knee. But the moment his foot rose, a sharp pain shot through him. Then his whole body went numb. He couldn't move. He looked down in terror. A small black snake had bitten his ankle. "How is there a poisonous snake here—" Before he could finish, blood burst from his throat. His body fell stiffly to the ground. After a few jerks, he went still. Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Trying to kill me in my place? You asked for it. Good job, Blackie. Go rest." The little black snake slipped into a dark corner and quickly disappeared. Victoria picked up a hoe, stuffed the body into a large basket, and lifted it onto her back with ease. She carried it outside and buried it near her vegetable garden. It would make good fertilizer for her herbs. After that, she let out a long breath, brushed off her hands, and looked up at the nearly full moon. She had just learned who she really was, and someone had already sent a man to ruin her. It seemed that someone had prepared a "welcome gift" for her in advance. Chapter 3 We've Got Your Back The next day at noon, a black Bentley worth 1.5 million dollars stopped in front of Victoria's house. Victoria was grinding the herbs she had picked the day before. When she heard the car, she glanced out the window and checked the license plate. It was from Benwig City, just as she expected. She finished grinding the herbs, put them into jars, brushed the dust off her hands, and walked outside. She went straight to the car and knocked on the window. A moment later, the window slid down, revealing the still handsome face of a middle-aged man—Hector Binder. He looked about fifty, with neatly slicked-back hair. A woman sat beside him. She looked about the same age. Even though she wasn't young anymore, she had taken good care of herself and looked as if she were in her thirties. Her features were still soft and beautiful. Victoria didn't waste time. "Are you here for me?" Hector, sitting in the back seat, looked at her, then at the photo in his hand. His eyes lit up. "Daisy, it's her. She's the one we're looking for." Daisy's eyes filled with excitement, even shining with tears. "Yes, it's her. No mistake." They quickly opened the door, got out of the car, and walked over to Victoria. Hector nodded. "Yes. You're the real daughter the Binder family lost years ago. We're here to take you back." Victoria looked straight into his eyes. He seemed like a decent man, and the excitement in his expression matched Daisy's. It didn't look fake. This couple didn't seem to have anything to do with what happened to her last night. Hector paused, a little surprised. "How did you know we were coming?" But he didn't dwell on it. Instead, he explained, "You are the young lady of the Binder family. "When you were little, someone switched you with another baby. That's why you ended up here. You've suffered for twenty years, living away from your real home." As soon as he finished, Daisy started to choke up. "Poor child." Victoria stayed calm. "So, are you my parents?" Hector and Daisy froze. They exchanged a look, then answered awkwardly, "No. We're your uncle and aunt." Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Then why aren't my parents here? Why did they send you instead?" Daisy looked uneasy. "Something came up at home. They couldn't leave, so they asked us to come get you." Victoria saw right through it. "You don't have to cover for them. I'm not a child. What could be more important than picking up their own daughter? They just didn't want to come." Hearing that, Daisy stepped forward and gently hugged her. Tears slipped down her face. "My poor child, you've suffered so much." Victoria didn't expect the sudden hug. At first, she wanted to pull away, but the warmth of it stopped her. It felt soft and comforting, unlike any embrace she had experienced in twenty years. It was, perhaps, the closest she had ever come to what a mother's embrace should feel like. She let out a quiet sigh. For a moment, she thought that if these two were her real parents, it wouldn't be so bad. After a while, Daisy let go and held her hand. "Go pack your things. We'll take you home today. You won't have to live like this anymore." Victoria nodded. "Okay. Wait for me. I'll go pack." She didn't need to bring clothes. The only things she needed were the medicines she had made. After packing all the bottles of medicine powder and poison powder from the wooden cabinet, Victoria called out, "Blackie, Whitey, Greenie, come out. I'm taking you somewhere new." As soon as she finished, three small snakes slid out from the corners and crawled into a sack. Victoria tied the sack and slung it over her shoulder. Then she took a drum from the old cabinet. After giving the shabby house one last look, she walked outside and began to beat the drum. The loud sound of the drum echoed through the area. Hector and Daisy, waiting outside, looked confused. Before long, the villagers gathered around. They looked at Victoria with concern. "Victoria, what's wrong? What happened?" Victoria set down the drum, cleared her throat, and said, "Everyone, you all know I'm an orphan. I grew up without parents, raised by all of you. "But now I know who my real parents are. It turns out I'm the daughter of the Binder family in Benwig City." The villagers were happy for her at first, but then she continued, "But here's the thing. My real parents knew all along who I was, but they never came to acknowledge me. "And now, the only reason they're taking me back is to make me marry a disabled man in place of their adopted daughter." Hector and Daisy were stunned. They had no idea about any of this. The villagers were furious. "What kind of people are they? They knew you were their real daughter but ignored you all this time, and now they want to use you like this, huh?" "Blind fools! You're such a good girl, and they treat you like a tool, making you marry some cripple instead of their adopted daughter." "Victoria, don't listen to those heartless people." "That's right. Ignore them. We'll go teach them a lesson." "The Binder family? They're nothing special in Benwig City, acting all high and mighty. Victoria, you don't need to go back with them." Victoria raised her hand to quiet them. "Everyone, calm down. I've decided to go back to the Binder family for this arranged marriage. "But I'm going back to teach them a lesson. So I'm telling you all ahead of time. Please help take care of the herbs I just planted in my yard." Even though the villagers didn't really understand, they still respected her choice. "Okay. But if anyone from the Binder family dares to bully you, just call me. I'll get people to take them down," one person said. "That's right. We've got your back," another added. Victoria waved her hand. "Thank you, everyone. That's all I wanted to say. You can all head back now." After that, she turned to Hector and Daisy, who were still waiting, and gave them a light smile. "We can go now." Hector and Daisy were still a little stunned. When they heard her, they finally snapped out of it. "Oh, okay." "Let me carry that." The driver stepped forward and reached for the sack. "Be careful. It's heavy," Victoria said. The driver didn't believe it at first. But the moment he took it with both hands, he almost dropped it on his foot. Victoria blinked at him. "Can you handle it? Don't break anything inside." "No problem." The driver forced a smile, gritted his teeth, and lifted the sack into the trunk. By the time he got back into the driver's seat, he was sweating all over. He hadn't expected Victoria to be this strong despite looking so thin. After getting into the car, Daisy and Hector looked at each other, then kept glancing at Victoria. They seemed to want to say something, but neither of them knew how to start. In the end, Daisy asked, "Victoria, you just told the villagers about marrying a disabled man instead of that adopted daughter. What did you mean?" "You didn't know?" Victoria looked back at her, her eyes narrowing with suspicion. Daisy shook her head. "Hector and I really had no idea. About half a month ago, your parents suddenly told us Angelica wasn't their biological daughter. Then they sent people to look into it. "Just yesterday, they found out their real daughter was living here. That's why they want to bring you back today." Hector nodded to confirm her words. Victoria smiled faintly. "Then why do you think they didn't come themselves?" Daisy fell silent. To her, it was absurd that Victoria's parents would have relatives fetch their biological daughter instead of coming themselves. But the truth would hurt Victoria, so she chose not to say anything. Victoria let out a bitter laugh. "Aunt Daisy, even if you don't say it, I can guess. Just like I said, they don't want to acknowledge me. "They're only bringing me back because they have no choice. They want me to marry that disabled heir in place of their precious adopted daughter." Her gaze was clear and calm, and there was a quiet maturity about her that went far beyond her years. Hector frowned slightly. "Victoria, how did you find out about this arranged marriage?" Victoria smiled. "Secret." On the way, Daisy told her a lot about the Binder family. It wasn't much different from what Mara had already found out. The Binder family was still led by Calvin. He had two sons and one daughter. The eldest son, Hector, was the one who had come to get Victoria, and his wife was Daisy. They didn't have any children. The second son, Darell, was Victoria's biological father. He and his wife, Julia, had two sons and one daughter. The eldest son, Simon, managed the family's entertainment company, Brightstar Entertainment. The second son, Curtis, was a well-known singer under the same company. Then there was the youngest daughter, Angelica. She was considered very outstanding. At just twenty, she had already skipped grades and finished college. She was now preparing to study abroad after getting engaged to the eldest son of the Thornton family. Angelica was the baby who had been switched with Victoria. As for Calvin's daughter, Sirena, she had already married into another wealthy family and only returned for holidays. The drive from the village to Benwig City took six hours over bumpy roads. By the time they arrived, it was dark. "We're here," the driver said as he stopped the car. Victoria looked out the window. In front of her stood a large estate, with several villas spread across it. It looked grand and impressive. The Binder family mansion alone was almost as big as the entire Mullinran Village. Victoria got out of the car and followed Hector and Daisy inside. The head butler, Milton, who had been waiting at the door, stepped forward respectfully. "You're back." He looked at Victoria and gave a polite nod. "This must be Miss Victoria Binder." "Yes," Daisy replied. Then she looked at Victoria gently. "Victoria, go in and meet your parents and brother." Victoria said nothing. She quietly followed them inside. They passed through the wide front yard and stepped into the entrance hall. Standing at the doorway, she quickly scanned the four people sitting on the sofas in the main hall. First, she saw a middle-aged couple dressed in expensive clothes, carrying themselves with an air of wealth and status. Next was a handsome young man who looked a bit rebellious. Finally, there was a beautiful young woman about her age. The corners of her eyes were red, and she looked pitiful, as if she had been crying. None of them looked happy. Their faces were tense, filled with worry. When they looked at her, Victoria caught the flash of disgust in their eyes. A faint smile appeared on her lips. She thought the family was really quite interesting. Chapter 4 Are You an Idiot? "Darell, Julia, I brought your daughter back," Daisy said. She gently patted Victoria on the back. "Victoria, go say hello to your parents and your brother." Victoria didn't move. With a faint, mocking smile, she asked, "Aunt Daisy, are they really my parents and brother?" Daisy froze for a moment, then nodded. "Yes, they are. Why do you ask?" Victoria let out a cold laugh. "I'm supposed to be their daughter and sister, but why do they all look like they can't stand me?" The four people in the room all stiffened. They hadn't expected her to be so direct. Daisy froze again. She wanted to say something, but stopped herself. She knew what Darell and Julia were thinking. They didn't want to accept this daughter because they already had an excellent adopted one. They would rather stay home and comfort their adopted daughter's feelings than spend even a little time going to the village to pick up their real daughter. Simon and Curtis felt the same way. They were closer to the sister they had lived with for twenty years. None of them wanted to hurt her feelings just to pick up Victoria. Simon didn't even bother to show up; he was still at work. In the end, Daisy couldn't take it anymore and offered to go with Hector to bring Victoria home. What she didn't expect was that even after Victoria came back, Darell and Julia still acted like this. They didn't even try to hide it. Julia looked at Darell, and he looked back at her. In that brief exchange, they reached an understanding. Victoria clearly wasn't as quiet and easy to control as they had thought. They couldn't just brush her aside. If they wanted her to willingly take Angelica's place in the marriage to Jackson later, they would have to act nice and coax her a little. Julia hesitated, then forced herself to stand up. She put on a pained expression and walked toward Victoria. "My child, you've suffered so much out there." Victoria stepped aside slightly and avoided her touch. "Stop pretending. I don't see any concern in your eyes." Julia froze in place. A wave of anger rose inside her. She had lowered herself to show kindness, yet Victoria had refused it and embarrassed her in front of everyone. But to her, Victoria's lack of manners was no surprise. She had grown up in the countryside without her parents and had never been properly brought up. Julia forced a stiff smile. "I carried you for ten months. Of course, it hurts me to know you've suffered." Victoria sneered, "Is that so? If you really feel that way, why didn't you come pick me up today? Why did you send Uncle Hector and Aunt Daisy instead?" Daisy wanted to speak, but Hector gently held her hand and shook his head. He said quietly, "Daisy, we've already brought her back. What happens now is their family matter. Let them handle it. Let's go home." Daisy looked at Victoria, her eyes full of worry and sympathy. But she knew Hector was right. This was between Victoria and her parents. No matter what happened, she had no right to interfere. "Julia, now that Victoria is back, you should treat her well. Don't hurt her again. Daisy and I will head back now," Hector said politely, hoping his words would help a little. Darell nodded. "Thank you for your help today." Daisy said gently, "Victoria, we are leaving. If you need anything, come find us at Goldenwood Villa on the east side." With that, she reluctantly turned and left. Victoria watched them walk away, then quickly looked away. Once they were gone, Julia finally breathed a sigh of relief. "This is all my fault. Your father and I didn't go pick you up ourselves because I'm very emotional. "I was afraid that if I saw how poorly you were living, I wouldn't be able to handle it. So I stayed home to calm myself and prepare to welcome you." She was lying. Actually, after Angelica found out last night that she wasn't their real daughter, she had been upset the whole night. This morning, she was so distracted that she couldn't even eat. Julia felt sorry for her and stayed home to comfort her. Victoria's eyes were full of sarcasm. "So what exactly did you prepare for me?" Julia quickly said, "I've already cleaned up a room for you. Come, I'll show you." She reached for Victoria's hand again, but Victoria dodged her once more. "So cleaning a room was more important than coming to pick me up yourself." Julia's hand hung in the air. A trace of impatience flashed across her eyes. "Forget the room. I'm not even sure I'll stay," Victoria said. Then she pointed at the young woman about her age. "Who is she?" Angelica froze. Her eyes instantly turned red. She gently tugged on Curtis's sleeve. Curtis held her hand and said softly, "Angelica, don't be afraid." After comforting her, Curtis looked at Victoria coldly. His tone turned sharp. "I'm your brother, Curtis. And she's my sister, Angelica." He deliberately stressed the words "my sister." "I see." Victoria's voice carried a hint of sarcasm. "So that means she's the adopted daughter who was switched with me, right?" Angelica's hand trembled. Tears gathered in her eyes, ready to fall. Curtis's face darkened. He emphasized, "In my heart, Angelica is my real sister." Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Calling her your real sister? Are you an idiot?" Everyone except Victoria froze at her words. Curtis stared at her in disbelief. "You just called me an idiot, huh?" Victoria laughed mockingly. "Yeah. Did I say anything wrong? Don't you know her mother was the one who secretly switched us back then?" Angelica's birth mother, Jasmine, had worked as a customer service representative at a postpartum care center. When Julia was three months pregnant, she started looking for a high-end center, and Jasmine had served her. By coincidence, Jasmine was also pregnant at the time. When she realized Julia was wealthy, she started having bad thoughts. She secretly followed Julia to find out which center she chose and forced herself to spend the money to book the same one. During the recovery period after giving birth, Jasmine secretly switched her own daughter with Julia's without anyone noticing. At the time, Angelica had an allergic rash on her face. Julia didn't realize anything was wrong, and when she left the center, she took Angelica home. Angelica bit her lip. Tears finally streamed down her face. "I'm sorry." Curtis held her cold hand tightly and gently said, "Angelica, this has nothing to do with you." Then he turned to Victoria, his voice full of anger. "Yes, her mother switched you back then. But Angelica is innocent. She didn't know anything about it." Victoria laughed out loud, her eyes full of ridicule. "Oh, she's innocent? She spent twenty years enjoying my life, living in comfort and luxury. "And me? I was thrown into a trash can by her cruel mother in the freezing cold. If no one had found me, I would have died right after I was born." Chapter 5 I'll Leave Victoria's words left Curtis speechless. He had just started to feel a bit guilty when Angelica suddenly broke down in tears again. She said, "I'm sorry. It's all my fault. It's my fault for having a mother like that. Victoria, if you hate me, you can hit me or yell at me, but please don't blame Curtis." As she spoke, she struggled to pull free from Curtis's hand. With a determined look, she bit her lip and ran toward Victoria. "Angelica!" Curtis panicked and quickly got up to follow her. Angelica ran up to Victoria and was about to bow, but Curtis caught up just in time and pulled her back. "Angelica, what are you doing? This isn't your fault. It's your mother's fault." Victoria watched the whole scene and suddenly laughed. She even clapped her hands like she was watching a show. "This is really something. Are you putting on a pity act for me?" The small bit of guilt Curtis had felt disappeared right away. After helping Angelica steady herself, he looked at Victoria coldly. "Why are you being so unreasonable?" he asked. "Angelica already apologized sincerely, and you're still mocking her." "I'm not just mocking her. I'm mocking all of you," Victoria said. "Her mother planned everything, found a way to switch us, and let her take twenty years of the life that should have been mine. "Now that I'm back, you guys are still protecting her right in front of me. It's a shame that I ended up with a family like this." Curtis's face darkened even more. Julia looked helplessly at Darell. She hadn't expected Victoria to be so stubborn and didn't know how to deal with her. No matter how she looked at it, Julia just couldn't bring herself to like Victoria. Darell, who had been silent until now, finally spoke up. "That's enough, Victoria. Angelica's mother has already been punished. Angelica is alone now, with no one to rely on. "Your mother and I raised her for twenty years. We can't just throw her out. The Binder family has more than enough. Keeping her here is no big deal. She won't affect you." But Victoria didn't accept that. "If it's really no big deal, then she can live anywhere. Why does she have to stay here and bother me? "Every time I see her, I'm reminded of everything I went through after being switched." Darell didn't expect her to keep pushing like this. Just like Julia, he began to feel more and more resistant toward Victoria. Compared to Angelica, who was gentle and understanding, Victoria seemed completely rude to him. Angelica bit her lip and let her tears fall silently. She looked pitiful, making it hard not to feel sorry for her. Seeing how aggressive Victoria was, Curtis finally lost his temper. "So you won't be satisfied unless we send Angelica away, huh?" Victoria nodded. "That's right. We're not both living here. It's one or the other." As soon as she said that, everyone's faces darkened. "I don't want to leave you," Angelica said through her tears, looking completely wronged. It made anyone who saw her feel bad. Curtis held her hand tightly. "Angelica, don't worry. You don't have to go anywhere. As long as I'm here, I won't let anyone drive you out of the Binder family. You'll always be my sister. You're part of us." Victoria raised an eyebrow. "So you want me to leave, huh?" Julia was already at her limit, but she forced herself to stay calm. "Victoria, you just got back. You don't really know Angelica yet. "She's kind and understanding. Once you spend some time with her, you'll accept her. Her staying here won't affect your place. No matter what, you're our real daughter." Victoria sneered, "Really? Then why did all of you look disgusted the moment you saw me? Is it because I'm not as pretty as her? Or because I'm not as refined? "But have you forgotten? If we had never been switched, the pretty, refined one would be me. Everything she has now was built on the suffering I endured for her." Julia froze and quickly shook her head. "That's not it. We just haven't adjusted yet." "You need time to adjust to your own daughter, huh? Then why didn't Uncle Hector and Aunt Daisy need time when they saw me?" Victoria pressed. Julia had no answer. But she thought it was because Hector and Daisy had no children, so of course, they would be happy. She took a deep breath and softened her voice. "Victoria, we won't treat you badly from now on. Your living expenses will be the same as Angelica's. Your father and I won't favor one over the other." Victoria gave a faint, mocking smile. "Should I thank you for that? Honestly, for me, not favoring one over the other is already the biggest favoritism. "You two are really kind. You don't want your own daughter, but you're willing to spend money raising the daughter of someone who ruined my life. I've never seen people this generous." Julia held back her anger and continued, "Victoria, stop making trouble. You're my real daughter. We finally found you. How could we let you keep suffering out there?" Victoria replied, "So you knew I was suffering. While I was suffering, that criminal's daughter was living here, enjoying everything you gave her in my place. "And now, on the very first day I come back, you're ready to push me away again." Curtis said coldly, "Get this straight. We're not pushing you away. You're the one making things difficult. You could stay here peacefully, but you refuse to accept Angelica." "How could I accept the daughter of a criminal?" Victoria asked. "If I hadn't been lucky enough to survive, her mother would be both a trafficker and a murderer. "She committed the crime, but her daughter hasn't been punished at all. Why should she get to keep living this rich, comfortable life as if nothing had happened?" Angelica's body swayed. Curtis quickly held her steady, his anger finally breaking through. "With your attitude, do you even deserve to stay here while Angelica leaves?" "Of course I do. First, I'm a Binder by blood. Second, unlike you, I'm not an idiot." After snapping at him, Victoria lost her patience. "Have you decided? Is she leaving, or am I?" Curtis pulled Angelica into his arms protectively and said firmly, "Dad, Mom, if I have to choose, then I only recognize Angelica as my sister." "Good. One vote." Victoria raised her index finger and then looked at Julia. "What about you?" Julia forced down her frustration and said gently, "Victoria, don't do this—" "Alright, that's two votes," Victoria said, not even bothering to listen. She turned to Darell. "Your vote doesn't matter anymore. There are already two votes for Angelica. Fine. Since that's the case, she stays. I'll leave." A trace of anxiety flashed in Angelica's eyes. If Victoria really left, there would be no one to take her place in marrying Jackson. ------ 👇👇👇 There are limited chapters to put here, click “continue reading” to open App to continue reading (It will automatically jump to the book)
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When a killer came in the night, Victoria Binder didn’t scream—she fought. And she won, burying the proof in her own garden. That was just the beginning. Unveiled as the lost heiress to a mighty fortune, Victoria returned to a family that despised her. She wasn’t there for their love. She was there for what was hers: the power, the legacy, the truth. ------ Chapter 1 I Want to Marry You "Victoria, we need to break up. It turns out I'm actually the heir to the Fairbank family, one of the most powerful families in Benwig City. You're just a country girl who sells herbs. You're not good enough for me anymore." Victoria Binder had just received a call from her boyfriend, Gavin Alvarado—no, Gavin Fairbank now. She had been about to tell him that she was the long-lost daughter of a wealthy family herself, but before she could say a word, she heard him claim she wasn't good enough for him. She let out a silent, cold laugh. The medicinal herbs she grew were incredibly valuable. Countless rich and influential families were trying to buy them at high prices. Her products had even appeared several times at the largest auction house in Benwig City. Gavin's arrogant voice came through the phone again. "With my status now, I need to marry a proper heiress from a family that matches mine. "But since we dated for two months, I won't treat you badly. Before I marry someone suitable, you can stay with me. Even after I get married, I can still keep you as my—" Before he could finish, Victoria snapped, "Asshole. If you want to break up, then we're done." She hung up immediately. The handsome man standing in front of her, Jackson Thornton, raised an eyebrow. He had been waiting for her response. He smiled. "So? You just found out you're the heiress of the Binder family, one of the richest families in Benwig City, and you still got dumped?" Victoria looked up at him and smiled brightly. "Funny coincidence. He just told me that he's the heir to a wealthy family in Benwig City and that I'm not good enough for him." Then her expression shifted, turning doubtful. "Wait a second. This whole thing about being the real daughter or real son of some rich family... Isn't that some new kind of scam going around?" Jackson paused for a moment, then smiled. "Of course not. You really are the true daughter of the Binder family." Victoria gave a nonchalant hum. She took the basket off her back, sat down on a chair, and began sorting the herbs she had just picked. "Then who are you?" she asked. "Why are you the one coming to find me instead of my biological parents?" Jackson glanced at the shabby house in front of him, then looked at Victoria, who sat casually on a small stool. He said, "If nothing unexpected happens, I'll soon be your fiancé. I'm Jackson, the eldest son of the Thornton family in Benwig City." Victoria almost slipped off her stool. She stared at him in shock. "What? Fiancé?" "That's right. But as you can see, I'm disabled now. I lost the use of my legs last month." Sitting in his wheelchair, Jackson lifted a hand and pointed at his legs, giving a helpless smile. "I see. And what does that have to do with you coming to find me today?" Victoria asked. Then she suddenly understood. "Wait. Are you saying that I'm the real daughter of the wealthy Binder family, and that they're planning to bring me back and have me marry you?" Jackson nodded, a hint of admiration in his eyes. "Exactly." Victoria's gaze flickered. Jackson continued, "Because of my legs, I'm about to be dumped. Just like you." Victoria caught on quickly. "So the one who was supposed to marry you was the Binder family's adopted daughter. But now that you're disabled, she doesn't want to marry you anymore." Jackson nodded again. "Yes. That's exactly it." Victoria almost let out a bitter laugh. "Then why don't you look upset at all?" Jackson said calmly, "You just got dumped by your boyfriend, and you don't look upset either." "He's just trash. Good riddance." Victoria curled her lips in disdain. Jackson studied her, the admiration in his eyes deepening. "You're surprisingly chill about it." Victoria let out a small scoff. "Of course. Why waste time and energy feeling bad over someone who isn't worth it?" She had started dating Gavin after saving his life by chance two years ago. After that, he had chased after her nonstop, using gratitude as an excuse. For two whole years, he acted devoted, as if he would never marry anyone but her. He didn't seem to have any serious flaws. She figured having a man around could help her take care of the herb garden and keep other men from bothering her, so she agreed to date him. But she never expected that the moment Gavin found out he was the heir to a wealthy family, he would turn on her so quickly. Jackson smiled. "Same here. She's trash anyway. Better not to marry her." There had never been anything between him and Angelica Binder. Their engagement had only been arranged by his grandfather for a business alliance. Now that his legs were disabled, Angelica's parents naturally didn't want her to marry him anymore. But the Thornton family was the most powerful family in Benwig City, with huge wealth and influence. They weren't willing to give up the alliance, either. In the end, they planned to have their biological daughter, Victoria, marry him in Angelica's place. Victoria went straight to the point. "It's just strange. How could it be such a coincidence? Right after your legs were disabled, my birth parents suddenly found me and decided to have me marry you instead of their adopted daughter." She let out a cold, mocking laugh. "Looks like they always knew I was their real daughter. I just had no value to them, so they left me out here all this time and never brought me home." Jackson didn't try to comfort her with lies. "I think you're right." Victoria gave a cold sneer. If that was true, then her birth parents were even more heartless than she had thought. Still, one thing didn't make sense to her. "Since you already know what the Binder family is planning, why not just give up on the alliance? Why walk straight into their trap?" "I had someone look into you," Jackson said calmly. "You sell medicine, and you're pretty well-known around here. "I heard you've treated quite a few difficult cases with your own methods. My legs are disabled. Over the past month, I've invited top doctors from all over the country, but none of them could help. "So I came here myself to see if marrying you would be a trap or a chance for me." He didn't hide why he came. Victoria found him interesting. She shrugged. "Well, you've seen me now. I'm just a wild country girl. My birth parents, the ones I've never even met, clearly don't like me. "Do you still want to marry someone like me? I'm just a real daughter who isn't valued and is just being used as a substitute bride." Jackson looked at her closely. At first glance, she wasn't the delicate type raised in comfort. Her skin wasn't soft. It had a light wheat tone that made her look healthy and full of life. But if one looked more carefully, her features were actually very refined. Her eyes were bright and clear, and there was strength in the way she looked at people. There was no trace of disrespect in Jackson's gaze. He looked sincere. "Yes. After meeting you, I'm sure I want to marry you. I just don't know if you're willing to give me a chance." Victoria studied his face. She had to admit that he was strikingly handsome, the kind of man who wouldn't be forgotten even in a huge crowd. His features were sharp, and his face was well-defined. What stood out the most was his eyes. Even after going through something as serious as losing the use of his legs, they were still clear. There was no bitterness or confusion. Victoria glanced at his legs again. "What's going on with them?" "They were broken with a wooden club last month," Jackson said. "I've had many well-known doctors take a look. They all said my legs are beyond saving. I'll never stand again." "Pull up your pant legs. Let me see," said Victoria. "Okay." Jackson did as she said, lifting his pant legs to reveal his knees and lower legs, covered in scars. Victoria's expression darkened. She set the herbs aside, stood up, and walked over to him. Then she bent down and pressed carefully on his knees. The pain made Jackson frown, but he didn't make a sound. "They can be treated," Victoria said firmly. Hope lit up in Jackson's eyes at once. Thinking about how her birth parents had ignored her existence for so many years, Victoria made up her mind. She would go back to Benwig City and take her place as the Binder family's true daughter. She wanted to meet them face to face. She clapped her hands lightly and sat back down on the small stool. "I can marry you." Jackson raised an eyebrow. "Do you have any conditions?" Victoria tilted her head and smiled brightly. "Listen to you. Do I need conditions to marry you? You're so good-looking. If I fix your legs, I'll be the one getting the better deal." Jackson hadn't expected her to be so straightforward. His brow lifted higher, and he let out a soft laugh. "Alright. Then it's settled. I'll wait for you to return to the Binder family." Chapter 2 A Welcome Gift After Jackson left his phone number with Victoria, he left the village with his assistant, Ollie Rowse. Victoria watched him go, her eyes growing thoughtful. She took out her phone and dialed a number. "Mara, I need you to look into everyone in the Binder family in Benwig City right away. Focus on their daughter. I want everything you can find, and I want it by tonight." "Yes, boss," Mara replied. After hanging up, Victoria's gaze turned even sharper. Ford had once told her about that freezing winter night twenty years ago. He had been on his way to settle down in a small southern town when he heard a baby crying from inside a trash bin. He got out of the car to check and found a baby girl, not even a month old, her skin red from the cold. If she hadn't been crying so loudly, and if he hadn't happened to pass that deserted road, she would have died quietly in that trash bin. That baby was Victoria. Ford gave her that name, hoping she would grow up strong and tough no matter what life threw at her. Even on his deathbed, Ford never stopped looking for her biological parents. And all this time, Victoria had believed they must have abandoned her because they had no other choice. But now, it seemed that wasn't true. Her biological parents didn't want her and had no intention of taking her back. If it weren't for the adopted daughter they had raised for twenty years, Victoria might have gone her whole life without parents. Just then, someone called out from outside, "Victoria, who was that man in the nice car looking for you?" It was Stephan, a middle-aged man from next door. He spent most of his time up in the mountains hunting herbs. Victoria put her phone away and walked out, smiling at him. "To be honest with you, that was my fiancé." Stephan looked surprised. "Your fiancé? You have good taste. He's a handsome man. Why didn't you ask him to stay for dinner?" "He had things to take care of in the city. He couldn't stay today," Victoria said. "Next time he comes, make sure he stays for a meal. Everything we eat here is grown by us. Let him try it. It's much better and healthier than city food," Stephan said. "I will," Victoria said with a smile. Stephan grabbed his tools and headed up into the mountains. Only after he left did Victoria go back inside to keep sorting the herbs she had picked. ***** After leaving Mullinran Village, Ollie, who was driving, glanced at Jackson's calm face in the rearview mirror and asked carefully, "Mr. Thornton, are you really going to marry her? "You saw it yourself. Her own parents don't even want her. She makes a living selling herbs and doing some basic medical work. "You just went through something serious, and this is when you need support the most. Marrying her won't help you secure your position in the Thornton family." Jackson shifted his gaze away from the fields outside the window and gently rubbed the petals of a purple flower he had picked from Victoria's doorstep. He asked, "Ollie, do you remember six months ago, when my grandfather was seriously ill and needed a very rare herb to survive?" Ollie wasn't sure why he changed the subject, but he nodded. "Of course. That herb showed up at the biggest auction house in Benwig City. You spent 30 million dollars to get it." "Didn't you notice? That same rare herb was hanging casually on the wall of her simple, run-down house," Jackson said. That one bundle alone would be worth a fortune at any auction in Benwig City. "What?" Ollie was stunned. From the moment they walked into Victoria's house, he had only noticed how shabby it looked and missed everything else. Now it finally clicked. "Do you mean her background might not be as simple as it seems?" Jackson lifted the purple flower to his nose and took a light breath. "I can't say for sure what her background is yet. But one thing is clear. Her medical skills are far from simple." Ollie understood right away. If that was true, then there was real hope for Jackson's legs. Still, he couldn't help asking, "If all you want is to fix your legs, you could just pay her a large amount of money. There's no need to marry her." Jackson blinked and slowly turned the flower between his fingers. A faint smile appeared on his lips. "What if I said I fell for her at first sight? Would you believe me?" Ollie paused and looked at him again through the rearview mirror. He seemed calm. He wasn't exactly joking, but he wasn't completely serious, either. But Jackson rarely joked, so Ollie couldn't tell how much of it was real. In the end, he chose to believe him. "I believe you." "Good. In my eyes, she is already my fiancée. From now on, you need to treat her with respect," Jackson said. "Understood." Ollie nodded. Jackson wasn't joking. When it came to love, he had never believed in feelings that grew over time. To him, if there was no spark at first sight, then staying together would only lead to a relationship based on weighing pros and cons, not the kind of love that made his heart race. That was why, when his grandfather arranged his engagement to Angelica, he had agreed for practical reasons alone. But when he saw Victoria, everything changed. It felt like the world spun around him, and everything else faded away. In his eyes, she was the only color left. He couldn't explain why it had to be her. Maybe it was that moment when their eyes met, when the light in hers pulled him in like a whirlpool. Jackson picked up a book from the car and carefully placed the small purple flower between its pages. Then he closed the book and shut his eyes. ***** At eight that evening, Victoria had just finished bringing in the herbs she had been drying on the roof when her phone rang. She set the herbs aside, brushed the dust off her hands, and picked up the call. Mara's cool voice came through. "Boss, I found what you asked for. The Binder family has only one daughter. She was born to the second son, Darell, and his wife, Julia. Her name is Angelica. She's the same age as you. "She's very spoiled at home. Two months ago, Darell arranged a great marriage for her. She's engaged to Jackson, the eldest son of the Thornton family, the most powerful family in Benwig City. "Jackson had already been chosen by his grandfather, Gerry, as the next heir. But last month, he had an accident. Someone broke both his legs, and the announcement was put on hold." "What is Angelica like?" Victoria asked. "She has a very good reputation. She's beautiful and talented. A lot of rich young men in Benwig City admire her. That's probably why she gained Gerry's approval for the marriage," Mara said. Victoria let out a cold laugh to herself. She didn't believe for a second that Angelica's perfect life came without tricks. "Got it. Now find out if Angelica is really Darell and Julia's biological daughter," Victoria said. "You're focusing on the Binder family, especially Angelica. What are you planning to do?" Mara asked. "I'm going back to take my place," Victoria said. A faint spark lit up in her deep eyes. She found the idea of being the Binder family's real daughter interesting. Victoria had many identities. The one she used the most was a village herbalist and healer. In her daily life, she spent time with her retired scientist friends in the village, growing new herbs and developing new medicines. Over the years, she had cultivated twenty kinds of rare medicinal plants. Because they were so hard to produce, they sold for extremely high prices. Any one of them, if sold at auction in Benwig City, could earn more than most people made in a lifetime. On top of that, she was skilled in traditional medical techniques. When she treated regular villagers, she charged normal fees. But when rich families or powerful figures came to her, her starting fee was three million dollars. Of course, she guaranteed results. If she couldn't cure them, she wouldn't take a single dollar. This identity alone had already made her very rich. Money no longer meant much to her. So when her ex-boyfriend, Gavin, said she wasn't good enough for him, she found it almost funny. If she wanted, she could build her own place in Benwig City without relying on anyone. Over the years, all her different identities had started to feel dull. It was time to try something new. And she had to admit, Jackson impressed her. Out of all the people she had treated, none had faced sudden injury like he did, so calm and steady. His willpower was strong. He was someone who would go far. He was handsome and capable. It would be a waste for him to stay crippled. So she would fix his legs. Mara quickly understood, her voice turning serious. "Understood, boss. I'll get on it right away." ***** Late that night, Victoria was fast asleep when she heard wood cracking outside. Her eyes opened at once, sharp and alert, and she turned toward the sound. Anyone showing up at this hour without warning was not from the village. She had spread powders around her home to keep wild animals away, so no beasts would come near. That left only one answer. Someone had broken in. Victoria got up quietly and, using the moonlight, moved to hide behind the door. Soon, her old wooden door was kicked open, and a shadow rushed inside. She hadn't expected him to be so bold, barging in instead of sneaking around. She flicked a silver needle straight at him. The man let out a low groan and dropped to the ground. Victoria turned on the light, filling the room with brightness. She kicked him aside and finally saw his face clearly. He looked like a hardened criminal. She grabbed a rope, walked over, and tied up his hands and feet. Once he was secured, she took out a needle and stuck it into his neck. Within seconds, he woke up. Victoria sat on the bed, crossing her legs as she played with another needle. "If you don't want to suffer, you'd better tell me the truth. Who sent you?" The man quickly sized up the situation. "People who hire killers stay anonymous. Who would be stupid enough to give their name? But they said that if I raped you, they would get me out of the country safely." Victoria's eyes turned cold and sharp. If he needed to run overseas, that meant he was already a wanted criminal. The man hurried to beg, "I've told you everything I know. Let me go. I won't take this job anymore." Victoria nodded. "Fine." She walked over, pulled out the needle, and untied the ropes. "You can leave." The man rubbed his wrists. "Thanks—" Before he could finish, his face suddenly changed. He lifted his leg and tried to kick Victoria in the knee. But the moment his foot rose, a sharp pain shot through him. Then his whole body went numb. He couldn't move. He looked down in terror. A small black snake had bitten his ankle. "How is there a poisonous snake here—" Before he could finish, blood burst from his throat. His body fell stiffly to the ground. After a few jerks, he went still. Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Trying to kill me in my place? You asked for it. Good job, Blackie. Go rest." The little black snake slipped into a dark corner and quickly disappeared. Victoria picked up a hoe, stuffed the body into a large basket, and lifted it onto her back with ease. She carried it outside and buried it near her vegetable garden. It would make good fertilizer for her herbs. After that, she let out a long breath, brushed off her hands, and looked up at the nearly full moon. She had just learned who she really was, and someone had already sent a man to ruin her. It seemed that someone had prepared a "welcome gift" for her in advance. Chapter 3 We've Got Your Back The next day at noon, a black Bentley worth 1.5 million dollars stopped in front of Victoria's house. Victoria was grinding the herbs she had picked the day before. When she heard the car, she glanced out the window and checked the license plate. It was from Benwig City, just as she expected. She finished grinding the herbs, put them into jars, brushed the dust off her hands, and walked outside. She went straight to the car and knocked on the window. A moment later, the window slid down, revealing the still handsome face of a middle-aged man—Hector Binder. He looked about fifty, with neatly slicked-back hair. A woman sat beside him. She looked about the same age. Even though she wasn't young anymore, she had taken good care of herself and looked as if she were in her thirties. Her features were still soft and beautiful. Victoria didn't waste time. "Are you here for me?" Hector, sitting in the back seat, looked at her, then at the photo in his hand. His eyes lit up. "Daisy, it's her. She's the one we're looking for." Daisy's eyes filled with excitement, even shining with tears. "Yes, it's her. No mistake." They quickly opened the door, got out of the car, and walked over to Victoria. Hector nodded. "Yes. You're the real daughter the Binder family lost years ago. We're here to take you back." Victoria looked straight into his eyes. He seemed like a decent man, and the excitement in his expression matched Daisy's. It didn't look fake. This couple didn't seem to have anything to do with what happened to her last night. Hector paused, a little surprised. "How did you know we were coming?" But he didn't dwell on it. Instead, he explained, "You are the young lady of the Binder family. "When you were little, someone switched you with another baby. That's why you ended up here. You've suffered for twenty years, living away from your real home." As soon as he finished, Daisy started to choke up. "Poor child." Victoria stayed calm. "So, are you my parents?" Hector and Daisy froze. They exchanged a look, then answered awkwardly, "No. We're your uncle and aunt." Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Then why aren't my parents here? Why did they send you instead?" Daisy looked uneasy. "Something came up at home. They couldn't leave, so they asked us to come get you." Victoria saw right through it. "You don't have to cover for them. I'm not a child. What could be more important than picking up their own daughter? They just didn't want to come." Hearing that, Daisy stepped forward and gently hugged her. Tears slipped down her face. "My poor child, you've suffered so much." Victoria didn't expect the sudden hug. At first, she wanted to pull away, but the warmth of it stopped her. It felt soft and comforting, unlike any embrace she had experienced in twenty years. It was, perhaps, the closest she had ever come to what a mother's embrace should feel like. She let out a quiet sigh. For a moment, she thought that if these two were her real parents, it wouldn't be so bad. After a while, Daisy let go and held her hand. "Go pack your things. We'll take you home today. You won't have to live like this anymore." Victoria nodded. "Okay. Wait for me. I'll go pack." She didn't need to bring clothes. The only things she needed were the medicines she had made. After packing all the bottles of medicine powder and poison powder from the wooden cabinet, Victoria called out, "Blackie, Whitey, Greenie, come out. I'm taking you somewhere new." As soon as she finished, three small snakes slid out from the corners and crawled into a sack. Victoria tied the sack and slung it over her shoulder. Then she took a drum from the old cabinet. After giving the shabby house one last look, she walked outside and began to beat the drum. The loud sound of the drum echoed through the area. Hector and Daisy, waiting outside, looked confused. Before long, the villagers gathered around. They looked at Victoria with concern. "Victoria, what's wrong? What happened?" Victoria set down the drum, cleared her throat, and said, "Everyone, you all know I'm an orphan. I grew up without parents, raised by all of you. "But now I know who my real parents are. It turns out I'm the daughter of the Binder family in Benwig City." The villagers were happy for her at first, but then she continued, "But here's the thing. My real parents knew all along who I was, but they never came to acknowledge me. "And now, the only reason they're taking me back is to make me marry a disabled man in place of their adopted daughter." Hector and Daisy were stunned. They had no idea about any of this. The villagers were furious. "What kind of people are they? They knew you were their real daughter but ignored you all this time, and now they want to use you like this, huh?" "Blind fools! You're such a good girl, and they treat you like a tool, making you marry some cripple instead of their adopted daughter." "Victoria, don't listen to those heartless people." "That's right. Ignore them. We'll go teach them a lesson." "The Binder family? They're nothing special in Benwig City, acting all high and mighty. Victoria, you don't need to go back with them." Victoria raised her hand to quiet them. "Everyone, calm down. I've decided to go back to the Binder family for this arranged marriage. "But I'm going back to teach them a lesson. So I'm telling you all ahead of time. Please help take care of the herbs I just planted in my yard." Even though the villagers didn't really understand, they still respected her choice. "Okay. But if anyone from the Binder family dares to bully you, just call me. I'll get people to take them down," one person said. "That's right. We've got your back," another added. Victoria waved her hand. "Thank you, everyone. That's all I wanted to say. You can all head back now." After that, she turned to Hector and Daisy, who were still waiting, and gave them a light smile. "We can go now." Hector and Daisy were still a little stunned. When they heard her, they finally snapped out of it. "Oh, okay." "Let me carry that." The driver stepped forward and reached for the sack. "Be careful. It's heavy," Victoria said. The driver didn't believe it at first. But the moment he took it with both hands, he almost dropped it on his foot. Victoria blinked at him. "Can you handle it? Don't break anything inside." "No problem." The driver forced a smile, gritted his teeth, and lifted the sack into the trunk. By the time he got back into the driver's seat, he was sweating all over. He hadn't expected Victoria to be this strong despite looking so thin. After getting into the car, Daisy and Hector looked at each other, then kept glancing at Victoria. They seemed to want to say something, but neither of them knew how to start. In the end, Daisy asked, "Victoria, you just told the villagers about marrying a disabled man instead of that adopted daughter. What did you mean?" "You didn't know?" Victoria looked back at her, her eyes narrowing with suspicion. Daisy shook her head. "Hector and I really had no idea. About half a month ago, your parents suddenly told us Angelica wasn't their biological daughter. Then they sent people to look into it. "Just yesterday, they found out their real daughter was living here. That's why they want to bring you back today." Hector nodded to confirm her words. Victoria smiled faintly. "Then why do you think they didn't come themselves?" Daisy fell silent. To her, it was absurd that Victoria's parents would have relatives fetch their biological daughter instead of coming themselves. But the truth would hurt Victoria, so she chose not to say anything. Victoria let out a bitter laugh. "Aunt Daisy, even if you don't say it, I can guess. Just like I said, they don't want to acknowledge me. "They're only bringing me back because they have no choice. They want me to marry that disabled heir in place of their precious adopted daughter." Her gaze was clear and calm, and there was a quiet maturity about her that went far beyond her years. Hector frowned slightly. "Victoria, how did you find out about this arranged marriage?" Victoria smiled. "Secret." On the way, Daisy told her a lot about the Binder family. It wasn't much different from what Mara had already found out. The Binder family was still led by Calvin. He had two sons and one daughter. The eldest son, Hector, was the one who had come to get Victoria, and his wife was Daisy. They didn't have any children. The second son, Darell, was Victoria's biological father. He and his wife, Julia, had two sons and one daughter. The eldest son, Simon, managed the family's entertainment company, Brightstar Entertainment. The second son, Curtis, was a well-known singer under the same company. Then there was the youngest daughter, Angelica. She was considered very outstanding. At just twenty, she had already skipped grades and finished college. She was now preparing to study abroad after getting engaged to the eldest son of the Thornton family. Angelica was the baby who had been switched with Victoria. As for Calvin's daughter, Sirena, she had already married into another wealthy family and only returned for holidays. The drive from the village to Benwig City took six hours over bumpy roads. By the time they arrived, it was dark. "We're here," the driver said as he stopped the car. Victoria looked out the window. In front of her stood a large estate, with several villas spread across it. It looked grand and impressive. The Binder family mansion alone was almost as big as the entire Mullinran Village. Victoria got out of the car and followed Hector and Daisy inside. The head butler, Milton, who had been waiting at the door, stepped forward respectfully. "You're back." He looked at Victoria and gave a polite nod. "This must be Miss Victoria Binder." "Yes," Daisy replied. Then she looked at Victoria gently. "Victoria, go in and meet your parents and brother." Victoria said nothing. She quietly followed them inside. They passed through the wide front yard and stepped into the entrance hall. Standing at the doorway, she quickly scanned the four people sitting on the sofas in the main hall. First, she saw a middle-aged couple dressed in expensive clothes, carrying themselves with an air of wealth and status. Next was a handsome young man who looked a bit rebellious. Finally, there was a beautiful young woman about her age. The corners of her eyes were red, and she looked pitiful, as if she had been crying. None of them looked happy. Their faces were tense, filled with worry. When they looked at her, Victoria caught the flash of disgust in their eyes. A faint smile appeared on her lips. She thought the family was really quite interesting. Chapter 4 Are You an Idiot? "Darell, Julia, I brought your daughter back," Daisy said. She gently patted Victoria on the back. "Victoria, go say hello to your parents and your brother." Victoria didn't move. With a faint, mocking smile, she asked, "Aunt Daisy, are they really my parents and brother?" Daisy froze for a moment, then nodded. "Yes, they are. Why do you ask?" Victoria let out a cold laugh. "I'm supposed to be their daughter and sister, but why do they all look like they can't stand me?" The four people in the room all stiffened. They hadn't expected her to be so direct. Daisy froze again. She wanted to say something, but stopped herself. She knew what Darell and Julia were thinking. They didn't want to accept this daughter because they already had an excellent adopted one. They would rather stay home and comfort their adopted daughter's feelings than spend even a little time going to the village to pick up their real daughter. Simon and Curtis felt the same way. They were closer to the sister they had lived with for twenty years. None of them wanted to hurt her feelings just to pick up Victoria. Simon didn't even bother to show up; he was still at work. In the end, Daisy couldn't take it anymore and offered to go with Hector to bring Victoria home. What she didn't expect was that even after Victoria came back, Darell and Julia still acted like this. They didn't even try to hide it. Julia looked at Darell, and he looked back at her. In that brief exchange, they reached an understanding. Victoria clearly wasn't as quiet and easy to control as they had thought. They couldn't just brush her aside. If they wanted her to willingly take Angelica's place in the marriage to Jackson later, they would have to act nice and coax her a little. Julia hesitated, then forced herself to stand up. She put on a pained expression and walked toward Victoria. "My child, you've suffered so much out there." Victoria stepped aside slightly and avoided her touch. "Stop pretending. I don't see any concern in your eyes." Julia froze in place. A wave of anger rose inside her. She had lowered herself to show kindness, yet Victoria had refused it and embarrassed her in front of everyone. But to her, Victoria's lack of manners was no surprise. She had grown up in the countryside without her parents and had never been properly brought up. Julia forced a stiff smile. "I carried you for ten months. Of course, it hurts me to know you've suffered." Victoria sneered, "Is that so? If you really feel that way, why didn't you come pick me up today? Why did you send Uncle Hector and Aunt Daisy instead?" Daisy wanted to speak, but Hector gently held her hand and shook his head. He said quietly, "Daisy, we've already brought her back. What happens now is their family matter. Let them handle it. Let's go home." Daisy looked at Victoria, her eyes full of worry and sympathy. But she knew Hector was right. This was between Victoria and her parents. No matter what happened, she had no right to interfere. "Julia, now that Victoria is back, you should treat her well. Don't hurt her again. Daisy and I will head back now," Hector said politely, hoping his words would help a little. Darell nodded. "Thank you for your help today." Daisy said gently, "Victoria, we are leaving. If you need anything, come find us at Goldenwood Villa on the east side." With that, she reluctantly turned and left. Victoria watched them walk away, then quickly looked away. Once they were gone, Julia finally breathed a sigh of relief. "This is all my fault. Your father and I didn't go pick you up ourselves because I'm very emotional. "I was afraid that if I saw how poorly you were living, I wouldn't be able to handle it. So I stayed home to calm myself and prepare to welcome you." She was lying. Actually, after Angelica found out last night that she wasn't their real daughter, she had been upset the whole night. This morning, she was so distracted that she couldn't even eat. Julia felt sorry for her and stayed home to comfort her. Victoria's eyes were full of sarcasm. "So what exactly did you prepare for me?" Julia quickly said, "I've already cleaned up a room for you. Come, I'll show you." She reached for Victoria's hand again, but Victoria dodged her once more. "So cleaning a room was more important than coming to pick me up yourself." Julia's hand hung in the air. A trace of impatience flashed across her eyes. "Forget the room. I'm not even sure I'll stay," Victoria said. Then she pointed at the young woman about her age. "Who is she?" Angelica froze. Her eyes instantly turned red. She gently tugged on Curtis's sleeve. Curtis held her hand and said softly, "Angelica, don't be afraid." After comforting her, Curtis looked at Victoria coldly. His tone turned sharp. "I'm your brother, Curtis. And she's my sister, Angelica." He deliberately stressed the words "my sister." "I see." Victoria's voice carried a hint of sarcasm. "So that means she's the adopted daughter who was switched with me, right?" Angelica's hand trembled. Tears gathered in her eyes, ready to fall. Curtis's face darkened. He emphasized, "In my heart, Angelica is my real sister." Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Calling her your real sister? Are you an idiot?" Everyone except Victoria froze at her words. Curtis stared at her in disbelief. "You just called me an idiot, huh?" Victoria laughed mockingly. "Yeah. Did I say anything wrong? Don't you know her mother was the one who secretly switched us back then?" Angelica's birth mother, Jasmine, had worked as a customer service representative at a postpartum care center. When Julia was three months pregnant, she started looking for a high-end center, and Jasmine had served her. By coincidence, Jasmine was also pregnant at the time. When she realized Julia was wealthy, she started having bad thoughts. She secretly followed Julia to find out which center she chose and forced herself to spend the money to book the same one. During the recovery period after giving birth, Jasmine secretly switched her own daughter with Julia's without anyone noticing. At the time, Angelica had an allergic rash on her face. Julia didn't realize anything was wrong, and when she left the center, she took Angelica home. Angelica bit her lip. Tears finally streamed down her face. "I'm sorry." Curtis held her cold hand tightly and gently said, "Angelica, this has nothing to do with you." Then he turned to Victoria, his voice full of anger. "Yes, her mother switched you back then. But Angelica is innocent. She didn't know anything about it." Victoria laughed out loud, her eyes full of ridicule. "Oh, she's innocent? She spent twenty years enjoying my life, living in comfort and luxury. "And me? I was thrown into a trash can by her cruel mother in the freezing cold. If no one had found me, I would have died right after I was born." Chapter 5 I'll Leave Victoria's words left Curtis speechless. He had just started to feel a bit guilty when Angelica suddenly broke down in tears again. She said, "I'm sorry. It's all my fault. It's my fault for having a mother like that. Victoria, if you hate me, you can hit me or yell at me, but please don't blame Curtis." As she spoke, she struggled to pull free from Curtis's hand. With a determined look, she bit her lip and ran toward Victoria. "Angelica!" Curtis panicked and quickly got up to follow her. Angelica ran up to Victoria and was about to bow, but Curtis caught up just in time and pulled her back. "Angelica, what are you doing? This isn't your fault. It's your mother's fault." Victoria watched the whole scene and suddenly laughed. She even clapped her hands like she was watching a show. "This is really something. Are you putting on a pity act for me?" The small bit of guilt Curtis had felt disappeared right away. After helping Angelica steady herself, he looked at Victoria coldly. "Why are you being so unreasonable?" he asked. "Angelica already apologized sincerely, and you're still mocking her." "I'm not just mocking her. I'm mocking all of you," Victoria said. "Her mother planned everything, found a way to switch us, and let her take twenty years of the life that should have been mine. "Now that I'm back, you guys are still protecting her right in front of me. It's a shame that I ended up with a family like this." Curtis's face darkened even more. Julia looked helplessly at Darell. She hadn't expected Victoria to be so stubborn and didn't know how to deal with her. No matter how she looked at it, Julia just couldn't bring herself to like Victoria. Darell, who had been silent until now, finally spoke up. "That's enough, Victoria. Angelica's mother has already been punished. Angelica is alone now, with no one to rely on. "Your mother and I raised her for twenty years. We can't just throw her out. The Binder family has more than enough. Keeping her here is no big deal. She won't affect you." But Victoria didn't accept that. "If it's really no big deal, then she can live anywhere. Why does she have to stay here and bother me? "Every time I see her, I'm reminded of everything I went through after being switched." Darell didn't expect her to keep pushing like this. Just like Julia, he began to feel more and more resistant toward Victoria. Compared to Angelica, who was gentle and understanding, Victoria seemed completely rude to him. Angelica bit her lip and let her tears fall silently. She looked pitiful, making it hard not to feel sorry for her. Seeing how aggressive Victoria was, Curtis finally lost his temper. "So you won't be satisfied unless we send Angelica away, huh?" Victoria nodded. "That's right. We're not both living here. It's one or the other." As soon as she said that, everyone's faces darkened. "I don't want to leave you," Angelica said through her tears, looking completely wronged. It made anyone who saw her feel bad. Curtis held her hand tightly. "Angelica, don't worry. You don't have to go anywhere. As long as I'm here, I won't let anyone drive you out of the Binder family. You'll always be my sister. You're part of us." Victoria raised an eyebrow. "So you want me to leave, huh?" Julia was already at her limit, but she forced herself to stay calm. "Victoria, you just got back. You don't really know Angelica yet. "She's kind and understanding. Once you spend some time with her, you'll accept her. Her staying here won't affect your place. No matter what, you're our real daughter." Victoria sneered, "Really? Then why did all of you look disgusted the moment you saw me? Is it because I'm not as pretty as her? Or because I'm not as refined? "But have you forgotten? If we had never been switched, the pretty, refined one would be me. Everything she has now was built on the suffering I endured for her." Julia froze and quickly shook her head. "That's not it. We just haven't adjusted yet." "You need time to adjust to your own daughter, huh? Then why didn't Uncle Hector and Aunt Daisy need time when they saw me?" Victoria pressed. Julia had no answer. But she thought it was because Hector and Daisy had no children, so of course, they would be happy. She took a deep breath and softened her voice. "Victoria, we won't treat you badly from now on. Your living expenses will be the same as Angelica's. Your father and I won't favor one over the other." Victoria gave a faint, mocking smile. "Should I thank you for that? Honestly, for me, not favoring one over the other is already the biggest favoritism. "You two are really kind. You don't want your own daughter, but you're willing to spend money raising the daughter of someone who ruined my life. I've never seen people this generous." Julia held back her anger and continued, "Victoria, stop making trouble. You're my real daughter. We finally found you. How could we let you keep suffering out there?" Victoria replied, "So you knew I was suffering. While I was suffering, that criminal's daughter was living here, enjoying everything you gave her in my place. "And now, on the very first day I come back, you're ready to push me away again." Curtis said coldly, "Get this straight. We're not pushing you away. You're the one making things difficult. You could stay here peacefully, but you refuse to accept Angelica." "How could I accept the daughter of a criminal?" Victoria asked. "If I hadn't been lucky enough to survive, her mother would be both a trafficker and a murderer. "She committed the crime, but her daughter hasn't been punished at all. Why should she get to keep living this rich, comfortable life as if nothing had happened?" Angelica's body swayed. Curtis quickly held her steady, his anger finally breaking through. "With your attitude, do you even deserve to stay here while Angelica leaves?" "Of course I do. First, I'm a Binder by blood. Second, unlike you, I'm not an idiot." After snapping at him, Victoria lost her patience. "Have you decided? Is she leaving, or am I?" Curtis pulled Angelica into his arms protectively and said firmly, "Dad, Mom, if I have to choose, then I only recognize Angelica as my sister." "Good. One vote." Victoria raised her index finger and then looked at Julia. "What about you?" Julia forced down her frustration and said gently, "Victoria, don't do this—" "Alright, that's two votes," Victoria said, not even bothering to listen. She turned to Darell. "Your vote doesn't matter anymore. There are already two votes for Angelica. Fine. Since that's the case, she stays. I'll leave." A trace of anxiety flashed in Angelica's eyes. If Victoria really left, there would be no one to take her place in marrying Jackson. ------ 👇👇👇 There are limited chapters to put here, click “continue reading” to open App to continue reading (It will automatically jump to the book)
When a killer came in the night, Victoria Binder didn’t scream—she fought. And she won, burying the proof in her own garden. That was just the beginning. Unveiled as the lost heiress to a mighty fortune, Victoria returned to a family that despised her. She wasn’t there for their love. She was there for what was hers: the power, the legacy, the truth. ------ Chapter 1 I Want to Marry You "Victoria, we need to break up. It turns out I'm actually the heir to the Fairbank family, one of the most powerful families in Benwig City. You're just a country girl who sells herbs. You're not good enough for me anymore." Victoria Binder had just received a call from her boyfriend, Gavin Alvarado—no, Gavin Fairbank now. She had been about to tell him that she was the long-lost daughter of a wealthy family herself, but before she could say a word, she heard him claim she wasn't good enough for him. She let out a silent, cold laugh. The medicinal herbs she grew were incredibly valuable. Countless rich and influential families were trying to buy them at high prices. Her products had even appeared several times at the largest auction house in Benwig City. Gavin's arrogant voice came through the phone again. "With my status now, I need to marry a proper heiress from a family that matches mine. "But since we dated for two months, I won't treat you badly. Before I marry someone suitable, you can stay with me. Even after I get married, I can still keep you as my—" Before he could finish, Victoria snapped, "Asshole. If you want to break up, then we're done." She hung up immediately. The handsome man standing in front of her, Jackson Thornton, raised an eyebrow. He had been waiting for her response. He smiled. "So? You just found out you're the heiress of the Binder family, one of the richest families in Benwig City, and you still got dumped?" Victoria looked up at him and smiled brightly. "Funny coincidence. He just told me that he's the heir to a wealthy family in Benwig City and that I'm not good enough for him." Then her expression shifted, turning doubtful. "Wait a second. This whole thing about being the real daughter or real son of some rich family... Isn't that some new kind of scam going around?" Jackson paused for a moment, then smiled. "Of course not. You really are the true daughter of the Binder family." Victoria gave a nonchalant hum. She took the basket off her back, sat down on a chair, and began sorting the herbs she had just picked. "Then who are you?" she asked. "Why are you the one coming to find me instead of my biological parents?" Jackson glanced at the shabby house in front of him, then looked at Victoria, who sat casually on a small stool. He said, "If nothing unexpected happens, I'll soon be your fiancé. I'm Jackson, the eldest son of the Thornton family in Benwig City." Victoria almost slipped off her stool. She stared at him in shock. "What? Fiancé?" "That's right. But as you can see, I'm disabled now. I lost the use of my legs last month." Sitting in his wheelchair, Jackson lifted a hand and pointed at his legs, giving a helpless smile. "I see. And what does that have to do with you coming to find me today?" Victoria asked. Then she suddenly understood. "Wait. Are you saying that I'm the real daughter of the wealthy Binder family, and that they're planning to bring me back and have me marry you?" Jackson nodded, a hint of admiration in his eyes. "Exactly." Victoria's gaze flickered. Jackson continued, "Because of my legs, I'm about to be dumped. Just like you." Victoria caught on quickly. "So the one who was supposed to marry you was the Binder family's adopted daughter. But now that you're disabled, she doesn't want to marry you anymore." Jackson nodded again. "Yes. That's exactly it." Victoria almost let out a bitter laugh. "Then why don't you look upset at all?" Jackson said calmly, "You just got dumped by your boyfriend, and you don't look upset either." "He's just trash. Good riddance." Victoria curled her lips in disdain. Jackson studied her, the admiration in his eyes deepening. "You're surprisingly chill about it." Victoria let out a small scoff. "Of course. Why waste time and energy feeling bad over someone who isn't worth it?" She had started dating Gavin after saving his life by chance two years ago. After that, he had chased after her nonstop, using gratitude as an excuse. For two whole years, he acted devoted, as if he would never marry anyone but her. He didn't seem to have any serious flaws. She figured having a man around could help her take care of the herb garden and keep other men from bothering her, so she agreed to date him. But she never expected that the moment Gavin found out he was the heir to a wealthy family, he would turn on her so quickly. Jackson smiled. "Same here. She's trash anyway. Better not to marry her." There had never been anything between him and Angelica Binder. Their engagement had only been arranged by his grandfather for a business alliance. Now that his legs were disabled, Angelica's parents naturally didn't want her to marry him anymore. But the Thornton family was the most powerful family in Benwig City, with huge wealth and influence. They weren't willing to give up the alliance, either. In the end, they planned to have their biological daughter, Victoria, marry him in Angelica's place. Victoria went straight to the point. "It's just strange. How could it be such a coincidence? Right after your legs were disabled, my birth parents suddenly found me and decided to have me marry you instead of their adopted daughter." She let out a cold, mocking laugh. "Looks like they always knew I was their real daughter. I just had no value to them, so they left me out here all this time and never brought me home." Jackson didn't try to comfort her with lies. "I think you're right." Victoria gave a cold sneer. If that was true, then her birth parents were even more heartless than she had thought. Still, one thing didn't make sense to her. "Since you already know what the Binder family is planning, why not just give up on the alliance? Why walk straight into their trap?" "I had someone look into you," Jackson said calmly. "You sell medicine, and you're pretty well-known around here. "I heard you've treated quite a few difficult cases with your own methods. My legs are disabled. Over the past month, I've invited top doctors from all over the country, but none of them could help. "So I came here myself to see if marrying you would be a trap or a chance for me." He didn't hide why he came. Victoria found him interesting. She shrugged. "Well, you've seen me now. I'm just a wild country girl. My birth parents, the ones I've never even met, clearly don't like me. "Do you still want to marry someone like me? I'm just a real daughter who isn't valued and is just being used as a substitute bride." Jackson looked at her closely. At first glance, she wasn't the delicate type raised in comfort. Her skin wasn't soft. It had a light wheat tone that made her look healthy and full of life. But if one looked more carefully, her features were actually very refined. Her eyes were bright and clear, and there was strength in the way she looked at people. There was no trace of disrespect in Jackson's gaze. He looked sincere. "Yes. After meeting you, I'm sure I want to marry you. I just don't know if you're willing to give me a chance." Victoria studied his face. She had to admit that he was strikingly handsome, the kind of man who wouldn't be forgotten even in a huge crowd. His features were sharp, and his face was well-defined. What stood out the most was his eyes. Even after going through something as serious as losing the use of his legs, they were still clear. There was no bitterness or confusion. Victoria glanced at his legs again. "What's going on with them?" "They were broken with a wooden club last month," Jackson said. "I've had many well-known doctors take a look. They all said my legs are beyond saving. I'll never stand again." "Pull up your pant legs. Let me see," said Victoria. "Okay." Jackson did as she said, lifting his pant legs to reveal his knees and lower legs, covered in scars. Victoria's expression darkened. She set the herbs aside, stood up, and walked over to him. Then she bent down and pressed carefully on his knees. The pain made Jackson frown, but he didn't make a sound. "They can be treated," Victoria said firmly. Hope lit up in Jackson's eyes at once. Thinking about how her birth parents had ignored her existence for so many years, Victoria made up her mind. She would go back to Benwig City and take her place as the Binder family's true daughter. She wanted to meet them face to face. She clapped her hands lightly and sat back down on the small stool. "I can marry you." Jackson raised an eyebrow. "Do you have any conditions?" Victoria tilted her head and smiled brightly. "Listen to you. Do I need conditions to marry you? You're so good-looking. If I fix your legs, I'll be the one getting the better deal." Jackson hadn't expected her to be so straightforward. His brow lifted higher, and he let out a soft laugh. "Alright. Then it's settled. I'll wait for you to return to the Binder family." Chapter 2 A Welcome Gift After Jackson left his phone number with Victoria, he left the village with his assistant, Ollie Rowse. Victoria watched him go, her eyes growing thoughtful. She took out her phone and dialed a number. "Mara, I need you to look into everyone in the Binder family in Benwig City right away. Focus on their daughter. I want everything you can find, and I want it by tonight." "Yes, boss," Mara replied. After hanging up, Victoria's gaze turned even sharper. Ford had once told her about that freezing winter night twenty years ago. He had been on his way to settle down in a small southern town when he heard a baby crying from inside a trash bin. He got out of the car to check and found a baby girl, not even a month old, her skin red from the cold. If she hadn't been crying so loudly, and if he hadn't happened to pass that deserted road, she would have died quietly in that trash bin. That baby was Victoria. Ford gave her that name, hoping she would grow up strong and tough no matter what life threw at her. Even on his deathbed, Ford never stopped looking for her biological parents. And all this time, Victoria had believed they must have abandoned her because they had no other choice. But now, it seemed that wasn't true. Her biological parents didn't want her and had no intention of taking her back. If it weren't for the adopted daughter they had raised for twenty years, Victoria might have gone her whole life without parents. Just then, someone called out from outside, "Victoria, who was that man in the nice car looking for you?" It was Stephan, a middle-aged man from next door. He spent most of his time up in the mountains hunting herbs. Victoria put her phone away and walked out, smiling at him. "To be honest with you, that was my fiancé." Stephan looked surprised. "Your fiancé? You have good taste. He's a handsome man. Why didn't you ask him to stay for dinner?" "He had things to take care of in the city. He couldn't stay today," Victoria said. "Next time he comes, make sure he stays for a meal. Everything we eat here is grown by us. Let him try it. It's much better and healthier than city food," Stephan said. "I will," Victoria said with a smile. Stephan grabbed his tools and headed up into the mountains. Only after he left did Victoria go back inside to keep sorting the herbs she had picked. ***** After leaving Mullinran Village, Ollie, who was driving, glanced at Jackson's calm face in the rearview mirror and asked carefully, "Mr. Thornton, are you really going to marry her? "You saw it yourself. Her own parents don't even want her. She makes a living selling herbs and doing some basic medical work. "You just went through something serious, and this is when you need support the most. Marrying her won't help you secure your position in the Thornton family." Jackson shifted his gaze away from the fields outside the window and gently rubbed the petals of a purple flower he had picked from Victoria's doorstep. He asked, "Ollie, do you remember six months ago, when my grandfather was seriously ill and needed a very rare herb to survive?" Ollie wasn't sure why he changed the subject, but he nodded. "Of course. That herb showed up at the biggest auction house in Benwig City. You spent 30 million dollars to get it." "Didn't you notice? That same rare herb was hanging casually on the wall of her simple, run-down house," Jackson said. That one bundle alone would be worth a fortune at any auction in Benwig City. "What?" Ollie was stunned. From the moment they walked into Victoria's house, he had only noticed how shabby it looked and missed everything else. Now it finally clicked. "Do you mean her background might not be as simple as it seems?" Jackson lifted the purple flower to his nose and took a light breath. "I can't say for sure what her background is yet. But one thing is clear. Her medical skills are far from simple." Ollie understood right away. If that was true, then there was real hope for Jackson's legs. Still, he couldn't help asking, "If all you want is to fix your legs, you could just pay her a large amount of money. There's no need to marry her." Jackson blinked and slowly turned the flower between his fingers. A faint smile appeared on his lips. "What if I said I fell for her at first sight? Would you believe me?" Ollie paused and looked at him again through the rearview mirror. He seemed calm. He wasn't exactly joking, but he wasn't completely serious, either. But Jackson rarely joked, so Ollie couldn't tell how much of it was real. In the end, he chose to believe him. "I believe you." "Good. In my eyes, she is already my fiancée. From now on, you need to treat her with respect," Jackson said. "Understood." Ollie nodded. Jackson wasn't joking. When it came to love, he had never believed in feelings that grew over time. To him, if there was no spark at first sight, then staying together would only lead to a relationship based on weighing pros and cons, not the kind of love that made his heart race. That was why, when his grandfather arranged his engagement to Angelica, he had agreed for practical reasons alone. But when he saw Victoria, everything changed. It felt like the world spun around him, and everything else faded away. In his eyes, she was the only color left. He couldn't explain why it had to be her. Maybe it was that moment when their eyes met, when the light in hers pulled him in like a whirlpool. Jackson picked up a book from the car and carefully placed the small purple flower between its pages. Then he closed the book and shut his eyes. ***** At eight that evening, Victoria had just finished bringing in the herbs she had been drying on the roof when her phone rang. She set the herbs aside, brushed the dust off her hands, and picked up the call. Mara's cool voice came through. "Boss, I found what you asked for. The Binder family has only one daughter. She was born to the second son, Darell, and his wife, Julia. Her name is Angelica. She's the same age as you. "She's very spoiled at home. Two months ago, Darell arranged a great marriage for her. She's engaged to Jackson, the eldest son of the Thornton family, the most powerful family in Benwig City. "Jackson had already been chosen by his grandfather, Gerry, as the next heir. But last month, he had an accident. Someone broke both his legs, and the announcement was put on hold." "What is Angelica like?" Victoria asked. "She has a very good reputation. She's beautiful and talented. A lot of rich young men in Benwig City admire her. That's probably why she gained Gerry's approval for the marriage," Mara said. Victoria let out a cold laugh to herself. She didn't believe for a second that Angelica's perfect life came without tricks. "Got it. Now find out if Angelica is really Darell and Julia's biological daughter," Victoria said. "You're focusing on the Binder family, especially Angelica. What are you planning to do?" Mara asked. "I'm going back to take my place," Victoria said. A faint spark lit up in her deep eyes. She found the idea of being the Binder family's real daughter interesting. Victoria had many identities. The one she used the most was a village herbalist and healer. In her daily life, she spent time with her retired scientist friends in the village, growing new herbs and developing new medicines. Over the years, she had cultivated twenty kinds of rare medicinal plants. Because they were so hard to produce, they sold for extremely high prices. Any one of them, if sold at auction in Benwig City, could earn more than most people made in a lifetime. On top of that, she was skilled in traditional medical techniques. When she treated regular villagers, she charged normal fees. But when rich families or powerful figures came to her, her starting fee was three million dollars. Of course, she guaranteed results. If she couldn't cure them, she wouldn't take a single dollar. This identity alone had already made her very rich. Money no longer meant much to her. So when her ex-boyfriend, Gavin, said she wasn't good enough for him, she found it almost funny. If she wanted, she could build her own place in Benwig City without relying on anyone. Over the years, all her different identities had started to feel dull. It was time to try something new. And she had to admit, Jackson impressed her. Out of all the people she had treated, none had faced sudden injury like he did, so calm and steady. His willpower was strong. He was someone who would go far. He was handsome and capable. It would be a waste for him to stay crippled. So she would fix his legs. Mara quickly understood, her voice turning serious. "Understood, boss. I'll get on it right away." ***** Late that night, Victoria was fast asleep when she heard wood cracking outside. Her eyes opened at once, sharp and alert, and she turned toward the sound. Anyone showing up at this hour without warning was not from the village. She had spread powders around her home to keep wild animals away, so no beasts would come near. That left only one answer. Someone had broken in. Victoria got up quietly and, using the moonlight, moved to hide behind the door. Soon, her old wooden door was kicked open, and a shadow rushed inside. She hadn't expected him to be so bold, barging in instead of sneaking around. She flicked a silver needle straight at him. The man let out a low groan and dropped to the ground. Victoria turned on the light, filling the room with brightness. She kicked him aside and finally saw his face clearly. He looked like a hardened criminal. She grabbed a rope, walked over, and tied up his hands and feet. Once he was secured, she took out a needle and stuck it into his neck. Within seconds, he woke up. Victoria sat on the bed, crossing her legs as she played with another needle. "If you don't want to suffer, you'd better tell me the truth. Who sent you?" The man quickly sized up the situation. "People who hire killers stay anonymous. Who would be stupid enough to give their name? But they said that if I raped you, they would get me out of the country safely." Victoria's eyes turned cold and sharp. If he needed to run overseas, that meant he was already a wanted criminal. The man hurried to beg, "I've told you everything I know. Let me go. I won't take this job anymore." Victoria nodded. "Fine." She walked over, pulled out the needle, and untied the ropes. "You can leave." The man rubbed his wrists. "Thanks—" Before he could finish, his face suddenly changed. He lifted his leg and tried to kick Victoria in the knee. But the moment his foot rose, a sharp pain shot through him. Then his whole body went numb. He couldn't move. He looked down in terror. A small black snake had bitten his ankle. "How is there a poisonous snake here—" Before he could finish, blood burst from his throat. His body fell stiffly to the ground. After a few jerks, he went still. Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Trying to kill me in my place? You asked for it. Good job, Blackie. Go rest." The little black snake slipped into a dark corner and quickly disappeared. Victoria picked up a hoe, stuffed the body into a large basket, and lifted it onto her back with ease. She carried it outside and buried it near her vegetable garden. It would make good fertilizer for her herbs. After that, she let out a long breath, brushed off her hands, and looked up at the nearly full moon. She had just learned who she really was, and someone had already sent a man to ruin her. It seemed that someone had prepared a "welcome gift" for her in advance. Chapter 3 We've Got Your Back The next day at noon, a black Bentley worth 1.5 million dollars stopped in front of Victoria's house. Victoria was grinding the herbs she had picked the day before. When she heard the car, she glanced out the window and checked the license plate. It was from Benwig City, just as she expected. She finished grinding the herbs, put them into jars, brushed the dust off her hands, and walked outside. She went straight to the car and knocked on the window. A moment later, the window slid down, revealing the still handsome face of a middle-aged man—Hector Binder. He looked about fifty, with neatly slicked-back hair. A woman sat beside him. She looked about the same age. Even though she wasn't young anymore, she had taken good care of herself and looked as if she were in her thirties. Her features were still soft and beautiful. Victoria didn't waste time. "Are you here for me?" Hector, sitting in the back seat, looked at her, then at the photo in his hand. His eyes lit up. "Daisy, it's her. She's the one we're looking for." Daisy's eyes filled with excitement, even shining with tears. "Yes, it's her. No mistake." They quickly opened the door, got out of the car, and walked over to Victoria. Hector nodded. "Yes. You're the real daughter the Binder family lost years ago. We're here to take you back." Victoria looked straight into his eyes. He seemed like a decent man, and the excitement in his expression matched Daisy's. It didn't look fake. This couple didn't seem to have anything to do with what happened to her last night. Hector paused, a little surprised. "How did you know we were coming?" But he didn't dwell on it. Instead, he explained, "You are the young lady of the Binder family. "When you were little, someone switched you with another baby. That's why you ended up here. You've suffered for twenty years, living away from your real home." As soon as he finished, Daisy started to choke up. "Poor child." Victoria stayed calm. "So, are you my parents?" Hector and Daisy froze. They exchanged a look, then answered awkwardly, "No. We're your uncle and aunt." Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Then why aren't my parents here? Why did they send you instead?" Daisy looked uneasy. "Something came up at home. They couldn't leave, so they asked us to come get you." Victoria saw right through it. "You don't have to cover for them. I'm not a child. What could be more important than picking up their own daughter? They just didn't want to come." Hearing that, Daisy stepped forward and gently hugged her. Tears slipped down her face. "My poor child, you've suffered so much." Victoria didn't expect the sudden hug. At first, she wanted to pull away, but the warmth of it stopped her. It felt soft and comforting, unlike any embrace she had experienced in twenty years. It was, perhaps, the closest she had ever come to what a mother's embrace should feel like. She let out a quiet sigh. For a moment, she thought that if these two were her real parents, it wouldn't be so bad. After a while, Daisy let go and held her hand. "Go pack your things. We'll take you home today. You won't have to live like this anymore." Victoria nodded. "Okay. Wait for me. I'll go pack." She didn't need to bring clothes. The only things she needed were the medicines she had made. After packing all the bottles of medicine powder and poison powder from the wooden cabinet, Victoria called out, "Blackie, Whitey, Greenie, come out. I'm taking you somewhere new." As soon as she finished, three small snakes slid out from the corners and crawled into a sack. Victoria tied the sack and slung it over her shoulder. Then she took a drum from the old cabinet. After giving the shabby house one last look, she walked outside and began to beat the drum. The loud sound of the drum echoed through the area. Hector and Daisy, waiting outside, looked confused. Before long, the villagers gathered around. They looked at Victoria with concern. "Victoria, what's wrong? What happened?" Victoria set down the drum, cleared her throat, and said, "Everyone, you all know I'm an orphan. I grew up without parents, raised by all of you. "But now I know who my real parents are. It turns out I'm the daughter of the Binder family in Benwig City." The villagers were happy for her at first, but then she continued, "But here's the thing. My real parents knew all along who I was, but they never came to acknowledge me. "And now, the only reason they're taking me back is to make me marry a disabled man in place of their adopted daughter." Hector and Daisy were stunned. They had no idea about any of this. The villagers were furious. "What kind of people are they? They knew you were their real daughter but ignored you all this time, and now they want to use you like this, huh?" "Blind fools! You're such a good girl, and they treat you like a tool, making you marry some cripple instead of their adopted daughter." "Victoria, don't listen to those heartless people." "That's right. Ignore them. We'll go teach them a lesson." "The Binder family? They're nothing special in Benwig City, acting all high and mighty. Victoria, you don't need to go back with them." Victoria raised her hand to quiet them. "Everyone, calm down. I've decided to go back to the Binder family for this arranged marriage. "But I'm going back to teach them a lesson. So I'm telling you all ahead of time. Please help take care of the herbs I just planted in my yard." Even though the villagers didn't really understand, they still respected her choice. "Okay. But if anyone from the Binder family dares to bully you, just call me. I'll get people to take them down," one person said. "That's right. We've got your back," another added. Victoria waved her hand. "Thank you, everyone. That's all I wanted to say. You can all head back now." After that, she turned to Hector and Daisy, who were still waiting, and gave them a light smile. "We can go now." Hector and Daisy were still a little stunned. When they heard her, they finally snapped out of it. "Oh, okay." "Let me carry that." The driver stepped forward and reached for the sack. "Be careful. It's heavy," Victoria said. The driver didn't believe it at first. But the moment he took it with both hands, he almost dropped it on his foot. Victoria blinked at him. "Can you handle it? Don't break anything inside." "No problem." The driver forced a smile, gritted his teeth, and lifted the sack into the trunk. By the time he got back into the driver's seat, he was sweating all over. He hadn't expected Victoria to be this strong despite looking so thin. After getting into the car, Daisy and Hector looked at each other, then kept glancing at Victoria. They seemed to want to say something, but neither of them knew how to start. In the end, Daisy asked, "Victoria, you just told the villagers about marrying a disabled man instead of that adopted daughter. What did you mean?" "You didn't know?" Victoria looked back at her, her eyes narrowing with suspicion. Daisy shook her head. "Hector and I really had no idea. About half a month ago, your parents suddenly told us Angelica wasn't their biological daughter. Then they sent people to look into it. "Just yesterday, they found out their real daughter was living here. That's why they want to bring you back today." Hector nodded to confirm her words. Victoria smiled faintly. "Then why do you think they didn't come themselves?" Daisy fell silent. To her, it was absurd that Victoria's parents would have relatives fetch their biological daughter instead of coming themselves. But the truth would hurt Victoria, so she chose not to say anything. Victoria let out a bitter laugh. "Aunt Daisy, even if you don't say it, I can guess. Just like I said, they don't want to acknowledge me. "They're only bringing me back because they have no choice. They want me to marry that disabled heir in place of their precious adopted daughter." Her gaze was clear and calm, and there was a quiet maturity about her that went far beyond her years. Hector frowned slightly. "Victoria, how did you find out about this arranged marriage?" Victoria smiled. "Secret." On the way, Daisy told her a lot about the Binder family. It wasn't much different from what Mara had already found out. The Binder family was still led by Calvin. He had two sons and one daughter. The eldest son, Hector, was the one who had come to get Victoria, and his wife was Daisy. They didn't have any children. The second son, Darell, was Victoria's biological father. He and his wife, Julia, had two sons and one daughter. The eldest son, Simon, managed the family's entertainment company, Brightstar Entertainment. The second son, Curtis, was a well-known singer under the same company. Then there was the youngest daughter, Angelica. She was considered very outstanding. At just twenty, she had already skipped grades and finished college. She was now preparing to study abroad after getting engaged to the eldest son of the Thornton family. Angelica was the baby who had been switched with Victoria. As for Calvin's daughter, Sirena, she had already married into another wealthy family and only returned for holidays. The drive from the village to Benwig City took six hours over bumpy roads. By the time they arrived, it was dark. "We're here," the driver said as he stopped the car. Victoria looked out the window. In front of her stood a large estate, with several villas spread across it. It looked grand and impressive. The Binder family mansion alone was almost as big as the entire Mullinran Village. Victoria got out of the car and followed Hector and Daisy inside. The head butler, Milton, who had been waiting at the door, stepped forward respectfully. "You're back." He looked at Victoria and gave a polite nod. "This must be Miss Victoria Binder." "Yes," Daisy replied. Then she looked at Victoria gently. "Victoria, go in and meet your parents and brother." Victoria said nothing. She quietly followed them inside. They passed through the wide front yard and stepped into the entrance hall. Standing at the doorway, she quickly scanned the four people sitting on the sofas in the main hall. First, she saw a middle-aged couple dressed in expensive clothes, carrying themselves with an air of wealth and status. Next was a handsome young man who looked a bit rebellious. Finally, there was a beautiful young woman about her age. The corners of her eyes were red, and she looked pitiful, as if she had been crying. None of them looked happy. Their faces were tense, filled with worry. When they looked at her, Victoria caught the flash of disgust in their eyes. A faint smile appeared on her lips. She thought the family was really quite interesting. Chapter 4 Are You an Idiot? "Darell, Julia, I brought your daughter back," Daisy said. She gently patted Victoria on the back. "Victoria, go say hello to your parents and your brother." Victoria didn't move. With a faint, mocking smile, she asked, "Aunt Daisy, are they really my parents and brother?" Daisy froze for a moment, then nodded. "Yes, they are. Why do you ask?" Victoria let out a cold laugh. "I'm supposed to be their daughter and sister, but why do they all look like they can't stand me?" The four people in the room all stiffened. They hadn't expected her to be so direct. Daisy froze again. She wanted to say something, but stopped herself. She knew what Darell and Julia were thinking. They didn't want to accept this daughter because they already had an excellent adopted one. They would rather stay home and comfort their adopted daughter's feelings than spend even a little time going to the village to pick up their real daughter. Simon and Curtis felt the same way. They were closer to the sister they had lived with for twenty years. None of them wanted to hurt her feelings just to pick up Victoria. Simon didn't even bother to show up; he was still at work. In the end, Daisy couldn't take it anymore and offered to go with Hector to bring Victoria home. What she didn't expect was that even after Victoria came back, Darell and Julia still acted like this. They didn't even try to hide it. Julia looked at Darell, and he looked back at her. In that brief exchange, they reached an understanding. Victoria clearly wasn't as quiet and easy to control as they had thought. They couldn't just brush her aside. If they wanted her to willingly take Angelica's place in the marriage to Jackson later, they would have to act nice and coax her a little. Julia hesitated, then forced herself to stand up. She put on a pained expression and walked toward Victoria. "My child, you've suffered so much out there." Victoria stepped aside slightly and avoided her touch. "Stop pretending. I don't see any concern in your eyes." Julia froze in place. A wave of anger rose inside her. She had lowered herself to show kindness, yet Victoria had refused it and embarrassed her in front of everyone. But to her, Victoria's lack of manners was no surprise. She had grown up in the countryside without her parents and had never been properly brought up. Julia forced a stiff smile. "I carried you for ten months. Of course, it hurts me to know you've suffered." Victoria sneered, "Is that so? If you really feel that way, why didn't you come pick me up today? Why did you send Uncle Hector and Aunt Daisy instead?" Daisy wanted to speak, but Hector gently held her hand and shook his head. He said quietly, "Daisy, we've already brought her back. What happens now is their family matter. Let them handle it. Let's go home." Daisy looked at Victoria, her eyes full of worry and sympathy. But she knew Hector was right. This was between Victoria and her parents. No matter what happened, she had no right to interfere. "Julia, now that Victoria is back, you should treat her well. Don't hurt her again. Daisy and I will head back now," Hector said politely, hoping his words would help a little. Darell nodded. "Thank you for your help today." Daisy said gently, "Victoria, we are leaving. If you need anything, come find us at Goldenwood Villa on the east side." With that, she reluctantly turned and left. Victoria watched them walk away, then quickly looked away. Once they were gone, Julia finally breathed a sigh of relief. "This is all my fault. Your father and I didn't go pick you up ourselves because I'm very emotional. "I was afraid that if I saw how poorly you were living, I wouldn't be able to handle it. So I stayed home to calm myself and prepare to welcome you." She was lying. Actually, after Angelica found out last night that she wasn't their real daughter, she had been upset the whole night. This morning, she was so distracted that she couldn't even eat. Julia felt sorry for her and stayed home to comfort her. Victoria's eyes were full of sarcasm. "So what exactly did you prepare for me?" Julia quickly said, "I've already cleaned up a room for you. Come, I'll show you." She reached for Victoria's hand again, but Victoria dodged her once more. "So cleaning a room was more important than coming to pick me up yourself." Julia's hand hung in the air. A trace of impatience flashed across her eyes. "Forget the room. I'm not even sure I'll stay," Victoria said. Then she pointed at the young woman about her age. "Who is she?" Angelica froze. Her eyes instantly turned red. She gently tugged on Curtis's sleeve. Curtis held her hand and said softly, "Angelica, don't be afraid." After comforting her, Curtis looked at Victoria coldly. His tone turned sharp. "I'm your brother, Curtis. And she's my sister, Angelica." He deliberately stressed the words "my sister." "I see." Victoria's voice carried a hint of sarcasm. "So that means she's the adopted daughter who was switched with me, right?" Angelica's hand trembled. Tears gathered in her eyes, ready to fall. Curtis's face darkened. He emphasized, "In my heart, Angelica is my real sister." Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Calling her your real sister? Are you an idiot?" Everyone except Victoria froze at her words. Curtis stared at her in disbelief. "You just called me an idiot, huh?" Victoria laughed mockingly. "Yeah. Did I say anything wrong? Don't you know her mother was the one who secretly switched us back then?" Angelica's birth mother, Jasmine, had worked as a customer service representative at a postpartum care center. When Julia was three months pregnant, she started looking for a high-end center, and Jasmine had served her. By coincidence, Jasmine was also pregnant at the time. When she realized Julia was wealthy, she started having bad thoughts. She secretly followed Julia to find out which center she chose and forced herself to spend the money to book the same one. During the recovery period after giving birth, Jasmine secretly switched her own daughter with Julia's without anyone noticing. At the time, Angelica had an allergic rash on her face. Julia didn't realize anything was wrong, and when she left the center, she took Angelica home. Angelica bit her lip. Tears finally streamed down her face. "I'm sorry." Curtis held her cold hand tightly and gently said, "Angelica, this has nothing to do with you." Then he turned to Victoria, his voice full of anger. "Yes, her mother switched you back then. But Angelica is innocent. She didn't know anything about it." Victoria laughed out loud, her eyes full of ridicule. "Oh, she's innocent? She spent twenty years enjoying my life, living in comfort and luxury. "And me? I was thrown into a trash can by her cruel mother in the freezing cold. If no one had found me, I would have died right after I was born." Chapter 5 I'll Leave Victoria's words left Curtis speechless. He had just started to feel a bit guilty when Angelica suddenly broke down in tears again. She said, "I'm sorry. It's all my fault. It's my fault for having a mother like that. Victoria, if you hate me, you can hit me or yell at me, but please don't blame Curtis." As she spoke, she struggled to pull free from Curtis's hand. With a determined look, she bit her lip and ran toward Victoria. "Angelica!" Curtis panicked and quickly got up to follow her. Angelica ran up to Victoria and was about to bow, but Curtis caught up just in time and pulled her back. "Angelica, what are you doing? This isn't your fault. It's your mother's fault." Victoria watched the whole scene and suddenly laughed. She even clapped her hands like she was watching a show. "This is really something. Are you putting on a pity act for me?" The small bit of guilt Curtis had felt disappeared right away. After helping Angelica steady herself, he looked at Victoria coldly. "Why are you being so unreasonable?" he asked. "Angelica already apologized sincerely, and you're still mocking her." "I'm not just mocking her. I'm mocking all of you," Victoria said. "Her mother planned everything, found a way to switch us, and let her take twenty years of the life that should have been mine. "Now that I'm back, you guys are still protecting her right in front of me. It's a shame that I ended up with a family like this." Curtis's face darkened even more. Julia looked helplessly at Darell. She hadn't expected Victoria to be so stubborn and didn't know how to deal with her. No matter how she looked at it, Julia just couldn't bring herself to like Victoria. Darell, who had been silent until now, finally spoke up. "That's enough, Victoria. Angelica's mother has already been punished. Angelica is alone now, with no one to rely on. "Your mother and I raised her for twenty years. We can't just throw her out. The Binder family has more than enough. Keeping her here is no big deal. She won't affect you." But Victoria didn't accept that. "If it's really no big deal, then she can live anywhere. Why does she have to stay here and bother me? "Every time I see her, I'm reminded of everything I went through after being switched." Darell didn't expect her to keep pushing like this. Just like Julia, he began to feel more and more resistant toward Victoria. Compared to Angelica, who was gentle and understanding, Victoria seemed completely rude to him. Angelica bit her lip and let her tears fall silently. She looked pitiful, making it hard not to feel sorry for her. Seeing how aggressive Victoria was, Curtis finally lost his temper. "So you won't be satisfied unless we send Angelica away, huh?" Victoria nodded. "That's right. We're not both living here. It's one or the other." As soon as she said that, everyone's faces darkened. "I don't want to leave you," Angelica said through her tears, looking completely wronged. It made anyone who saw her feel bad. Curtis held her hand tightly. "Angelica, don't worry. You don't have to go anywhere. As long as I'm here, I won't let anyone drive you out of the Binder family. You'll always be my sister. You're part of us." Victoria raised an eyebrow. "So you want me to leave, huh?" Julia was already at her limit, but she forced herself to stay calm. "Victoria, you just got back. You don't really know Angelica yet. "She's kind and understanding. Once you spend some time with her, you'll accept her. Her staying here won't affect your place. No matter what, you're our real daughter." Victoria sneered, "Really? Then why did all of you look disgusted the moment you saw me? Is it because I'm not as pretty as her? Or because I'm not as refined? "But have you forgotten? If we had never been switched, the pretty, refined one would be me. Everything she has now was built on the suffering I endured for her." Julia froze and quickly shook her head. "That's not it. We just haven't adjusted yet." "You need time to adjust to your own daughter, huh? Then why didn't Uncle Hector and Aunt Daisy need time when they saw me?" Victoria pressed. Julia had no answer. But she thought it was because Hector and Daisy had no children, so of course, they would be happy. She took a deep breath and softened her voice. "Victoria, we won't treat you badly from now on. Your living expenses will be the same as Angelica's. Your father and I won't favor one over the other." Victoria gave a faint, mocking smile. "Should I thank you for that? Honestly, for me, not favoring one over the other is already the biggest favoritism. "You two are really kind. You don't want your own daughter, but you're willing to spend money raising the daughter of someone who ruined my life. I've never seen people this generous." Julia held back her anger and continued, "Victoria, stop making trouble. You're my real daughter. We finally found you. How could we let you keep suffering out there?" Victoria replied, "So you knew I was suffering. While I was suffering, that criminal's daughter was living here, enjoying everything you gave her in my place. "And now, on the very first day I come back, you're ready to push me away again." Curtis said coldly, "Get this straight. We're not pushing you away. You're the one making things difficult. You could stay here peacefully, but you refuse to accept Angelica." "How could I accept the daughter of a criminal?" Victoria asked. "If I hadn't been lucky enough to survive, her mother would be both a trafficker and a murderer. "She committed the crime, but her daughter hasn't been punished at all. Why should she get to keep living this rich, comfortable life as if nothing had happened?" Angelica's body swayed. Curtis quickly held her steady, his anger finally breaking through. "With your attitude, do you even deserve to stay here while Angelica leaves?" "Of course I do. First, I'm a Binder by blood. Second, unlike you, I'm not an idiot." After snapping at him, Victoria lost her patience. "Have you decided? Is she leaving, or am I?" Curtis pulled Angelica into his arms protectively and said firmly, "Dad, Mom, if I have to choose, then I only recognize Angelica as my sister." "Good. One vote." Victoria raised her index finger and then looked at Julia. "What about you?" Julia forced down her frustration and said gently, "Victoria, don't do this—" "Alright, that's two votes," Victoria said, not even bothering to listen. She turned to Darell. "Your vote doesn't matter anymore. There are already two votes for Angelica. Fine. Since that's the case, she stays. I'll leave." A trace of anxiety flashed in Angelica's eyes. If Victoria really left, there would be no one to take her place in marrying Jackson. ------ 👇👇👇 There are limited chapters to put here, click “continue reading” to open App to continue reading (It will automatically jump to the book)
When a killer came in the night, Victoria Binder didn’t scream—she fought. And she won, burying the proof in her own garden. That was just the beginning. Unveiled as the lost heiress to a mighty fortune, Victoria returned to a family that despised her. She wasn’t there for their love. She was there for what was hers: the power, the legacy, the truth. ------ Chapter 1 I Want to Marry You "Victoria, we need to break up. It turns out I'm actually the heir to the Fairbank family, one of the most powerful families in Benwig City. You're just a country girl who sells herbs. You're not good enough for me anymore." Victoria Binder had just received a call from her boyfriend, Gavin Alvarado—no, Gavin Fairbank now. She had been about to tell him that she was the long-lost daughter of a wealthy family herself, but before she could say a word, she heard him claim she wasn't good enough for him. She let out a silent, cold laugh. The medicinal herbs she grew were incredibly valuable. Countless rich and influential families were trying to buy them at high prices. Her products had even appeared several times at the largest auction house in Benwig City. Gavin's arrogant voice came through the phone again. "With my status now, I need to marry a proper heiress from a family that matches mine. "But since we dated for two months, I won't treat you badly. Before I marry someone suitable, you can stay with me. Even after I get married, I can still keep you as my—" Before he could finish, Victoria snapped, "Asshole. If you want to break up, then we're done." She hung up immediately. The handsome man standing in front of her, Jackson Thornton, raised an eyebrow. He had been waiting for her response. He smiled. "So? You just found out you're the heiress of the Binder family, one of the richest families in Benwig City, and you still got dumped?" Victoria looked up at him and smiled brightly. "Funny coincidence. He just told me that he's the heir to a wealthy family in Benwig City and that I'm not good enough for him." Then her expression shifted, turning doubtful. "Wait a second. This whole thing about being the real daughter or real son of some rich family... Isn't that some new kind of scam going around?" Jackson paused for a moment, then smiled. "Of course not. You really are the true daughter of the Binder family." Victoria gave a nonchalant hum. She took the basket off her back, sat down on a chair, and began sorting the herbs she had just picked. "Then who are you?" she asked. "Why are you the one coming to find me instead of my biological parents?" Jackson glanced at the shabby house in front of him, then looked at Victoria, who sat casually on a small stool. He said, "If nothing unexpected happens, I'll soon be your fiancé. I'm Jackson, the eldest son of the Thornton family in Benwig City." Victoria almost slipped off her stool. She stared at him in shock. "What? Fiancé?" "That's right. But as you can see, I'm disabled now. I lost the use of my legs last month." Sitting in his wheelchair, Jackson lifted a hand and pointed at his legs, giving a helpless smile. "I see. And what does that have to do with you coming to find me today?" Victoria asked. Then she suddenly understood. "Wait. Are you saying that I'm the real daughter of the wealthy Binder family, and that they're planning to bring me back and have me marry you?" Jackson nodded, a hint of admiration in his eyes. "Exactly." Victoria's gaze flickered. Jackson continued, "Because of my legs, I'm about to be dumped. Just like you." Victoria caught on quickly. "So the one who was supposed to marry you was the Binder family's adopted daughter. But now that you're disabled, she doesn't want to marry you anymore." Jackson nodded again. "Yes. That's exactly it." Victoria almost let out a bitter laugh. "Then why don't you look upset at all?" Jackson said calmly, "You just got dumped by your boyfriend, and you don't look upset either." "He's just trash. Good riddance." Victoria curled her lips in disdain. Jackson studied her, the admiration in his eyes deepening. "You're surprisingly chill about it." Victoria let out a small scoff. "Of course. Why waste time and energy feeling bad over someone who isn't worth it?" She had started dating Gavin after saving his life by chance two years ago. After that, he had chased after her nonstop, using gratitude as an excuse. For two whole years, he acted devoted, as if he would never marry anyone but her. He didn't seem to have any serious flaws. She figured having a man around could help her take care of the herb garden and keep other men from bothering her, so she agreed to date him. But she never expected that the moment Gavin found out he was the heir to a wealthy family, he would turn on her so quickly. Jackson smiled. "Same here. She's trash anyway. Better not to marry her." There had never been anything between him and Angelica Binder. Their engagement had only been arranged by his grandfather for a business alliance. Now that his legs were disabled, Angelica's parents naturally didn't want her to marry him anymore. But the Thornton family was the most powerful family in Benwig City, with huge wealth and influence. They weren't willing to give up the alliance, either. In the end, they planned to have their biological daughter, Victoria, marry him in Angelica's place. Victoria went straight to the point. "It's just strange. How could it be such a coincidence? Right after your legs were disabled, my birth parents suddenly found me and decided to have me marry you instead of their adopted daughter." She let out a cold, mocking laugh. "Looks like they always knew I was their real daughter. I just had no value to them, so they left me out here all this time and never brought me home." Jackson didn't try to comfort her with lies. "I think you're right." Victoria gave a cold sneer. If that was true, then her birth parents were even more heartless than she had thought. Still, one thing didn't make sense to her. "Since you already know what the Binder family is planning, why not just give up on the alliance? Why walk straight into their trap?" "I had someone look into you," Jackson said calmly. "You sell medicine, and you're pretty well-known around here. "I heard you've treated quite a few difficult cases with your own methods. My legs are disabled. Over the past month, I've invited top doctors from all over the country, but none of them could help. "So I came here myself to see if marrying you would be a trap or a chance for me." He didn't hide why he came. Victoria found him interesting. She shrugged. "Well, you've seen me now. I'm just a wild country girl. My birth parents, the ones I've never even met, clearly don't like me. "Do you still want to marry someone like me? I'm just a real daughter who isn't valued and is just being used as a substitute bride." Jackson looked at her closely. At first glance, she wasn't the delicate type raised in comfort. Her skin wasn't soft. It had a light wheat tone that made her look healthy and full of life. But if one looked more carefully, her features were actually very refined. Her eyes were bright and clear, and there was strength in the way she looked at people. There was no trace of disrespect in Jackson's gaze. He looked sincere. "Yes. After meeting you, I'm sure I want to marry you. I just don't know if you're willing to give me a chance." Victoria studied his face. She had to admit that he was strikingly handsome, the kind of man who wouldn't be forgotten even in a huge crowd. His features were sharp, and his face was well-defined. What stood out the most was his eyes. Even after going through something as serious as losing the use of his legs, they were still clear. There was no bitterness or confusion. Victoria glanced at his legs again. "What's going on with them?" "They were broken with a wooden club last month," Jackson said. "I've had many well-known doctors take a look. They all said my legs are beyond saving. I'll never stand again." "Pull up your pant legs. Let me see," said Victoria. "Okay." Jackson did as she said, lifting his pant legs to reveal his knees and lower legs, covered in scars. Victoria's expression darkened. She set the herbs aside, stood up, and walked over to him. Then she bent down and pressed carefully on his knees. The pain made Jackson frown, but he didn't make a sound. "They can be treated," Victoria said firmly. Hope lit up in Jackson's eyes at once. Thinking about how her birth parents had ignored her existence for so many years, Victoria made up her mind. She would go back to Benwig City and take her place as the Binder family's true daughter. She wanted to meet them face to face. She clapped her hands lightly and sat back down on the small stool. "I can marry you." Jackson raised an eyebrow. "Do you have any conditions?" Victoria tilted her head and smiled brightly. "Listen to you. Do I need conditions to marry you? You're so good-looking. If I fix your legs, I'll be the one getting the better deal." Jackson hadn't expected her to be so straightforward. His brow lifted higher, and he let out a soft laugh. "Alright. Then it's settled. I'll wait for you to return to the Binder family." Chapter 2 A Welcome Gift After Jackson left his phone number with Victoria, he left the village with his assistant, Ollie Rowse. Victoria watched him go, her eyes growing thoughtful. She took out her phone and dialed a number. "Mara, I need you to look into everyone in the Binder family in Benwig City right away. Focus on their daughter. I want everything you can find, and I want it by tonight." "Yes, boss," Mara replied. After hanging up, Victoria's gaze turned even sharper. Ford had once told her about that freezing winter night twenty years ago. He had been on his way to settle down in a small southern town when he heard a baby crying from inside a trash bin. He got out of the car to check and found a baby girl, not even a month old, her skin red from the cold. If she hadn't been crying so loudly, and if he hadn't happened to pass that deserted road, she would have died quietly in that trash bin. That baby was Victoria. Ford gave her that name, hoping she would grow up strong and tough no matter what life threw at her. Even on his deathbed, Ford never stopped looking for her biological parents. And all this time, Victoria had believed they must have abandoned her because they had no other choice. But now, it seemed that wasn't true. Her biological parents didn't want her and had no intention of taking her back. If it weren't for the adopted daughter they had raised for twenty years, Victoria might have gone her whole life without parents. Just then, someone called out from outside, "Victoria, who was that man in the nice car looking for you?" It was Stephan, a middle-aged man from next door. He spent most of his time up in the mountains hunting herbs. Victoria put her phone away and walked out, smiling at him. "To be honest with you, that was my fiancé." Stephan looked surprised. "Your fiancé? You have good taste. He's a handsome man. Why didn't you ask him to stay for dinner?" "He had things to take care of in the city. He couldn't stay today," Victoria said. "Next time he comes, make sure he stays for a meal. Everything we eat here is grown by us. Let him try it. It's much better and healthier than city food," Stephan said. "I will," Victoria said with a smile. Stephan grabbed his tools and headed up into the mountains. Only after he left did Victoria go back inside to keep sorting the herbs she had picked. ***** After leaving Mullinran Village, Ollie, who was driving, glanced at Jackson's calm face in the rearview mirror and asked carefully, "Mr. Thornton, are you really going to marry her? "You saw it yourself. Her own parents don't even want her. She makes a living selling herbs and doing some basic medical work. "You just went through something serious, and this is when you need support the most. Marrying her won't help you secure your position in the Thornton family." Jackson shifted his gaze away from the fields outside the window and gently rubbed the petals of a purple flower he had picked from Victoria's doorstep. He asked, "Ollie, do you remember six months ago, when my grandfather was seriously ill and needed a very rare herb to survive?" Ollie wasn't sure why he changed the subject, but he nodded. "Of course. That herb showed up at the biggest auction house in Benwig City. You spent 30 million dollars to get it." "Didn't you notice? That same rare herb was hanging casually on the wall of her simple, run-down house," Jackson said. That one bundle alone would be worth a fortune at any auction in Benwig City. "What?" Ollie was stunned. From the moment they walked into Victoria's house, he had only noticed how shabby it looked and missed everything else. Now it finally clicked. "Do you mean her background might not be as simple as it seems?" Jackson lifted the purple flower to his nose and took a light breath. "I can't say for sure what her background is yet. But one thing is clear. Her medical skills are far from simple." Ollie understood right away. If that was true, then there was real hope for Jackson's legs. Still, he couldn't help asking, "If all you want is to fix your legs, you could just pay her a large amount of money. There's no need to marry her." Jackson blinked and slowly turned the flower between his fingers. A faint smile appeared on his lips. "What if I said I fell for her at first sight? Would you believe me?" Ollie paused and looked at him again through the rearview mirror. He seemed calm. He wasn't exactly joking, but he wasn't completely serious, either. But Jackson rarely joked, so Ollie couldn't tell how much of it was real. In the end, he chose to believe him. "I believe you." "Good. In my eyes, she is already my fiancée. From now on, you need to treat her with respect," Jackson said. "Understood." Ollie nodded. Jackson wasn't joking. When it came to love, he had never believed in feelings that grew over time. To him, if there was no spark at first sight, then staying together would only lead to a relationship based on weighing pros and cons, not the kind of love that made his heart race. That was why, when his grandfather arranged his engagement to Angelica, he had agreed for practical reasons alone. But when he saw Victoria, everything changed. It felt like the world spun around him, and everything else faded away. In his eyes, she was the only color left. He couldn't explain why it had to be her. Maybe it was that moment when their eyes met, when the light in hers pulled him in like a whirlpool. Jackson picked up a book from the car and carefully placed the small purple flower between its pages. Then he closed the book and shut his eyes. ***** At eight that evening, Victoria had just finished bringing in the herbs she had been drying on the roof when her phone rang. She set the herbs aside, brushed the dust off her hands, and picked up the call. Mara's cool voice came through. "Boss, I found what you asked for. The Binder family has only one daughter. She was born to the second son, Darell, and his wife, Julia. Her name is Angelica. She's the same age as you. "She's very spoiled at home. Two months ago, Darell arranged a great marriage for her. She's engaged to Jackson, the eldest son of the Thornton family, the most powerful family in Benwig City. "Jackson had already been chosen by his grandfather, Gerry, as the next heir. But last month, he had an accident. Someone broke both his legs, and the announcement was put on hold." "What is Angelica like?" Victoria asked. "She has a very good reputation. She's beautiful and talented. A lot of rich young men in Benwig City admire her. That's probably why she gained Gerry's approval for the marriage," Mara said. Victoria let out a cold laugh to herself. She didn't believe for a second that Angelica's perfect life came without tricks. "Got it. Now find out if Angelica is really Darell and Julia's biological daughter," Victoria said. "You're focusing on the Binder family, especially Angelica. What are you planning to do?" Mara asked. "I'm going back to take my place," Victoria said. A faint spark lit up in her deep eyes. She found the idea of being the Binder family's real daughter interesting. Victoria had many identities. The one she used the most was a village herbalist and healer. In her daily life, she spent time with her retired scientist friends in the village, growing new herbs and developing new medicines. Over the years, she had cultivated twenty kinds of rare medicinal plants. Because they were so hard to produce, they sold for extremely high prices. Any one of them, if sold at auction in Benwig City, could earn more than most people made in a lifetime. On top of that, she was skilled in traditional medical techniques. When she treated regular villagers, she charged normal fees. But when rich families or powerful figures came to her, her starting fee was three million dollars. Of course, she guaranteed results. If she couldn't cure them, she wouldn't take a single dollar. This identity alone had already made her very rich. Money no longer meant much to her. So when her ex-boyfriend, Gavin, said she wasn't good enough for him, she found it almost funny. If she wanted, she could build her own place in Benwig City without relying on anyone. Over the years, all her different identities had started to feel dull. It was time to try something new. And she had to admit, Jackson impressed her. Out of all the people she had treated, none had faced sudden injury like he did, so calm and steady. His willpower was strong. He was someone who would go far. He was handsome and capable. It would be a waste for him to stay crippled. So she would fix his legs. Mara quickly understood, her voice turning serious. "Understood, boss. I'll get on it right away." ***** Late that night, Victoria was fast asleep when she heard wood cracking outside. Her eyes opened at once, sharp and alert, and she turned toward the sound. Anyone showing up at this hour without warning was not from the village. She had spread powders around her home to keep wild animals away, so no beasts would come near. That left only one answer. Someone had broken in. Victoria got up quietly and, using the moonlight, moved to hide behind the door. Soon, her old wooden door was kicked open, and a shadow rushed inside. She hadn't expected him to be so bold, barging in instead of sneaking around. She flicked a silver needle straight at him. The man let out a low groan and dropped to the ground. Victoria turned on the light, filling the room with brightness. She kicked him aside and finally saw his face clearly. He looked like a hardened criminal. She grabbed a rope, walked over, and tied up his hands and feet. Once he was secured, she took out a needle and stuck it into his neck. Within seconds, he woke up. Victoria sat on the bed, crossing her legs as she played with another needle. "If you don't want to suffer, you'd better tell me the truth. Who sent you?" The man quickly sized up the situation. "People who hire killers stay anonymous. Who would be stupid enough to give their name? But they said that if I raped you, they would get me out of the country safely." Victoria's eyes turned cold and sharp. If he needed to run overseas, that meant he was already a wanted criminal. The man hurried to beg, "I've told you everything I know. Let me go. I won't take this job anymore." Victoria nodded. "Fine." She walked over, pulled out the needle, and untied the ropes. "You can leave." The man rubbed his wrists. "Thanks—" Before he could finish, his face suddenly changed. He lifted his leg and tried to kick Victoria in the knee. But the moment his foot rose, a sharp pain shot through him. Then his whole body went numb. He couldn't move. He looked down in terror. A small black snake had bitten his ankle. "How is there a poisonous snake here—" Before he could finish, blood burst from his throat. His body fell stiffly to the ground. After a few jerks, he went still. Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Trying to kill me in my place? You asked for it. Good job, Blackie. Go rest." The little black snake slipped into a dark corner and quickly disappeared. Victoria picked up a hoe, stuffed the body into a large basket, and lifted it onto her back with ease. She carried it outside and buried it near her vegetable garden. It would make good fertilizer for her herbs. After that, she let out a long breath, brushed off her hands, and looked up at the nearly full moon. She had just learned who she really was, and someone had already sent a man to ruin her. It seemed that someone had prepared a "welcome gift" for her in advance. Chapter 3 We've Got Your Back The next day at noon, a black Bentley worth 1.5 million dollars stopped in front of Victoria's house. Victoria was grinding the herbs she had picked the day before. When she heard the car, she glanced out the window and checked the license plate. It was from Benwig City, just as she expected. She finished grinding the herbs, put them into jars, brushed the dust off her hands, and walked outside. She went straight to the car and knocked on the window. A moment later, the window slid down, revealing the still handsome face of a middle-aged man—Hector Binder. He looked about fifty, with neatly slicked-back hair. A woman sat beside him. She looked about the same age. Even though she wasn't young anymore, she had taken good care of herself and looked as if she were in her thirties. Her features were still soft and beautiful. Victoria didn't waste time. "Are you here for me?" Hector, sitting in the back seat, looked at her, then at the photo in his hand. His eyes lit up. "Daisy, it's her. She's the one we're looking for." Daisy's eyes filled with excitement, even shining with tears. "Yes, it's her. No mistake." They quickly opened the door, got out of the car, and walked over to Victoria. Hector nodded. "Yes. You're the real daughter the Binder family lost years ago. We're here to take you back." Victoria looked straight into his eyes. He seemed like a decent man, and the excitement in his expression matched Daisy's. It didn't look fake. This couple didn't seem to have anything to do with what happened to her last night. Hector paused, a little surprised. "How did you know we were coming?" But he didn't dwell on it. Instead, he explained, "You are the young lady of the Binder family. "When you were little, someone switched you with another baby. That's why you ended up here. You've suffered for twenty years, living away from your real home." As soon as he finished, Daisy started to choke up. "Poor child." Victoria stayed calm. "So, are you my parents?" Hector and Daisy froze. They exchanged a look, then answered awkwardly, "No. We're your uncle and aunt." Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Then why aren't my parents here? Why did they send you instead?" Daisy looked uneasy. "Something came up at home. They couldn't leave, so they asked us to come get you." Victoria saw right through it. "You don't have to cover for them. I'm not a child. What could be more important than picking up their own daughter? They just didn't want to come." Hearing that, Daisy stepped forward and gently hugged her. Tears slipped down her face. "My poor child, you've suffered so much." Victoria didn't expect the sudden hug. At first, she wanted to pull away, but the warmth of it stopped her. It felt soft and comforting, unlike any embrace she had experienced in twenty years. It was, perhaps, the closest she had ever come to what a mother's embrace should feel like. She let out a quiet sigh. For a moment, she thought that if these two were her real parents, it wouldn't be so bad. After a while, Daisy let go and held her hand. "Go pack your things. We'll take you home today. You won't have to live like this anymore." Victoria nodded. "Okay. Wait for me. I'll go pack." She didn't need to bring clothes. The only things she needed were the medicines she had made. After packing all the bottles of medicine powder and poison powder from the wooden cabinet, Victoria called out, "Blackie, Whitey, Greenie, come out. I'm taking you somewhere new." As soon as she finished, three small snakes slid out from the corners and crawled into a sack. Victoria tied the sack and slung it over her shoulder. Then she took a drum from the old cabinet. After giving the shabby house one last look, she walked outside and began to beat the drum. The loud sound of the drum echoed through the area. Hector and Daisy, waiting outside, looked confused. Before long, the villagers gathered around. They looked at Victoria with concern. "Victoria, what's wrong? What happened?" Victoria set down the drum, cleared her throat, and said, "Everyone, you all know I'm an orphan. I grew up without parents, raised by all of you. "But now I know who my real parents are. It turns out I'm the daughter of the Binder family in Benwig City." The villagers were happy for her at first, but then she continued, "But here's the thing. My real parents knew all along who I was, but they never came to acknowledge me. "And now, the only reason they're taking me back is to make me marry a disabled man in place of their adopted daughter." Hector and Daisy were stunned. They had no idea about any of this. The villagers were furious. "What kind of people are they? They knew you were their real daughter but ignored you all this time, and now they want to use you like this, huh?" "Blind fools! You're such a good girl, and they treat you like a tool, making you marry some cripple instead of their adopted daughter." "Victoria, don't listen to those heartless people." "That's right. Ignore them. We'll go teach them a lesson." "The Binder family? They're nothing special in Benwig City, acting all high and mighty. Victoria, you don't need to go back with them." Victoria raised her hand to quiet them. "Everyone, calm down. I've decided to go back to the Binder family for this arranged marriage. "But I'm going back to teach them a lesson. So I'm telling you all ahead of time. Please help take care of the herbs I just planted in my yard." Even though the villagers didn't really understand, they still respected her choice. "Okay. But if anyone from the Binder family dares to bully you, just call me. I'll get people to take them down," one person said. "That's right. We've got your back," another added. Victoria waved her hand. "Thank you, everyone. That's all I wanted to say. You can all head back now." After that, she turned to Hector and Daisy, who were still waiting, and gave them a light smile. "We can go now." Hector and Daisy were still a little stunned. When they heard her, they finally snapped out of it. "Oh, okay." "Let me carry that." The driver stepped forward and reached for the sack. "Be careful. It's heavy," Victoria said. The driver didn't believe it at first. But the moment he took it with both hands, he almost dropped it on his foot. Victoria blinked at him. "Can you handle it? Don't break anything inside." "No problem." The driver forced a smile, gritted his teeth, and lifted the sack into the trunk. By the time he got back into the driver's seat, he was sweating all over. He hadn't expected Victoria to be this strong despite looking so thin. After getting into the car, Daisy and Hector looked at each other, then kept glancing at Victoria. They seemed to want to say something, but neither of them knew how to start. In the end, Daisy asked, "Victoria, you just told the villagers about marrying a disabled man instead of that adopted daughter. What did you mean?" "You didn't know?" Victoria looked back at her, her eyes narrowing with suspicion. Daisy shook her head. "Hector and I really had no idea. About half a month ago, your parents suddenly told us Angelica wasn't their biological daughter. Then they sent people to look into it. "Just yesterday, they found out their real daughter was living here. That's why they want to bring you back today." Hector nodded to confirm her words. Victoria smiled faintly. "Then why do you think they didn't come themselves?" Daisy fell silent. To her, it was absurd that Victoria's parents would have relatives fetch their biological daughter instead of coming themselves. But the truth would hurt Victoria, so she chose not to say anything. Victoria let out a bitter laugh. "Aunt Daisy, even if you don't say it, I can guess. Just like I said, they don't want to acknowledge me. "They're only bringing me back because they have no choice. They want me to marry that disabled heir in place of their precious adopted daughter." Her gaze was clear and calm, and there was a quiet maturity about her that went far beyond her years. Hector frowned slightly. "Victoria, how did you find out about this arranged marriage?" Victoria smiled. "Secret." On the way, Daisy told her a lot about the Binder family. It wasn't much different from what Mara had already found out. The Binder family was still led by Calvin. He had two sons and one daughter. The eldest son, Hector, was the one who had come to get Victoria, and his wife was Daisy. They didn't have any children. The second son, Darell, was Victoria's biological father. He and his wife, Julia, had two sons and one daughter. The eldest son, Simon, managed the family's entertainment company, Brightstar Entertainment. The second son, Curtis, was a well-known singer under the same company. Then there was the youngest daughter, Angelica. She was considered very outstanding. At just twenty, she had already skipped grades and finished college. She was now preparing to study abroad after getting engaged to the eldest son of the Thornton family. Angelica was the baby who had been switched with Victoria. As for Calvin's daughter, Sirena, she had already married into another wealthy family and only returned for holidays. The drive from the village to Benwig City took six hours over bumpy roads. By the time they arrived, it was dark. "We're here," the driver said as he stopped the car. Victoria looked out the window. In front of her stood a large estate, with several villas spread across it. It looked grand and impressive. The Binder family mansion alone was almost as big as the entire Mullinran Village. Victoria got out of the car and followed Hector and Daisy inside. The head butler, Milton, who had been waiting at the door, stepped forward respectfully. "You're back." He looked at Victoria and gave a polite nod. "This must be Miss Victoria Binder." "Yes," Daisy replied. Then she looked at Victoria gently. "Victoria, go in and meet your parents and brother." Victoria said nothing. She quietly followed them inside. They passed through the wide front yard and stepped into the entrance hall. Standing at the doorway, she quickly scanned the four people sitting on the sofas in the main hall. First, she saw a middle-aged couple dressed in expensive clothes, carrying themselves with an air of wealth and status. Next was a handsome young man who looked a bit rebellious. Finally, there was a beautiful young woman about her age. The corners of her eyes were red, and she looked pitiful, as if she had been crying. None of them looked happy. Their faces were tense, filled with worry. When they looked at her, Victoria caught the flash of disgust in their eyes. A faint smile appeared on her lips. She thought the family was really quite interesting. Chapter 4 Are You an Idiot? "Darell, Julia, I brought your daughter back," Daisy said. She gently patted Victoria on the back. "Victoria, go say hello to your parents and your brother." Victoria didn't move. With a faint, mocking smile, she asked, "Aunt Daisy, are they really my parents and brother?" Daisy froze for a moment, then nodded. "Yes, they are. Why do you ask?" Victoria let out a cold laugh. "I'm supposed to be their daughter and sister, but why do they all look like they can't stand me?" The four people in the room all stiffened. They hadn't expected her to be so direct. Daisy froze again. She wanted to say something, but stopped herself. She knew what Darell and Julia were thinking. They didn't want to accept this daughter because they already had an excellent adopted one. They would rather stay home and comfort their adopted daughter's feelings than spend even a little time going to the village to pick up their real daughter. Simon and Curtis felt the same way. They were closer to the sister they had lived with for twenty years. None of them wanted to hurt her feelings just to pick up Victoria. Simon didn't even bother to show up; he was still at work. In the end, Daisy couldn't take it anymore and offered to go with Hector to bring Victoria home. What she didn't expect was that even after Victoria came back, Darell and Julia still acted like this. They didn't even try to hide it. Julia looked at Darell, and he looked back at her. In that brief exchange, they reached an understanding. Victoria clearly wasn't as quiet and easy to control as they had thought. They couldn't just brush her aside. If they wanted her to willingly take Angelica's place in the marriage to Jackson later, they would have to act nice and coax her a little. Julia hesitated, then forced herself to stand up. She put on a pained expression and walked toward Victoria. "My child, you've suffered so much out there." Victoria stepped aside slightly and avoided her touch. "Stop pretending. I don't see any concern in your eyes." Julia froze in place. A wave of anger rose inside her. She had lowered herself to show kindness, yet Victoria had refused it and embarrassed her in front of everyone. But to her, Victoria's lack of manners was no surprise. She had grown up in the countryside without her parents and had never been properly brought up. Julia forced a stiff smile. "I carried you for ten months. Of course, it hurts me to know you've suffered." Victoria sneered, "Is that so? If you really feel that way, why didn't you come pick me up today? Why did you send Uncle Hector and Aunt Daisy instead?" Daisy wanted to speak, but Hector gently held her hand and shook his head. He said quietly, "Daisy, we've already brought her back. What happens now is their family matter. Let them handle it. Let's go home." Daisy looked at Victoria, her eyes full of worry and sympathy. But she knew Hector was right. This was between Victoria and her parents. No matter what happened, she had no right to interfere. "Julia, now that Victoria is back, you should treat her well. Don't hurt her again. Daisy and I will head back now," Hector said politely, hoping his words would help a little. Darell nodded. "Thank you for your help today." Daisy said gently, "Victoria, we are leaving. If you need anything, come find us at Goldenwood Villa on the east side." With that, she reluctantly turned and left. Victoria watched them walk away, then quickly looked away. Once they were gone, Julia finally breathed a sigh of relief. "This is all my fault. Your father and I didn't go pick you up ourselves because I'm very emotional. "I was afraid that if I saw how poorly you were living, I wouldn't be able to handle it. So I stayed home to calm myself and prepare to welcome you." She was lying. Actually, after Angelica found out last night that she wasn't their real daughter, she had been upset the whole night. This morning, she was so distracted that she couldn't even eat. Julia felt sorry for her and stayed home to comfort her. Victoria's eyes were full of sarcasm. "So what exactly did you prepare for me?" Julia quickly said, "I've already cleaned up a room for you. Come, I'll show you." She reached for Victoria's hand again, but Victoria dodged her once more. "So cleaning a room was more important than coming to pick me up yourself." Julia's hand hung in the air. A trace of impatience flashed across her eyes. "Forget the room. I'm not even sure I'll stay," Victoria said. Then she pointed at the young woman about her age. "Who is she?" Angelica froze. Her eyes instantly turned red. She gently tugged on Curtis's sleeve. Curtis held her hand and said softly, "Angelica, don't be afraid." After comforting her, Curtis looked at Victoria coldly. His tone turned sharp. "I'm your brother, Curtis. And she's my sister, Angelica." He deliberately stressed the words "my sister." "I see." Victoria's voice carried a hint of sarcasm. "So that means she's the adopted daughter who was switched with me, right?" Angelica's hand trembled. Tears gathered in her eyes, ready to fall. Curtis's face darkened. He emphasized, "In my heart, Angelica is my real sister." Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Calling her your real sister? Are you an idiot?" Everyone except Victoria froze at her words. Curtis stared at her in disbelief. "You just called me an idiot, huh?" Victoria laughed mockingly. "Yeah. Did I say anything wrong? Don't you know her mother was the one who secretly switched us back then?" Angelica's birth mother, Jasmine, had worked as a customer service representative at a postpartum care center. When Julia was three months pregnant, she started looking for a high-end center, and Jasmine had served her. By coincidence, Jasmine was also pregnant at the time. When she realized Julia was wealthy, she started having bad thoughts. She secretly followed Julia to find out which center she chose and forced herself to spend the money to book the same one. During the recovery period after giving birth, Jasmine secretly switched her own daughter with Julia's without anyone noticing. At the time, Angelica had an allergic rash on her face. Julia didn't realize anything was wrong, and when she left the center, she took Angelica home. Angelica bit her lip. Tears finally streamed down her face. "I'm sorry." Curtis held her cold hand tightly and gently said, "Angelica, this has nothing to do with you." Then he turned to Victoria, his voice full of anger. "Yes, her mother switched you back then. But Angelica is innocent. She didn't know anything about it." Victoria laughed out loud, her eyes full of ridicule. "Oh, she's innocent? She spent twenty years enjoying my life, living in comfort and luxury. "And me? I was thrown into a trash can by her cruel mother in the freezing cold. If no one had found me, I would have died right after I was born." Chapter 5 I'll Leave Victoria's words left Curtis speechless. He had just started to feel a bit guilty when Angelica suddenly broke down in tears again. She said, "I'm sorry. It's all my fault. It's my fault for having a mother like that. Victoria, if you hate me, you can hit me or yell at me, but please don't blame Curtis." As she spoke, she struggled to pull free from Curtis's hand. With a determined look, she bit her lip and ran toward Victoria. "Angelica!" Curtis panicked and quickly got up to follow her. Angelica ran up to Victoria and was about to bow, but Curtis caught up just in time and pulled her back. "Angelica, what are you doing? This isn't your fault. It's your mother's fault." Victoria watched the whole scene and suddenly laughed. She even clapped her hands like she was watching a show. "This is really something. Are you putting on a pity act for me?" The small bit of guilt Curtis had felt disappeared right away. After helping Angelica steady herself, he looked at Victoria coldly. "Why are you being so unreasonable?" he asked. "Angelica already apologized sincerely, and you're still mocking her." "I'm not just mocking her. I'm mocking all of you," Victoria said. "Her mother planned everything, found a way to switch us, and let her take twenty years of the life that should have been mine. "Now that I'm back, you guys are still protecting her right in front of me. It's a shame that I ended up with a family like this." Curtis's face darkened even more. Julia looked helplessly at Darell. She hadn't expected Victoria to be so stubborn and didn't know how to deal with her. No matter how she looked at it, Julia just couldn't bring herself to like Victoria. Darell, who had been silent until now, finally spoke up. "That's enough, Victoria. Angelica's mother has already been punished. Angelica is alone now, with no one to rely on. "Your mother and I raised her for twenty years. We can't just throw her out. The Binder family has more than enough. Keeping her here is no big deal. She won't affect you." But Victoria didn't accept that. "If it's really no big deal, then she can live anywhere. Why does she have to stay here and bother me? "Every time I see her, I'm reminded of everything I went through after being switched." Darell didn't expect her to keep pushing like this. Just like Julia, he began to feel more and more resistant toward Victoria. Compared to Angelica, who was gentle and understanding, Victoria seemed completely rude to him. Angelica bit her lip and let her tears fall silently. She looked pitiful, making it hard not to feel sorry for her. Seeing how aggressive Victoria was, Curtis finally lost his temper. "So you won't be satisfied unless we send Angelica away, huh?" Victoria nodded. "That's right. We're not both living here. It's one or the other." As soon as she said that, everyone's faces darkened. "I don't want to leave you," Angelica said through her tears, looking completely wronged. It made anyone who saw her feel bad. Curtis held her hand tightly. "Angelica, don't worry. You don't have to go anywhere. As long as I'm here, I won't let anyone drive you out of the Binder family. You'll always be my sister. You're part of us." Victoria raised an eyebrow. "So you want me to leave, huh?" Julia was already at her limit, but she forced herself to stay calm. "Victoria, you just got back. You don't really know Angelica yet. "She's kind and understanding. Once you spend some time with her, you'll accept her. Her staying here won't affect your place. No matter what, you're our real daughter." Victoria sneered, "Really? Then why did all of you look disgusted the moment you saw me? Is it because I'm not as pretty as her? Or because I'm not as refined? "But have you forgotten? If we had never been switched, the pretty, refined one would be me. Everything she has now was built on the suffering I endured for her." Julia froze and quickly shook her head. "That's not it. We just haven't adjusted yet." "You need time to adjust to your own daughter, huh? Then why didn't Uncle Hector and Aunt Daisy need time when they saw me?" Victoria pressed. Julia had no answer. But she thought it was because Hector and Daisy had no children, so of course, they would be happy. She took a deep breath and softened her voice. "Victoria, we won't treat you badly from now on. Your living expenses will be the same as Angelica's. Your father and I won't favor one over the other." Victoria gave a faint, mocking smile. "Should I thank you for that? Honestly, for me, not favoring one over the other is already the biggest favoritism. "You two are really kind. You don't want your own daughter, but you're willing to spend money raising the daughter of someone who ruined my life. I've never seen people this generous." Julia held back her anger and continued, "Victoria, stop making trouble. You're my real daughter. We finally found you. How could we let you keep suffering out there?" Victoria replied, "So you knew I was suffering. While I was suffering, that criminal's daughter was living here, enjoying everything you gave her in my place. "And now, on the very first day I come back, you're ready to push me away again." Curtis said coldly, "Get this straight. We're not pushing you away. You're the one making things difficult. You could stay here peacefully, but you refuse to accept Angelica." "How could I accept the daughter of a criminal?" Victoria asked. "If I hadn't been lucky enough to survive, her mother would be both a trafficker and a murderer. "She committed the crime, but her daughter hasn't been punished at all. Why should she get to keep living this rich, comfortable life as if nothing had happened?" Angelica's body swayed. Curtis quickly held her steady, his anger finally breaking through. "With your attitude, do you even deserve to stay here while Angelica leaves?" "Of course I do. First, I'm a Binder by blood. Second, unlike you, I'm not an idiot." After snapping at him, Victoria lost her patience. "Have you decided? Is she leaving, or am I?" Curtis pulled Angelica into his arms protectively and said firmly, "Dad, Mom, if I have to choose, then I only recognize Angelica as my sister." "Good. One vote." Victoria raised her index finger and then looked at Julia. "What about you?" Julia forced down her frustration and said gently, "Victoria, don't do this—" "Alright, that's two votes," Victoria said, not even bothering to listen. She turned to Darell. "Your vote doesn't matter anymore. There are already two votes for Angelica. Fine. Since that's the case, she stays. I'll leave." A trace of anxiety flashed in Angelica's eyes. If Victoria really left, there would be no one to take her place in marrying Jackson. ------ 👇👇👇 There are limited chapters to put here, click “continue reading” to open App to continue reading (It will automatically jump to the book)
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When a killer came in the night, Victoria Binder didn’t scream—she fought. And she won, burying the proof in her own garden. That was just the beginning. Unveiled as the lost heiress to a mighty fortune, Victoria returned to a family that despised her. She wasn’t there for their love. She was there for what was hers: the power, the legacy, the truth. ------ Chapter 1 I Want to Marry You "Victoria, we need to break up. It turns out I'm actually the heir to the Fairbank family, one of the most powerful families in Benwig City. You're just a country girl who sells herbs. You're not good enough for me anymore." Victoria Binder had just received a call from her boyfriend, Gavin Alvarado—no, Gavin Fairbank now. She had been about to tell him that she was the long-lost daughter of a wealthy family herself, but before she could say a word, she heard him claim she wasn't good enough for him. She let out a silent, cold laugh. The medicinal herbs she grew were incredibly valuable. Countless rich and influential families were trying to buy them at high prices. Her products had even appeared several times at the largest auction house in Benwig City. Gavin's arrogant voice came through the phone again. "With my status now, I need to marry a proper heiress from a family that matches mine. "But since we dated for two months, I won't treat you badly. Before I marry someone suitable, you can stay with me. Even after I get married, I can still keep you as my—" Before he could finish, Victoria snapped, "Asshole. If you want to break up, then we're done." She hung up immediately. The handsome man standing in front of her, Jackson Thornton, raised an eyebrow. He had been waiting for her response. He smiled. "So? You just found out you're the heiress of the Binder family, one of the richest families in Benwig City, and you still got dumped?" Victoria looked up at him and smiled brightly. "Funny coincidence. He just told me that he's the heir to a wealthy family in Benwig City and that I'm not good enough for him." Then her expression shifted, turning doubtful. "Wait a second. This whole thing about being the real daughter or real son of some rich family... Isn't that some new kind of scam going around?" Jackson paused for a moment, then smiled. "Of course not. You really are the true daughter of the Binder family." Victoria gave a nonchalant hum. She took the basket off her back, sat down on a chair, and began sorting the herbs she had just picked. "Then who are you?" she asked. "Why are you the one coming to find me instead of my biological parents?" Jackson glanced at the shabby house in front of him, then looked at Victoria, who sat casually on a small stool. He said, "If nothing unexpected happens, I'll soon be your fiancé. I'm Jackson, the eldest son of the Thornton family in Benwig City." Victoria almost slipped off her stool. She stared at him in shock. "What? Fiancé?" "That's right. But as you can see, I'm disabled now. I lost the use of my legs last month." Sitting in his wheelchair, Jackson lifted a hand and pointed at his legs, giving a helpless smile. "I see. And what does that have to do with you coming to find me today?" Victoria asked. Then she suddenly understood. "Wait. Are you saying that I'm the real daughter of the wealthy Binder family, and that they're planning to bring me back and have me marry you?" Jackson nodded, a hint of admiration in his eyes. "Exactly." Victoria's gaze flickered. Jackson continued, "Because of my legs, I'm about to be dumped. Just like you." Victoria caught on quickly. "So the one who was supposed to marry you was the Binder family's adopted daughter. But now that you're disabled, she doesn't want to marry you anymore." Jackson nodded again. "Yes. That's exactly it." Victoria almost let out a bitter laugh. "Then why don't you look upset at all?" Jackson said calmly, "You just got dumped by your boyfriend, and you don't look upset either." "He's just trash. Good riddance." Victoria curled her lips in disdain. Jackson studied her, the admiration in his eyes deepening. "You're surprisingly chill about it." Victoria let out a small scoff. "Of course. Why waste time and energy feeling bad over someone who isn't worth it?" She had started dating Gavin after saving his life by chance two years ago. After that, he had chased after her nonstop, using gratitude as an excuse. For two whole years, he acted devoted, as if he would never marry anyone but her. He didn't seem to have any serious flaws. She figured having a man around could help her take care of the herb garden and keep other men from bothering her, so she agreed to date him. But she never expected that the moment Gavin found out he was the heir to a wealthy family, he would turn on her so quickly. Jackson smiled. "Same here. She's trash anyway. Better not to marry her." There had never been anything between him and Angelica Binder. Their engagement had only been arranged by his grandfather for a business alliance. Now that his legs were disabled, Angelica's parents naturally didn't want her to marry him anymore. But the Thornton family was the most powerful family in Benwig City, with huge wealth and influence. They weren't willing to give up the alliance, either. In the end, they planned to have their biological daughter, Victoria, marry him in Angelica's place. Victoria went straight to the point. "It's just strange. How could it be such a coincidence? Right after your legs were disabled, my birth parents suddenly found me and decided to have me marry you instead of their adopted daughter." She let out a cold, mocking laugh. "Looks like they always knew I was their real daughter. I just had no value to them, so they left me out here all this time and never brought me home." Jackson didn't try to comfort her with lies. "I think you're right." Victoria gave a cold sneer. If that was true, then her birth parents were even more heartless than she had thought. Still, one thing didn't make sense to her. "Since you already know what the Binder family is planning, why not just give up on the alliance? Why walk straight into their trap?" "I had someone look into you," Jackson said calmly. "You sell medicine, and you're pretty well-known around here. "I heard you've treated quite a few difficult cases with your own methods. My legs are disabled. Over the past month, I've invited top doctors from all over the country, but none of them could help. "So I came here myself to see if marrying you would be a trap or a chance for me." He didn't hide why he came. Victoria found him interesting. She shrugged. "Well, you've seen me now. I'm just a wild country girl. My birth parents, the ones I've never even met, clearly don't like me. "Do you still want to marry someone like me? I'm just a real daughter who isn't valued and is just being used as a substitute bride." Jackson looked at her closely. At first glance, she wasn't the delicate type raised in comfort. Her skin wasn't soft. It had a light wheat tone that made her look healthy and full of life. But if one looked more carefully, her features were actually very refined. Her eyes were bright and clear, and there was strength in the way she looked at people. There was no trace of disrespect in Jackson's gaze. He looked sincere. "Yes. After meeting you, I'm sure I want to marry you. I just don't know if you're willing to give me a chance." Victoria studied his face. She had to admit that he was strikingly handsome, the kind of man who wouldn't be forgotten even in a huge crowd. His features were sharp, and his face was well-defined. What stood out the most was his eyes. Even after going through something as serious as losing the use of his legs, they were still clear. There was no bitterness or confusion. Victoria glanced at his legs again. "What's going on with them?" "They were broken with a wooden club last month," Jackson said. "I've had many well-known doctors take a look. They all said my legs are beyond saving. I'll never stand again." "Pull up your pant legs. Let me see," said Victoria. "Okay." Jackson did as she said, lifting his pant legs to reveal his knees and lower legs, covered in scars. Victoria's expression darkened. She set the herbs aside, stood up, and walked over to him. Then she bent down and pressed carefully on his knees. The pain made Jackson frown, but he didn't make a sound. "They can be treated," Victoria said firmly. Hope lit up in Jackson's eyes at once. Thinking about how her birth parents had ignored her existence for so many years, Victoria made up her mind. She would go back to Benwig City and take her place as the Binder family's true daughter. She wanted to meet them face to face. She clapped her hands lightly and sat back down on the small stool. "I can marry you." Jackson raised an eyebrow. "Do you have any conditions?" Victoria tilted her head and smiled brightly. "Listen to you. Do I need conditions to marry you? You're so good-looking. If I fix your legs, I'll be the one getting the better deal." Jackson hadn't expected her to be so straightforward. His brow lifted higher, and he let out a soft laugh. "Alright. Then it's settled. I'll wait for you to return to the Binder family." Chapter 2 A Welcome Gift After Jackson left his phone number with Victoria, he left the village with his assistant, Ollie Rowse. Victoria watched him go, her eyes growing thoughtful. She took out her phone and dialed a number. "Mara, I need you to look into everyone in the Binder family in Benwig City right away. Focus on their daughter. I want everything you can find, and I want it by tonight." "Yes, boss," Mara replied. After hanging up, Victoria's gaze turned even sharper. Ford had once told her about that freezing winter night twenty years ago. He had been on his way to settle down in a small southern town when he heard a baby crying from inside a trash bin. He got out of the car to check and found a baby girl, not even a month old, her skin red from the cold. If she hadn't been crying so loudly, and if he hadn't happened to pass that deserted road, she would have died quietly in that trash bin. That baby was Victoria. Ford gave her that name, hoping she would grow up strong and tough no matter what life threw at her. Even on his deathbed, Ford never stopped looking for her biological parents. And all this time, Victoria had believed they must have abandoned her because they had no other choice. But now, it seemed that wasn't true. Her biological parents didn't want her and had no intention of taking her back. If it weren't for the adopted daughter they had raised for twenty years, Victoria might have gone her whole life without parents. Just then, someone called out from outside, "Victoria, who was that man in the nice car looking for you?" It was Stephan, a middle-aged man from next door. He spent most of his time up in the mountains hunting herbs. Victoria put her phone away and walked out, smiling at him. "To be honest with you, that was my fiancé." Stephan looked surprised. "Your fiancé? You have good taste. He's a handsome man. Why didn't you ask him to stay for dinner?" "He had things to take care of in the city. He couldn't stay today," Victoria said. "Next time he comes, make sure he stays for a meal. Everything we eat here is grown by us. Let him try it. It's much better and healthier than city food," Stephan said. "I will," Victoria said with a smile. Stephan grabbed his tools and headed up into the mountains. Only after he left did Victoria go back inside to keep sorting the herbs she had picked. ***** After leaving Mullinran Village, Ollie, who was driving, glanced at Jackson's calm face in the rearview mirror and asked carefully, "Mr. Thornton, are you really going to marry her? "You saw it yourself. Her own parents don't even want her. She makes a living selling herbs and doing some basic medical work. "You just went through something serious, and this is when you need support the most. Marrying her won't help you secure your position in the Thornton family." Jackson shifted his gaze away from the fields outside the window and gently rubbed the petals of a purple flower he had picked from Victoria's doorstep. He asked, "Ollie, do you remember six months ago, when my grandfather was seriously ill and needed a very rare herb to survive?" Ollie wasn't sure why he changed the subject, but he nodded. "Of course. That herb showed up at the biggest auction house in Benwig City. You spent 30 million dollars to get it." "Didn't you notice? That same rare herb was hanging casually on the wall of her simple, run-down house," Jackson said. That one bundle alone would be worth a fortune at any auction in Benwig City. "What?" Ollie was stunned. From the moment they walked into Victoria's house, he had only noticed how shabby it looked and missed everything else. Now it finally clicked. "Do you mean her background might not be as simple as it seems?" Jackson lifted the purple flower to his nose and took a light breath. "I can't say for sure what her background is yet. But one thing is clear. Her medical skills are far from simple." Ollie understood right away. If that was true, then there was real hope for Jackson's legs. Still, he couldn't help asking, "If all you want is to fix your legs, you could just pay her a large amount of money. There's no need to marry her." Jackson blinked and slowly turned the flower between his fingers. A faint smile appeared on his lips. "What if I said I fell for her at first sight? Would you believe me?" Ollie paused and looked at him again through the rearview mirror. He seemed calm. He wasn't exactly joking, but he wasn't completely serious, either. But Jackson rarely joked, so Ollie couldn't tell how much of it was real. In the end, he chose to believe him. "I believe you." "Good. In my eyes, she is already my fiancée. From now on, you need to treat her with respect," Jackson said. "Understood." Ollie nodded. Jackson wasn't joking. When it came to love, he had never believed in feelings that grew over time. To him, if there was no spark at first sight, then staying together would only lead to a relationship based on weighing pros and cons, not the kind of love that made his heart race. That was why, when his grandfather arranged his engagement to Angelica, he had agreed for practical reasons alone. But when he saw Victoria, everything changed. It felt like the world spun around him, and everything else faded away. In his eyes, she was the only color left. He couldn't explain why it had to be her. Maybe it was that moment when their eyes met, when the light in hers pulled him in like a whirlpool. Jackson picked up a book from the car and carefully placed the small purple flower between its pages. Then he closed the book and shut his eyes. ***** At eight that evening, Victoria had just finished bringing in the herbs she had been drying on the roof when her phone rang. She set the herbs aside, brushed the dust off her hands, and picked up the call. Mara's cool voice came through. "Boss, I found what you asked for. The Binder family has only one daughter. She was born to the second son, Darell, and his wife, Julia. Her name is Angelica. She's the same age as you. "She's very spoiled at home. Two months ago, Darell arranged a great marriage for her. She's engaged to Jackson, the eldest son of the Thornton family, the most powerful family in Benwig City. "Jackson had already been chosen by his grandfather, Gerry, as the next heir. But last month, he had an accident. Someone broke both his legs, and the announcement was put on hold." "What is Angelica like?" Victoria asked. "She has a very good reputation. She's beautiful and talented. A lot of rich young men in Benwig City admire her. That's probably why she gained Gerry's approval for the marriage," Mara said. Victoria let out a cold laugh to herself. She didn't believe for a second that Angelica's perfect life came without tricks. "Got it. Now find out if Angelica is really Darell and Julia's biological daughter," Victoria said. "You're focusing on the Binder family, especially Angelica. What are you planning to do?" Mara asked. "I'm going back to take my place," Victoria said. A faint spark lit up in her deep eyes. She found the idea of being the Binder family's real daughter interesting. Victoria had many identities. The one she used the most was a village herbalist and healer. In her daily life, she spent time with her retired scientist friends in the village, growing new herbs and developing new medicines. Over the years, she had cultivated twenty kinds of rare medicinal plants. Because they were so hard to produce, they sold for extremely high prices. Any one of them, if sold at auction in Benwig City, could earn more than most people made in a lifetime. On top of that, she was skilled in traditional medical techniques. When she treated regular villagers, she charged normal fees. But when rich families or powerful figures came to her, her starting fee was three million dollars. Of course, she guaranteed results. If she couldn't cure them, she wouldn't take a single dollar. This identity alone had already made her very rich. Money no longer meant much to her. So when her ex-boyfriend, Gavin, said she wasn't good enough for him, she found it almost funny. If she wanted, she could build her own place in Benwig City without relying on anyone. Over the years, all her different identities had started to feel dull. It was time to try something new. And she had to admit, Jackson impressed her. Out of all the people she had treated, none had faced sudden injury like he did, so calm and steady. His willpower was strong. He was someone who would go far. He was handsome and capable. It would be a waste for him to stay crippled. So she would fix his legs. Mara quickly understood, her voice turning serious. "Understood, boss. I'll get on it right away." ***** Late that night, Victoria was fast asleep when she heard wood cracking outside. Her eyes opened at once, sharp and alert, and she turned toward the sound. Anyone showing up at this hour without warning was not from the village. She had spread powders around her home to keep wild animals away, so no beasts would come near. That left only one answer. Someone had broken in. Victoria got up quietly and, using the moonlight, moved to hide behind the door. Soon, her old wooden door was kicked open, and a shadow rushed inside. She hadn't expected him to be so bold, barging in instead of sneaking around. She flicked a silver needle straight at him. The man let out a low groan and dropped to the ground. Victoria turned on the light, filling the room with brightness. She kicked him aside and finally saw his face clearly. He looked like a hardened criminal. She grabbed a rope, walked over, and tied up his hands and feet. Once he was secured, she took out a needle and stuck it into his neck. Within seconds, he woke up. Victoria sat on the bed, crossing her legs as she played with another needle. "If you don't want to suffer, you'd better tell me the truth. Who sent you?" The man quickly sized up the situation. "People who hire killers stay anonymous. Who would be stupid enough to give their name? But they said that if I raped you, they would get me out of the country safely." Victoria's eyes turned cold and sharp. If he needed to run overseas, that meant he was already a wanted criminal. The man hurried to beg, "I've told you everything I know. Let me go. I won't take this job anymore." Victoria nodded. "Fine." She walked over, pulled out the needle, and untied the ropes. "You can leave." The man rubbed his wrists. "Thanks—" Before he could finish, his face suddenly changed. He lifted his leg and tried to kick Victoria in the knee. But the moment his foot rose, a sharp pain shot through him. Then his whole body went numb. He couldn't move. He looked down in terror. A small black snake had bitten his ankle. "How is there a poisonous snake here—" Before he could finish, blood burst from his throat. His body fell stiffly to the ground. After a few jerks, he went still. Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Trying to kill me in my place? You asked for it. Good job, Blackie. Go rest." The little black snake slipped into a dark corner and quickly disappeared. Victoria picked up a hoe, stuffed the body into a large basket, and lifted it onto her back with ease. She carried it outside and buried it near her vegetable garden. It would make good fertilizer for her herbs. After that, she let out a long breath, brushed off her hands, and looked up at the nearly full moon. She had just learned who she really was, and someone had already sent a man to ruin her. It seemed that someone had prepared a "welcome gift" for her in advance. Chapter 3 We've Got Your Back The next day at noon, a black Bentley worth 1.5 million dollars stopped in front of Victoria's house. Victoria was grinding the herbs she had picked the day before. When she heard the car, she glanced out the window and checked the license plate. It was from Benwig City, just as she expected. She finished grinding the herbs, put them into jars, brushed the dust off her hands, and walked outside. She went straight to the car and knocked on the window. A moment later, the window slid down, revealing the still handsome face of a middle-aged man—Hector Binder. He looked about fifty, with neatly slicked-back hair. A woman sat beside him. She looked about the same age. Even though she wasn't young anymore, she had taken good care of herself and looked as if she were in her thirties. Her features were still soft and beautiful. Victoria didn't waste time. "Are you here for me?" Hector, sitting in the back seat, looked at her, then at the photo in his hand. His eyes lit up. "Daisy, it's her. She's the one we're looking for." Daisy's eyes filled with excitement, even shining with tears. "Yes, it's her. No mistake." They quickly opened the door, got out of the car, and walked over to Victoria. Hector nodded. "Yes. You're the real daughter the Binder family lost years ago. We're here to take you back." Victoria looked straight into his eyes. He seemed like a decent man, and the excitement in his expression matched Daisy's. It didn't look fake. This couple didn't seem to have anything to do with what happened to her last night. Hector paused, a little surprised. "How did you know we were coming?" But he didn't dwell on it. Instead, he explained, "You are the young lady of the Binder family. "When you were little, someone switched you with another baby. That's why you ended up here. You've suffered for twenty years, living away from your real home." As soon as he finished, Daisy started to choke up. "Poor child." Victoria stayed calm. "So, are you my parents?" Hector and Daisy froze. They exchanged a look, then answered awkwardly, "No. We're your uncle and aunt." Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Then why aren't my parents here? Why did they send you instead?" Daisy looked uneasy. "Something came up at home. They couldn't leave, so they asked us to come get you." Victoria saw right through it. "You don't have to cover for them. I'm not a child. What could be more important than picking up their own daughter? They just didn't want to come." Hearing that, Daisy stepped forward and gently hugged her. Tears slipped down her face. "My poor child, you've suffered so much." Victoria didn't expect the sudden hug. At first, she wanted to pull away, but the warmth of it stopped her. It felt soft and comforting, unlike any embrace she had experienced in twenty years. It was, perhaps, the closest she had ever come to what a mother's embrace should feel like. She let out a quiet sigh. For a moment, she thought that if these two were her real parents, it wouldn't be so bad. After a while, Daisy let go and held her hand. "Go pack your things. We'll take you home today. You won't have to live like this anymore." Victoria nodded. "Okay. Wait for me. I'll go pack." She didn't need to bring clothes. The only things she needed were the medicines she had made. After packing all the bottles of medicine powder and poison powder from the wooden cabinet, Victoria called out, "Blackie, Whitey, Greenie, come out. I'm taking you somewhere new." As soon as she finished, three small snakes slid out from the corners and crawled into a sack. Victoria tied the sack and slung it over her shoulder. Then she took a drum from the old cabinet. After giving the shabby house one last look, she walked outside and began to beat the drum. The loud sound of the drum echoed through the area. Hector and Daisy, waiting outside, looked confused. Before long, the villagers gathered around. They looked at Victoria with concern. "Victoria, what's wrong? What happened?" Victoria set down the drum, cleared her throat, and said, "Everyone, you all know I'm an orphan. I grew up without parents, raised by all of you. "But now I know who my real parents are. It turns out I'm the daughter of the Binder family in Benwig City." The villagers were happy for her at first, but then she continued, "But here's the thing. My real parents knew all along who I was, but they never came to acknowledge me. "And now, the only reason they're taking me back is to make me marry a disabled man in place of their adopted daughter." Hector and Daisy were stunned. They had no idea about any of this. The villagers were furious. "What kind of people are they? They knew you were their real daughter but ignored you all this time, and now they want to use you like this, huh?" "Blind fools! You're such a good girl, and they treat you like a tool, making you marry some cripple instead of their adopted daughter." "Victoria, don't listen to those heartless people." "That's right. Ignore them. We'll go teach them a lesson." "The Binder family? They're nothing special in Benwig City, acting all high and mighty. Victoria, you don't need to go back with them." Victoria raised her hand to quiet them. "Everyone, calm down. I've decided to go back to the Binder family for this arranged marriage. "But I'm going back to teach them a lesson. So I'm telling you all ahead of time. Please help take care of the herbs I just planted in my yard." Even though the villagers didn't really understand, they still respected her choice. "Okay. But if anyone from the Binder family dares to bully you, just call me. I'll get people to take them down," one person said. "That's right. We've got your back," another added. Victoria waved her hand. "Thank you, everyone. That's all I wanted to say. You can all head back now." After that, she turned to Hector and Daisy, who were still waiting, and gave them a light smile. "We can go now." Hector and Daisy were still a little stunned. When they heard her, they finally snapped out of it. "Oh, okay." "Let me carry that." The driver stepped forward and reached for the sack. "Be careful. It's heavy," Victoria said. The driver didn't believe it at first. But the moment he took it with both hands, he almost dropped it on his foot. Victoria blinked at him. "Can you handle it? Don't break anything inside." "No problem." The driver forced a smile, gritted his teeth, and lifted the sack into the trunk. By the time he got back into the driver's seat, he was sweating all over. He hadn't expected Victoria to be this strong despite looking so thin. After getting into the car, Daisy and Hector looked at each other, then kept glancing at Victoria. They seemed to want to say something, but neither of them knew how to start. In the end, Daisy asked, "Victoria, you just told the villagers about marrying a disabled man instead of that adopted daughter. What did you mean?" "You didn't know?" Victoria looked back at her, her eyes narrowing with suspicion. Daisy shook her head. "Hector and I really had no idea. About half a month ago, your parents suddenly told us Angelica wasn't their biological daughter. Then they sent people to look into it. "Just yesterday, they found out their real daughter was living here. That's why they want to bring you back today." Hector nodded to confirm her words. Victoria smiled faintly. "Then why do you think they didn't come themselves?" Daisy fell silent. To her, it was absurd that Victoria's parents would have relatives fetch their biological daughter instead of coming themselves. But the truth would hurt Victoria, so she chose not to say anything. Victoria let out a bitter laugh. "Aunt Daisy, even if you don't say it, I can guess. Just like I said, they don't want to acknowledge me. "They're only bringing me back because they have no choice. They want me to marry that disabled heir in place of their precious adopted daughter." Her gaze was clear and calm, and there was a quiet maturity about her that went far beyond her years. Hector frowned slightly. "Victoria, how did you find out about this arranged marriage?" Victoria smiled. "Secret." On the way, Daisy told her a lot about the Binder family. It wasn't much different from what Mara had already found out. The Binder family was still led by Calvin. He had two sons and one daughter. The eldest son, Hector, was the one who had come to get Victoria, and his wife was Daisy. They didn't have any children. The second son, Darell, was Victoria's biological father. He and his wife, Julia, had two sons and one daughter. The eldest son, Simon, managed the family's entertainment company, Brightstar Entertainment. The second son, Curtis, was a well-known singer under the same company. Then there was the youngest daughter, Angelica. She was considered very outstanding. At just twenty, she had already skipped grades and finished college. She was now preparing to study abroad after getting engaged to the eldest son of the Thornton family. Angelica was the baby who had been switched with Victoria. As for Calvin's daughter, Sirena, she had already married into another wealthy family and only returned for holidays. The drive from the village to Benwig City took six hours over bumpy roads. By the time they arrived, it was dark. "We're here," the driver said as he stopped the car. Victoria looked out the window. In front of her stood a large estate, with several villas spread across it. It looked grand and impressive. The Binder family mansion alone was almost as big as the entire Mullinran Village. Victoria got out of the car and followed Hector and Daisy inside. The head butler, Milton, who had been waiting at the door, stepped forward respectfully. "You're back." He looked at Victoria and gave a polite nod. "This must be Miss Victoria Binder." "Yes," Daisy replied. Then she looked at Victoria gently. "Victoria, go in and meet your parents and brother." Victoria said nothing. She quietly followed them inside. They passed through the wide front yard and stepped into the entrance hall. Standing at the doorway, she quickly scanned the four people sitting on the sofas in the main hall. First, she saw a middle-aged couple dressed in expensive clothes, carrying themselves with an air of wealth and status. Next was a handsome young man who looked a bit rebellious. Finally, there was a beautiful young woman about her age. The corners of her eyes were red, and she looked pitiful, as if she had been crying. None of them looked happy. Their faces were tense, filled with worry. When they looked at her, Victoria caught the flash of disgust in their eyes. A faint smile appeared on her lips. She thought the family was really quite interesting. Chapter 4 Are You an Idiot? "Darell, Julia, I brought your daughter back," Daisy said. She gently patted Victoria on the back. "Victoria, go say hello to your parents and your brother." Victoria didn't move. With a faint, mocking smile, she asked, "Aunt Daisy, are they really my parents and brother?" Daisy froze for a moment, then nodded. "Yes, they are. Why do you ask?" Victoria let out a cold laugh. "I'm supposed to be their daughter and sister, but why do they all look like they can't stand me?" The four people in the room all stiffened. They hadn't expected her to be so direct. Daisy froze again. She wanted to say something, but stopped herself. She knew what Darell and Julia were thinking. They didn't want to accept this daughter because they already had an excellent adopted one. They would rather stay home and comfort their adopted daughter's feelings than spend even a little time going to the village to pick up their real daughter. Simon and Curtis felt the same way. They were closer to the sister they had lived with for twenty years. None of them wanted to hurt her feelings just to pick up Victoria. Simon didn't even bother to show up; he was still at work. In the end, Daisy couldn't take it anymore and offered to go with Hector to bring Victoria home. What she didn't expect was that even after Victoria came back, Darell and Julia still acted like this. They didn't even try to hide it. Julia looked at Darell, and he looked back at her. In that brief exchange, they reached an understanding. Victoria clearly wasn't as quiet and easy to control as they had thought. They couldn't just brush her aside. If they wanted her to willingly take Angelica's place in the marriage to Jackson later, they would have to act nice and coax her a little. Julia hesitated, then forced herself to stand up. She put on a pained expression and walked toward Victoria. "My child, you've suffered so much out there." Victoria stepped aside slightly and avoided her touch. "Stop pretending. I don't see any concern in your eyes." Julia froze in place. A wave of anger rose inside her. She had lowered herself to show kindness, yet Victoria had refused it and embarrassed her in front of everyone. But to her, Victoria's lack of manners was no surprise. She had grown up in the countryside without her parents and had never been properly brought up. Julia forced a stiff smile. "I carried you for ten months. Of course, it hurts me to know you've suffered." Victoria sneered, "Is that so? If you really feel that way, why didn't you come pick me up today? Why did you send Uncle Hector and Aunt Daisy instead?" Daisy wanted to speak, but Hector gently held her hand and shook his head. He said quietly, "Daisy, we've already brought her back. What happens now is their family matter. Let them handle it. Let's go home." Daisy looked at Victoria, her eyes full of worry and sympathy. But she knew Hector was right. This was between Victoria and her parents. No matter what happened, she had no right to interfere. "Julia, now that Victoria is back, you should treat her well. Don't hurt her again. Daisy and I will head back now," Hector said politely, hoping his words would help a little. Darell nodded. "Thank you for your help today." Daisy said gently, "Victoria, we are leaving. If you need anything, come find us at Goldenwood Villa on the east side." With that, she reluctantly turned and left. Victoria watched them walk away, then quickly looked away. Once they were gone, Julia finally breathed a sigh of relief. "This is all my fault. Your father and I didn't go pick you up ourselves because I'm very emotional. "I was afraid that if I saw how poorly you were living, I wouldn't be able to handle it. So I stayed home to calm myself and prepare to welcome you." She was lying. Actually, after Angelica found out last night that she wasn't their real daughter, she had been upset the whole night. This morning, she was so distracted that she couldn't even eat. Julia felt sorry for her and stayed home to comfort her. Victoria's eyes were full of sarcasm. "So what exactly did you prepare for me?" Julia quickly said, "I've already cleaned up a room for you. Come, I'll show you." She reached for Victoria's hand again, but Victoria dodged her once more. "So cleaning a room was more important than coming to pick me up yourself." Julia's hand hung in the air. A trace of impatience flashed across her eyes. "Forget the room. I'm not even sure I'll stay," Victoria said. Then she pointed at the young woman about her age. "Who is she?" Angelica froze. Her eyes instantly turned red. She gently tugged on Curtis's sleeve. Curtis held her hand and said softly, "Angelica, don't be afraid." After comforting her, Curtis looked at Victoria coldly. His tone turned sharp. "I'm your brother, Curtis. And she's my sister, Angelica." He deliberately stressed the words "my sister." "I see." Victoria's voice carried a hint of sarcasm. "So that means she's the adopted daughter who was switched with me, right?" Angelica's hand trembled. Tears gathered in her eyes, ready to fall. Curtis's face darkened. He emphasized, "In my heart, Angelica is my real sister." Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Calling her your real sister? Are you an idiot?" Everyone except Victoria froze at her words. Curtis stared at her in disbelief. "You just called me an idiot, huh?" Victoria laughed mockingly. "Yeah. Did I say anything wrong? Don't you know her mother was the one who secretly switched us back then?" Angelica's birth mother, Jasmine, had worked as a customer service representative at a postpartum care center. When Julia was three months pregnant, she started looking for a high-end center, and Jasmine had served her. By coincidence, Jasmine was also pregnant at the time. When she realized Julia was wealthy, she started having bad thoughts. She secretly followed Julia to find out which center she chose and forced herself to spend the money to book the same one. During the recovery period after giving birth, Jasmine secretly switched her own daughter with Julia's without anyone noticing. At the time, Angelica had an allergic rash on her face. Julia didn't realize anything was wrong, and when she left the center, she took Angelica home. Angelica bit her lip. Tears finally streamed down her face. "I'm sorry." Curtis held her cold hand tightly and gently said, "Angelica, this has nothing to do with you." Then he turned to Victoria, his voice full of anger. "Yes, her mother switched you back then. But Angelica is innocent. She didn't know anything about it." Victoria laughed out loud, her eyes full of ridicule. "Oh, she's innocent? She spent twenty years enjoying my life, living in comfort and luxury. "And me? I was thrown into a trash can by her cruel mother in the freezing cold. If no one had found me, I would have died right after I was born." Chapter 5 I'll Leave Victoria's words left Curtis speechless. He had just started to feel a bit guilty when Angelica suddenly broke down in tears again. She said, "I'm sorry. It's all my fault. It's my fault for having a mother like that. Victoria, if you hate me, you can hit me or yell at me, but please don't blame Curtis." As she spoke, she struggled to pull free from Curtis's hand. With a determined look, she bit her lip and ran toward Victoria. "Angelica!" Curtis panicked and quickly got up to follow her. Angelica ran up to Victoria and was about to bow, but Curtis caught up just in time and pulled her back. "Angelica, what are you doing? This isn't your fault. It's your mother's fault." Victoria watched the whole scene and suddenly laughed. She even clapped her hands like she was watching a show. "This is really something. Are you putting on a pity act for me?" The small bit of guilt Curtis had felt disappeared right away. After helping Angelica steady herself, he looked at Victoria coldly. "Why are you being so unreasonable?" he asked. "Angelica already apologized sincerely, and you're still mocking her." "I'm not just mocking her. I'm mocking all of you," Victoria said. "Her mother planned everything, found a way to switch us, and let her take twenty years of the life that should have been mine. "Now that I'm back, you guys are still protecting her right in front of me. It's a shame that I ended up with a family like this." Curtis's face darkened even more. Julia looked helplessly at Darell. She hadn't expected Victoria to be so stubborn and didn't know how to deal with her. No matter how she looked at it, Julia just couldn't bring herself to like Victoria. Darell, who had been silent until now, finally spoke up. "That's enough, Victoria. Angelica's mother has already been punished. Angelica is alone now, with no one to rely on. "Your mother and I raised her for twenty years. We can't just throw her out. The Binder family has more than enough. Keeping her here is no big deal. She won't affect you." But Victoria didn't accept that. "If it's really no big deal, then she can live anywhere. Why does she have to stay here and bother me? "Every time I see her, I'm reminded of everything I went through after being switched." Darell didn't expect her to keep pushing like this. Just like Julia, he began to feel more and more resistant toward Victoria. Compared to Angelica, who was gentle and understanding, Victoria seemed completely rude to him. Angelica bit her lip and let her tears fall silently. She looked pitiful, making it hard not to feel sorry for her. Seeing how aggressive Victoria was, Curtis finally lost his temper. "So you won't be satisfied unless we send Angelica away, huh?" Victoria nodded. "That's right. We're not both living here. It's one or the other." As soon as she said that, everyone's faces darkened. "I don't want to leave you," Angelica said through her tears, looking completely wronged. It made anyone who saw her feel bad. Curtis held her hand tightly. "Angelica, don't worry. You don't have to go anywhere. As long as I'm here, I won't let anyone drive you out of the Binder family. You'll always be my sister. You're part of us." Victoria raised an eyebrow. "So you want me to leave, huh?" Julia was already at her limit, but she forced herself to stay calm. "Victoria, you just got back. You don't really know Angelica yet. "She's kind and understanding. Once you spend some time with her, you'll accept her. Her staying here won't affect your place. No matter what, you're our real daughter." Victoria sneered, "Really? Then why did all of you look disgusted the moment you saw me? Is it because I'm not as pretty as her? Or because I'm not as refined? "But have you forgotten? If we had never been switched, the pretty, refined one would be me. Everything she has now was built on the suffering I endured for her." Julia froze and quickly shook her head. "That's not it. We just haven't adjusted yet." "You need time to adjust to your own daughter, huh? Then why didn't Uncle Hector and Aunt Daisy need time when they saw me?" Victoria pressed. Julia had no answer. But she thought it was because Hector and Daisy had no children, so of course, they would be happy. She took a deep breath and softened her voice. "Victoria, we won't treat you badly from now on. Your living expenses will be the same as Angelica's. Your father and I won't favor one over the other." Victoria gave a faint, mocking smile. "Should I thank you for that? Honestly, for me, not favoring one over the other is already the biggest favoritism. "You two are really kind. You don't want your own daughter, but you're willing to spend money raising the daughter of someone who ruined my life. I've never seen people this generous." Julia held back her anger and continued, "Victoria, stop making trouble. You're my real daughter. We finally found you. How could we let you keep suffering out there?" Victoria replied, "So you knew I was suffering. While I was suffering, that criminal's daughter was living here, enjoying everything you gave her in my place. "And now, on the very first day I come back, you're ready to push me away again." Curtis said coldly, "Get this straight. We're not pushing you away. You're the one making things difficult. You could stay here peacefully, but you refuse to accept Angelica." "How could I accept the daughter of a criminal?" Victoria asked. "If I hadn't been lucky enough to survive, her mother would be both a trafficker and a murderer. "She committed the crime, but her daughter hasn't been punished at all. Why should she get to keep living this rich, comfortable life as if nothing had happened?" Angelica's body swayed. Curtis quickly held her steady, his anger finally breaking through. "With your attitude, do you even deserve to stay here while Angelica leaves?" "Of course I do. First, I'm a Binder by blood. Second, unlike you, I'm not an idiot." After snapping at him, Victoria lost her patience. "Have you decided? Is she leaving, or am I?" Curtis pulled Angelica into his arms protectively and said firmly, "Dad, Mom, if I have to choose, then I only recognize Angelica as my sister." "Good. One vote." Victoria raised her index finger and then looked at Julia. "What about you?" Julia forced down her frustration and said gently, "Victoria, don't do this—" "Alright, that's two votes," Victoria said, not even bothering to listen. She turned to Darell. "Your vote doesn't matter anymore. There are already two votes for Angelica. Fine. Since that's the case, she stays. I'll leave." A trace of anxiety flashed in Angelica's eyes. If Victoria really left, there would be no one to take her place in marrying Jackson. ------ 👇👇👇 There are limited chapters to put here, click “continue reading” to open App to continue reading (It will automatically jump to the book)
When a killer came in the night, Victoria Binder didn’t scream—she fought. And she won, burying the proof in her own garden. That was just the beginning. Unveiled as the lost heiress to a mighty fortune, Victoria returned to a family that despised her. She wasn’t there for their love. She was there for what was hers: the power, the legacy, the truth. ------ Chapter 1 I Want to Marry You "Victoria, we need to break up. It turns out I'm actually the heir to the Fairbank family, one of the most powerful families in Benwig City. You're just a country girl who sells herbs. You're not good enough for me anymore." Victoria Binder had just received a call from her boyfriend, Gavin Alvarado—no, Gavin Fairbank now. She had been about to tell him that she was the long-lost daughter of a wealthy family herself, but before she could say a word, she heard him claim she wasn't good enough for him. She let out a silent, cold laugh. The medicinal herbs she grew were incredibly valuable. Countless rich and influential families were trying to buy them at high prices. Her products had even appeared several times at the largest auction house in Benwig City. Gavin's arrogant voice came through the phone again. "With my status now, I need to marry a proper heiress from a family that matches mine. "But since we dated for two months, I won't treat you badly. Before I marry someone suitable, you can stay with me. Even after I get married, I can still keep you as my—" Before he could finish, Victoria snapped, "Asshole. If you want to break up, then we're done." She hung up immediately. The handsome man standing in front of her, Jackson Thornton, raised an eyebrow. He had been waiting for her response. He smiled. "So? You just found out you're the heiress of the Binder family, one of the richest families in Benwig City, and you still got dumped?" Victoria looked up at him and smiled brightly. "Funny coincidence. He just told me that he's the heir to a wealthy family in Benwig City and that I'm not good enough for him." Then her expression shifted, turning doubtful. "Wait a second. This whole thing about being the real daughter or real son of some rich family... Isn't that some new kind of scam going around?" Jackson paused for a moment, then smiled. "Of course not. You really are the true daughter of the Binder family." Victoria gave a nonchalant hum. She took the basket off her back, sat down on a chair, and began sorting the herbs she had just picked. "Then who are you?" she asked. "Why are you the one coming to find me instead of my biological parents?" Jackson glanced at the shabby house in front of him, then looked at Victoria, who sat casually on a small stool. He said, "If nothing unexpected happens, I'll soon be your fiancé. I'm Jackson, the eldest son of the Thornton family in Benwig City." Victoria almost slipped off her stool. She stared at him in shock. "What? Fiancé?" "That's right. But as you can see, I'm disabled now. I lost the use of my legs last month." Sitting in his wheelchair, Jackson lifted a hand and pointed at his legs, giving a helpless smile. "I see. And what does that have to do with you coming to find me today?" Victoria asked. Then she suddenly understood. "Wait. Are you saying that I'm the real daughter of the wealthy Binder family, and that they're planning to bring me back and have me marry you?" Jackson nodded, a hint of admiration in his eyes. "Exactly." Victoria's gaze flickered. Jackson continued, "Because of my legs, I'm about to be dumped. Just like you." Victoria caught on quickly. "So the one who was supposed to marry you was the Binder family's adopted daughter. But now that you're disabled, she doesn't want to marry you anymore." Jackson nodded again. "Yes. That's exactly it." Victoria almost let out a bitter laugh. "Then why don't you look upset at all?" Jackson said calmly, "You just got dumped by your boyfriend, and you don't look upset either." "He's just trash. Good riddance." Victoria curled her lips in disdain. Jackson studied her, the admiration in his eyes deepening. "You're surprisingly chill about it." Victoria let out a small scoff. "Of course. Why waste time and energy feeling bad over someone who isn't worth it?" She had started dating Gavin after saving his life by chance two years ago. After that, he had chased after her nonstop, using gratitude as an excuse. For two whole years, he acted devoted, as if he would never marry anyone but her. He didn't seem to have any serious flaws. She figured having a man around could help her take care of the herb garden and keep other men from bothering her, so she agreed to date him. But she never expected that the moment Gavin found out he was the heir to a wealthy family, he would turn on her so quickly. Jackson smiled. "Same here. She's trash anyway. Better not to marry her." There had never been anything between him and Angelica Binder. Their engagement had only been arranged by his grandfather for a business alliance. Now that his legs were disabled, Angelica's parents naturally didn't want her to marry him anymore. But the Thornton family was the most powerful family in Benwig City, with huge wealth and influence. They weren't willing to give up the alliance, either. In the end, they planned to have their biological daughter, Victoria, marry him in Angelica's place. Victoria went straight to the point. "It's just strange. How could it be such a coincidence? Right after your legs were disabled, my birth parents suddenly found me and decided to have me marry you instead of their adopted daughter." She let out a cold, mocking laugh. "Looks like they always knew I was their real daughter. I just had no value to them, so they left me out here all this time and never brought me home." Jackson didn't try to comfort her with lies. "I think you're right." Victoria gave a cold sneer. If that was true, then her birth parents were even more heartless than she had thought. Still, one thing didn't make sense to her. "Since you already know what the Binder family is planning, why not just give up on the alliance? Why walk straight into their trap?" "I had someone look into you," Jackson said calmly. "You sell medicine, and you're pretty well-known around here. "I heard you've treated quite a few difficult cases with your own methods. My legs are disabled. Over the past month, I've invited top doctors from all over the country, but none of them could help. "So I came here myself to see if marrying you would be a trap or a chance for me." He didn't hide why he came. Victoria found him interesting. She shrugged. "Well, you've seen me now. I'm just a wild country girl. My birth parents, the ones I've never even met, clearly don't like me. "Do you still want to marry someone like me? I'm just a real daughter who isn't valued and is just being used as a substitute bride." Jackson looked at her closely. At first glance, she wasn't the delicate type raised in comfort. Her skin wasn't soft. It had a light wheat tone that made her look healthy and full of life. But if one looked more carefully, her features were actually very refined. Her eyes were bright and clear, and there was strength in the way she looked at people. There was no trace of disrespect in Jackson's gaze. He looked sincere. "Yes. After meeting you, I'm sure I want to marry you. I just don't know if you're willing to give me a chance." Victoria studied his face. She had to admit that he was strikingly handsome, the kind of man who wouldn't be forgotten even in a huge crowd. His features were sharp, and his face was well-defined. What stood out the most was his eyes. Even after going through something as serious as losing the use of his legs, they were still clear. There was no bitterness or confusion. Victoria glanced at his legs again. "What's going on with them?" "They were broken with a wooden club last month," Jackson said. "I've had many well-known doctors take a look. They all said my legs are beyond saving. I'll never stand again." "Pull up your pant legs. Let me see," said Victoria. "Okay." Jackson did as she said, lifting his pant legs to reveal his knees and lower legs, covered in scars. Victoria's expression darkened. She set the herbs aside, stood up, and walked over to him. Then she bent down and pressed carefully on his knees. The pain made Jackson frown, but he didn't make a sound. "They can be treated," Victoria said firmly. Hope lit up in Jackson's eyes at once. Thinking about how her birth parents had ignored her existence for so many years, Victoria made up her mind. She would go back to Benwig City and take her place as the Binder family's true daughter. She wanted to meet them face to face. She clapped her hands lightly and sat back down on the small stool. "I can marry you." Jackson raised an eyebrow. "Do you have any conditions?" Victoria tilted her head and smiled brightly. "Listen to you. Do I need conditions to marry you? You're so good-looking. If I fix your legs, I'll be the one getting the better deal." Jackson hadn't expected her to be so straightforward. His brow lifted higher, and he let out a soft laugh. "Alright. Then it's settled. I'll wait for you to return to the Binder family." Chapter 2 A Welcome Gift After Jackson left his phone number with Victoria, he left the village with his assistant, Ollie Rowse. Victoria watched him go, her eyes growing thoughtful. She took out her phone and dialed a number. "Mara, I need you to look into everyone in the Binder family in Benwig City right away. Focus on their daughter. I want everything you can find, and I want it by tonight." "Yes, boss," Mara replied. After hanging up, Victoria's gaze turned even sharper. Ford had once told her about that freezing winter night twenty years ago. He had been on his way to settle down in a small southern town when he heard a baby crying from inside a trash bin. He got out of the car to check and found a baby girl, not even a month old, her skin red from the cold. If she hadn't been crying so loudly, and if he hadn't happened to pass that deserted road, she would have died quietly in that trash bin. That baby was Victoria. Ford gave her that name, hoping she would grow up strong and tough no matter what life threw at her. Even on his deathbed, Ford never stopped looking for her biological parents. And all this time, Victoria had believed they must have abandoned her because they had no other choice. But now, it seemed that wasn't true. Her biological parents didn't want her and had no intention of taking her back. If it weren't for the adopted daughter they had raised for twenty years, Victoria might have gone her whole life without parents. Just then, someone called out from outside, "Victoria, who was that man in the nice car looking for you?" It was Stephan, a middle-aged man from next door. He spent most of his time up in the mountains hunting herbs. Victoria put her phone away and walked out, smiling at him. "To be honest with you, that was my fiancé." Stephan looked surprised. "Your fiancé? You have good taste. He's a handsome man. Why didn't you ask him to stay for dinner?" "He had things to take care of in the city. He couldn't stay today," Victoria said. "Next time he comes, make sure he stays for a meal. Everything we eat here is grown by us. Let him try it. It's much better and healthier than city food," Stephan said. "I will," Victoria said with a smile. Stephan grabbed his tools and headed up into the mountains. Only after he left did Victoria go back inside to keep sorting the herbs she had picked. ***** After leaving Mullinran Village, Ollie, who was driving, glanced at Jackson's calm face in the rearview mirror and asked carefully, "Mr. Thornton, are you really going to marry her? "You saw it yourself. Her own parents don't even want her. She makes a living selling herbs and doing some basic medical work. "You just went through something serious, and this is when you need support the most. Marrying her won't help you secure your position in the Thornton family." Jackson shifted his gaze away from the fields outside the window and gently rubbed the petals of a purple flower he had picked from Victoria's doorstep. He asked, "Ollie, do you remember six months ago, when my grandfather was seriously ill and needed a very rare herb to survive?" Ollie wasn't sure why he changed the subject, but he nodded. "Of course. That herb showed up at the biggest auction house in Benwig City. You spent 30 million dollars to get it." "Didn't you notice? That same rare herb was hanging casually on the wall of her simple, run-down house," Jackson said. That one bundle alone would be worth a fortune at any auction in Benwig City. "What?" Ollie was stunned. From the moment they walked into Victoria's house, he had only noticed how shabby it looked and missed everything else. Now it finally clicked. "Do you mean her background might not be as simple as it seems?" Jackson lifted the purple flower to his nose and took a light breath. "I can't say for sure what her background is yet. But one thing is clear. Her medical skills are far from simple." Ollie understood right away. If that was true, then there was real hope for Jackson's legs. Still, he couldn't help asking, "If all you want is to fix your legs, you could just pay her a large amount of money. There's no need to marry her." Jackson blinked and slowly turned the flower between his fingers. A faint smile appeared on his lips. "What if I said I fell for her at first sight? Would you believe me?" Ollie paused and looked at him again through the rearview mirror. He seemed calm. He wasn't exactly joking, but he wasn't completely serious, either. But Jackson rarely joked, so Ollie couldn't tell how much of it was real. In the end, he chose to believe him. "I believe you." "Good. In my eyes, she is already my fiancée. From now on, you need to treat her with respect," Jackson said. "Understood." Ollie nodded. Jackson wasn't joking. When it came to love, he had never believed in feelings that grew over time. To him, if there was no spark at first sight, then staying together would only lead to a relationship based on weighing pros and cons, not the kind of love that made his heart race. That was why, when his grandfather arranged his engagement to Angelica, he had agreed for practical reasons alone. But when he saw Victoria, everything changed. It felt like the world spun around him, and everything else faded away. In his eyes, she was the only color left. He couldn't explain why it had to be her. Maybe it was that moment when their eyes met, when the light in hers pulled him in like a whirlpool. Jackson picked up a book from the car and carefully placed the small purple flower between its pages. Then he closed the book and shut his eyes. ***** At eight that evening, Victoria had just finished bringing in the herbs she had been drying on the roof when her phone rang. She set the herbs aside, brushed the dust off her hands, and picked up the call. Mara's cool voice came through. "Boss, I found what you asked for. The Binder family has only one daughter. She was born to the second son, Darell, and his wife, Julia. Her name is Angelica. She's the same age as you. "She's very spoiled at home. Two months ago, Darell arranged a great marriage for her. She's engaged to Jackson, the eldest son of the Thornton family, the most powerful family in Benwig City. "Jackson had already been chosen by his grandfather, Gerry, as the next heir. But last month, he had an accident. Someone broke both his legs, and the announcement was put on hold." "What is Angelica like?" Victoria asked. "She has a very good reputation. She's beautiful and talented. A lot of rich young men in Benwig City admire her. That's probably why she gained Gerry's approval for the marriage," Mara said. Victoria let out a cold laugh to herself. She didn't believe for a second that Angelica's perfect life came without tricks. "Got it. Now find out if Angelica is really Darell and Julia's biological daughter," Victoria said. "You're focusing on the Binder family, especially Angelica. What are you planning to do?" Mara asked. "I'm going back to take my place," Victoria said. A faint spark lit up in her deep eyes. She found the idea of being the Binder family's real daughter interesting. Victoria had many identities. The one she used the most was a village herbalist and healer. In her daily life, she spent time with her retired scientist friends in the village, growing new herbs and developing new medicines. Over the years, she had cultivated twenty kinds of rare medicinal plants. Because they were so hard to produce, they sold for extremely high prices. Any one of them, if sold at auction in Benwig City, could earn more than most people made in a lifetime. On top of that, she was skilled in traditional medical techniques. When she treated regular villagers, she charged normal fees. But when rich families or powerful figures came to her, her starting fee was three million dollars. Of course, she guaranteed results. If she couldn't cure them, she wouldn't take a single dollar. This identity alone had already made her very rich. Money no longer meant much to her. So when her ex-boyfriend, Gavin, said she wasn't good enough for him, she found it almost funny. If she wanted, she could build her own place in Benwig City without relying on anyone. Over the years, all her different identities had started to feel dull. It was time to try something new. And she had to admit, Jackson impressed her. Out of all the people she had treated, none had faced sudden injury like he did, so calm and steady. His willpower was strong. He was someone who would go far. He was handsome and capable. It would be a waste for him to stay crippled. So she would fix his legs. Mara quickly understood, her voice turning serious. "Understood, boss. I'll get on it right away." ***** Late that night, Victoria was fast asleep when she heard wood cracking outside. Her eyes opened at once, sharp and alert, and she turned toward the sound. Anyone showing up at this hour without warning was not from the village. She had spread powders around her home to keep wild animals away, so no beasts would come near. That left only one answer. Someone had broken in. Victoria got up quietly and, using the moonlight, moved to hide behind the door. Soon, her old wooden door was kicked open, and a shadow rushed inside. She hadn't expected him to be so bold, barging in instead of sneaking around. She flicked a silver needle straight at him. The man let out a low groan and dropped to the ground. Victoria turned on the light, filling the room with brightness. She kicked him aside and finally saw his face clearly. He looked like a hardened criminal. She grabbed a rope, walked over, and tied up his hands and feet. Once he was secured, she took out a needle and stuck it into his neck. Within seconds, he woke up. Victoria sat on the bed, crossing her legs as she played with another needle. "If you don't want to suffer, you'd better tell me the truth. Who sent you?" The man quickly sized up the situation. "People who hire killers stay anonymous. Who would be stupid enough to give their name? But they said that if I raped you, they would get me out of the country safely." Victoria's eyes turned cold and sharp. If he needed to run overseas, that meant he was already a wanted criminal. The man hurried to beg, "I've told you everything I know. Let me go. I won't take this job anymore." Victoria nodded. "Fine." She walked over, pulled out the needle, and untied the ropes. "You can leave." The man rubbed his wrists. "Thanks—" Before he could finish, his face suddenly changed. He lifted his leg and tried to kick Victoria in the knee. But the moment his foot rose, a sharp pain shot through him. Then his whole body went numb. He couldn't move. He looked down in terror. A small black snake had bitten his ankle. "How is there a poisonous snake here—" Before he could finish, blood burst from his throat. His body fell stiffly to the ground. After a few jerks, he went still. Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Trying to kill me in my place? You asked for it. Good job, Blackie. Go rest." The little black snake slipped into a dark corner and quickly disappeared. Victoria picked up a hoe, stuffed the body into a large basket, and lifted it onto her back with ease. She carried it outside and buried it near her vegetable garden. It would make good fertilizer for her herbs. After that, she let out a long breath, brushed off her hands, and looked up at the nearly full moon. She had just learned who she really was, and someone had already sent a man to ruin her. It seemed that someone had prepared a "welcome gift" for her in advance. Chapter 3 We've Got Your Back The next day at noon, a black Bentley worth 1.5 million dollars stopped in front of Victoria's house. Victoria was grinding the herbs she had picked the day before. When she heard the car, she glanced out the window and checked the license plate. It was from Benwig City, just as she expected. She finished grinding the herbs, put them into jars, brushed the dust off her hands, and walked outside. She went straight to the car and knocked on the window. A moment later, the window slid down, revealing the still handsome face of a middle-aged man—Hector Binder. He looked about fifty, with neatly slicked-back hair. A woman sat beside him. She looked about the same age. Even though she wasn't young anymore, she had taken good care of herself and looked as if she were in her thirties. Her features were still soft and beautiful. Victoria didn't waste time. "Are you here for me?" Hector, sitting in the back seat, looked at her, then at the photo in his hand. His eyes lit up. "Daisy, it's her. She's the one we're looking for." Daisy's eyes filled with excitement, even shining with tears. "Yes, it's her. No mistake." They quickly opened the door, got out of the car, and walked over to Victoria. Hector nodded. "Yes. You're the real daughter the Binder family lost years ago. We're here to take you back." Victoria looked straight into his eyes. He seemed like a decent man, and the excitement in his expression matched Daisy's. It didn't look fake. This couple didn't seem to have anything to do with what happened to her last night. Hector paused, a little surprised. "How did you know we were coming?" But he didn't dwell on it. Instead, he explained, "You are the young lady of the Binder family. "When you were little, someone switched you with another baby. That's why you ended up here. You've suffered for twenty years, living away from your real home." As soon as he finished, Daisy started to choke up. "Poor child." Victoria stayed calm. "So, are you my parents?" Hector and Daisy froze. They exchanged a look, then answered awkwardly, "No. We're your uncle and aunt." Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Then why aren't my parents here? Why did they send you instead?" Daisy looked uneasy. "Something came up at home. They couldn't leave, so they asked us to come get you." Victoria saw right through it. "You don't have to cover for them. I'm not a child. What could be more important than picking up their own daughter? They just didn't want to come." Hearing that, Daisy stepped forward and gently hugged her. Tears slipped down her face. "My poor child, you've suffered so much." Victoria didn't expect the sudden hug. At first, she wanted to pull away, but the warmth of it stopped her. It felt soft and comforting, unlike any embrace she had experienced in twenty years. It was, perhaps, the closest she had ever come to what a mother's embrace should feel like. She let out a quiet sigh. For a moment, she thought that if these two were her real parents, it wouldn't be so bad. After a while, Daisy let go and held her hand. "Go pack your things. We'll take you home today. You won't have to live like this anymore." Victoria nodded. "Okay. Wait for me. I'll go pack." She didn't need to bring clothes. The only things she needed were the medicines she had made. After packing all the bottles of medicine powder and poison powder from the wooden cabinet, Victoria called out, "Blackie, Whitey, Greenie, come out. I'm taking you somewhere new." As soon as she finished, three small snakes slid out from the corners and crawled into a sack. Victoria tied the sack and slung it over her shoulder. Then she took a drum from the old cabinet. After giving the shabby house one last look, she walked outside and began to beat the drum. The loud sound of the drum echoed through the area. Hector and Daisy, waiting outside, looked confused. Before long, the villagers gathered around. They looked at Victoria with concern. "Victoria, what's wrong? What happened?" Victoria set down the drum, cleared her throat, and said, "Everyone, you all know I'm an orphan. I grew up without parents, raised by all of you. "But now I know who my real parents are. It turns out I'm the daughter of the Binder family in Benwig City." The villagers were happy for her at first, but then she continued, "But here's the thing. My real parents knew all along who I was, but they never came to acknowledge me. "And now, the only reason they're taking me back is to make me marry a disabled man in place of their adopted daughter." Hector and Daisy were stunned. They had no idea about any of this. The villagers were furious. "What kind of people are they? They knew you were their real daughter but ignored you all this time, and now they want to use you like this, huh?" "Blind fools! You're such a good girl, and they treat you like a tool, making you marry some cripple instead of their adopted daughter." "Victoria, don't listen to those heartless people." "That's right. Ignore them. We'll go teach them a lesson." "The Binder family? They're nothing special in Benwig City, acting all high and mighty. Victoria, you don't need to go back with them." Victoria raised her hand to quiet them. "Everyone, calm down. I've decided to go back to the Binder family for this arranged marriage. "But I'm going back to teach them a lesson. So I'm telling you all ahead of time. Please help take care of the herbs I just planted in my yard." Even though the villagers didn't really understand, they still respected her choice. "Okay. But if anyone from the Binder family dares to bully you, just call me. I'll get people to take them down," one person said. "That's right. We've got your back," another added. Victoria waved her hand. "Thank you, everyone. That's all I wanted to say. You can all head back now." After that, she turned to Hector and Daisy, who were still waiting, and gave them a light smile. "We can go now." Hector and Daisy were still a little stunned. When they heard her, they finally snapped out of it. "Oh, okay." "Let me carry that." The driver stepped forward and reached for the sack. "Be careful. It's heavy," Victoria said. The driver didn't believe it at first. But the moment he took it with both hands, he almost dropped it on his foot. Victoria blinked at him. "Can you handle it? Don't break anything inside." "No problem." The driver forced a smile, gritted his teeth, and lifted the sack into the trunk. By the time he got back into the driver's seat, he was sweating all over. He hadn't expected Victoria to be this strong despite looking so thin. After getting into the car, Daisy and Hector looked at each other, then kept glancing at Victoria. They seemed to want to say something, but neither of them knew how to start. In the end, Daisy asked, "Victoria, you just told the villagers about marrying a disabled man instead of that adopted daughter. What did you mean?" "You didn't know?" Victoria looked back at her, her eyes narrowing with suspicion. Daisy shook her head. "Hector and I really had no idea. About half a month ago, your parents suddenly told us Angelica wasn't their biological daughter. Then they sent people to look into it. "Just yesterday, they found out their real daughter was living here. That's why they want to bring you back today." Hector nodded to confirm her words. Victoria smiled faintly. "Then why do you think they didn't come themselves?" Daisy fell silent. To her, it was absurd that Victoria's parents would have relatives fetch their biological daughter instead of coming themselves. But the truth would hurt Victoria, so she chose not to say anything. Victoria let out a bitter laugh. "Aunt Daisy, even if you don't say it, I can guess. Just like I said, they don't want to acknowledge me. "They're only bringing me back because they have no choice. They want me to marry that disabled heir in place of their precious adopted daughter." Her gaze was clear and calm, and there was a quiet maturity about her that went far beyond her years. Hector frowned slightly. "Victoria, how did you find out about this arranged marriage?" Victoria smiled. "Secret." On the way, Daisy told her a lot about the Binder family. It wasn't much different from what Mara had already found out. The Binder family was still led by Calvin. He had two sons and one daughter. The eldest son, Hector, was the one who had come to get Victoria, and his wife was Daisy. They didn't have any children. The second son, Darell, was Victoria's biological father. He and his wife, Julia, had two sons and one daughter. The eldest son, Simon, managed the family's entertainment company, Brightstar Entertainment. The second son, Curtis, was a well-known singer under the same company. Then there was the youngest daughter, Angelica. She was considered very outstanding. At just twenty, she had already skipped grades and finished college. She was now preparing to study abroad after getting engaged to the eldest son of the Thornton family. Angelica was the baby who had been switched with Victoria. As for Calvin's daughter, Sirena, she had already married into another wealthy family and only returned for holidays. The drive from the village to Benwig City took six hours over bumpy roads. By the time they arrived, it was dark. "We're here," the driver said as he stopped the car. Victoria looked out the window. In front of her stood a large estate, with several villas spread across it. It looked grand and impressive. The Binder family mansion alone was almost as big as the entire Mullinran Village. Victoria got out of the car and followed Hector and Daisy inside. The head butler, Milton, who had been waiting at the door, stepped forward respectfully. "You're back." He looked at Victoria and gave a polite nod. "This must be Miss Victoria Binder." "Yes," Daisy replied. Then she looked at Victoria gently. "Victoria, go in and meet your parents and brother." Victoria said nothing. She quietly followed them inside. They passed through the wide front yard and stepped into the entrance hall. Standing at the doorway, she quickly scanned the four people sitting on the sofas in the main hall. First, she saw a middle-aged couple dressed in expensive clothes, carrying themselves with an air of wealth and status. Next was a handsome young man who looked a bit rebellious. Finally, there was a beautiful young woman about her age. The corners of her eyes were red, and she looked pitiful, as if she had been crying. None of them looked happy. Their faces were tense, filled with worry. When they looked at her, Victoria caught the flash of disgust in their eyes. A faint smile appeared on her lips. She thought the family was really quite interesting. Chapter 4 Are You an Idiot? "Darell, Julia, I brought your daughter back," Daisy said. She gently patted Victoria on the back. "Victoria, go say hello to your parents and your brother." Victoria didn't move. With a faint, mocking smile, she asked, "Aunt Daisy, are they really my parents and brother?" Daisy froze for a moment, then nodded. "Yes, they are. Why do you ask?" Victoria let out a cold laugh. "I'm supposed to be their daughter and sister, but why do they all look like they can't stand me?" The four people in the room all stiffened. They hadn't expected her to be so direct. Daisy froze again. She wanted to say something, but stopped herself. She knew what Darell and Julia were thinking. They didn't want to accept this daughter because they already had an excellent adopted one. They would rather stay home and comfort their adopted daughter's feelings than spend even a little time going to the village to pick up their real daughter. Simon and Curtis felt the same way. They were closer to the sister they had lived with for twenty years. None of them wanted to hurt her feelings just to pick up Victoria. Simon didn't even bother to show up; he was still at work. In the end, Daisy couldn't take it anymore and offered to go with Hector to bring Victoria home. What she didn't expect was that even after Victoria came back, Darell and Julia still acted like this. They didn't even try to hide it. Julia looked at Darell, and he looked back at her. In that brief exchange, they reached an understanding. Victoria clearly wasn't as quiet and easy to control as they had thought. They couldn't just brush her aside. If they wanted her to willingly take Angelica's place in the marriage to Jackson later, they would have to act nice and coax her a little. Julia hesitated, then forced herself to stand up. She put on a pained expression and walked toward Victoria. "My child, you've suffered so much out there." Victoria stepped aside slightly and avoided her touch. "Stop pretending. I don't see any concern in your eyes." Julia froze in place. A wave of anger rose inside her. She had lowered herself to show kindness, yet Victoria had refused it and embarrassed her in front of everyone. But to her, Victoria's lack of manners was no surprise. She had grown up in the countryside without her parents and had never been properly brought up. Julia forced a stiff smile. "I carried you for ten months. Of course, it hurts me to know you've suffered." Victoria sneered, "Is that so? If you really feel that way, why didn't you come pick me up today? Why did you send Uncle Hector and Aunt Daisy instead?" Daisy wanted to speak, but Hector gently held her hand and shook his head. He said quietly, "Daisy, we've already brought her back. What happens now is their family matter. Let them handle it. Let's go home." Daisy looked at Victoria, her eyes full of worry and sympathy. But she knew Hector was right. This was between Victoria and her parents. No matter what happened, she had no right to interfere. "Julia, now that Victoria is back, you should treat her well. Don't hurt her again. Daisy and I will head back now," Hector said politely, hoping his words would help a little. Darell nodded. "Thank you for your help today." Daisy said gently, "Victoria, we are leaving. If you need anything, come find us at Goldenwood Villa on the east side." With that, she reluctantly turned and left. Victoria watched them walk away, then quickly looked away. Once they were gone, Julia finally breathed a sigh of relief. "This is all my fault. Your father and I didn't go pick you up ourselves because I'm very emotional. "I was afraid that if I saw how poorly you were living, I wouldn't be able to handle it. So I stayed home to calm myself and prepare to welcome you." She was lying. Actually, after Angelica found out last night that she wasn't their real daughter, she had been upset the whole night. This morning, she was so distracted that she couldn't even eat. Julia felt sorry for her and stayed home to comfort her. Victoria's eyes were full of sarcasm. "So what exactly did you prepare for me?" Julia quickly said, "I've already cleaned up a room for you. Come, I'll show you." She reached for Victoria's hand again, but Victoria dodged her once more. "So cleaning a room was more important than coming to pick me up yourself." Julia's hand hung in the air. A trace of impatience flashed across her eyes. "Forget the room. I'm not even sure I'll stay," Victoria said. Then she pointed at the young woman about her age. "Who is she?" Angelica froze. Her eyes instantly turned red. She gently tugged on Curtis's sleeve. Curtis held her hand and said softly, "Angelica, don't be afraid." After comforting her, Curtis looked at Victoria coldly. His tone turned sharp. "I'm your brother, Curtis. And she's my sister, Angelica." He deliberately stressed the words "my sister." "I see." Victoria's voice carried a hint of sarcasm. "So that means she's the adopted daughter who was switched with me, right?" Angelica's hand trembled. Tears gathered in her eyes, ready to fall. Curtis's face darkened. He emphasized, "In my heart, Angelica is my real sister." Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Calling her your real sister? Are you an idiot?" Everyone except Victoria froze at her words. Curtis stared at her in disbelief. "You just called me an idiot, huh?" Victoria laughed mockingly. "Yeah. Did I say anything wrong? Don't you know her mother was the one who secretly switched us back then?" Angelica's birth mother, Jasmine, had worked as a customer service representative at a postpartum care center. When Julia was three months pregnant, she started looking for a high-end center, and Jasmine had served her. By coincidence, Jasmine was also pregnant at the time. When she realized Julia was wealthy, she started having bad thoughts. She secretly followed Julia to find out which center she chose and forced herself to spend the money to book the same one. During the recovery period after giving birth, Jasmine secretly switched her own daughter with Julia's without anyone noticing. At the time, Angelica had an allergic rash on her face. Julia didn't realize anything was wrong, and when she left the center, she took Angelica home. Angelica bit her lip. Tears finally streamed down her face. "I'm sorry." Curtis held her cold hand tightly and gently said, "Angelica, this has nothing to do with you." Then he turned to Victoria, his voice full of anger. "Yes, her mother switched you back then. But Angelica is innocent. She didn't know anything about it." Victoria laughed out loud, her eyes full of ridicule. "Oh, she's innocent? She spent twenty years enjoying my life, living in comfort and luxury. "And me? I was thrown into a trash can by her cruel mother in the freezing cold. If no one had found me, I would have died right after I was born." Chapter 5 I'll Leave Victoria's words left Curtis speechless. He had just started to feel a bit guilty when Angelica suddenly broke down in tears again. She said, "I'm sorry. It's all my fault. It's my fault for having a mother like that. Victoria, if you hate me, you can hit me or yell at me, but please don't blame Curtis." As she spoke, she struggled to pull free from Curtis's hand. With a determined look, she bit her lip and ran toward Victoria. "Angelica!" Curtis panicked and quickly got up to follow her. Angelica ran up to Victoria and was about to bow, but Curtis caught up just in time and pulled her back. "Angelica, what are you doing? This isn't your fault. It's your mother's fault." Victoria watched the whole scene and suddenly laughed. She even clapped her hands like she was watching a show. "This is really something. Are you putting on a pity act for me?" The small bit of guilt Curtis had felt disappeared right away. After helping Angelica steady herself, he looked at Victoria coldly. "Why are you being so unreasonable?" he asked. "Angelica already apologized sincerely, and you're still mocking her." "I'm not just mocking her. I'm mocking all of you," Victoria said. "Her mother planned everything, found a way to switch us, and let her take twenty years of the life that should have been mine. "Now that I'm back, you guys are still protecting her right in front of me. It's a shame that I ended up with a family like this." Curtis's face darkened even more. Julia looked helplessly at Darell. She hadn't expected Victoria to be so stubborn and didn't know how to deal with her. No matter how she looked at it, Julia just couldn't bring herself to like Victoria. Darell, who had been silent until now, finally spoke up. "That's enough, Victoria. Angelica's mother has already been punished. Angelica is alone now, with no one to rely on. "Your mother and I raised her for twenty years. We can't just throw her out. The Binder family has more than enough. Keeping her here is no big deal. She won't affect you." But Victoria didn't accept that. "If it's really no big deal, then she can live anywhere. Why does she have to stay here and bother me? "Every time I see her, I'm reminded of everything I went through after being switched." Darell didn't expect her to keep pushing like this. Just like Julia, he began to feel more and more resistant toward Victoria. Compared to Angelica, who was gentle and understanding, Victoria seemed completely rude to him. Angelica bit her lip and let her tears fall silently. She looked pitiful, making it hard not to feel sorry for her. Seeing how aggressive Victoria was, Curtis finally lost his temper. "So you won't be satisfied unless we send Angelica away, huh?" Victoria nodded. "That's right. We're not both living here. It's one or the other." As soon as she said that, everyone's faces darkened. "I don't want to leave you," Angelica said through her tears, looking completely wronged. It made anyone who saw her feel bad. Curtis held her hand tightly. "Angelica, don't worry. You don't have to go anywhere. As long as I'm here, I won't let anyone drive you out of the Binder family. You'll always be my sister. You're part of us." Victoria raised an eyebrow. "So you want me to leave, huh?" Julia was already at her limit, but she forced herself to stay calm. "Victoria, you just got back. You don't really know Angelica yet. "She's kind and understanding. Once you spend some time with her, you'll accept her. Her staying here won't affect your place. No matter what, you're our real daughter." Victoria sneered, "Really? Then why did all of you look disgusted the moment you saw me? Is it because I'm not as pretty as her? Or because I'm not as refined? "But have you forgotten? If we had never been switched, the pretty, refined one would be me. Everything she has now was built on the suffering I endured for her." Julia froze and quickly shook her head. "That's not it. We just haven't adjusted yet." "You need time to adjust to your own daughter, huh? Then why didn't Uncle Hector and Aunt Daisy need time when they saw me?" Victoria pressed. Julia had no answer. But she thought it was because Hector and Daisy had no children, so of course, they would be happy. She took a deep breath and softened her voice. "Victoria, we won't treat you badly from now on. Your living expenses will be the same as Angelica's. Your father and I won't favor one over the other." Victoria gave a faint, mocking smile. "Should I thank you for that? Honestly, for me, not favoring one over the other is already the biggest favoritism. "You two are really kind. You don't want your own daughter, but you're willing to spend money raising the daughter of someone who ruined my life. I've never seen people this generous." Julia held back her anger and continued, "Victoria, stop making trouble. You're my real daughter. We finally found you. How could we let you keep suffering out there?" Victoria replied, "So you knew I was suffering. While I was suffering, that criminal's daughter was living here, enjoying everything you gave her in my place. "And now, on the very first day I come back, you're ready to push me away again." Curtis said coldly, "Get this straight. We're not pushing you away. You're the one making things difficult. You could stay here peacefully, but you refuse to accept Angelica." "How could I accept the daughter of a criminal?" Victoria asked. "If I hadn't been lucky enough to survive, her mother would be both a trafficker and a murderer. "She committed the crime, but her daughter hasn't been punished at all. Why should she get to keep living this rich, comfortable life as if nothing had happened?" Angelica's body swayed. Curtis quickly held her steady, his anger finally breaking through. "With your attitude, do you even deserve to stay here while Angelica leaves?" "Of course I do. First, I'm a Binder by blood. Second, unlike you, I'm not an idiot." After snapping at him, Victoria lost her patience. "Have you decided? Is she leaving, or am I?" Curtis pulled Angelica into his arms protectively and said firmly, "Dad, Mom, if I have to choose, then I only recognize Angelica as my sister." "Good. One vote." Victoria raised her index finger and then looked at Julia. "What about you?" Julia forced down her frustration and said gently, "Victoria, don't do this—" "Alright, that's two votes," Victoria said, not even bothering to listen. She turned to Darell. "Your vote doesn't matter anymore. There are already two votes for Angelica. Fine. Since that's the case, she stays. I'll leave." A trace of anxiety flashed in Angelica's eyes. If Victoria really left, there would be no one to take her place in marrying Jackson. ------ 👇👇👇 There are limited chapters to put here, click “continue reading” to open App to continue reading (It will automatically jump to the book)
When a killer came in the night, Victoria Binder didn’t scream—she fought. And she won, burying the proof in her own garden. That was just the beginning. Unveiled as the lost heiress to a mighty fortune, Victoria returned to a family that despised her. She wasn’t there for their love. She was there for what was hers: the power, the legacy, the truth. ------ Chapter 1 I Want to Marry You "Victoria, we need to break up. It turns out I'm actually the heir to the Fairbank family, one of the most powerful families in Benwig City. You're just a country girl who sells herbs. You're not good enough for me anymore." Victoria Binder had just received a call from her boyfriend, Gavin Alvarado—no, Gavin Fairbank now. She had been about to tell him that she was the long-lost daughter of a wealthy family herself, but before she could say a word, she heard him claim she wasn't good enough for him. She let out a silent, cold laugh. The medicinal herbs she grew were incredibly valuable. Countless rich and influential families were trying to buy them at high prices. Her products had even appeared several times at the largest auction house in Benwig City. Gavin's arrogant voice came through the phone again. "With my status now, I need to marry a proper heiress from a family that matches mine. "But since we dated for two months, I won't treat you badly. Before I marry someone suitable, you can stay with me. Even after I get married, I can still keep you as my—" Before he could finish, Victoria snapped, "Asshole. If you want to break up, then we're done." She hung up immediately. The handsome man standing in front of her, Jackson Thornton, raised an eyebrow. He had been waiting for her response. He smiled. "So? You just found out you're the heiress of the Binder family, one of the richest families in Benwig City, and you still got dumped?" Victoria looked up at him and smiled brightly. "Funny coincidence. He just told me that he's the heir to a wealthy family in Benwig City and that I'm not good enough for him." Then her expression shifted, turning doubtful. "Wait a second. This whole thing about being the real daughter or real son of some rich family... Isn't that some new kind of scam going around?" Jackson paused for a moment, then smiled. "Of course not. You really are the true daughter of the Binder family." Victoria gave a nonchalant hum. She took the basket off her back, sat down on a chair, and began sorting the herbs she had just picked. "Then who are you?" she asked. "Why are you the one coming to find me instead of my biological parents?" Jackson glanced at the shabby house in front of him, then looked at Victoria, who sat casually on a small stool. He said, "If nothing unexpected happens, I'll soon be your fiancé. I'm Jackson, the eldest son of the Thornton family in Benwig City." Victoria almost slipped off her stool. She stared at him in shock. "What? Fiancé?" "That's right. But as you can see, I'm disabled now. I lost the use of my legs last month." Sitting in his wheelchair, Jackson lifted a hand and pointed at his legs, giving a helpless smile. "I see. And what does that have to do with you coming to find me today?" Victoria asked. Then she suddenly understood. "Wait. Are you saying that I'm the real daughter of the wealthy Binder family, and that they're planning to bring me back and have me marry you?" Jackson nodded, a hint of admiration in his eyes. "Exactly." Victoria's gaze flickered. Jackson continued, "Because of my legs, I'm about to be dumped. Just like you." Victoria caught on quickly. "So the one who was supposed to marry you was the Binder family's adopted daughter. But now that you're disabled, she doesn't want to marry you anymore." Jackson nodded again. "Yes. That's exactly it." Victoria almost let out a bitter laugh. "Then why don't you look upset at all?" Jackson said calmly, "You just got dumped by your boyfriend, and you don't look upset either." "He's just trash. Good riddance." Victoria curled her lips in disdain. Jackson studied her, the admiration in his eyes deepening. "You're surprisingly chill about it." Victoria let out a small scoff. "Of course. Why waste time and energy feeling bad over someone who isn't worth it?" She had started dating Gavin after saving his life by chance two years ago. After that, he had chased after her nonstop, using gratitude as an excuse. For two whole years, he acted devoted, as if he would never marry anyone but her. He didn't seem to have any serious flaws. She figured having a man around could help her take care of the herb garden and keep other men from bothering her, so she agreed to date him. But she never expected that the moment Gavin found out he was the heir to a wealthy family, he would turn on her so quickly. Jackson smiled. "Same here. She's trash anyway. Better not to marry her." There had never been anything between him and Angelica Binder. Their engagement had only been arranged by his grandfather for a business alliance. Now that his legs were disabled, Angelica's parents naturally didn't want her to marry him anymore. But the Thornton family was the most powerful family in Benwig City, with huge wealth and influence. They weren't willing to give up the alliance, either. In the end, they planned to have their biological daughter, Victoria, marry him in Angelica's place. Victoria went straight to the point. "It's just strange. How could it be such a coincidence? Right after your legs were disabled, my birth parents suddenly found me and decided to have me marry you instead of their adopted daughter." She let out a cold, mocking laugh. "Looks like they always knew I was their real daughter. I just had no value to them, so they left me out here all this time and never brought me home." Jackson didn't try to comfort her with lies. "I think you're right." Victoria gave a cold sneer. If that was true, then her birth parents were even more heartless than she had thought. Still, one thing didn't make sense to her. "Since you already know what the Binder family is planning, why not just give up on the alliance? Why walk straight into their trap?" "I had someone look into you," Jackson said calmly. "You sell medicine, and you're pretty well-known around here. "I heard you've treated quite a few difficult cases with your own methods. My legs are disabled. Over the past month, I've invited top doctors from all over the country, but none of them could help. "So I came here myself to see if marrying you would be a trap or a chance for me." He didn't hide why he came. Victoria found him interesting. She shrugged. "Well, you've seen me now. I'm just a wild country girl. My birth parents, the ones I've never even met, clearly don't like me. "Do you still want to marry someone like me? I'm just a real daughter who isn't valued and is just being used as a substitute bride." Jackson looked at her closely. At first glance, she wasn't the delicate type raised in comfort. Her skin wasn't soft. It had a light wheat tone that made her look healthy and full of life. But if one looked more carefully, her features were actually very refined. Her eyes were bright and clear, and there was strength in the way she looked at people. There was no trace of disrespect in Jackson's gaze. He looked sincere. "Yes. After meeting you, I'm sure I want to marry you. I just don't know if you're willing to give me a chance." Victoria studied his face. She had to admit that he was strikingly handsome, the kind of man who wouldn't be forgotten even in a huge crowd. His features were sharp, and his face was well-defined. What stood out the most was his eyes. Even after going through something as serious as losing the use of his legs, they were still clear. There was no bitterness or confusion. Victoria glanced at his legs again. "What's going on with them?" "They were broken with a wooden club last month," Jackson said. "I've had many well-known doctors take a look. They all said my legs are beyond saving. I'll never stand again." "Pull up your pant legs. Let me see," said Victoria. "Okay." Jackson did as she said, lifting his pant legs to reveal his knees and lower legs, covered in scars. Victoria's expression darkened. She set the herbs aside, stood up, and walked over to him. Then she bent down and pressed carefully on his knees. The pain made Jackson frown, but he didn't make a sound. "They can be treated," Victoria said firmly. Hope lit up in Jackson's eyes at once. Thinking about how her birth parents had ignored her existence for so many years, Victoria made up her mind. She would go back to Benwig City and take her place as the Binder family's true daughter. She wanted to meet them face to face. She clapped her hands lightly and sat back down on the small stool. "I can marry you." Jackson raised an eyebrow. "Do you have any conditions?" Victoria tilted her head and smiled brightly. "Listen to you. Do I need conditions to marry you? You're so good-looking. If I fix your legs, I'll be the one getting the better deal." Jackson hadn't expected her to be so straightforward. His brow lifted higher, and he let out a soft laugh. "Alright. Then it's settled. I'll wait for you to return to the Binder family." Chapter 2 A Welcome Gift After Jackson left his phone number with Victoria, he left the village with his assistant, Ollie Rowse. Victoria watched him go, her eyes growing thoughtful. She took out her phone and dialed a number. "Mara, I need you to look into everyone in the Binder family in Benwig City right away. Focus on their daughter. I want everything you can find, and I want it by tonight." "Yes, boss," Mara replied. After hanging up, Victoria's gaze turned even sharper. Ford had once told her about that freezing winter night twenty years ago. He had been on his way to settle down in a small southern town when he heard a baby crying from inside a trash bin. He got out of the car to check and found a baby girl, not even a month old, her skin red from the cold. If she hadn't been crying so loudly, and if he hadn't happened to pass that deserted road, she would have died quietly in that trash bin. That baby was Victoria. Ford gave her that name, hoping she would grow up strong and tough no matter what life threw at her. Even on his deathbed, Ford never stopped looking for her biological parents. And all this time, Victoria had believed they must have abandoned her because they had no other choice. But now, it seemed that wasn't true. Her biological parents didn't want her and had no intention of taking her back. If it weren't for the adopted daughter they had raised for twenty years, Victoria might have gone her whole life without parents. Just then, someone called out from outside, "Victoria, who was that man in the nice car looking for you?" It was Stephan, a middle-aged man from next door. He spent most of his time up in the mountains hunting herbs. Victoria put her phone away and walked out, smiling at him. "To be honest with you, that was my fiancé." Stephan looked surprised. "Your fiancé? You have good taste. He's a handsome man. Why didn't you ask him to stay for dinner?" "He had things to take care of in the city. He couldn't stay today," Victoria said. "Next time he comes, make sure he stays for a meal. Everything we eat here is grown by us. Let him try it. It's much better and healthier than city food," Stephan said. "I will," Victoria said with a smile. Stephan grabbed his tools and headed up into the mountains. Only after he left did Victoria go back inside to keep sorting the herbs she had picked. ***** After leaving Mullinran Village, Ollie, who was driving, glanced at Jackson's calm face in the rearview mirror and asked carefully, "Mr. Thornton, are you really going to marry her? "You saw it yourself. Her own parents don't even want her. She makes a living selling herbs and doing some basic medical work. "You just went through something serious, and this is when you need support the most. Marrying her won't help you secure your position in the Thornton family." Jackson shifted his gaze away from the fields outside the window and gently rubbed the petals of a purple flower he had picked from Victoria's doorstep. He asked, "Ollie, do you remember six months ago, when my grandfather was seriously ill and needed a very rare herb to survive?" Ollie wasn't sure why he changed the subject, but he nodded. "Of course. That herb showed up at the biggest auction house in Benwig City. You spent 30 million dollars to get it." "Didn't you notice? That same rare herb was hanging casually on the wall of her simple, run-down house," Jackson said. That one bundle alone would be worth a fortune at any auction in Benwig City. "What?" Ollie was stunned. From the moment they walked into Victoria's house, he had only noticed how shabby it looked and missed everything else. Now it finally clicked. "Do you mean her background might not be as simple as it seems?" Jackson lifted the purple flower to his nose and took a light breath. "I can't say for sure what her background is yet. But one thing is clear. Her medical skills are far from simple." Ollie understood right away. If that was true, then there was real hope for Jackson's legs. Still, he couldn't help asking, "If all you want is to fix your legs, you could just pay her a large amount of money. There's no need to marry her." Jackson blinked and slowly turned the flower between his fingers. A faint smile appeared on his lips. "What if I said I fell for her at first sight? Would you believe me?" Ollie paused and looked at him again through the rearview mirror. He seemed calm. He wasn't exactly joking, but he wasn't completely serious, either. But Jackson rarely joked, so Ollie couldn't tell how much of it was real. In the end, he chose to believe him. "I believe you." "Good. In my eyes, she is already my fiancée. From now on, you need to treat her with respect," Jackson said. "Understood." Ollie nodded. Jackson wasn't joking. When it came to love, he had never believed in feelings that grew over time. To him, if there was no spark at first sight, then staying together would only lead to a relationship based on weighing pros and cons, not the kind of love that made his heart race. That was why, when his grandfather arranged his engagement to Angelica, he had agreed for practical reasons alone. But when he saw Victoria, everything changed. It felt like the world spun around him, and everything else faded away. In his eyes, she was the only color left. He couldn't explain why it had to be her. Maybe it was that moment when their eyes met, when the light in hers pulled him in like a whirlpool. Jackson picked up a book from the car and carefully placed the small purple flower between its pages. Then he closed the book and shut his eyes. ***** At eight that evening, Victoria had just finished bringing in the herbs she had been drying on the roof when her phone rang. She set the herbs aside, brushed the dust off her hands, and picked up the call. Mara's cool voice came through. "Boss, I found what you asked for. The Binder family has only one daughter. She was born to the second son, Darell, and his wife, Julia. Her name is Angelica. She's the same age as you. "She's very spoiled at home. Two months ago, Darell arranged a great marriage for her. She's engaged to Jackson, the eldest son of the Thornton family, the most powerful family in Benwig City. "Jackson had already been chosen by his grandfather, Gerry, as the next heir. But last month, he had an accident. Someone broke both his legs, and the announcement was put on hold." "What is Angelica like?" Victoria asked. "She has a very good reputation. She's beautiful and talented. A lot of rich young men in Benwig City admire her. That's probably why she gained Gerry's approval for the marriage," Mara said. Victoria let out a cold laugh to herself. She didn't believe for a second that Angelica's perfect life came without tricks. "Got it. Now find out if Angelica is really Darell and Julia's biological daughter," Victoria said. "You're focusing on the Binder family, especially Angelica. What are you planning to do?" Mara asked. "I'm going back to take my place," Victoria said. A faint spark lit up in her deep eyes. She found the idea of being the Binder family's real daughter interesting. Victoria had many identities. The one she used the most was a village herbalist and healer. In her daily life, she spent time with her retired scientist friends in the village, growing new herbs and developing new medicines. Over the years, she had cultivated twenty kinds of rare medicinal plants. Because they were so hard to produce, they sold for extremely high prices. Any one of them, if sold at auction in Benwig City, could earn more than most people made in a lifetime. On top of that, she was skilled in traditional medical techniques. When she treated regular villagers, she charged normal fees. But when rich families or powerful figures came to her, her starting fee was three million dollars. Of course, she guaranteed results. If she couldn't cure them, she wouldn't take a single dollar. This identity alone had already made her very rich. Money no longer meant much to her. So when her ex-boyfriend, Gavin, said she wasn't good enough for him, she found it almost funny. If she wanted, she could build her own place in Benwig City without relying on anyone. Over the years, all her different identities had started to feel dull. It was time to try something new. And she had to admit, Jackson impressed her. Out of all the people she had treated, none had faced sudden injury like he did, so calm and steady. His willpower was strong. He was someone who would go far. He was handsome and capable. It would be a waste for him to stay crippled. So she would fix his legs. Mara quickly understood, her voice turning serious. "Understood, boss. I'll get on it right away." ***** Late that night, Victoria was fast asleep when she heard wood cracking outside. Her eyes opened at once, sharp and alert, and she turned toward the sound. Anyone showing up at this hour without warning was not from the village. She had spread powders around her home to keep wild animals away, so no beasts would come near. That left only one answer. Someone had broken in. Victoria got up quietly and, using the moonlight, moved to hide behind the door. Soon, her old wooden door was kicked open, and a shadow rushed inside. She hadn't expected him to be so bold, barging in instead of sneaking around. She flicked a silver needle straight at him. The man let out a low groan and dropped to the ground. Victoria turned on the light, filling the room with brightness. She kicked him aside and finally saw his face clearly. He looked like a hardened criminal. She grabbed a rope, walked over, and tied up his hands and feet. Once he was secured, she took out a needle and stuck it into his neck. Within seconds, he woke up. Victoria sat on the bed, crossing her legs as she played with another needle. "If you don't want to suffer, you'd better tell me the truth. Who sent you?" The man quickly sized up the situation. "People who hire killers stay anonymous. Who would be stupid enough to give their name? But they said that if I raped you, they would get me out of the country safely." Victoria's eyes turned cold and sharp. If he needed to run overseas, that meant he was already a wanted criminal. The man hurried to beg, "I've told you everything I know. Let me go. I won't take this job anymore." Victoria nodded. "Fine." She walked over, pulled out the needle, and untied the ropes. "You can leave." The man rubbed his wrists. "Thanks—" Before he could finish, his face suddenly changed. He lifted his leg and tried to kick Victoria in the knee. But the moment his foot rose, a sharp pain shot through him. Then his whole body went numb. He couldn't move. He looked down in terror. A small black snake had bitten his ankle. "How is there a poisonous snake here—" Before he could finish, blood burst from his throat. His body fell stiffly to the ground. After a few jerks, he went still. Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Trying to kill me in my place? You asked for it. Good job, Blackie. Go rest." The little black snake slipped into a dark corner and quickly disappeared. Victoria picked up a hoe, stuffed the body into a large basket, and lifted it onto her back with ease. She carried it outside and buried it near her vegetable garden. It would make good fertilizer for her herbs. After that, she let out a long breath, brushed off her hands, and looked up at the nearly full moon. She had just learned who she really was, and someone had already sent a man to ruin her. It seemed that someone had prepared a "welcome gift" for her in advance. Chapter 3 We've Got Your Back The next day at noon, a black Bentley worth 1.5 million dollars stopped in front of Victoria's house. Victoria was grinding the herbs she had picked the day before. When she heard the car, she glanced out the window and checked the license plate. It was from Benwig City, just as she expected. She finished grinding the herbs, put them into jars, brushed the dust off her hands, and walked outside. She went straight to the car and knocked on the window. A moment later, the window slid down, revealing the still handsome face of a middle-aged man—Hector Binder. He looked about fifty, with neatly slicked-back hair. A woman sat beside him. She looked about the same age. Even though she wasn't young anymore, she had taken good care of herself and looked as if she were in her thirties. Her features were still soft and beautiful. Victoria didn't waste time. "Are you here for me?" Hector, sitting in the back seat, looked at her, then at the photo in his hand. His eyes lit up. "Daisy, it's her. She's the one we're looking for." Daisy's eyes filled with excitement, even shining with tears. "Yes, it's her. No mistake." They quickly opened the door, got out of the car, and walked over to Victoria. Hector nodded. "Yes. You're the real daughter the Binder family lost years ago. We're here to take you back." Victoria looked straight into his eyes. He seemed like a decent man, and the excitement in his expression matched Daisy's. It didn't look fake. This couple didn't seem to have anything to do with what happened to her last night. Hector paused, a little surprised. "How did you know we were coming?" But he didn't dwell on it. Instead, he explained, "You are the young lady of the Binder family. "When you were little, someone switched you with another baby. That's why you ended up here. You've suffered for twenty years, living away from your real home." As soon as he finished, Daisy started to choke up. "Poor child." Victoria stayed calm. "So, are you my parents?" Hector and Daisy froze. They exchanged a look, then answered awkwardly, "No. We're your uncle and aunt." Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Then why aren't my parents here? Why did they send you instead?" Daisy looked uneasy. "Something came up at home. They couldn't leave, so they asked us to come get you." Victoria saw right through it. "You don't have to cover for them. I'm not a child. What could be more important than picking up their own daughter? They just didn't want to come." Hearing that, Daisy stepped forward and gently hugged her. Tears slipped down her face. "My poor child, you've suffered so much." Victoria didn't expect the sudden hug. At first, she wanted to pull away, but the warmth of it stopped her. It felt soft and comforting, unlike any embrace she had experienced in twenty years. It was, perhaps, the closest she had ever come to what a mother's embrace should feel like. She let out a quiet sigh. For a moment, she thought that if these two were her real parents, it wouldn't be so bad. After a while, Daisy let go and held her hand. "Go pack your things. We'll take you home today. You won't have to live like this anymore." Victoria nodded. "Okay. Wait for me. I'll go pack." She didn't need to bring clothes. The only things she needed were the medicines she had made. After packing all the bottles of medicine powder and poison powder from the wooden cabinet, Victoria called out, "Blackie, Whitey, Greenie, come out. I'm taking you somewhere new." As soon as she finished, three small snakes slid out from the corners and crawled into a sack. Victoria tied the sack and slung it over her shoulder. Then she took a drum from the old cabinet. After giving the shabby house one last look, she walked outside and began to beat the drum. The loud sound of the drum echoed through the area. Hector and Daisy, waiting outside, looked confused. Before long, the villagers gathered around. They looked at Victoria with concern. "Victoria, what's wrong? What happened?" Victoria set down the drum, cleared her throat, and said, "Everyone, you all know I'm an orphan. I grew up without parents, raised by all of you. "But now I know who my real parents are. It turns out I'm the daughter of the Binder family in Benwig City." The villagers were happy for her at first, but then she continued, "But here's the thing. My real parents knew all along who I was, but they never came to acknowledge me. "And now, the only reason they're taking me back is to make me marry a disabled man in place of their adopted daughter." Hector and Daisy were stunned. They had no idea about any of this. The villagers were furious. "What kind of people are they? They knew you were their real daughter but ignored you all this time, and now they want to use you like this, huh?" "Blind fools! You're such a good girl, and they treat you like a tool, making you marry some cripple instead of their adopted daughter." "Victoria, don't listen to those heartless people." "That's right. Ignore them. We'll go teach them a lesson." "The Binder family? They're nothing special in Benwig City, acting all high and mighty. Victoria, you don't need to go back with them." Victoria raised her hand to quiet them. "Everyone, calm down. I've decided to go back to the Binder family for this arranged marriage. "But I'm going back to teach them a lesson. So I'm telling you all ahead of time. Please help take care of the herbs I just planted in my yard." Even though the villagers didn't really understand, they still respected her choice. "Okay. But if anyone from the Binder family dares to bully you, just call me. I'll get people to take them down," one person said. "That's right. We've got your back," another added. Victoria waved her hand. "Thank you, everyone. That's all I wanted to say. You can all head back now." After that, she turned to Hector and Daisy, who were still waiting, and gave them a light smile. "We can go now." Hector and Daisy were still a little stunned. When they heard her, they finally snapped out of it. "Oh, okay." "Let me carry that." The driver stepped forward and reached for the sack. "Be careful. It's heavy," Victoria said. The driver didn't believe it at first. But the moment he took it with both hands, he almost dropped it on his foot. Victoria blinked at him. "Can you handle it? Don't break anything inside." "No problem." The driver forced a smile, gritted his teeth, and lifted the sack into the trunk. By the time he got back into the driver's seat, he was sweating all over. He hadn't expected Victoria to be this strong despite looking so thin. After getting into the car, Daisy and Hector looked at each other, then kept glancing at Victoria. They seemed to want to say something, but neither of them knew how to start. In the end, Daisy asked, "Victoria, you just told the villagers about marrying a disabled man instead of that adopted daughter. What did you mean?" "You didn't know?" Victoria looked back at her, her eyes narrowing with suspicion. Daisy shook her head. "Hector and I really had no idea. About half a month ago, your parents suddenly told us Angelica wasn't their biological daughter. Then they sent people to look into it. "Just yesterday, they found out their real daughter was living here. That's why they want to bring you back today." Hector nodded to confirm her words. Victoria smiled faintly. "Then why do you think they didn't come themselves?" Daisy fell silent. To her, it was absurd that Victoria's parents would have relatives fetch their biological daughter instead of coming themselves. But the truth would hurt Victoria, so she chose not to say anything. Victoria let out a bitter laugh. "Aunt Daisy, even if you don't say it, I can guess. Just like I said, they don't want to acknowledge me. "They're only bringing me back because they have no choice. They want me to marry that disabled heir in place of their precious adopted daughter." Her gaze was clear and calm, and there was a quiet maturity about her that went far beyond her years. Hector frowned slightly. "Victoria, how did you find out about this arranged marriage?" Victoria smiled. "Secret." On the way, Daisy told her a lot about the Binder family. It wasn't much different from what Mara had already found out. The Binder family was still led by Calvin. He had two sons and one daughter. The eldest son, Hector, was the one who had come to get Victoria, and his wife was Daisy. They didn't have any children. The second son, Darell, was Victoria's biological father. He and his wife, Julia, had two sons and one daughter. The eldest son, Simon, managed the family's entertainment company, Brightstar Entertainment. The second son, Curtis, was a well-known singer under the same company. Then there was the youngest daughter, Angelica. She was considered very outstanding. At just twenty, she had already skipped grades and finished college. She was now preparing to study abroad after getting engaged to the eldest son of the Thornton family. Angelica was the baby who had been switched with Victoria. As for Calvin's daughter, Sirena, she had already married into another wealthy family and only returned for holidays. The drive from the village to Benwig City took six hours over bumpy roads. By the time they arrived, it was dark. "We're here," the driver said as he stopped the car. Victoria looked out the window. In front of her stood a large estate, with several villas spread across it. It looked grand and impressive. The Binder family mansion alone was almost as big as the entire Mullinran Village. Victoria got out of the car and followed Hector and Daisy inside. The head butler, Milton, who had been waiting at the door, stepped forward respectfully. "You're back." He looked at Victoria and gave a polite nod. "This must be Miss Victoria Binder." "Yes," Daisy replied. Then she looked at Victoria gently. "Victoria, go in and meet your parents and brother." Victoria said nothing. She quietly followed them inside. They passed through the wide front yard and stepped into the entrance hall. Standing at the doorway, she quickly scanned the four people sitting on the sofas in the main hall. First, she saw a middle-aged couple dressed in expensive clothes, carrying themselves with an air of wealth and status. Next was a handsome young man who looked a bit rebellious. Finally, there was a beautiful young woman about her age. The corners of her eyes were red, and she looked pitiful, as if she had been crying. None of them looked happy. Their faces were tense, filled with worry. When they looked at her, Victoria caught the flash of disgust in their eyes. A faint smile appeared on her lips. She thought the family was really quite interesting. Chapter 4 Are You an Idiot? "Darell, Julia, I brought your daughter back," Daisy said. She gently patted Victoria on the back. "Victoria, go say hello to your parents and your brother." Victoria didn't move. With a faint, mocking smile, she asked, "Aunt Daisy, are they really my parents and brother?" Daisy froze for a moment, then nodded. "Yes, they are. Why do you ask?" Victoria let out a cold laugh. "I'm supposed to be their daughter and sister, but why do they all look like they can't stand me?" The four people in the room all stiffened. They hadn't expected her to be so direct. Daisy froze again. She wanted to say something, but stopped herself. She knew what Darell and Julia were thinking. They didn't want to accept this daughter because they already had an excellent adopted one. They would rather stay home and comfort their adopted daughter's feelings than spend even a little time going to the village to pick up their real daughter. Simon and Curtis felt the same way. They were closer to the sister they had lived with for twenty years. None of them wanted to hurt her feelings just to pick up Victoria. Simon didn't even bother to show up; he was still at work. In the end, Daisy couldn't take it anymore and offered to go with Hector to bring Victoria home. What she didn't expect was that even after Victoria came back, Darell and Julia still acted like this. They didn't even try to hide it. Julia looked at Darell, and he looked back at her. In that brief exchange, they reached an understanding. Victoria clearly wasn't as quiet and easy to control as they had thought. They couldn't just brush her aside. If they wanted her to willingly take Angelica's place in the marriage to Jackson later, they would have to act nice and coax her a little. Julia hesitated, then forced herself to stand up. She put on a pained expression and walked toward Victoria. "My child, you've suffered so much out there." Victoria stepped aside slightly and avoided her touch. "Stop pretending. I don't see any concern in your eyes." Julia froze in place. A wave of anger rose inside her. She had lowered herself to show kindness, yet Victoria had refused it and embarrassed her in front of everyone. But to her, Victoria's lack of manners was no surprise. She had grown up in the countryside without her parents and had never been properly brought up. Julia forced a stiff smile. "I carried you for ten months. Of course, it hurts me to know you've suffered." Victoria sneered, "Is that so? If you really feel that way, why didn't you come pick me up today? Why did you send Uncle Hector and Aunt Daisy instead?" Daisy wanted to speak, but Hector gently held her hand and shook his head. He said quietly, "Daisy, we've already brought her back. What happens now is their family matter. Let them handle it. Let's go home." Daisy looked at Victoria, her eyes full of worry and sympathy. But she knew Hector was right. This was between Victoria and her parents. No matter what happened, she had no right to interfere. "Julia, now that Victoria is back, you should treat her well. Don't hurt her again. Daisy and I will head back now," Hector said politely, hoping his words would help a little. Darell nodded. "Thank you for your help today." Daisy said gently, "Victoria, we are leaving. If you need anything, come find us at Goldenwood Villa on the east side." With that, she reluctantly turned and left. Victoria watched them walk away, then quickly looked away. Once they were gone, Julia finally breathed a sigh of relief. "This is all my fault. Your father and I didn't go pick you up ourselves because I'm very emotional. "I was afraid that if I saw how poorly you were living, I wouldn't be able to handle it. So I stayed home to calm myself and prepare to welcome you." She was lying. Actually, after Angelica found out last night that she wasn't their real daughter, she had been upset the whole night. This morning, she was so distracted that she couldn't even eat. Julia felt sorry for her and stayed home to comfort her. Victoria's eyes were full of sarcasm. "So what exactly did you prepare for me?" Julia quickly said, "I've already cleaned up a room for you. Come, I'll show you." She reached for Victoria's hand again, but Victoria dodged her once more. "So cleaning a room was more important than coming to pick me up yourself." Julia's hand hung in the air. A trace of impatience flashed across her eyes. "Forget the room. I'm not even sure I'll stay," Victoria said. Then she pointed at the young woman about her age. "Who is she?" Angelica froze. Her eyes instantly turned red. She gently tugged on Curtis's sleeve. Curtis held her hand and said softly, "Angelica, don't be afraid." After comforting her, Curtis looked at Victoria coldly. His tone turned sharp. "I'm your brother, Curtis. And she's my sister, Angelica." He deliberately stressed the words "my sister." "I see." Victoria's voice carried a hint of sarcasm. "So that means she's the adopted daughter who was switched with me, right?" Angelica's hand trembled. Tears gathered in her eyes, ready to fall. Curtis's face darkened. He emphasized, "In my heart, Angelica is my real sister." Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Calling her your real sister? Are you an idiot?" Everyone except Victoria froze at her words. Curtis stared at her in disbelief. "You just called me an idiot, huh?" Victoria laughed mockingly. "Yeah. Did I say anything wrong? Don't you know her mother was the one who secretly switched us back then?" Angelica's birth mother, Jasmine, had worked as a customer service representative at a postpartum care center. When Julia was three months pregnant, she started looking for a high-end center, and Jasmine had served her. By coincidence, Jasmine was also pregnant at the time. When she realized Julia was wealthy, she started having bad thoughts. She secretly followed Julia to find out which center she chose and forced herself to spend the money to book the same one. During the recovery period after giving birth, Jasmine secretly switched her own daughter with Julia's without anyone noticing. At the time, Angelica had an allergic rash on her face. Julia didn't realize anything was wrong, and when she left the center, she took Angelica home. Angelica bit her lip. Tears finally streamed down her face. "I'm sorry." Curtis held her cold hand tightly and gently said, "Angelica, this has nothing to do with you." Then he turned to Victoria, his voice full of anger. "Yes, her mother switched you back then. But Angelica is innocent. She didn't know anything about it." Victoria laughed out loud, her eyes full of ridicule. "Oh, she's innocent? She spent twenty years enjoying my life, living in comfort and luxury. "And me? I was thrown into a trash can by her cruel mother in the freezing cold. If no one had found me, I would have died right after I was born." Chapter 5 I'll Leave Victoria's words left Curtis speechless. He had just started to feel a bit guilty when Angelica suddenly broke down in tears again. She said, "I'm sorry. It's all my fault. It's my fault for having a mother like that. Victoria, if you hate me, you can hit me or yell at me, but please don't blame Curtis." As she spoke, she struggled to pull free from Curtis's hand. With a determined look, she bit her lip and ran toward Victoria. "Angelica!" Curtis panicked and quickly got up to follow her. Angelica ran up to Victoria and was about to bow, but Curtis caught up just in time and pulled her back. "Angelica, what are you doing? This isn't your fault. It's your mother's fault." Victoria watched the whole scene and suddenly laughed. She even clapped her hands like she was watching a show. "This is really something. Are you putting on a pity act for me?" The small bit of guilt Curtis had felt disappeared right away. After helping Angelica steady herself, he looked at Victoria coldly. "Why are you being so unreasonable?" he asked. "Angelica already apologized sincerely, and you're still mocking her." "I'm not just mocking her. I'm mocking all of you," Victoria said. "Her mother planned everything, found a way to switch us, and let her take twenty years of the life that should have been mine. "Now that I'm back, you guys are still protecting her right in front of me. It's a shame that I ended up with a family like this." Curtis's face darkened even more. Julia looked helplessly at Darell. She hadn't expected Victoria to be so stubborn and didn't know how to deal with her. No matter how she looked at it, Julia just couldn't bring herself to like Victoria. Darell, who had been silent until now, finally spoke up. "That's enough, Victoria. Angelica's mother has already been punished. Angelica is alone now, with no one to rely on. "Your mother and I raised her for twenty years. We can't just throw her out. The Binder family has more than enough. Keeping her here is no big deal. She won't affect you." But Victoria didn't accept that. "If it's really no big deal, then she can live anywhere. Why does she have to stay here and bother me? "Every time I see her, I'm reminded of everything I went through after being switched." Darell didn't expect her to keep pushing like this. Just like Julia, he began to feel more and more resistant toward Victoria. Compared to Angelica, who was gentle and understanding, Victoria seemed completely rude to him. Angelica bit her lip and let her tears fall silently. She looked pitiful, making it hard not to feel sorry for her. Seeing how aggressive Victoria was, Curtis finally lost his temper. "So you won't be satisfied unless we send Angelica away, huh?" Victoria nodded. "That's right. We're not both living here. It's one or the other." As soon as she said that, everyone's faces darkened. "I don't want to leave you," Angelica said through her tears, looking completely wronged. It made anyone who saw her feel bad. Curtis held her hand tightly. "Angelica, don't worry. You don't have to go anywhere. As long as I'm here, I won't let anyone drive you out of the Binder family. You'll always be my sister. You're part of us." Victoria raised an eyebrow. "So you want me to leave, huh?" Julia was already at her limit, but she forced herself to stay calm. "Victoria, you just got back. You don't really know Angelica yet. "She's kind and understanding. Once you spend some time with her, you'll accept her. Her staying here won't affect your place. No matter what, you're our real daughter." Victoria sneered, "Really? Then why did all of you look disgusted the moment you saw me? Is it because I'm not as pretty as her? Or because I'm not as refined? "But have you forgotten? If we had never been switched, the pretty, refined one would be me. Everything she has now was built on the suffering I endured for her." Julia froze and quickly shook her head. "That's not it. We just haven't adjusted yet." "You need time to adjust to your own daughter, huh? Then why didn't Uncle Hector and Aunt Daisy need time when they saw me?" Victoria pressed. Julia had no answer. But she thought it was because Hector and Daisy had no children, so of course, they would be happy. She took a deep breath and softened her voice. "Victoria, we won't treat you badly from now on. Your living expenses will be the same as Angelica's. Your father and I won't favor one over the other." Victoria gave a faint, mocking smile. "Should I thank you for that? Honestly, for me, not favoring one over the other is already the biggest favoritism. "You two are really kind. You don't want your own daughter, but you're willing to spend money raising the daughter of someone who ruined my life. I've never seen people this generous." Julia held back her anger and continued, "Victoria, stop making trouble. You're my real daughter. We finally found you. How could we let you keep suffering out there?" Victoria replied, "So you knew I was suffering. While I was suffering, that criminal's daughter was living here, enjoying everything you gave her in my place. "And now, on the very first day I come back, you're ready to push me away again." Curtis said coldly, "Get this straight. We're not pushing you away. You're the one making things difficult. You could stay here peacefully, but you refuse to accept Angelica." "How could I accept the daughter of a criminal?" Victoria asked. "If I hadn't been lucky enough to survive, her mother would be both a trafficker and a murderer. "She committed the crime, but her daughter hasn't been punished at all. Why should she get to keep living this rich, comfortable life as if nothing had happened?" Angelica's body swayed. Curtis quickly held her steady, his anger finally breaking through. "With your attitude, do you even deserve to stay here while Angelica leaves?" "Of course I do. First, I'm a Binder by blood. Second, unlike you, I'm not an idiot." After snapping at him, Victoria lost her patience. "Have you decided? Is she leaving, or am I?" Curtis pulled Angelica into his arms protectively and said firmly, "Dad, Mom, if I have to choose, then I only recognize Angelica as my sister." "Good. One vote." Victoria raised her index finger and then looked at Julia. "What about you?" Julia forced down her frustration and said gently, "Victoria, don't do this—" "Alright, that's two votes," Victoria said, not even bothering to listen. She turned to Darell. "Your vote doesn't matter anymore. There are already two votes for Angelica. Fine. Since that's the case, she stays. I'll leave." A trace of anxiety flashed in Angelica's eyes. If Victoria really left, there would be no one to take her place in marrying Jackson. ------ 👇👇👇 There are limited chapters to put here, click “continue reading” to open App to continue reading (It will automatically jump to the book)
When a killer came in the night, Victoria Binder didn’t scream—she fought. And she won, burying the proof in her own garden. That was just the beginning. Unveiled as the lost heiress to a mighty fortune, Victoria returned to a family that despised her. She wasn’t there for their love. She was there for what was hers: the power, the legacy, the truth. ------ Chapter 1 I Want to Marry You "Victoria, we need to break up. It turns out I'm actually the heir to the Fairbank family, one of the most powerful families in Benwig City. You're just a country girl who sells herbs. You're not good enough for me anymore." Victoria Binder had just received a call from her boyfriend, Gavin Alvarado—no, Gavin Fairbank now. She had been about to tell him that she was the long-lost daughter of a wealthy family herself, but before she could say a word, she heard him claim she wasn't good enough for him. She let out a silent, cold laugh. The medicinal herbs she grew were incredibly valuable. Countless rich and influential families were trying to buy them at high prices. Her products had even appeared several times at the largest auction house in Benwig City. Gavin's arrogant voice came through the phone again. "With my status now, I need to marry a proper heiress from a family that matches mine. "But since we dated for two months, I won't treat you badly. Before I marry someone suitable, you can stay with me. Even after I get married, I can still keep you as my—" Before he could finish, Victoria snapped, "Asshole. If you want to break up, then we're done." She hung up immediately. The handsome man standing in front of her, Jackson Thornton, raised an eyebrow. He had been waiting for her response. He smiled. "So? You just found out you're the heiress of the Binder family, one of the richest families in Benwig City, and you still got dumped?" Victoria looked up at him and smiled brightly. "Funny coincidence. He just told me that he's the heir to a wealthy family in Benwig City and that I'm not good enough for him." Then her expression shifted, turning doubtful. "Wait a second. This whole thing about being the real daughter or real son of some rich family... Isn't that some new kind of scam going around?" Jackson paused for a moment, then smiled. "Of course not. You really are the true daughter of the Binder family." Victoria gave a nonchalant hum. She took the basket off her back, sat down on a chair, and began sorting the herbs she had just picked. "Then who are you?" she asked. "Why are you the one coming to find me instead of my biological parents?" Jackson glanced at the shabby house in front of him, then looked at Victoria, who sat casually on a small stool. He said, "If nothing unexpected happens, I'll soon be your fiancé. I'm Jackson, the eldest son of the Thornton family in Benwig City." Victoria almost slipped off her stool. She stared at him in shock. "What? Fiancé?" "That's right. But as you can see, I'm disabled now. I lost the use of my legs last month." Sitting in his wheelchair, Jackson lifted a hand and pointed at his legs, giving a helpless smile. "I see. And what does that have to do with you coming to find me today?" Victoria asked. Then she suddenly understood. "Wait. Are you saying that I'm the real daughter of the wealthy Binder family, and that they're planning to bring me back and have me marry you?" Jackson nodded, a hint of admiration in his eyes. "Exactly." Victoria's gaze flickered. Jackson continued, "Because of my legs, I'm about to be dumped. Just like you." Victoria caught on quickly. "So the one who was supposed to marry you was the Binder family's adopted daughter. But now that you're disabled, she doesn't want to marry you anymore." Jackson nodded again. "Yes. That's exactly it." Victoria almost let out a bitter laugh. "Then why don't you look upset at all?" Jackson said calmly, "You just got dumped by your boyfriend, and you don't look upset either." "He's just trash. Good riddance." Victoria curled her lips in disdain. Jackson studied her, the admiration in his eyes deepening. "You're surprisingly chill about it." Victoria let out a small scoff. "Of course. Why waste time and energy feeling bad over someone who isn't worth it?" She had started dating Gavin after saving his life by chance two years ago. After that, he had chased after her nonstop, using gratitude as an excuse. For two whole years, he acted devoted, as if he would never marry anyone but her. He didn't seem to have any serious flaws. She figured having a man around could help her take care of the herb garden and keep other men from bothering her, so she agreed to date him. But she never expected that the moment Gavin found out he was the heir to a wealthy family, he would turn on her so quickly. Jackson smiled. "Same here. She's trash anyway. Better not to marry her." There had never been anything between him and Angelica Binder. Their engagement had only been arranged by his grandfather for a business alliance. Now that his legs were disabled, Angelica's parents naturally didn't want her to marry him anymore. But the Thornton family was the most powerful family in Benwig City, with huge wealth and influence. They weren't willing to give up the alliance, either. In the end, they planned to have their biological daughter, Victoria, marry him in Angelica's place. Victoria went straight to the point. "It's just strange. How could it be such a coincidence? Right after your legs were disabled, my birth parents suddenly found me and decided to have me marry you instead of their adopted daughter." She let out a cold, mocking laugh. "Looks like they always knew I was their real daughter. I just had no value to them, so they left me out here all this time and never brought me home." Jackson didn't try to comfort her with lies. "I think you're right." Victoria gave a cold sneer. If that was true, then her birth parents were even more heartless than she had thought. Still, one thing didn't make sense to her. "Since you already know what the Binder family is planning, why not just give up on the alliance? Why walk straight into their trap?" "I had someone look into you," Jackson said calmly. "You sell medicine, and you're pretty well-known around here. "I heard you've treated quite a few difficult cases with your own methods. My legs are disabled. Over the past month, I've invited top doctors from all over the country, but none of them could help. "So I came here myself to see if marrying you would be a trap or a chance for me." He didn't hide why he came. Victoria found him interesting. She shrugged. "Well, you've seen me now. I'm just a wild country girl. My birth parents, the ones I've never even met, clearly don't like me. "Do you still want to marry someone like me? I'm just a real daughter who isn't valued and is just being used as a substitute bride." Jackson looked at her closely. At first glance, she wasn't the delicate type raised in comfort. Her skin wasn't soft. It had a light wheat tone that made her look healthy and full of life. But if one looked more carefully, her features were actually very refined. Her eyes were bright and clear, and there was strength in the way she looked at people. There was no trace of disrespect in Jackson's gaze. He looked sincere. "Yes. After meeting you, I'm sure I want to marry you. I just don't know if you're willing to give me a chance." Victoria studied his face. She had to admit that he was strikingly handsome, the kind of man who wouldn't be forgotten even in a huge crowd. His features were sharp, and his face was well-defined. What stood out the most was his eyes. Even after going through something as serious as losing the use of his legs, they were still clear. There was no bitterness or confusion. Victoria glanced at his legs again. "What's going on with them?" "They were broken with a wooden club last month," Jackson said. "I've had many well-known doctors take a look. They all said my legs are beyond saving. I'll never stand again." "Pull up your pant legs. Let me see," said Victoria. "Okay." Jackson did as she said, lifting his pant legs to reveal his knees and lower legs, covered in scars. Victoria's expression darkened. She set the herbs aside, stood up, and walked over to him. Then she bent down and pressed carefully on his knees. The pain made Jackson frown, but he didn't make a sound. "They can be treated," Victoria said firmly. Hope lit up in Jackson's eyes at once. Thinking about how her birth parents had ignored her existence for so many years, Victoria made up her mind. She would go back to Benwig City and take her place as the Binder family's true daughter. She wanted to meet them face to face. She clapped her hands lightly and sat back down on the small stool. "I can marry you." Jackson raised an eyebrow. "Do you have any conditions?" Victoria tilted her head and smiled brightly. "Listen to you. Do I need conditions to marry you? You're so good-looking. If I fix your legs, I'll be the one getting the better deal." Jackson hadn't expected her to be so straightforward. His brow lifted higher, and he let out a soft laugh. "Alright. Then it's settled. I'll wait for you to return to the Binder family." Chapter 2 A Welcome Gift After Jackson left his phone number with Victoria, he left the village with his assistant, Ollie Rowse. Victoria watched him go, her eyes growing thoughtful. She took out her phone and dialed a number. "Mara, I need you to look into everyone in the Binder family in Benwig City right away. Focus on their daughter. I want everything you can find, and I want it by tonight." "Yes, boss," Mara replied. After hanging up, Victoria's gaze turned even sharper. Ford had once told her about that freezing winter night twenty years ago. He had been on his way to settle down in a small southern town when he heard a baby crying from inside a trash bin. He got out of the car to check and found a baby girl, not even a month old, her skin red from the cold. If she hadn't been crying so loudly, and if he hadn't happened to pass that deserted road, she would have died quietly in that trash bin. That baby was Victoria. Ford gave her that name, hoping she would grow up strong and tough no matter what life threw at her. Even on his deathbed, Ford never stopped looking for her biological parents. And all this time, Victoria had believed they must have abandoned her because they had no other choice. But now, it seemed that wasn't true. Her biological parents didn't want her and had no intention of taking her back. If it weren't for the adopted daughter they had raised for twenty years, Victoria might have gone her whole life without parents. Just then, someone called out from outside, "Victoria, who was that man in the nice car looking for you?" It was Stephan, a middle-aged man from next door. He spent most of his time up in the mountains hunting herbs. Victoria put her phone away and walked out, smiling at him. "To be honest with you, that was my fiancé." Stephan looked surprised. "Your fiancé? You have good taste. He's a handsome man. Why didn't you ask him to stay for dinner?" "He had things to take care of in the city. He couldn't stay today," Victoria said. "Next time he comes, make sure he stays for a meal. Everything we eat here is grown by us. Let him try it. It's much better and healthier than city food," Stephan said. "I will," Victoria said with a smile. Stephan grabbed his tools and headed up into the mountains. Only after he left did Victoria go back inside to keep sorting the herbs she had picked. ***** After leaving Mullinran Village, Ollie, who was driving, glanced at Jackson's calm face in the rearview mirror and asked carefully, "Mr. Thornton, are you really going to marry her? "You saw it yourself. Her own parents don't even want her. She makes a living selling herbs and doing some basic medical work. "You just went through something serious, and this is when you need support the most. Marrying her won't help you secure your position in the Thornton family." Jackson shifted his gaze away from the fields outside the window and gently rubbed the petals of a purple flower he had picked from Victoria's doorstep. He asked, "Ollie, do you remember six months ago, when my grandfather was seriously ill and needed a very rare herb to survive?" Ollie wasn't sure why he changed the subject, but he nodded. "Of course. That herb showed up at the biggest auction house in Benwig City. You spent 30 million dollars to get it." "Didn't you notice? That same rare herb was hanging casually on the wall of her simple, run-down house," Jackson said. That one bundle alone would be worth a fortune at any auction in Benwig City. "What?" Ollie was stunned. From the moment they walked into Victoria's house, he had only noticed how shabby it looked and missed everything else. Now it finally clicked. "Do you mean her background might not be as simple as it seems?" Jackson lifted the purple flower to his nose and took a light breath. "I can't say for sure what her background is yet. But one thing is clear. Her medical skills are far from simple." Ollie understood right away. If that was true, then there was real hope for Jackson's legs. Still, he couldn't help asking, "If all you want is to fix your legs, you could just pay her a large amount of money. There's no need to marry her." Jackson blinked and slowly turned the flower between his fingers. A faint smile appeared on his lips. "What if I said I fell for her at first sight? Would you believe me?" Ollie paused and looked at him again through the rearview mirror. He seemed calm. He wasn't exactly joking, but he wasn't completely serious, either. But Jackson rarely joked, so Ollie couldn't tell how much of it was real. In the end, he chose to believe him. "I believe you." "Good. In my eyes, she is already my fiancée. From now on, you need to treat her with respect," Jackson said. "Understood." Ollie nodded. Jackson wasn't joking. When it came to love, he had never believed in feelings that grew over time. To him, if there was no spark at first sight, then staying together would only lead to a relationship based on weighing pros and cons, not the kind of love that made his heart race. That was why, when his grandfather arranged his engagement to Angelica, he had agreed for practical reasons alone. But when he saw Victoria, everything changed. It felt like the world spun around him, and everything else faded away. In his eyes, she was the only color left. He couldn't explain why it had to be her. Maybe it was that moment when their eyes met, when the light in hers pulled him in like a whirlpool. Jackson picked up a book from the car and carefully placed the small purple flower between its pages. Then he closed the book and shut his eyes. ***** At eight that evening, Victoria had just finished bringing in the herbs she had been drying on the roof when her phone rang. She set the herbs aside, brushed the dust off her hands, and picked up the call. Mara's cool voice came through. "Boss, I found what you asked for. The Binder family has only one daughter. She was born to the second son, Darell, and his wife, Julia. Her name is Angelica. She's the same age as you. "She's very spoiled at home. Two months ago, Darell arranged a great marriage for her. She's engaged to Jackson, the eldest son of the Thornton family, the most powerful family in Benwig City. "Jackson had already been chosen by his grandfather, Gerry, as the next heir. But last month, he had an accident. Someone broke both his legs, and the announcement was put on hold." "What is Angelica like?" Victoria asked. "She has a very good reputation. She's beautiful and talented. A lot of rich young men in Benwig City admire her. That's probably why she gained Gerry's approval for the marriage," Mara said. Victoria let out a cold laugh to herself. She didn't believe for a second that Angelica's perfect life came without tricks. "Got it. Now find out if Angelica is really Darell and Julia's biological daughter," Victoria said. "You're focusing on the Binder family, especially Angelica. What are you planning to do?" Mara asked. "I'm going back to take my place," Victoria said. A faint spark lit up in her deep eyes. She found the idea of being the Binder family's real daughter interesting. Victoria had many identities. The one she used the most was a village herbalist and healer. In her daily life, she spent time with her retired scientist friends in the village, growing new herbs and developing new medicines. Over the years, she had cultivated twenty kinds of rare medicinal plants. Because they were so hard to produce, they sold for extremely high prices. Any one of them, if sold at auction in Benwig City, could earn more than most people made in a lifetime. On top of that, she was skilled in traditional medical techniques. When she treated regular villagers, she charged normal fees. But when rich families or powerful figures came to her, her starting fee was three million dollars. Of course, she guaranteed results. If she couldn't cure them, she wouldn't take a single dollar. This identity alone had already made her very rich. Money no longer meant much to her. So when her ex-boyfriend, Gavin, said she wasn't good enough for him, she found it almost funny. If she wanted, she could build her own place in Benwig City without relying on anyone. Over the years, all her different identities had started to feel dull. It was time to try something new. And she had to admit, Jackson impressed her. Out of all the people she had treated, none had faced sudden injury like he did, so calm and steady. His willpower was strong. He was someone who would go far. He was handsome and capable. It would be a waste for him to stay crippled. So she would fix his legs. Mara quickly understood, her voice turning serious. "Understood, boss. I'll get on it right away." ***** Late that night, Victoria was fast asleep when she heard wood cracking outside. Her eyes opened at once, sharp and alert, and she turned toward the sound. Anyone showing up at this hour without warning was not from the village. She had spread powders around her home to keep wild animals away, so no beasts would come near. That left only one answer. Someone had broken in. Victoria got up quietly and, using the moonlight, moved to hide behind the door. Soon, her old wooden door was kicked open, and a shadow rushed inside. She hadn't expected him to be so bold, barging in instead of sneaking around. She flicked a silver needle straight at him. The man let out a low groan and dropped to the ground. Victoria turned on the light, filling the room with brightness. She kicked him aside and finally saw his face clearly. He looked like a hardened criminal. She grabbed a rope, walked over, and tied up his hands and feet. Once he was secured, she took out a needle and stuck it into his neck. Within seconds, he woke up. Victoria sat on the bed, crossing her legs as she played with another needle. "If you don't want to suffer, you'd better tell me the truth. Who sent you?" The man quickly sized up the situation. "People who hire killers stay anonymous. Who would be stupid enough to give their name? But they said that if I raped you, they would get me out of the country safely." Victoria's eyes turned cold and sharp. If he needed to run overseas, that meant he was already a wanted criminal. The man hurried to beg, "I've told you everything I know. Let me go. I won't take this job anymore." Victoria nodded. "Fine." She walked over, pulled out the needle, and untied the ropes. "You can leave." The man rubbed his wrists. "Thanks—" Before he could finish, his face suddenly changed. He lifted his leg and tried to kick Victoria in the knee. But the moment his foot rose, a sharp pain shot through him. Then his whole body went numb. He couldn't move. He looked down in terror. A small black snake had bitten his ankle. "How is there a poisonous snake here—" Before he could finish, blood burst from his throat. His body fell stiffly to the ground. After a few jerks, he went still. Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Trying to kill me in my place? You asked for it. Good job, Blackie. Go rest." The little black snake slipped into a dark corner and quickly disappeared. Victoria picked up a hoe, stuffed the body into a large basket, and lifted it onto her back with ease. She carried it outside and buried it near her vegetable garden. It would make good fertilizer for her herbs. After that, she let out a long breath, brushed off her hands, and looked up at the nearly full moon. She had just learned who she really was, and someone had already sent a man to ruin her. It seemed that someone had prepared a "welcome gift" for her in advance. Chapter 3 We've Got Your Back The next day at noon, a black Bentley worth 1.5 million dollars stopped in front of Victoria's house. Victoria was grinding the herbs she had picked the day before. When she heard the car, she glanced out the window and checked the license plate. It was from Benwig City, just as she expected. She finished grinding the herbs, put them into jars, brushed the dust off her hands, and walked outside. She went straight to the car and knocked on the window. A moment later, the window slid down, revealing the still handsome face of a middle-aged man—Hector Binder. He looked about fifty, with neatly slicked-back hair. A woman sat beside him. She looked about the same age. Even though she wasn't young anymore, she had taken good care of herself and looked as if she were in her thirties. Her features were still soft and beautiful. Victoria didn't waste time. "Are you here for me?" Hector, sitting in the back seat, looked at her, then at the photo in his hand. His eyes lit up. "Daisy, it's her. She's the one we're looking for." Daisy's eyes filled with excitement, even shining with tears. "Yes, it's her. No mistake." They quickly opened the door, got out of the car, and walked over to Victoria. Hector nodded. "Yes. You're the real daughter the Binder family lost years ago. We're here to take you back." Victoria looked straight into his eyes. He seemed like a decent man, and the excitement in his expression matched Daisy's. It didn't look fake. This couple didn't seem to have anything to do with what happened to her last night. Hector paused, a little surprised. "How did you know we were coming?" But he didn't dwell on it. Instead, he explained, "You are the young lady of the Binder family. "When you were little, someone switched you with another baby. That's why you ended up here. You've suffered for twenty years, living away from your real home." As soon as he finished, Daisy started to choke up. "Poor child." Victoria stayed calm. "So, are you my parents?" Hector and Daisy froze. They exchanged a look, then answered awkwardly, "No. We're your uncle and aunt." Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Then why aren't my parents here? Why did they send you instead?" Daisy looked uneasy. "Something came up at home. They couldn't leave, so they asked us to come get you." Victoria saw right through it. "You don't have to cover for them. I'm not a child. What could be more important than picking up their own daughter? They just didn't want to come." Hearing that, Daisy stepped forward and gently hugged her. Tears slipped down her face. "My poor child, you've suffered so much." Victoria didn't expect the sudden hug. At first, she wanted to pull away, but the warmth of it stopped her. It felt soft and comforting, unlike any embrace she had experienced in twenty years. It was, perhaps, the closest she had ever come to what a mother's embrace should feel like. She let out a quiet sigh. For a moment, she thought that if these two were her real parents, it wouldn't be so bad. After a while, Daisy let go and held her hand. "Go pack your things. We'll take you home today. You won't have to live like this anymore." Victoria nodded. "Okay. Wait for me. I'll go pack." She didn't need to bring clothes. The only things she needed were the medicines she had made. After packing all the bottles of medicine powder and poison powder from the wooden cabinet, Victoria called out, "Blackie, Whitey, Greenie, come out. I'm taking you somewhere new." As soon as she finished, three small snakes slid out from the corners and crawled into a sack. Victoria tied the sack and slung it over her shoulder. Then she took a drum from the old cabinet. After giving the shabby house one last look, she walked outside and began to beat the drum. The loud sound of the drum echoed through the area. Hector and Daisy, waiting outside, looked confused. Before long, the villagers gathered around. They looked at Victoria with concern. "Victoria, what's wrong? What happened?" Victoria set down the drum, cleared her throat, and said, "Everyone, you all know I'm an orphan. I grew up without parents, raised by all of you. "But now I know who my real parents are. It turns out I'm the daughter of the Binder family in Benwig City." The villagers were happy for her at first, but then she continued, "But here's the thing. My real parents knew all along who I was, but they never came to acknowledge me. "And now, the only reason they're taking me back is to make me marry a disabled man in place of their adopted daughter." Hector and Daisy were stunned. They had no idea about any of this. The villagers were furious. "What kind of people are they? They knew you were their real daughter but ignored you all this time, and now they want to use you like this, huh?" "Blind fools! You're such a good girl, and they treat you like a tool, making you marry some cripple instead of their adopted daughter." "Victoria, don't listen to those heartless people." "That's right. Ignore them. We'll go teach them a lesson." "The Binder family? They're nothing special in Benwig City, acting all high and mighty. Victoria, you don't need to go back with them." Victoria raised her hand to quiet them. "Everyone, calm down. I've decided to go back to the Binder family for this arranged marriage. "But I'm going back to teach them a lesson. So I'm telling you all ahead of time. Please help take care of the herbs I just planted in my yard." Even though the villagers didn't really understand, they still respected her choice. "Okay. But if anyone from the Binder family dares to bully you, just call me. I'll get people to take them down," one person said. "That's right. We've got your back," another added. Victoria waved her hand. "Thank you, everyone. That's all I wanted to say. You can all head back now." After that, she turned to Hector and Daisy, who were still waiting, and gave them a light smile. "We can go now." Hector and Daisy were still a little stunned. When they heard her, they finally snapped out of it. "Oh, okay." "Let me carry that." The driver stepped forward and reached for the sack. "Be careful. It's heavy," Victoria said. The driver didn't believe it at first. But the moment he took it with both hands, he almost dropped it on his foot. Victoria blinked at him. "Can you handle it? Don't break anything inside." "No problem." The driver forced a smile, gritted his teeth, and lifted the sack into the trunk. By the time he got back into the driver's seat, he was sweating all over. He hadn't expected Victoria to be this strong despite looking so thin. After getting into the car, Daisy and Hector looked at each other, then kept glancing at Victoria. They seemed to want to say something, but neither of them knew how to start. In the end, Daisy asked, "Victoria, you just told the villagers about marrying a disabled man instead of that adopted daughter. What did you mean?" "You didn't know?" Victoria looked back at her, her eyes narrowing with suspicion. Daisy shook her head. "Hector and I really had no idea. About half a month ago, your parents suddenly told us Angelica wasn't their biological daughter. Then they sent people to look into it. "Just yesterday, they found out their real daughter was living here. That's why they want to bring you back today." Hector nodded to confirm her words. Victoria smiled faintly. "Then why do you think they didn't come themselves?" Daisy fell silent. To her, it was absurd that Victoria's parents would have relatives fetch their biological daughter instead of coming themselves. But the truth would hurt Victoria, so she chose not to say anything. Victoria let out a bitter laugh. "Aunt Daisy, even if you don't say it, I can guess. Just like I said, they don't want to acknowledge me. "They're only bringing me back because they have no choice. They want me to marry that disabled heir in place of their precious adopted daughter." Her gaze was clear and calm, and there was a quiet maturity about her that went far beyond her years. Hector frowned slightly. "Victoria, how did you find out about this arranged marriage?" Victoria smiled. "Secret." On the way, Daisy told her a lot about the Binder family. It wasn't much different from what Mara had already found out. The Binder family was still led by Calvin. He had two sons and one daughter. The eldest son, Hector, was the one who had come to get Victoria, and his wife was Daisy. They didn't have any children. The second son, Darell, was Victoria's biological father. He and his wife, Julia, had two sons and one daughter. The eldest son, Simon, managed the family's entertainment company, Brightstar Entertainment. The second son, Curtis, was a well-known singer under the same company. Then there was the youngest daughter, Angelica. She was considered very outstanding. At just twenty, she had already skipped grades and finished college. She was now preparing to study abroad after getting engaged to the eldest son of the Thornton family. Angelica was the baby who had been switched with Victoria. As for Calvin's daughter, Sirena, she had already married into another wealthy family and only returned for holidays. The drive from the village to Benwig City took six hours over bumpy roads. By the time they arrived, it was dark. "We're here," the driver said as he stopped the car. Victoria looked out the window. In front of her stood a large estate, with several villas spread across it. It looked grand and impressive. The Binder family mansion alone was almost as big as the entire Mullinran Village. Victoria got out of the car and followed Hector and Daisy inside. The head butler, Milton, who had been waiting at the door, stepped forward respectfully. "You're back." He looked at Victoria and gave a polite nod. "This must be Miss Victoria Binder." "Yes," Daisy replied. Then she looked at Victoria gently. "Victoria, go in and meet your parents and brother." Victoria said nothing. She quietly followed them inside. They passed through the wide front yard and stepped into the entrance hall. Standing at the doorway, she quickly scanned the four people sitting on the sofas in the main hall. First, she saw a middle-aged couple dressed in expensive clothes, carrying themselves with an air of wealth and status. Next was a handsome young man who looked a bit rebellious. Finally, there was a beautiful young woman about her age. The corners of her eyes were red, and she looked pitiful, as if she had been crying. None of them looked happy. Their faces were tense, filled with worry. When they looked at her, Victoria caught the flash of disgust in their eyes. A faint smile appeared on her lips. She thought the family was really quite interesting. Chapter 4 Are You an Idiot? "Darell, Julia, I brought your daughter back," Daisy said. She gently patted Victoria on the back. "Victoria, go say hello to your parents and your brother." Victoria didn't move. With a faint, mocking smile, she asked, "Aunt Daisy, are they really my parents and brother?" Daisy froze for a moment, then nodded. "Yes, they are. Why do you ask?" Victoria let out a cold laugh. "I'm supposed to be their daughter and sister, but why do they all look like they can't stand me?" The four people in the room all stiffened. They hadn't expected her to be so direct. Daisy froze again. She wanted to say something, but stopped herself. She knew what Darell and Julia were thinking. They didn't want to accept this daughter because they already had an excellent adopted one. They would rather stay home and comfort their adopted daughter's feelings than spend even a little time going to the village to pick up their real daughter. Simon and Curtis felt the same way. They were closer to the sister they had lived with for twenty years. None of them wanted to hurt her feelings just to pick up Victoria. Simon didn't even bother to show up; he was still at work. In the end, Daisy couldn't take it anymore and offered to go with Hector to bring Victoria home. What she didn't expect was that even after Victoria came back, Darell and Julia still acted like this. They didn't even try to hide it. Julia looked at Darell, and he looked back at her. In that brief exchange, they reached an understanding. Victoria clearly wasn't as quiet and easy to control as they had thought. They couldn't just brush her aside. If they wanted her to willingly take Angelica's place in the marriage to Jackson later, they would have to act nice and coax her a little. Julia hesitated, then forced herself to stand up. She put on a pained expression and walked toward Victoria. "My child, you've suffered so much out there." Victoria stepped aside slightly and avoided her touch. "Stop pretending. I don't see any concern in your eyes." Julia froze in place. A wave of anger rose inside her. She had lowered herself to show kindness, yet Victoria had refused it and embarrassed her in front of everyone. But to her, Victoria's lack of manners was no surprise. She had grown up in the countryside without her parents and had never been properly brought up. Julia forced a stiff smile. "I carried you for ten months. Of course, it hurts me to know you've suffered." Victoria sneered, "Is that so? If you really feel that way, why didn't you come pick me up today? Why did you send Uncle Hector and Aunt Daisy instead?" Daisy wanted to speak, but Hector gently held her hand and shook his head. He said quietly, "Daisy, we've already brought her back. What happens now is their family matter. Let them handle it. Let's go home." Daisy looked at Victoria, her eyes full of worry and sympathy. But she knew Hector was right. This was between Victoria and her parents. No matter what happened, she had no right to interfere. "Julia, now that Victoria is back, you should treat her well. Don't hurt her again. Daisy and I will head back now," Hector said politely, hoping his words would help a little. Darell nodded. "Thank you for your help today." Daisy said gently, "Victoria, we are leaving. If you need anything, come find us at Goldenwood Villa on the east side." With that, she reluctantly turned and left. Victoria watched them walk away, then quickly looked away. Once they were gone, Julia finally breathed a sigh of relief. "This is all my fault. Your father and I didn't go pick you up ourselves because I'm very emotional. "I was afraid that if I saw how poorly you were living, I wouldn't be able to handle it. So I stayed home to calm myself and prepare to welcome you." She was lying. Actually, after Angelica found out last night that she wasn't their real daughter, she had been upset the whole night. This morning, she was so distracted that she couldn't even eat. Julia felt sorry for her and stayed home to comfort her. Victoria's eyes were full of sarcasm. "So what exactly did you prepare for me?" Julia quickly said, "I've already cleaned up a room for you. Come, I'll show you." She reached for Victoria's hand again, but Victoria dodged her once more. "So cleaning a room was more important than coming to pick me up yourself." Julia's hand hung in the air. A trace of impatience flashed across her eyes. "Forget the room. I'm not even sure I'll stay," Victoria said. Then she pointed at the young woman about her age. "Who is she?" Angelica froze. Her eyes instantly turned red. She gently tugged on Curtis's sleeve. Curtis held her hand and said softly, "Angelica, don't be afraid." After comforting her, Curtis looked at Victoria coldly. His tone turned sharp. "I'm your brother, Curtis. And she's my sister, Angelica." He deliberately stressed the words "my sister." "I see." Victoria's voice carried a hint of sarcasm. "So that means she's the adopted daughter who was switched with me, right?" Angelica's hand trembled. Tears gathered in her eyes, ready to fall. Curtis's face darkened. He emphasized, "In my heart, Angelica is my real sister." Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Calling her your real sister? Are you an idiot?" Everyone except Victoria froze at her words. Curtis stared at her in disbelief. "You just called me an idiot, huh?" Victoria laughed mockingly. "Yeah. Did I say anything wrong? Don't you know her mother was the one who secretly switched us back then?" Angelica's birth mother, Jasmine, had worked as a customer service representative at a postpartum care center. When Julia was three months pregnant, she started looking for a high-end center, and Jasmine had served her. By coincidence, Jasmine was also pregnant at the time. When she realized Julia was wealthy, she started having bad thoughts. She secretly followed Julia to find out which center she chose and forced herself to spend the money to book the same one. During the recovery period after giving birth, Jasmine secretly switched her own daughter with Julia's without anyone noticing. At the time, Angelica had an allergic rash on her face. Julia didn't realize anything was wrong, and when she left the center, she took Angelica home. Angelica bit her lip. Tears finally streamed down her face. "I'm sorry." Curtis held her cold hand tightly and gently said, "Angelica, this has nothing to do with you." Then he turned to Victoria, his voice full of anger. "Yes, her mother switched you back then. But Angelica is innocent. She didn't know anything about it." Victoria laughed out loud, her eyes full of ridicule. "Oh, she's innocent? She spent twenty years enjoying my life, living in comfort and luxury. "And me? I was thrown into a trash can by her cruel mother in the freezing cold. If no one had found me, I would have died right after I was born." Chapter 5 I'll Leave Victoria's words left Curtis speechless. He had just started to feel a bit guilty when Angelica suddenly broke down in tears again. She said, "I'm sorry. It's all my fault. It's my fault for having a mother like that. Victoria, if you hate me, you can hit me or yell at me, but please don't blame Curtis." As she spoke, she struggled to pull free from Curtis's hand. With a determined look, she bit her lip and ran toward Victoria. "Angelica!" Curtis panicked and quickly got up to follow her. Angelica ran up to Victoria and was about to bow, but Curtis caught up just in time and pulled her back. "Angelica, what are you doing? This isn't your fault. It's your mother's fault." Victoria watched the whole scene and suddenly laughed. She even clapped her hands like she was watching a show. "This is really something. Are you putting on a pity act for me?" The small bit of guilt Curtis had felt disappeared right away. After helping Angelica steady herself, he looked at Victoria coldly. "Why are you being so unreasonable?" he asked. "Angelica already apologized sincerely, and you're still mocking her." "I'm not just mocking her. I'm mocking all of you," Victoria said. "Her mother planned everything, found a way to switch us, and let her take twenty years of the life that should have been mine. "Now that I'm back, you guys are still protecting her right in front of me. It's a shame that I ended up with a family like this." Curtis's face darkened even more. Julia looked helplessly at Darell. She hadn't expected Victoria to be so stubborn and didn't know how to deal with her. No matter how she looked at it, Julia just couldn't bring herself to like Victoria. Darell, who had been silent until now, finally spoke up. "That's enough, Victoria. Angelica's mother has already been punished. Angelica is alone now, with no one to rely on. "Your mother and I raised her for twenty years. We can't just throw her out. The Binder family has more than enough. Keeping her here is no big deal. She won't affect you." But Victoria didn't accept that. "If it's really no big deal, then she can live anywhere. Why does she have to stay here and bother me? "Every time I see her, I'm reminded of everything I went through after being switched." Darell didn't expect her to keep pushing like this. Just like Julia, he began to feel more and more resistant toward Victoria. Compared to Angelica, who was gentle and understanding, Victoria seemed completely rude to him. Angelica bit her lip and let her tears fall silently. She looked pitiful, making it hard not to feel sorry for her. Seeing how aggressive Victoria was, Curtis finally lost his temper. "So you won't be satisfied unless we send Angelica away, huh?" Victoria nodded. "That's right. We're not both living here. It's one or the other." As soon as she said that, everyone's faces darkened. "I don't want to leave you," Angelica said through her tears, looking completely wronged. It made anyone who saw her feel bad. Curtis held her hand tightly. "Angelica, don't worry. You don't have to go anywhere. As long as I'm here, I won't let anyone drive you out of the Binder family. You'll always be my sister. You're part of us." Victoria raised an eyebrow. "So you want me to leave, huh?" Julia was already at her limit, but she forced herself to stay calm. "Victoria, you just got back. You don't really know Angelica yet. "She's kind and understanding. Once you spend some time with her, you'll accept her. Her staying here won't affect your place. No matter what, you're our real daughter." Victoria sneered, "Really? Then why did all of you look disgusted the moment you saw me? Is it because I'm not as pretty as her? Or because I'm not as refined? "But have you forgotten? If we had never been switched, the pretty, refined one would be me. Everything she has now was built on the suffering I endured for her." Julia froze and quickly shook her head. "That's not it. We just haven't adjusted yet." "You need time to adjust to your own daughter, huh? Then why didn't Uncle Hector and Aunt Daisy need time when they saw me?" Victoria pressed. Julia had no answer. But she thought it was because Hector and Daisy had no children, so of course, they would be happy. She took a deep breath and softened her voice. "Victoria, we won't treat you badly from now on. Your living expenses will be the same as Angelica's. Your father and I won't favor one over the other." Victoria gave a faint, mocking smile. "Should I thank you for that? Honestly, for me, not favoring one over the other is already the biggest favoritism. "You two are really kind. You don't want your own daughter, but you're willing to spend money raising the daughter of someone who ruined my life. I've never seen people this generous." Julia held back her anger and continued, "Victoria, stop making trouble. You're my real daughter. We finally found you. How could we let you keep suffering out there?" Victoria replied, "So you knew I was suffering. While I was suffering, that criminal's daughter was living here, enjoying everything you gave her in my place. "And now, on the very first day I come back, you're ready to push me away again." Curtis said coldly, "Get this straight. We're not pushing you away. You're the one making things difficult. You could stay here peacefully, but you refuse to accept Angelica." "How could I accept the daughter of a criminal?" Victoria asked. "If I hadn't been lucky enough to survive, her mother would be both a trafficker and a murderer. "She committed the crime, but her daughter hasn't been punished at all. Why should she get to keep living this rich, comfortable life as if nothing had happened?" Angelica's body swayed. Curtis quickly held her steady, his anger finally breaking through. "With your attitude, do you even deserve to stay here while Angelica leaves?" "Of course I do. First, I'm a Binder by blood. Second, unlike you, I'm not an idiot." After snapping at him, Victoria lost her patience. "Have you decided? Is she leaving, or am I?" Curtis pulled Angelica into his arms protectively and said firmly, "Dad, Mom, if I have to choose, then I only recognize Angelica as my sister." "Good. One vote." Victoria raised her index finger and then looked at Julia. "What about you?" Julia forced down her frustration and said gently, "Victoria, don't do this—" "Alright, that's two votes," Victoria said, not even bothering to listen. She turned to Darell. "Your vote doesn't matter anymore. There are already two votes for Angelica. Fine. Since that's the case, she stays. I'll leave." A trace of anxiety flashed in Angelica's eyes. If Victoria really left, there would be no one to take her place in marrying Jackson. ------ 👇👇👇 There are limited chapters to put here, click “continue reading” to open App to continue reading (It will automatically jump to the book)
When a killer came in the night, Victoria Binder didn’t scream—she fought. And she won, burying the proof in her own garden. That was just the beginning. Unveiled as the lost heiress to a mighty fortune, Victoria returned to a family that despised her. She wasn’t there for their love. She was there for what was hers: the power, the legacy, the truth. ------ Chapter 1 I Want to Marry You "Victoria, we need to break up. It turns out I'm actually the heir to the Fairbank family, one of the most powerful families in Benwig City. You're just a country girl who sells herbs. You're not good enough for me anymore." Victoria Binder had just received a call from her boyfriend, Gavin Alvarado—no, Gavin Fairbank now. She had been about to tell him that she was the long-lost daughter of a wealthy family herself, but before she could say a word, she heard him claim she wasn't good enough for him. She let out a silent, cold laugh. The medicinal herbs she grew were incredibly valuable. Countless rich and influential families were trying to buy them at high prices. Her products had even appeared several times at the largest auction house in Benwig City. Gavin's arrogant voice came through the phone again. "With my status now, I need to marry a proper heiress from a family that matches mine. "But since we dated for two months, I won't treat you badly. Before I marry someone suitable, you can stay with me. Even after I get married, I can still keep you as my—" Before he could finish, Victoria snapped, "Asshole. If you want to break up, then we're done." She hung up immediately. The handsome man standing in front of her, Jackson Thornton, raised an eyebrow. He had been waiting for her response. He smiled. "So? You just found out you're the heiress of the Binder family, one of the richest families in Benwig City, and you still got dumped?" Victoria looked up at him and smiled brightly. "Funny coincidence. He just told me that he's the heir to a wealthy family in Benwig City and that I'm not good enough for him." Then her expression shifted, turning doubtful. "Wait a second. This whole thing about being the real daughter or real son of some rich family... Isn't that some new kind of scam going around?" Jackson paused for a moment, then smiled. "Of course not. You really are the true daughter of the Binder family." Victoria gave a nonchalant hum. She took the basket off her back, sat down on a chair, and began sorting the herbs she had just picked. "Then who are you?" she asked. "Why are you the one coming to find me instead of my biological parents?" Jackson glanced at the shabby house in front of him, then looked at Victoria, who sat casually on a small stool. He said, "If nothing unexpected happens, I'll soon be your fiancé. I'm Jackson, the eldest son of the Thornton family in Benwig City." Victoria almost slipped off her stool. She stared at him in shock. "What? Fiancé?" "That's right. But as you can see, I'm disabled now. I lost the use of my legs last month." Sitting in his wheelchair, Jackson lifted a hand and pointed at his legs, giving a helpless smile. "I see. And what does that have to do with you coming to find me today?" Victoria asked. Then she suddenly understood. "Wait. Are you saying that I'm the real daughter of the wealthy Binder family, and that they're planning to bring me back and have me marry you?" Jackson nodded, a hint of admiration in his eyes. "Exactly." Victoria's gaze flickered. Jackson continued, "Because of my legs, I'm about to be dumped. Just like you." Victoria caught on quickly. "So the one who was supposed to marry you was the Binder family's adopted daughter. But now that you're disabled, she doesn't want to marry you anymore." Jackson nodded again. "Yes. That's exactly it." Victoria almost let out a bitter laugh. "Then why don't you look upset at all?" Jackson said calmly, "You just got dumped by your boyfriend, and you don't look upset either." "He's just trash. Good riddance." Victoria curled her lips in disdain. Jackson studied her, the admiration in his eyes deepening. "You're surprisingly chill about it." Victoria let out a small scoff. "Of course. Why waste time and energy feeling bad over someone who isn't worth it?" She had started dating Gavin after saving his life by chance two years ago. After that, he had chased after her nonstop, using gratitude as an excuse. For two whole years, he acted devoted, as if he would never marry anyone but her. He didn't seem to have any serious flaws. She figured having a man around could help her take care of the herb garden and keep other men from bothering her, so she agreed to date him. But she never expected that the moment Gavin found out he was the heir to a wealthy family, he would turn on her so quickly. Jackson smiled. "Same here. She's trash anyway. Better not to marry her." There had never been anything between him and Angelica Binder. Their engagement had only been arranged by his grandfather for a business alliance. Now that his legs were disabled, Angelica's parents naturally didn't want her to marry him anymore. But the Thornton family was the most powerful family in Benwig City, with huge wealth and influence. They weren't willing to give up the alliance, either. In the end, they planned to have their biological daughter, Victoria, marry him in Angelica's place. Victoria went straight to the point. "It's just strange. How could it be such a coincidence? Right after your legs were disabled, my birth parents suddenly found me and decided to have me marry you instead of their adopted daughter." She let out a cold, mocking laugh. "Looks like they always knew I was their real daughter. I just had no value to them, so they left me out here all this time and never brought me home." Jackson didn't try to comfort her with lies. "I think you're right." Victoria gave a cold sneer. If that was true, then her birth parents were even more heartless than she had thought. Still, one thing didn't make sense to her. "Since you already know what the Binder family is planning, why not just give up on the alliance? Why walk straight into their trap?" "I had someone look into you," Jackson said calmly. "You sell medicine, and you're pretty well-known around here. "I heard you've treated quite a few difficult cases with your own methods. My legs are disabled. Over the past month, I've invited top doctors from all over the country, but none of them could help. "So I came here myself to see if marrying you would be a trap or a chance for me." He didn't hide why he came. Victoria found him interesting. She shrugged. "Well, you've seen me now. I'm just a wild country girl. My birth parents, the ones I've never even met, clearly don't like me. "Do you still want to marry someone like me? I'm just a real daughter who isn't valued and is just being used as a substitute bride." Jackson looked at her closely. At first glance, she wasn't the delicate type raised in comfort. Her skin wasn't soft. It had a light wheat tone that made her look healthy and full of life. But if one looked more carefully, her features were actually very refined. Her eyes were bright and clear, and there was strength in the way she looked at people. There was no trace of disrespect in Jackson's gaze. He looked sincere. "Yes. After meeting you, I'm sure I want to marry you. I just don't know if you're willing to give me a chance." Victoria studied his face. She had to admit that he was strikingly handsome, the kind of man who wouldn't be forgotten even in a huge crowd. His features were sharp, and his face was well-defined. What stood out the most was his eyes. Even after going through something as serious as losing the use of his legs, they were still clear. There was no bitterness or confusion. Victoria glanced at his legs again. "What's going on with them?" "They were broken with a wooden club last month," Jackson said. "I've had many well-known doctors take a look. They all said my legs are beyond saving. I'll never stand again." "Pull up your pant legs. Let me see," said Victoria. "Okay." Jackson did as she said, lifting his pant legs to reveal his knees and lower legs, covered in scars. Victoria's expression darkened. She set the herbs aside, stood up, and walked over to him. Then she bent down and pressed carefully on his knees. The pain made Jackson frown, but he didn't make a sound. "They can be treated," Victoria said firmly. Hope lit up in Jackson's eyes at once. Thinking about how her birth parents had ignored her existence for so many years, Victoria made up her mind. She would go back to Benwig City and take her place as the Binder family's true daughter. She wanted to meet them face to face. She clapped her hands lightly and sat back down on the small stool. "I can marry you." Jackson raised an eyebrow. "Do you have any conditions?" Victoria tilted her head and smiled brightly. "Listen to you. Do I need conditions to marry you? You're so good-looking. If I fix your legs, I'll be the one getting the better deal." Jackson hadn't expected her to be so straightforward. His brow lifted higher, and he let out a soft laugh. "Alright. Then it's settled. I'll wait for you to return to the Binder family." Chapter 2 A Welcome Gift After Jackson left his phone number with Victoria, he left the village with his assistant, Ollie Rowse. Victoria watched him go, her eyes growing thoughtful. She took out her phone and dialed a number. "Mara, I need you to look into everyone in the Binder family in Benwig City right away. Focus on their daughter. I want everything you can find, and I want it by tonight." "Yes, boss," Mara replied. After hanging up, Victoria's gaze turned even sharper. Ford had once told her about that freezing winter night twenty years ago. He had been on his way to settle down in a small southern town when he heard a baby crying from inside a trash bin. He got out of the car to check and found a baby girl, not even a month old, her skin red from the cold. If she hadn't been crying so loudly, and if he hadn't happened to pass that deserted road, she would have died quietly in that trash bin. That baby was Victoria. Ford gave her that name, hoping she would grow up strong and tough no matter what life threw at her. Even on his deathbed, Ford never stopped looking for her biological parents. And all this time, Victoria had believed they must have abandoned her because they had no other choice. But now, it seemed that wasn't true. Her biological parents didn't want her and had no intention of taking her back. If it weren't for the adopted daughter they had raised for twenty years, Victoria might have gone her whole life without parents. Just then, someone called out from outside, "Victoria, who was that man in the nice car looking for you?" It was Stephan, a middle-aged man from next door. He spent most of his time up in the mountains hunting herbs. Victoria put her phone away and walked out, smiling at him. "To be honest with you, that was my fiancé." Stephan looked surprised. "Your fiancé? You have good taste. He's a handsome man. Why didn't you ask him to stay for dinner?" "He had things to take care of in the city. He couldn't stay today," Victoria said. "Next time he comes, make sure he stays for a meal. Everything we eat here is grown by us. Let him try it. It's much better and healthier than city food," Stephan said. "I will," Victoria said with a smile. Stephan grabbed his tools and headed up into the mountains. Only after he left did Victoria go back inside to keep sorting the herbs she had picked. ***** After leaving Mullinran Village, Ollie, who was driving, glanced at Jackson's calm face in the rearview mirror and asked carefully, "Mr. Thornton, are you really going to marry her? "You saw it yourself. Her own parents don't even want her. She makes a living selling herbs and doing some basic medical work. "You just went through something serious, and this is when you need support the most. Marrying her won't help you secure your position in the Thornton family." Jackson shifted his gaze away from the fields outside the window and gently rubbed the petals of a purple flower he had picked from Victoria's doorstep. He asked, "Ollie, do you remember six months ago, when my grandfather was seriously ill and needed a very rare herb to survive?" Ollie wasn't sure why he changed the subject, but he nodded. "Of course. That herb showed up at the biggest auction house in Benwig City. You spent 30 million dollars to get it." "Didn't you notice? That same rare herb was hanging casually on the wall of her simple, run-down house," Jackson said. That one bundle alone would be worth a fortune at any auction in Benwig City. "What?" Ollie was stunned. From the moment they walked into Victoria's house, he had only noticed how shabby it looked and missed everything else. Now it finally clicked. "Do you mean her background might not be as simple as it seems?" Jackson lifted the purple flower to his nose and took a light breath. "I can't say for sure what her background is yet. But one thing is clear. Her medical skills are far from simple." Ollie understood right away. If that was true, then there was real hope for Jackson's legs. Still, he couldn't help asking, "If all you want is to fix your legs, you could just pay her a large amount of money. There's no need to marry her." Jackson blinked and slowly turned the flower between his fingers. A faint smile appeared on his lips. "What if I said I fell for her at first sight? Would you believe me?" Ollie paused and looked at him again through the rearview mirror. He seemed calm. He wasn't exactly joking, but he wasn't completely serious, either. But Jackson rarely joked, so Ollie couldn't tell how much of it was real. In the end, he chose to believe him. "I believe you." "Good. In my eyes, she is already my fiancée. From now on, you need to treat her with respect," Jackson said. "Understood." Ollie nodded. Jackson wasn't joking. When it came to love, he had never believed in feelings that grew over time. To him, if there was no spark at first sight, then staying together would only lead to a relationship based on weighing pros and cons, not the kind of love that made his heart race. That was why, when his grandfather arranged his engagement to Angelica, he had agreed for practical reasons alone. But when he saw Victoria, everything changed. It felt like the world spun around him, and everything else faded away. In his eyes, she was the only color left. He couldn't explain why it had to be her. Maybe it was that moment when their eyes met, when the light in hers pulled him in like a whirlpool. Jackson picked up a book from the car and carefully placed the small purple flower between its pages. Then he closed the book and shut his eyes. ***** At eight that evening, Victoria had just finished bringing in the herbs she had been drying on the roof when her phone rang. She set the herbs aside, brushed the dust off her hands, and picked up the call. Mara's cool voice came through. "Boss, I found what you asked for. The Binder family has only one daughter. She was born to the second son, Darell, and his wife, Julia. Her name is Angelica. She's the same age as you. "She's very spoiled at home. Two months ago, Darell arranged a great marriage for her. She's engaged to Jackson, the eldest son of the Thornton family, the most powerful family in Benwig City. "Jackson had already been chosen by his grandfather, Gerry, as the next heir. But last month, he had an accident. Someone broke both his legs, and the announcement was put on hold." "What is Angelica like?" Victoria asked. "She has a very good reputation. She's beautiful and talented. A lot of rich young men in Benwig City admire her. That's probably why she gained Gerry's approval for the marriage," Mara said. Victoria let out a cold laugh to herself. She didn't believe for a second that Angelica's perfect life came without tricks. "Got it. Now find out if Angelica is really Darell and Julia's biological daughter," Victoria said. "You're focusing on the Binder family, especially Angelica. What are you planning to do?" Mara asked. "I'm going back to take my place," Victoria said. A faint spark lit up in her deep eyes. She found the idea of being the Binder family's real daughter interesting. Victoria had many identities. The one she used the most was a village herbalist and healer. In her daily life, she spent time with her retired scientist friends in the village, growing new herbs and developing new medicines. Over the years, she had cultivated twenty kinds of rare medicinal plants. Because they were so hard to produce, they sold for extremely high prices. Any one of them, if sold at auction in Benwig City, could earn more than most people made in a lifetime. On top of that, she was skilled in traditional medical techniques. When she treated regular villagers, she charged normal fees. But when rich families or powerful figures came to her, her starting fee was three million dollars. Of course, she guaranteed results. If she couldn't cure them, she wouldn't take a single dollar. This identity alone had already made her very rich. Money no longer meant much to her. So when her ex-boyfriend, Gavin, said she wasn't good enough for him, she found it almost funny. If she wanted, she could build her own place in Benwig City without relying on anyone. Over the years, all her different identities had started to feel dull. It was time to try something new. And she had to admit, Jackson impressed her. Out of all the people she had treated, none had faced sudden injury like he did, so calm and steady. His willpower was strong. He was someone who would go far. He was handsome and capable. It would be a waste for him to stay crippled. So she would fix his legs. Mara quickly understood, her voice turning serious. "Understood, boss. I'll get on it right away." ***** Late that night, Victoria was fast asleep when she heard wood cracking outside. Her eyes opened at once, sharp and alert, and she turned toward the sound. Anyone showing up at this hour without warning was not from the village. She had spread powders around her home to keep wild animals away, so no beasts would come near. That left only one answer. Someone had broken in. Victoria got up quietly and, using the moonlight, moved to hide behind the door. Soon, her old wooden door was kicked open, and a shadow rushed inside. She hadn't expected him to be so bold, barging in instead of sneaking around. She flicked a silver needle straight at him. The man let out a low groan and dropped to the ground. Victoria turned on the light, filling the room with brightness. She kicked him aside and finally saw his face clearly. He looked like a hardened criminal. She grabbed a rope, walked over, and tied up his hands and feet. Once he was secured, she took out a needle and stuck it into his neck. Within seconds, he woke up. Victoria sat on the bed, crossing her legs as she played with another needle. "If you don't want to suffer, you'd better tell me the truth. Who sent you?" The man quickly sized up the situation. "People who hire killers stay anonymous. Who would be stupid enough to give their name? But they said that if I raped you, they would get me out of the country safely." Victoria's eyes turned cold and sharp. If he needed to run overseas, that meant he was already a wanted criminal. The man hurried to beg, "I've told you everything I know. Let me go. I won't take this job anymore." Victoria nodded. "Fine." She walked over, pulled out the needle, and untied the ropes. "You can leave." The man rubbed his wrists. "Thanks—" Before he could finish, his face suddenly changed. He lifted his leg and tried to kick Victoria in the knee. But the moment his foot rose, a sharp pain shot through him. Then his whole body went numb. He couldn't move. He looked down in terror. A small black snake had bitten his ankle. "How is there a poisonous snake here—" Before he could finish, blood burst from his throat. His body fell stiffly to the ground. After a few jerks, he went still. Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Trying to kill me in my place? You asked for it. Good job, Blackie. Go rest." The little black snake slipped into a dark corner and quickly disappeared. Victoria picked up a hoe, stuffed the body into a large basket, and lifted it onto her back with ease. She carried it outside and buried it near her vegetable garden. It would make good fertilizer for her herbs. After that, she let out a long breath, brushed off her hands, and looked up at the nearly full moon. She had just learned who she really was, and someone had already sent a man to ruin her. It seemed that someone had prepared a "welcome gift" for her in advance. Chapter 3 We've Got Your Back The next day at noon, a black Bentley worth 1.5 million dollars stopped in front of Victoria's house. Victoria was grinding the herbs she had picked the day before. When she heard the car, she glanced out the window and checked the license plate. It was from Benwig City, just as she expected. She finished grinding the herbs, put them into jars, brushed the dust off her hands, and walked outside. She went straight to the car and knocked on the window. A moment later, the window slid down, revealing the still handsome face of a middle-aged man—Hector Binder. He looked about fifty, with neatly slicked-back hair. A woman sat beside him. She looked about the same age. Even though she wasn't young anymore, she had taken good care of herself and looked as if she were in her thirties. Her features were still soft and beautiful. Victoria didn't waste time. "Are you here for me?" Hector, sitting in the back seat, looked at her, then at the photo in his hand. His eyes lit up. "Daisy, it's her. She's the one we're looking for." Daisy's eyes filled with excitement, even shining with tears. "Yes, it's her. No mistake." They quickly opened the door, got out of the car, and walked over to Victoria. Hector nodded. "Yes. You're the real daughter the Binder family lost years ago. We're here to take you back." Victoria looked straight into his eyes. He seemed like a decent man, and the excitement in his expression matched Daisy's. It didn't look fake. This couple didn't seem to have anything to do with what happened to her last night. Hector paused, a little surprised. "How did you know we were coming?" But he didn't dwell on it. Instead, he explained, "You are the young lady of the Binder family. "When you were little, someone switched you with another baby. That's why you ended up here. You've suffered for twenty years, living away from your real home." As soon as he finished, Daisy started to choke up. "Poor child." Victoria stayed calm. "So, are you my parents?" Hector and Daisy froze. They exchanged a look, then answered awkwardly, "No. We're your uncle and aunt." Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Then why aren't my parents here? Why did they send you instead?" Daisy looked uneasy. "Something came up at home. They couldn't leave, so they asked us to come get you." Victoria saw right through it. "You don't have to cover for them. I'm not a child. What could be more important than picking up their own daughter? They just didn't want to come." Hearing that, Daisy stepped forward and gently hugged her. Tears slipped down her face. "My poor child, you've suffered so much." Victoria didn't expect the sudden hug. At first, she wanted to pull away, but the warmth of it stopped her. It felt soft and comforting, unlike any embrace she had experienced in twenty years. It was, perhaps, the closest she had ever come to what a mother's embrace should feel like. She let out a quiet sigh. For a moment, she thought that if these two were her real parents, it wouldn't be so bad. After a while, Daisy let go and held her hand. "Go pack your things. We'll take you home today. You won't have to live like this anymore." Victoria nodded. "Okay. Wait for me. I'll go pack." She didn't need to bring clothes. The only things she needed were the medicines she had made. After packing all the bottles of medicine powder and poison powder from the wooden cabinet, Victoria called out, "Blackie, Whitey, Greenie, come out. I'm taking you somewhere new." As soon as she finished, three small snakes slid out from the corners and crawled into a sack. Victoria tied the sack and slung it over her shoulder. Then she took a drum from the old cabinet. After giving the shabby house one last look, she walked outside and began to beat the drum. The loud sound of the drum echoed through the area. Hector and Daisy, waiting outside, looked confused. Before long, the villagers gathered around. They looked at Victoria with concern. "Victoria, what's wrong? What happened?" Victoria set down the drum, cleared her throat, and said, "Everyone, you all know I'm an orphan. I grew up without parents, raised by all of you. "But now I know who my real parents are. It turns out I'm the daughter of the Binder family in Benwig City." The villagers were happy for her at first, but then she continued, "But here's the thing. My real parents knew all along who I was, but they never came to acknowledge me. "And now, the only reason they're taking me back is to make me marry a disabled man in place of their adopted daughter." Hector and Daisy were stunned. They had no idea about any of this. The villagers were furious. "What kind of people are they? They knew you were their real daughter but ignored you all this time, and now they want to use you like this, huh?" "Blind fools! You're such a good girl, and they treat you like a tool, making you marry some cripple instead of their adopted daughter." "Victoria, don't listen to those heartless people." "That's right. Ignore them. We'll go teach them a lesson." "The Binder family? They're nothing special in Benwig City, acting all high and mighty. Victoria, you don't need to go back with them." Victoria raised her hand to quiet them. "Everyone, calm down. I've decided to go back to the Binder family for this arranged marriage. "But I'm going back to teach them a lesson. So I'm telling you all ahead of time. Please help take care of the herbs I just planted in my yard." Even though the villagers didn't really understand, they still respected her choice. "Okay. But if anyone from the Binder family dares to bully you, just call me. I'll get people to take them down," one person said. "That's right. We've got your back," another added. Victoria waved her hand. "Thank you, everyone. That's all I wanted to say. You can all head back now." After that, she turned to Hector and Daisy, who were still waiting, and gave them a light smile. "We can go now." Hector and Daisy were still a little stunned. When they heard her, they finally snapped out of it. "Oh, okay." "Let me carry that." The driver stepped forward and reached for the sack. "Be careful. It's heavy," Victoria said. The driver didn't believe it at first. But the moment he took it with both hands, he almost dropped it on his foot. Victoria blinked at him. "Can you handle it? Don't break anything inside." "No problem." The driver forced a smile, gritted his teeth, and lifted the sack into the trunk. By the time he got back into the driver's seat, he was sweating all over. He hadn't expected Victoria to be this strong despite looking so thin. After getting into the car, Daisy and Hector looked at each other, then kept glancing at Victoria. They seemed to want to say something, but neither of them knew how to start. In the end, Daisy asked, "Victoria, you just told the villagers about marrying a disabled man instead of that adopted daughter. What did you mean?" "You didn't know?" Victoria looked back at her, her eyes narrowing with suspicion. Daisy shook her head. "Hector and I really had no idea. About half a month ago, your parents suddenly told us Angelica wasn't their biological daughter. Then they sent people to look into it. "Just yesterday, they found out their real daughter was living here. That's why they want to bring you back today." Hector nodded to confirm her words. Victoria smiled faintly. "Then why do you think they didn't come themselves?" Daisy fell silent. To her, it was absurd that Victoria's parents would have relatives fetch their biological daughter instead of coming themselves. But the truth would hurt Victoria, so she chose not to say anything. Victoria let out a bitter laugh. "Aunt Daisy, even if you don't say it, I can guess. Just like I said, they don't want to acknowledge me. "They're only bringing me back because they have no choice. They want me to marry that disabled heir in place of their precious adopted daughter." Her gaze was clear and calm, and there was a quiet maturity about her that went far beyond her years. Hector frowned slightly. "Victoria, how did you find out about this arranged marriage?" Victoria smiled. "Secret." On the way, Daisy told her a lot about the Binder family. It wasn't much different from what Mara had already found out. The Binder family was still led by Calvin. He had two sons and one daughter. The eldest son, Hector, was the one who had come to get Victoria, and his wife was Daisy. They didn't have any children. The second son, Darell, was Victoria's biological father. He and his wife, Julia, had two sons and one daughter. The eldest son, Simon, managed the family's entertainment company, Brightstar Entertainment. The second son, Curtis, was a well-known singer under the same company. Then there was the youngest daughter, Angelica. She was considered very outstanding. At just twenty, she had already skipped grades and finished college. She was now preparing to study abroad after getting engaged to the eldest son of the Thornton family. Angelica was the baby who had been switched with Victoria. As for Calvin's daughter, Sirena, she had already married into another wealthy family and only returned for holidays. The drive from the village to Benwig City took six hours over bumpy roads. By the time they arrived, it was dark. "We're here," the driver said as he stopped the car. Victoria looked out the window. In front of her stood a large estate, with several villas spread across it. It looked grand and impressive. The Binder family mansion alone was almost as big as the entire Mullinran Village. Victoria got out of the car and followed Hector and Daisy inside. The head butler, Milton, who had been waiting at the door, stepped forward respectfully. "You're back." He looked at Victoria and gave a polite nod. "This must be Miss Victoria Binder." "Yes," Daisy replied. Then she looked at Victoria gently. "Victoria, go in and meet your parents and brother." Victoria said nothing. She quietly followed them inside. They passed through the wide front yard and stepped into the entrance hall. Standing at the doorway, she quickly scanned the four people sitting on the sofas in the main hall. First, she saw a middle-aged couple dressed in expensive clothes, carrying themselves with an air of wealth and status. Next was a handsome young man who looked a bit rebellious. Finally, there was a beautiful young woman about her age. The corners of her eyes were red, and she looked pitiful, as if she had been crying. None of them looked happy. Their faces were tense, filled with worry. When they looked at her, Victoria caught the flash of disgust in their eyes. A faint smile appeared on her lips. She thought the family was really quite interesting. Chapter 4 Are You an Idiot? "Darell, Julia, I brought your daughter back," Daisy said. She gently patted Victoria on the back. "Victoria, go say hello to your parents and your brother." Victoria didn't move. With a faint, mocking smile, she asked, "Aunt Daisy, are they really my parents and brother?" Daisy froze for a moment, then nodded. "Yes, they are. Why do you ask?" Victoria let out a cold laugh. "I'm supposed to be their daughter and sister, but why do they all look like they can't stand me?" The four people in the room all stiffened. They hadn't expected her to be so direct. Daisy froze again. She wanted to say something, but stopped herself. She knew what Darell and Julia were thinking. They didn't want to accept this daughter because they already had an excellent adopted one. They would rather stay home and comfort their adopted daughter's feelings than spend even a little time going to the village to pick up their real daughter. Simon and Curtis felt the same way. They were closer to the sister they had lived with for twenty years. None of them wanted to hurt her feelings just to pick up Victoria. Simon didn't even bother to show up; he was still at work. In the end, Daisy couldn't take it anymore and offered to go with Hector to bring Victoria home. What she didn't expect was that even after Victoria came back, Darell and Julia still acted like this. They didn't even try to hide it. Julia looked at Darell, and he looked back at her. In that brief exchange, they reached an understanding. Victoria clearly wasn't as quiet and easy to control as they had thought. They couldn't just brush her aside. If they wanted her to willingly take Angelica's place in the marriage to Jackson later, they would have to act nice and coax her a little. Julia hesitated, then forced herself to stand up. She put on a pained expression and walked toward Victoria. "My child, you've suffered so much out there." Victoria stepped aside slightly and avoided her touch. "Stop pretending. I don't see any concern in your eyes." Julia froze in place. A wave of anger rose inside her. She had lowered herself to show kindness, yet Victoria had refused it and embarrassed her in front of everyone. But to her, Victoria's lack of manners was no surprise. She had grown up in the countryside without her parents and had never been properly brought up. Julia forced a stiff smile. "I carried you for ten months. Of course, it hurts me to know you've suffered." Victoria sneered, "Is that so? If you really feel that way, why didn't you come pick me up today? Why did you send Uncle Hector and Aunt Daisy instead?" Daisy wanted to speak, but Hector gently held her hand and shook his head. He said quietly, "Daisy, we've already brought her back. What happens now is their family matter. Let them handle it. Let's go home." Daisy looked at Victoria, her eyes full of worry and sympathy. But she knew Hector was right. This was between Victoria and her parents. No matter what happened, she had no right to interfere. "Julia, now that Victoria is back, you should treat her well. Don't hurt her again. Daisy and I will head back now," Hector said politely, hoping his words would help a little. Darell nodded. "Thank you for your help today." Daisy said gently, "Victoria, we are leaving. If you need anything, come find us at Goldenwood Villa on the east side." With that, she reluctantly turned and left. Victoria watched them walk away, then quickly looked away. Once they were gone, Julia finally breathed a sigh of relief. "This is all my fault. Your father and I didn't go pick you up ourselves because I'm very emotional. "I was afraid that if I saw how poorly you were living, I wouldn't be able to handle it. So I stayed home to calm myself and prepare to welcome you." She was lying. Actually, after Angelica found out last night that she wasn't their real daughter, she had been upset the whole night. This morning, she was so distracted that she couldn't even eat. Julia felt sorry for her and stayed home to comfort her. Victoria's eyes were full of sarcasm. "So what exactly did you prepare for me?" Julia quickly said, "I've already cleaned up a room for you. Come, I'll show you." She reached for Victoria's hand again, but Victoria dodged her once more. "So cleaning a room was more important than coming to pick me up yourself." Julia's hand hung in the air. A trace of impatience flashed across her eyes. "Forget the room. I'm not even sure I'll stay," Victoria said. Then she pointed at the young woman about her age. "Who is she?" Angelica froze. Her eyes instantly turned red. She gently tugged on Curtis's sleeve. Curtis held her hand and said softly, "Angelica, don't be afraid." After comforting her, Curtis looked at Victoria coldly. His tone turned sharp. "I'm your brother, Curtis. And she's my sister, Angelica." He deliberately stressed the words "my sister." "I see." Victoria's voice carried a hint of sarcasm. "So that means she's the adopted daughter who was switched with me, right?" Angelica's hand trembled. Tears gathered in her eyes, ready to fall. Curtis's face darkened. He emphasized, "In my heart, Angelica is my real sister." Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Calling her your real sister? Are you an idiot?" Everyone except Victoria froze at her words. Curtis stared at her in disbelief. "You just called me an idiot, huh?" Victoria laughed mockingly. "Yeah. Did I say anything wrong? Don't you know her mother was the one who secretly switched us back then?" Angelica's birth mother, Jasmine, had worked as a customer service representative at a postpartum care center. When Julia was three months pregnant, she started looking for a high-end center, and Jasmine had served her. By coincidence, Jasmine was also pregnant at the time. When she realized Julia was wealthy, she started having bad thoughts. She secretly followed Julia to find out which center she chose and forced herself to spend the money to book the same one. During the recovery period after giving birth, Jasmine secretly switched her own daughter with Julia's without anyone noticing. At the time, Angelica had an allergic rash on her face. Julia didn't realize anything was wrong, and when she left the center, she took Angelica home. Angelica bit her lip. Tears finally streamed down her face. "I'm sorry." Curtis held her cold hand tightly and gently said, "Angelica, this has nothing to do with you." Then he turned to Victoria, his voice full of anger. "Yes, her mother switched you back then. But Angelica is innocent. She didn't know anything about it." Victoria laughed out loud, her eyes full of ridicule. "Oh, she's innocent? She spent twenty years enjoying my life, living in comfort and luxury. "And me? I was thrown into a trash can by her cruel mother in the freezing cold. If no one had found me, I would have died right after I was born." Chapter 5 I'll Leave Victoria's words left Curtis speechless. He had just started to feel a bit guilty when Angelica suddenly broke down in tears again. She said, "I'm sorry. It's all my fault. It's my fault for having a mother like that. Victoria, if you hate me, you can hit me or yell at me, but please don't blame Curtis." As she spoke, she struggled to pull free from Curtis's hand. With a determined look, she bit her lip and ran toward Victoria. "Angelica!" Curtis panicked and quickly got up to follow her. Angelica ran up to Victoria and was about to bow, but Curtis caught up just in time and pulled her back. "Angelica, what are you doing? This isn't your fault. It's your mother's fault." Victoria watched the whole scene and suddenly laughed. She even clapped her hands like she was watching a show. "This is really something. Are you putting on a pity act for me?" The small bit of guilt Curtis had felt disappeared right away. After helping Angelica steady herself, he looked at Victoria coldly. "Why are you being so unreasonable?" he asked. "Angelica already apologized sincerely, and you're still mocking her." "I'm not just mocking her. I'm mocking all of you," Victoria said. "Her mother planned everything, found a way to switch us, and let her take twenty years of the life that should have been mine. "Now that I'm back, you guys are still protecting her right in front of me. It's a shame that I ended up with a family like this." Curtis's face darkened even more. Julia looked helplessly at Darell. She hadn't expected Victoria to be so stubborn and didn't know how to deal with her. No matter how she looked at it, Julia just couldn't bring herself to like Victoria. Darell, who had been silent until now, finally spoke up. "That's enough, Victoria. Angelica's mother has already been punished. Angelica is alone now, with no one to rely on. "Your mother and I raised her for twenty years. We can't just throw her out. The Binder family has more than enough. Keeping her here is no big deal. She won't affect you." But Victoria didn't accept that. "If it's really no big deal, then she can live anywhere. Why does she have to stay here and bother me? "Every time I see her, I'm reminded of everything I went through after being switched." Darell didn't expect her to keep pushing like this. Just like Julia, he began to feel more and more resistant toward Victoria. Compared to Angelica, who was gentle and understanding, Victoria seemed completely rude to him. Angelica bit her lip and let her tears fall silently. She looked pitiful, making it hard not to feel sorry for her. Seeing how aggressive Victoria was, Curtis finally lost his temper. "So you won't be satisfied unless we send Angelica away, huh?" Victoria nodded. "That's right. We're not both living here. It's one or the other." As soon as she said that, everyone's faces darkened. "I don't want to leave you," Angelica said through her tears, looking completely wronged. It made anyone who saw her feel bad. Curtis held her hand tightly. "Angelica, don't worry. You don't have to go anywhere. As long as I'm here, I won't let anyone drive you out of the Binder family. You'll always be my sister. You're part of us." Victoria raised an eyebrow. "So you want me to leave, huh?" Julia was already at her limit, but she forced herself to stay calm. "Victoria, you just got back. You don't really know Angelica yet. "She's kind and understanding. Once you spend some time with her, you'll accept her. Her staying here won't affect your place. No matter what, you're our real daughter." Victoria sneered, "Really? Then why did all of you look disgusted the moment you saw me? Is it because I'm not as pretty as her? Or because I'm not as refined? "But have you forgotten? If we had never been switched, the pretty, refined one would be me. Everything she has now was built on the suffering I endured for her." Julia froze and quickly shook her head. "That's not it. We just haven't adjusted yet." "You need time to adjust to your own daughter, huh? Then why didn't Uncle Hector and Aunt Daisy need time when they saw me?" Victoria pressed. Julia had no answer. But she thought it was because Hector and Daisy had no children, so of course, they would be happy. She took a deep breath and softened her voice. "Victoria, we won't treat you badly from now on. Your living expenses will be the same as Angelica's. Your father and I won't favor one over the other." Victoria gave a faint, mocking smile. "Should I thank you for that? Honestly, for me, not favoring one over the other is already the biggest favoritism. "You two are really kind. You don't want your own daughter, but you're willing to spend money raising the daughter of someone who ruined my life. I've never seen people this generous." Julia held back her anger and continued, "Victoria, stop making trouble. You're my real daughter. We finally found you. How could we let you keep suffering out there?" Victoria replied, "So you knew I was suffering. While I was suffering, that criminal's daughter was living here, enjoying everything you gave her in my place. "And now, on the very first day I come back, you're ready to push me away again." Curtis said coldly, "Get this straight. We're not pushing you away. You're the one making things difficult. You could stay here peacefully, but you refuse to accept Angelica." "How could I accept the daughter of a criminal?" Victoria asked. "If I hadn't been lucky enough to survive, her mother would be both a trafficker and a murderer. "She committed the crime, but her daughter hasn't been punished at all. Why should she get to keep living this rich, comfortable life as if nothing had happened?" Angelica's body swayed. Curtis quickly held her steady, his anger finally breaking through. "With your attitude, do you even deserve to stay here while Angelica leaves?" "Of course I do. First, I'm a Binder by blood. Second, unlike you, I'm not an idiot." After snapping at him, Victoria lost her patience. "Have you decided? Is she leaving, or am I?" Curtis pulled Angelica into his arms protectively and said firmly, "Dad, Mom, if I have to choose, then I only recognize Angelica as my sister." "Good. One vote." Victoria raised her index finger and then looked at Julia. "What about you?" Julia forced down her frustration and said gently, "Victoria, don't do this—" "Alright, that's two votes," Victoria said, not even bothering to listen. She turned to Darell. "Your vote doesn't matter anymore. There are already two votes for Angelica. Fine. Since that's the case, she stays. I'll leave." A trace of anxiety flashed in Angelica's eyes. If Victoria really left, there would be no one to take her place in marrying Jackson. ------ 👇👇👇 There are limited chapters to put here, click “continue reading” to open App to continue reading (It will automatically jump to the book)
When a killer came in the night, Victoria Binder didn’t scream—she fought. And she won, burying the proof in her own garden. That was just the beginning. Unveiled as the lost heiress to a mighty fortune, Victoria returned to a family that despised her. She wasn’t there for their love. She was there for what was hers: the power, the legacy, the truth. ------ Chapter 1 I Want to Marry You "Victoria, we need to break up. It turns out I'm actually the heir to the Fairbank family, one of the most powerful families in Benwig City. You're just a country girl who sells herbs. You're not good enough for me anymore." Victoria Binder had just received a call from her boyfriend, Gavin Alvarado—no, Gavin Fairbank now. She had been about to tell him that she was the long-lost daughter of a wealthy family herself, but before she could say a word, she heard him claim she wasn't good enough for him. She let out a silent, cold laugh. The medicinal herbs she grew were incredibly valuable. Countless rich and influential families were trying to buy them at high prices. Her products had even appeared several times at the largest auction house in Benwig City. Gavin's arrogant voice came through the phone again. "With my status now, I need to marry a proper heiress from a family that matches mine. "But since we dated for two months, I won't treat you badly. Before I marry someone suitable, you can stay with me. Even after I get married, I can still keep you as my—" Before he could finish, Victoria snapped, "Asshole. If you want to break up, then we're done." She hung up immediately. The handsome man standing in front of her, Jackson Thornton, raised an eyebrow. He had been waiting for her response. He smiled. "So? You just found out you're the heiress of the Binder family, one of the richest families in Benwig City, and you still got dumped?" Victoria looked up at him and smiled brightly. "Funny coincidence. He just told me that he's the heir to a wealthy family in Benwig City and that I'm not good enough for him." Then her expression shifted, turning doubtful. "Wait a second. This whole thing about being the real daughter or real son of some rich family... Isn't that some new kind of scam going around?" Jackson paused for a moment, then smiled. "Of course not. You really are the true daughter of the Binder family." Victoria gave a nonchalant hum. She took the basket off her back, sat down on a chair, and began sorting the herbs she had just picked. "Then who are you?" she asked. "Why are you the one coming to find me instead of my biological parents?" Jackson glanced at the shabby house in front of him, then looked at Victoria, who sat casually on a small stool. He said, "If nothing unexpected happens, I'll soon be your fiancé. I'm Jackson, the eldest son of the Thornton family in Benwig City." Victoria almost slipped off her stool. She stared at him in shock. "What? Fiancé?" "That's right. But as you can see, I'm disabled now. I lost the use of my legs last month." Sitting in his wheelchair, Jackson lifted a hand and pointed at his legs, giving a helpless smile. "I see. And what does that have to do with you coming to find me today?" Victoria asked. Then she suddenly understood. "Wait. Are you saying that I'm the real daughter of the wealthy Binder family, and that they're planning to bring me back and have me marry you?" Jackson nodded, a hint of admiration in his eyes. "Exactly." Victoria's gaze flickered. Jackson continued, "Because of my legs, I'm about to be dumped. Just like you." Victoria caught on quickly. "So the one who was supposed to marry you was the Binder family's adopted daughter. But now that you're disabled, she doesn't want to marry you anymore." Jackson nodded again. "Yes. That's exactly it." Victoria almost let out a bitter laugh. "Then why don't you look upset at all?" Jackson said calmly, "You just got dumped by your boyfriend, and you don't look upset either." "He's just trash. Good riddance." Victoria curled her lips in disdain. Jackson studied her, the admiration in his eyes deepening. "You're surprisingly chill about it." Victoria let out a small scoff. "Of course. Why waste time and energy feeling bad over someone who isn't worth it?" She had started dating Gavin after saving his life by chance two years ago. After that, he had chased after her nonstop, using gratitude as an excuse. For two whole years, he acted devoted, as if he would never marry anyone but her. He didn't seem to have any serious flaws. She figured having a man around could help her take care of the herb garden and keep other men from bothering her, so she agreed to date him. But she never expected that the moment Gavin found out he was the heir to a wealthy family, he would turn on her so quickly. Jackson smiled. "Same here. She's trash anyway. Better not to marry her." There had never been anything between him and Angelica Binder. Their engagement had only been arranged by his grandfather for a business alliance. Now that his legs were disabled, Angelica's parents naturally didn't want her to marry him anymore. But the Thornton family was the most powerful family in Benwig City, with huge wealth and influence. They weren't willing to give up the alliance, either. In the end, they planned to have their biological daughter, Victoria, marry him in Angelica's place. Victoria went straight to the point. "It's just strange. How could it be such a coincidence? Right after your legs were disabled, my birth parents suddenly found me and decided to have me marry you instead of their adopted daughter." She let out a cold, mocking laugh. "Looks like they always knew I was their real daughter. I just had no value to them, so they left me out here all this time and never brought me home." Jackson didn't try to comfort her with lies. "I think you're right." Victoria gave a cold sneer. If that was true, then her birth parents were even more heartless than she had thought. Still, one thing didn't make sense to her. "Since you already know what the Binder family is planning, why not just give up on the alliance? Why walk straight into their trap?" "I had someone look into you," Jackson said calmly. "You sell medicine, and you're pretty well-known around here. "I heard you've treated quite a few difficult cases with your own methods. My legs are disabled. Over the past month, I've invited top doctors from all over the country, but none of them could help. "So I came here myself to see if marrying you would be a trap or a chance for me." He didn't hide why he came. Victoria found him interesting. She shrugged. "Well, you've seen me now. I'm just a wild country girl. My birth parents, the ones I've never even met, clearly don't like me. "Do you still want to marry someone like me? I'm just a real daughter who isn't valued and is just being used as a substitute bride." Jackson looked at her closely. At first glance, she wasn't the delicate type raised in comfort. Her skin wasn't soft. It had a light wheat tone that made her look healthy and full of life. But if one looked more carefully, her features were actually very refined. Her eyes were bright and clear, and there was strength in the way she looked at people. There was no trace of disrespect in Jackson's gaze. He looked sincere. "Yes. After meeting you, I'm sure I want to marry you. I just don't know if you're willing to give me a chance." Victoria studied his face. She had to admit that he was strikingly handsome, the kind of man who wouldn't be forgotten even in a huge crowd. His features were sharp, and his face was well-defined. What stood out the most was his eyes. Even after going through something as serious as losing the use of his legs, they were still clear. There was no bitterness or confusion. Victoria glanced at his legs again. "What's going on with them?" "They were broken with a wooden club last month," Jackson said. "I've had many well-known doctors take a look. They all said my legs are beyond saving. I'll never stand again." "Pull up your pant legs. Let me see," said Victoria. "Okay." Jackson did as she said, lifting his pant legs to reveal his knees and lower legs, covered in scars. Victoria's expression darkened. She set the herbs aside, stood up, and walked over to him. Then she bent down and pressed carefully on his knees. The pain made Jackson frown, but he didn't make a sound. "They can be treated," Victoria said firmly. Hope lit up in Jackson's eyes at once. Thinking about how her birth parents had ignored her existence for so many years, Victoria made up her mind. She would go back to Benwig City and take her place as the Binder family's true daughter. She wanted to meet them face to face. She clapped her hands lightly and sat back down on the small stool. "I can marry you." Jackson raised an eyebrow. "Do you have any conditions?" Victoria tilted her head and smiled brightly. "Listen to you. Do I need conditions to marry you? You're so good-looking. If I fix your legs, I'll be the one getting the better deal." Jackson hadn't expected her to be so straightforward. His brow lifted higher, and he let out a soft laugh. "Alright. Then it's settled. I'll wait for you to return to the Binder family." Chapter 2 A Welcome Gift After Jackson left his phone number with Victoria, he left the village with his assistant, Ollie Rowse. Victoria watched him go, her eyes growing thoughtful. She took out her phone and dialed a number. "Mara, I need you to look into everyone in the Binder family in Benwig City right away. Focus on their daughter. I want everything you can find, and I want it by tonight." "Yes, boss," Mara replied. After hanging up, Victoria's gaze turned even sharper. Ford had once told her about that freezing winter night twenty years ago. He had been on his way to settle down in a small southern town when he heard a baby crying from inside a trash bin. He got out of the car to check and found a baby girl, not even a month old, her skin red from the cold. If she hadn't been crying so loudly, and if he hadn't happened to pass that deserted road, she would have died quietly in that trash bin. That baby was Victoria. Ford gave her that name, hoping she would grow up strong and tough no matter what life threw at her. Even on his deathbed, Ford never stopped looking for her biological parents. And all this time, Victoria had believed they must have abandoned her because they had no other choice. But now, it seemed that wasn't true. Her biological parents didn't want her and had no intention of taking her back. If it weren't for the adopted daughter they had raised for twenty years, Victoria might have gone her whole life without parents. Just then, someone called out from outside, "Victoria, who was that man in the nice car looking for you?" It was Stephan, a middle-aged man from next door. He spent most of his time up in the mountains hunting herbs. Victoria put her phone away and walked out, smiling at him. "To be honest with you, that was my fiancé." Stephan looked surprised. "Your fiancé? You have good taste. He's a handsome man. Why didn't you ask him to stay for dinner?" "He had things to take care of in the city. He couldn't stay today," Victoria said. "Next time he comes, make sure he stays for a meal. Everything we eat here is grown by us. Let him try it. It's much better and healthier than city food," Stephan said. "I will," Victoria said with a smile. Stephan grabbed his tools and headed up into the mountains. Only after he left did Victoria go back inside to keep sorting the herbs she had picked. ***** After leaving Mullinran Village, Ollie, who was driving, glanced at Jackson's calm face in the rearview mirror and asked carefully, "Mr. Thornton, are you really going to marry her? "You saw it yourself. Her own parents don't even want her. She makes a living selling herbs and doing some basic medical work. "You just went through something serious, and this is when you need support the most. Marrying her won't help you secure your position in the Thornton family." Jackson shifted his gaze away from the fields outside the window and gently rubbed the petals of a purple flower he had picked from Victoria's doorstep. He asked, "Ollie, do you remember six months ago, when my grandfather was seriously ill and needed a very rare herb to survive?" Ollie wasn't sure why he changed the subject, but he nodded. "Of course. That herb showed up at the biggest auction house in Benwig City. You spent 30 million dollars to get it." "Didn't you notice? That same rare herb was hanging casually on the wall of her simple, run-down house," Jackson said. That one bundle alone would be worth a fortune at any auction in Benwig City. "What?" Ollie was stunned. From the moment they walked into Victoria's house, he had only noticed how shabby it looked and missed everything else. Now it finally clicked. "Do you mean her background might not be as simple as it seems?" Jackson lifted the purple flower to his nose and took a light breath. "I can't say for sure what her background is yet. But one thing is clear. Her medical skills are far from simple." Ollie understood right away. If that was true, then there was real hope for Jackson's legs. Still, he couldn't help asking, "If all you want is to fix your legs, you could just pay her a large amount of money. There's no need to marry her." Jackson blinked and slowly turned the flower between his fingers. A faint smile appeared on his lips. "What if I said I fell for her at first sight? Would you believe me?" Ollie paused and looked at him again through the rearview mirror. He seemed calm. He wasn't exactly joking, but he wasn't completely serious, either. But Jackson rarely joked, so Ollie couldn't tell how much of it was real. In the end, he chose to believe him. "I believe you." "Good. In my eyes, she is already my fiancée. From now on, you need to treat her with respect," Jackson said. "Understood." Ollie nodded. Jackson wasn't joking. When it came to love, he had never believed in feelings that grew over time. To him, if there was no spark at first sight, then staying together would only lead to a relationship based on weighing pros and cons, not the kind of love that made his heart race. That was why, when his grandfather arranged his engagement to Angelica, he had agreed for practical reasons alone. But when he saw Victoria, everything changed. It felt like the world spun around him, and everything else faded away. In his eyes, she was the only color left. He couldn't explain why it had to be her. Maybe it was that moment when their eyes met, when the light in hers pulled him in like a whirlpool. Jackson picked up a book from the car and carefully placed the small purple flower between its pages. Then he closed the book and shut his eyes. ***** At eight that evening, Victoria had just finished bringing in the herbs she had been drying on the roof when her phone rang. She set the herbs aside, brushed the dust off her hands, and picked up the call. Mara's cool voice came through. "Boss, I found what you asked for. The Binder family has only one daughter. She was born to the second son, Darell, and his wife, Julia. Her name is Angelica. She's the same age as you. "She's very spoiled at home. Two months ago, Darell arranged a great marriage for her. She's engaged to Jackson, the eldest son of the Thornton family, the most powerful family in Benwig City. "Jackson had already been chosen by his grandfather, Gerry, as the next heir. But last month, he had an accident. Someone broke both his legs, and the announcement was put on hold." "What is Angelica like?" Victoria asked. "She has a very good reputation. She's beautiful and talented. A lot of rich young men in Benwig City admire her. That's probably why she gained Gerry's approval for the marriage," Mara said. Victoria let out a cold laugh to herself. She didn't believe for a second that Angelica's perfect life came without tricks. "Got it. Now find out if Angelica is really Darell and Julia's biological daughter," Victoria said. "You're focusing on the Binder family, especially Angelica. What are you planning to do?" Mara asked. "I'm going back to take my place," Victoria said. A faint spark lit up in her deep eyes. She found the idea of being the Binder family's real daughter interesting. Victoria had many identities. The one she used the most was a village herbalist and healer. In her daily life, she spent time with her retired scientist friends in the village, growing new herbs and developing new medicines. Over the years, she had cultivated twenty kinds of rare medicinal plants. Because they were so hard to produce, they sold for extremely high prices. Any one of them, if sold at auction in Benwig City, could earn more than most people made in a lifetime. On top of that, she was skilled in traditional medical techniques. When she treated regular villagers, she charged normal fees. But when rich families or powerful figures came to her, her starting fee was three million dollars. Of course, she guaranteed results. If she couldn't cure them, she wouldn't take a single dollar. This identity alone had already made her very rich. Money no longer meant much to her. So when her ex-boyfriend, Gavin, said she wasn't good enough for him, she found it almost funny. If she wanted, she could build her own place in Benwig City without relying on anyone. Over the years, all her different identities had started to feel dull. It was time to try something new. And she had to admit, Jackson impressed her. Out of all the people she had treated, none had faced sudden injury like he did, so calm and steady. His willpower was strong. He was someone who would go far. He was handsome and capable. It would be a waste for him to stay crippled. So she would fix his legs. Mara quickly understood, her voice turning serious. "Understood, boss. I'll get on it right away." ***** Late that night, Victoria was fast asleep when she heard wood cracking outside. Her eyes opened at once, sharp and alert, and she turned toward the sound. Anyone showing up at this hour without warning was not from the village. She had spread powders around her home to keep wild animals away, so no beasts would come near. That left only one answer. Someone had broken in. Victoria got up quietly and, using the moonlight, moved to hide behind the door. Soon, her old wooden door was kicked open, and a shadow rushed inside. She hadn't expected him to be so bold, barging in instead of sneaking around. She flicked a silver needle straight at him. The man let out a low groan and dropped to the ground. Victoria turned on the light, filling the room with brightness. She kicked him aside and finally saw his face clearly. He looked like a hardened criminal. She grabbed a rope, walked over, and tied up his hands and feet. Once he was secured, she took out a needle and stuck it into his neck. Within seconds, he woke up. Victoria sat on the bed, crossing her legs as she played with another needle. "If you don't want to suffer, you'd better tell me the truth. Who sent you?" The man quickly sized up the situation. "People who hire killers stay anonymous. Who would be stupid enough to give their name? But they said that if I raped you, they would get me out of the country safely." Victoria's eyes turned cold and sharp. If he needed to run overseas, that meant he was already a wanted criminal. The man hurried to beg, "I've told you everything I know. Let me go. I won't take this job anymore." Victoria nodded. "Fine." She walked over, pulled out the needle, and untied the ropes. "You can leave." The man rubbed his wrists. "Thanks—" Before he could finish, his face suddenly changed. He lifted his leg and tried to kick Victoria in the knee. But the moment his foot rose, a sharp pain shot through him. Then his whole body went numb. He couldn't move. He looked down in terror. A small black snake had bitten his ankle. "How is there a poisonous snake here—" Before he could finish, blood burst from his throat. His body fell stiffly to the ground. After a few jerks, he went still. Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Trying to kill me in my place? You asked for it. Good job, Blackie. Go rest." The little black snake slipped into a dark corner and quickly disappeared. Victoria picked up a hoe, stuffed the body into a large basket, and lifted it onto her back with ease. She carried it outside and buried it near her vegetable garden. It would make good fertilizer for her herbs. After that, she let out a long breath, brushed off her hands, and looked up at the nearly full moon. She had just learned who she really was, and someone had already sent a man to ruin her. It seemed that someone had prepared a "welcome gift" for her in advance. Chapter 3 We've Got Your Back The next day at noon, a black Bentley worth 1.5 million dollars stopped in front of Victoria's house. Victoria was grinding the herbs she had picked the day before. When she heard the car, she glanced out the window and checked the license plate. It was from Benwig City, just as she expected. She finished grinding the herbs, put them into jars, brushed the dust off her hands, and walked outside. She went straight to the car and knocked on the window. A moment later, the window slid down, revealing the still handsome face of a middle-aged man—Hector Binder. He looked about fifty, with neatly slicked-back hair. A woman sat beside him. She looked about the same age. Even though she wasn't young anymore, she had taken good care of herself and looked as if she were in her thirties. Her features were still soft and beautiful. Victoria didn't waste time. "Are you here for me?" Hector, sitting in the back seat, looked at her, then at the photo in his hand. His eyes lit up. "Daisy, it's her. She's the one we're looking for." Daisy's eyes filled with excitement, even shining with tears. "Yes, it's her. No mistake." They quickly opened the door, got out of the car, and walked over to Victoria. Hector nodded. "Yes. You're the real daughter the Binder family lost years ago. We're here to take you back." Victoria looked straight into his eyes. He seemed like a decent man, and the excitement in his expression matched Daisy's. It didn't look fake. This couple didn't seem to have anything to do with what happened to her last night. Hector paused, a little surprised. "How did you know we were coming?" But he didn't dwell on it. Instead, he explained, "You are the young lady of the Binder family. "When you were little, someone switched you with another baby. That's why you ended up here. You've suffered for twenty years, living away from your real home." As soon as he finished, Daisy started to choke up. "Poor child." Victoria stayed calm. "So, are you my parents?" Hector and Daisy froze. They exchanged a look, then answered awkwardly, "No. We're your uncle and aunt." Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Then why aren't my parents here? Why did they send you instead?" Daisy looked uneasy. "Something came up at home. They couldn't leave, so they asked us to come get you." Victoria saw right through it. "You don't have to cover for them. I'm not a child. What could be more important than picking up their own daughter? They just didn't want to come." Hearing that, Daisy stepped forward and gently hugged her. Tears slipped down her face. "My poor child, you've suffered so much." Victoria didn't expect the sudden hug. At first, she wanted to pull away, but the warmth of it stopped her. It felt soft and comforting, unlike any embrace she had experienced in twenty years. It was, perhaps, the closest she had ever come to what a mother's embrace should feel like. She let out a quiet sigh. For a moment, she thought that if these two were her real parents, it wouldn't be so bad. After a while, Daisy let go and held her hand. "Go pack your things. We'll take you home today. You won't have to live like this anymore." Victoria nodded. "Okay. Wait for me. I'll go pack." She didn't need to bring clothes. The only things she needed were the medicines she had made. After packing all the bottles of medicine powder and poison powder from the wooden cabinet, Victoria called out, "Blackie, Whitey, Greenie, come out. I'm taking you somewhere new." As soon as she finished, three small snakes slid out from the corners and crawled into a sack. Victoria tied the sack and slung it over her shoulder. Then she took a drum from the old cabinet. After giving the shabby house one last look, she walked outside and began to beat the drum. The loud sound of the drum echoed through the area. Hector and Daisy, waiting outside, looked confused. Before long, the villagers gathered around. They looked at Victoria with concern. "Victoria, what's wrong? What happened?" Victoria set down the drum, cleared her throat, and said, "Everyone, you all know I'm an orphan. I grew up without parents, raised by all of you. "But now I know who my real parents are. It turns out I'm the daughter of the Binder family in Benwig City." The villagers were happy for her at first, but then she continued, "But here's the thing. My real parents knew all along who I was, but they never came to acknowledge me. "And now, the only reason they're taking me back is to make me marry a disabled man in place of their adopted daughter." Hector and Daisy were stunned. They had no idea about any of this. The villagers were furious. "What kind of people are they? They knew you were their real daughter but ignored you all this time, and now they want to use you like this, huh?" "Blind fools! You're such a good girl, and they treat you like a tool, making you marry some cripple instead of their adopted daughter." "Victoria, don't listen to those heartless people." "That's right. Ignore them. We'll go teach them a lesson." "The Binder family? They're nothing special in Benwig City, acting all high and mighty. Victoria, you don't need to go back with them." Victoria raised her hand to quiet them. "Everyone, calm down. I've decided to go back to the Binder family for this arranged marriage. "But I'm going back to teach them a lesson. So I'm telling you all ahead of time. Please help take care of the herbs I just planted in my yard." Even though the villagers didn't really understand, they still respected her choice. "Okay. But if anyone from the Binder family dares to bully you, just call me. I'll get people to take them down," one person said. "That's right. We've got your back," another added. Victoria waved her hand. "Thank you, everyone. That's all I wanted to say. You can all head back now." After that, she turned to Hector and Daisy, who were still waiting, and gave them a light smile. "We can go now." Hector and Daisy were still a little stunned. When they heard her, they finally snapped out of it. "Oh, okay." "Let me carry that." The driver stepped forward and reached for the sack. "Be careful. It's heavy," Victoria said. The driver didn't believe it at first. But the moment he took it with both hands, he almost dropped it on his foot. Victoria blinked at him. "Can you handle it? Don't break anything inside." "No problem." The driver forced a smile, gritted his teeth, and lifted the sack into the trunk. By the time he got back into the driver's seat, he was sweating all over. He hadn't expected Victoria to be this strong despite looking so thin. After getting into the car, Daisy and Hector looked at each other, then kept glancing at Victoria. They seemed to want to say something, but neither of them knew how to start. In the end, Daisy asked, "Victoria, you just told the villagers about marrying a disabled man instead of that adopted daughter. What did you mean?" "You didn't know?" Victoria looked back at her, her eyes narrowing with suspicion. Daisy shook her head. "Hector and I really had no idea. About half a month ago, your parents suddenly told us Angelica wasn't their biological daughter. Then they sent people to look into it. "Just yesterday, they found out their real daughter was living here. That's why they want to bring you back today." Hector nodded to confirm her words. Victoria smiled faintly. "Then why do you think they didn't come themselves?" Daisy fell silent. To her, it was absurd that Victoria's parents would have relatives fetch their biological daughter instead of coming themselves. But the truth would hurt Victoria, so she chose not to say anything. Victoria let out a bitter laugh. "Aunt Daisy, even if you don't say it, I can guess. Just like I said, they don't want to acknowledge me. "They're only bringing me back because they have no choice. They want me to marry that disabled heir in place of their precious adopted daughter." Her gaze was clear and calm, and there was a quiet maturity about her that went far beyond her years. Hector frowned slightly. "Victoria, how did you find out about this arranged marriage?" Victoria smiled. "Secret." On the way, Daisy told her a lot about the Binder family. It wasn't much different from what Mara had already found out. The Binder family was still led by Calvin. He had two sons and one daughter. The eldest son, Hector, was the one who had come to get Victoria, and his wife was Daisy. They didn't have any children. The second son, Darell, was Victoria's biological father. He and his wife, Julia, had two sons and one daughter. The eldest son, Simon, managed the family's entertainment company, Brightstar Entertainment. The second son, Curtis, was a well-known singer under the same company. Then there was the youngest daughter, Angelica. She was considered very outstanding. At just twenty, she had already skipped grades and finished college. She was now preparing to study abroad after getting engaged to the eldest son of the Thornton family. Angelica was the baby who had been switched with Victoria. As for Calvin's daughter, Sirena, she had already married into another wealthy family and only returned for holidays. The drive from the village to Benwig City took six hours over bumpy roads. By the time they arrived, it was dark. "We're here," the driver said as he stopped the car. Victoria looked out the window. In front of her stood a large estate, with several villas spread across it. It looked grand and impressive. The Binder family mansion alone was almost as big as the entire Mullinran Village. Victoria got out of the car and followed Hector and Daisy inside. The head butler, Milton, who had been waiting at the door, stepped forward respectfully. "You're back." He looked at Victoria and gave a polite nod. "This must be Miss Victoria Binder." "Yes," Daisy replied. Then she looked at Victoria gently. "Victoria, go in and meet your parents and brother." Victoria said nothing. She quietly followed them inside. They passed through the wide front yard and stepped into the entrance hall. Standing at the doorway, she quickly scanned the four people sitting on the sofas in the main hall. First, she saw a middle-aged couple dressed in expensive clothes, carrying themselves with an air of wealth and status. Next was a handsome young man who looked a bit rebellious. Finally, there was a beautiful young woman about her age. The corners of her eyes were red, and she looked pitiful, as if she had been crying. None of them looked happy. Their faces were tense, filled with worry. When they looked at her, Victoria caught the flash of disgust in their eyes. A faint smile appeared on her lips. She thought the family was really quite interesting. Chapter 4 Are You an Idiot? "Darell, Julia, I brought your daughter back," Daisy said. She gently patted Victoria on the back. "Victoria, go say hello to your parents and your brother." Victoria didn't move. With a faint, mocking smile, she asked, "Aunt Daisy, are they really my parents and brother?" Daisy froze for a moment, then nodded. "Yes, they are. Why do you ask?" Victoria let out a cold laugh. "I'm supposed to be their daughter and sister, but why do they all look like they can't stand me?" The four people in the room all stiffened. They hadn't expected her to be so direct. Daisy froze again. She wanted to say something, but stopped herself. She knew what Darell and Julia were thinking. They didn't want to accept this daughter because they already had an excellent adopted one. They would rather stay home and comfort their adopted daughter's feelings than spend even a little time going to the village to pick up their real daughter. Simon and Curtis felt the same way. They were closer to the sister they had lived with for twenty years. None of them wanted to hurt her feelings just to pick up Victoria. Simon didn't even bother to show up; he was still at work. In the end, Daisy couldn't take it anymore and offered to go with Hector to bring Victoria home. What she didn't expect was that even after Victoria came back, Darell and Julia still acted like this. They didn't even try to hide it. Julia looked at Darell, and he looked back at her. In that brief exchange, they reached an understanding. Victoria clearly wasn't as quiet and easy to control as they had thought. They couldn't just brush her aside. If they wanted her to willingly take Angelica's place in the marriage to Jackson later, they would have to act nice and coax her a little. Julia hesitated, then forced herself to stand up. She put on a pained expression and walked toward Victoria. "My child, you've suffered so much out there." Victoria stepped aside slightly and avoided her touch. "Stop pretending. I don't see any concern in your eyes." Julia froze in place. A wave of anger rose inside her. She had lowered herself to show kindness, yet Victoria had refused it and embarrassed her in front of everyone. But to her, Victoria's lack of manners was no surprise. She had grown up in the countryside without her parents and had never been properly brought up. Julia forced a stiff smile. "I carried you for ten months. Of course, it hurts me to know you've suffered." Victoria sneered, "Is that so? If you really feel that way, why didn't you come pick me up today? Why did you send Uncle Hector and Aunt Daisy instead?" Daisy wanted to speak, but Hector gently held her hand and shook his head. He said quietly, "Daisy, we've already brought her back. What happens now is their family matter. Let them handle it. Let's go home." Daisy looked at Victoria, her eyes full of worry and sympathy. But she knew Hector was right. This was between Victoria and her parents. No matter what happened, she had no right to interfere. "Julia, now that Victoria is back, you should treat her well. Don't hurt her again. Daisy and I will head back now," Hector said politely, hoping his words would help a little. Darell nodded. "Thank you for your help today." Daisy said gently, "Victoria, we are leaving. If you need anything, come find us at Goldenwood Villa on the east side." With that, she reluctantly turned and left. Victoria watched them walk away, then quickly looked away. Once they were gone, Julia finally breathed a sigh of relief. "This is all my fault. Your father and I didn't go pick you up ourselves because I'm very emotional. "I was afraid that if I saw how poorly you were living, I wouldn't be able to handle it. So I stayed home to calm myself and prepare to welcome you." She was lying. Actually, after Angelica found out last night that she wasn't their real daughter, she had been upset the whole night. This morning, she was so distracted that she couldn't even eat. Julia felt sorry for her and stayed home to comfort her. Victoria's eyes were full of sarcasm. "So what exactly did you prepare for me?" Julia quickly said, "I've already cleaned up a room for you. Come, I'll show you." She reached for Victoria's hand again, but Victoria dodged her once more. "So cleaning a room was more important than coming to pick me up yourself." Julia's hand hung in the air. A trace of impatience flashed across her eyes. "Forget the room. I'm not even sure I'll stay," Victoria said. Then she pointed at the young woman about her age. "Who is she?" Angelica froze. Her eyes instantly turned red. She gently tugged on Curtis's sleeve. Curtis held her hand and said softly, "Angelica, don't be afraid." After comforting her, Curtis looked at Victoria coldly. His tone turned sharp. "I'm your brother, Curtis. And she's my sister, Angelica." He deliberately stressed the words "my sister." "I see." Victoria's voice carried a hint of sarcasm. "So that means she's the adopted daughter who was switched with me, right?" Angelica's hand trembled. Tears gathered in her eyes, ready to fall. Curtis's face darkened. He emphasized, "In my heart, Angelica is my real sister." Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Calling her your real sister? Are you an idiot?" Everyone except Victoria froze at her words. Curtis stared at her in disbelief. "You just called me an idiot, huh?" Victoria laughed mockingly. "Yeah. Did I say anything wrong? Don't you know her mother was the one who secretly switched us back then?" Angelica's birth mother, Jasmine, had worked as a customer service representative at a postpartum care center. When Julia was three months pregnant, she started looking for a high-end center, and Jasmine had served her. By coincidence, Jasmine was also pregnant at the time. When she realized Julia was wealthy, she started having bad thoughts. She secretly followed Julia to find out which center she chose and forced herself to spend the money to book the same one. During the recovery period after giving birth, Jasmine secretly switched her own daughter with Julia's without anyone noticing. At the time, Angelica had an allergic rash on her face. Julia didn't realize anything was wrong, and when she left the center, she took Angelica home. Angelica bit her lip. Tears finally streamed down her face. "I'm sorry." Curtis held her cold hand tightly and gently said, "Angelica, this has nothing to do with you." Then he turned to Victoria, his voice full of anger. "Yes, her mother switched you back then. But Angelica is innocent. She didn't know anything about it." Victoria laughed out loud, her eyes full of ridicule. "Oh, she's innocent? She spent twenty years enjoying my life, living in comfort and luxury. "And me? I was thrown into a trash can by her cruel mother in the freezing cold. If no one had found me, I would have died right after I was born." Chapter 5 I'll Leave Victoria's words left Curtis speechless. He had just started to feel a bit guilty when Angelica suddenly broke down in tears again. She said, "I'm sorry. It's all my fault. It's my fault for having a mother like that. Victoria, if you hate me, you can hit me or yell at me, but please don't blame Curtis." As she spoke, she struggled to pull free from Curtis's hand. With a determined look, she bit her lip and ran toward Victoria. "Angelica!" Curtis panicked and quickly got up to follow her. Angelica ran up to Victoria and was about to bow, but Curtis caught up just in time and pulled her back. "Angelica, what are you doing? This isn't your fault. It's your mother's fault." Victoria watched the whole scene and suddenly laughed. She even clapped her hands like she was watching a show. "This is really something. Are you putting on a pity act for me?" The small bit of guilt Curtis had felt disappeared right away. After helping Angelica steady herself, he looked at Victoria coldly. "Why are you being so unreasonable?" he asked. "Angelica already apologized sincerely, and you're still mocking her." "I'm not just mocking her. I'm mocking all of you," Victoria said. "Her mother planned everything, found a way to switch us, and let her take twenty years of the life that should have been mine. "Now that I'm back, you guys are still protecting her right in front of me. It's a shame that I ended up with a family like this." Curtis's face darkened even more. Julia looked helplessly at Darell. She hadn't expected Victoria to be so stubborn and didn't know how to deal with her. No matter how she looked at it, Julia just couldn't bring herself to like Victoria. Darell, who had been silent until now, finally spoke up. "That's enough, Victoria. Angelica's mother has already been punished. Angelica is alone now, with no one to rely on. "Your mother and I raised her for twenty years. We can't just throw her out. The Binder family has more than enough. Keeping her here is no big deal. She won't affect you." But Victoria didn't accept that. "If it's really no big deal, then she can live anywhere. Why does she have to stay here and bother me? "Every time I see her, I'm reminded of everything I went through after being switched." Darell didn't expect her to keep pushing like this. Just like Julia, he began to feel more and more resistant toward Victoria. Compared to Angelica, who was gentle and understanding, Victoria seemed completely rude to him. Angelica bit her lip and let her tears fall silently. She looked pitiful, making it hard not to feel sorry for her. Seeing how aggressive Victoria was, Curtis finally lost his temper. "So you won't be satisfied unless we send Angelica away, huh?" Victoria nodded. "That's right. We're not both living here. It's one or the other." As soon as she said that, everyone's faces darkened. "I don't want to leave you," Angelica said through her tears, looking completely wronged. It made anyone who saw her feel bad. Curtis held her hand tightly. "Angelica, don't worry. You don't have to go anywhere. As long as I'm here, I won't let anyone drive you out of the Binder family. You'll always be my sister. You're part of us." Victoria raised an eyebrow. "So you want me to leave, huh?" Julia was already at her limit, but she forced herself to stay calm. "Victoria, you just got back. You don't really know Angelica yet. "She's kind and understanding. Once you spend some time with her, you'll accept her. Her staying here won't affect your place. No matter what, you're our real daughter." Victoria sneered, "Really? Then why did all of you look disgusted the moment you saw me? Is it because I'm not as pretty as her? Or because I'm not as refined? "But have you forgotten? If we had never been switched, the pretty, refined one would be me. Everything she has now was built on the suffering I endured for her." Julia froze and quickly shook her head. "That's not it. We just haven't adjusted yet." "You need time to adjust to your own daughter, huh? Then why didn't Uncle Hector and Aunt Daisy need time when they saw me?" Victoria pressed. Julia had no answer. But she thought it was because Hector and Daisy had no children, so of course, they would be happy. She took a deep breath and softened her voice. "Victoria, we won't treat you badly from now on. Your living expenses will be the same as Angelica's. Your father and I won't favor one over the other." Victoria gave a faint, mocking smile. "Should I thank you for that? Honestly, for me, not favoring one over the other is already the biggest favoritism. "You two are really kind. You don't want your own daughter, but you're willing to spend money raising the daughter of someone who ruined my life. I've never seen people this generous." Julia held back her anger and continued, "Victoria, stop making trouble. You're my real daughter. We finally found you. How could we let you keep suffering out there?" Victoria replied, "So you knew I was suffering. While I was suffering, that criminal's daughter was living here, enjoying everything you gave her in my place. "And now, on the very first day I come back, you're ready to push me away again." Curtis said coldly, "Get this straight. We're not pushing you away. You're the one making things difficult. You could stay here peacefully, but you refuse to accept Angelica." "How could I accept the daughter of a criminal?" Victoria asked. "If I hadn't been lucky enough to survive, her mother would be both a trafficker and a murderer. "She committed the crime, but her daughter hasn't been punished at all. Why should she get to keep living this rich, comfortable life as if nothing had happened?" Angelica's body swayed. Curtis quickly held her steady, his anger finally breaking through. "With your attitude, do you even deserve to stay here while Angelica leaves?" "Of course I do. First, I'm a Binder by blood. Second, unlike you, I'm not an idiot." After snapping at him, Victoria lost her patience. "Have you decided? Is she leaving, or am I?" Curtis pulled Angelica into his arms protectively and said firmly, "Dad, Mom, if I have to choose, then I only recognize Angelica as my sister." "Good. One vote." Victoria raised her index finger and then looked at Julia. "What about you?" Julia forced down her frustration and said gently, "Victoria, don't do this—" "Alright, that's two votes," Victoria said, not even bothering to listen. She turned to Darell. "Your vote doesn't matter anymore. There are already two votes for Angelica. Fine. Since that's the case, she stays. I'll leave." A trace of anxiety flashed in Angelica's eyes. If Victoria really left, there would be no one to take her place in marrying Jackson. ------ 👇👇👇 There are limited chapters to put here, click “continue reading” to open App to continue reading (It will automatically jump to the book)
When a killer came in the night, Victoria Binder didn’t scream—she fought. And she won, burying the proof in her own garden. That was just the beginning. Unveiled as the lost heiress to a mighty fortune, Victoria returned to a family that despised her. She wasn’t there for their love. She was there for what was hers: the power, the legacy, the truth. ------ Chapter 1 I Want to Marry You "Victoria, we need to break up. It turns out I'm actually the heir to the Fairbank family, one of the most powerful families in Benwig City. You're just a country girl who sells herbs. You're not good enough for me anymore." Victoria Binder had just received a call from her boyfriend, Gavin Alvarado—no, Gavin Fairbank now. She had been about to tell him that she was the long-lost daughter of a wealthy family herself, but before she could say a word, she heard him claim she wasn't good enough for him. She let out a silent, cold laugh. The medicinal herbs she grew were incredibly valuable. Countless rich and influential families were trying to buy them at high prices. Her products had even appeared several times at the largest auction house in Benwig City. Gavin's arrogant voice came through the phone again. "With my status now, I need to marry a proper heiress from a family that matches mine. "But since we dated for two months, I won't treat you badly. Before I marry someone suitable, you can stay with me. Even after I get married, I can still keep you as my—" Before he could finish, Victoria snapped, "Asshole. If you want to break up, then we're done." She hung up immediately. The handsome man standing in front of her, Jackson Thornton, raised an eyebrow. He had been waiting for her response. He smiled. "So? You just found out you're the heiress of the Binder family, one of the richest families in Benwig City, and you still got dumped?" Victoria looked up at him and smiled brightly. "Funny coincidence. He just told me that he's the heir to a wealthy family in Benwig City and that I'm not good enough for him." Then her expression shifted, turning doubtful. "Wait a second. This whole thing about being the real daughter or real son of some rich family... Isn't that some new kind of scam going around?" Jackson paused for a moment, then smiled. "Of course not. You really are the true daughter of the Binder family." Victoria gave a nonchalant hum. She took the basket off her back, sat down on a chair, and began sorting the herbs she had just picked. "Then who are you?" she asked. "Why are you the one coming to find me instead of my biological parents?" Jackson glanced at the shabby house in front of him, then looked at Victoria, who sat casually on a small stool. He said, "If nothing unexpected happens, I'll soon be your fiancé. I'm Jackson, the eldest son of the Thornton family in Benwig City." Victoria almost slipped off her stool. She stared at him in shock. "What? Fiancé?" "That's right. But as you can see, I'm disabled now. I lost the use of my legs last month." Sitting in his wheelchair, Jackson lifted a hand and pointed at his legs, giving a helpless smile. "I see. And what does that have to do with you coming to find me today?" Victoria asked. Then she suddenly understood. "Wait. Are you saying that I'm the real daughter of the wealthy Binder family, and that they're planning to bring me back and have me marry you?" Jackson nodded, a hint of admiration in his eyes. "Exactly." Victoria's gaze flickered. Jackson continued, "Because of my legs, I'm about to be dumped. Just like you." Victoria caught on quickly. "So the one who was supposed to marry you was the Binder family's adopted daughter. But now that you're disabled, she doesn't want to marry you anymore." Jackson nodded again. "Yes. That's exactly it." Victoria almost let out a bitter laugh. "Then why don't you look upset at all?" Jackson said calmly, "You just got dumped by your boyfriend, and you don't look upset either." "He's just trash. Good riddance." Victoria curled her lips in disdain. Jackson studied her, the admiration in his eyes deepening. "You're surprisingly chill about it." Victoria let out a small scoff. "Of course. Why waste time and energy feeling bad over someone who isn't worth it?" She had started dating Gavin after saving his life by chance two years ago. After that, he had chased after her nonstop, using gratitude as an excuse. For two whole years, he acted devoted, as if he would never marry anyone but her. He didn't seem to have any serious flaws. She figured having a man around could help her take care of the herb garden and keep other men from bothering her, so she agreed to date him. But she never expected that the moment Gavin found out he was the heir to a wealthy family, he would turn on her so quickly. Jackson smiled. "Same here. She's trash anyway. Better not to marry her." There had never been anything between him and Angelica Binder. Their engagement had only been arranged by his grandfather for a business alliance. Now that his legs were disabled, Angelica's parents naturally didn't want her to marry him anymore. But the Thornton family was the most powerful family in Benwig City, with huge wealth and influence. They weren't willing to give up the alliance, either. In the end, they planned to have their biological daughter, Victoria, marry him in Angelica's place. Victoria went straight to the point. "It's just strange. How could it be such a coincidence? Right after your legs were disabled, my birth parents suddenly found me and decided to have me marry you instead of their adopted daughter." She let out a cold, mocking laugh. "Looks like they always knew I was their real daughter. I just had no value to them, so they left me out here all this time and never brought me home." Jackson didn't try to comfort her with lies. "I think you're right." Victoria gave a cold sneer. If that was true, then her birth parents were even more heartless than she had thought. Still, one thing didn't make sense to her. "Since you already know what the Binder family is planning, why not just give up on the alliance? Why walk straight into their trap?" "I had someone look into you," Jackson said calmly. "You sell medicine, and you're pretty well-known around here. "I heard you've treated quite a few difficult cases with your own methods. My legs are disabled. Over the past month, I've invited top doctors from all over the country, but none of them could help. "So I came here myself to see if marrying you would be a trap or a chance for me." He didn't hide why he came. Victoria found him interesting. She shrugged. "Well, you've seen me now. I'm just a wild country girl. My birth parents, the ones I've never even met, clearly don't like me. "Do you still want to marry someone like me? I'm just a real daughter who isn't valued and is just being used as a substitute bride." Jackson looked at her closely. At first glance, she wasn't the delicate type raised in comfort. Her skin wasn't soft. It had a light wheat tone that made her look healthy and full of life. But if one looked more carefully, her features were actually very refined. Her eyes were bright and clear, and there was strength in the way she looked at people. There was no trace of disrespect in Jackson's gaze. He looked sincere. "Yes. After meeting you, I'm sure I want to marry you. I just don't know if you're willing to give me a chance." Victoria studied his face. She had to admit that he was strikingly handsome, the kind of man who wouldn't be forgotten even in a huge crowd. His features were sharp, and his face was well-defined. What stood out the most was his eyes. Even after going through something as serious as losing the use of his legs, they were still clear. There was no bitterness or confusion. Victoria glanced at his legs again. "What's going on with them?" "They were broken with a wooden club last month," Jackson said. "I've had many well-known doctors take a look. They all said my legs are beyond saving. I'll never stand again." "Pull up your pant legs. Let me see," said Victoria. "Okay." Jackson did as she said, lifting his pant legs to reveal his knees and lower legs, covered in scars. Victoria's expression darkened. She set the herbs aside, stood up, and walked over to him. Then she bent down and pressed carefully on his knees. The pain made Jackson frown, but he didn't make a sound. "They can be treated," Victoria said firmly. Hope lit up in Jackson's eyes at once. Thinking about how her birth parents had ignored her existence for so many years, Victoria made up her mind. She would go back to Benwig City and take her place as the Binder family's true daughter. She wanted to meet them face to face. She clapped her hands lightly and sat back down on the small stool. "I can marry you." Jackson raised an eyebrow. "Do you have any conditions?" Victoria tilted her head and smiled brightly. "Listen to you. Do I need conditions to marry you? You're so good-looking. If I fix your legs, I'll be the one getting the better deal." Jackson hadn't expected her to be so straightforward. His brow lifted higher, and he let out a soft laugh. "Alright. Then it's settled. I'll wait for you to return to the Binder family." Chapter 2 A Welcome Gift After Jackson left his phone number with Victoria, he left the village with his assistant, Ollie Rowse. Victoria watched him go, her eyes growing thoughtful. She took out her phone and dialed a number. "Mara, I need you to look into everyone in the Binder family in Benwig City right away. Focus on their daughter. I want everything you can find, and I want it by tonight." "Yes, boss," Mara replied. After hanging up, Victoria's gaze turned even sharper. Ford had once told her about that freezing winter night twenty years ago. He had been on his way to settle down in a small southern town when he heard a baby crying from inside a trash bin. He got out of the car to check and found a baby girl, not even a month old, her skin red from the cold. If she hadn't been crying so loudly, and if he hadn't happened to pass that deserted road, she would have died quietly in that trash bin. That baby was Victoria. Ford gave her that name, hoping she would grow up strong and tough no matter what life threw at her. Even on his deathbed, Ford never stopped looking for her biological parents. And all this time, Victoria had believed they must have abandoned her because they had no other choice. But now, it seemed that wasn't true. Her biological parents didn't want her and had no intention of taking her back. If it weren't for the adopted daughter they had raised for twenty years, Victoria might have gone her whole life without parents. Just then, someone called out from outside, "Victoria, who was that man in the nice car looking for you?" It was Stephan, a middle-aged man from next door. He spent most of his time up in the mountains hunting herbs. Victoria put her phone away and walked out, smiling at him. "To be honest with you, that was my fiancé." Stephan looked surprised. "Your fiancé? You have good taste. He's a handsome man. Why didn't you ask him to stay for dinner?" "He had things to take care of in the city. He couldn't stay today," Victoria said. "Next time he comes, make sure he stays for a meal. Everything we eat here is grown by us. Let him try it. It's much better and healthier than city food," Stephan said. "I will," Victoria said with a smile. Stephan grabbed his tools and headed up into the mountains. Only after he left did Victoria go back inside to keep sorting the herbs she had picked. ***** After leaving Mullinran Village, Ollie, who was driving, glanced at Jackson's calm face in the rearview mirror and asked carefully, "Mr. Thornton, are you really going to marry her? "You saw it yourself. Her own parents don't even want her. She makes a living selling herbs and doing some basic medical work. "You just went through something serious, and this is when you need support the most. Marrying her won't help you secure your position in the Thornton family." Jackson shifted his gaze away from the fields outside the window and gently rubbed the petals of a purple flower he had picked from Victoria's doorstep. He asked, "Ollie, do you remember six months ago, when my grandfather was seriously ill and needed a very rare herb to survive?" Ollie wasn't sure why he changed the subject, but he nodded. "Of course. That herb showed up at the biggest auction house in Benwig City. You spent 30 million dollars to get it." "Didn't you notice? That same rare herb was hanging casually on the wall of her simple, run-down house," Jackson said. That one bundle alone would be worth a fortune at any auction in Benwig City. "What?" Ollie was stunned. From the moment they walked into Victoria's house, he had only noticed how shabby it looked and missed everything else. Now it finally clicked. "Do you mean her background might not be as simple as it seems?" Jackson lifted the purple flower to his nose and took a light breath. "I can't say for sure what her background is yet. But one thing is clear. Her medical skills are far from simple." Ollie understood right away. If that was true, then there was real hope for Jackson's legs. Still, he couldn't help asking, "If all you want is to fix your legs, you could just pay her a large amount of money. There's no need to marry her." Jackson blinked and slowly turned the flower between his fingers. A faint smile appeared on his lips. "What if I said I fell for her at first sight? Would you believe me?" Ollie paused and looked at him again through the rearview mirror. He seemed calm. He wasn't exactly joking, but he wasn't completely serious, either. But Jackson rarely joked, so Ollie couldn't tell how much of it was real. In the end, he chose to believe him. "I believe you." "Good. In my eyes, she is already my fiancée. From now on, you need to treat her with respect," Jackson said. "Understood." Ollie nodded. Jackson wasn't joking. When it came to love, he had never believed in feelings that grew over time. To him, if there was no spark at first sight, then staying together would only lead to a relationship based on weighing pros and cons, not the kind of love that made his heart race. That was why, when his grandfather arranged his engagement to Angelica, he had agreed for practical reasons alone. But when he saw Victoria, everything changed. It felt like the world spun around him, and everything else faded away. In his eyes, she was the only color left. He couldn't explain why it had to be her. Maybe it was that moment when their eyes met, when the light in hers pulled him in like a whirlpool. Jackson picked up a book from the car and carefully placed the small purple flower between its pages. Then he closed the book and shut his eyes. ***** At eight that evening, Victoria had just finished bringing in the herbs she had been drying on the roof when her phone rang. She set the herbs aside, brushed the dust off her hands, and picked up the call. Mara's cool voice came through. "Boss, I found what you asked for. The Binder family has only one daughter. She was born to the second son, Darell, and his wife, Julia. Her name is Angelica. She's the same age as you. "She's very spoiled at home. Two months ago, Darell arranged a great marriage for her. She's engaged to Jackson, the eldest son of the Thornton family, the most powerful family in Benwig City. "Jackson had already been chosen by his grandfather, Gerry, as the next heir. But last month, he had an accident. Someone broke both his legs, and the announcement was put on hold." "What is Angelica like?" Victoria asked. "She has a very good reputation. She's beautiful and talented. A lot of rich young men in Benwig City admire her. That's probably why she gained Gerry's approval for the marriage," Mara said. Victoria let out a cold laugh to herself. She didn't believe for a second that Angelica's perfect life came without tricks. "Got it. Now find out if Angelica is really Darell and Julia's biological daughter," Victoria said. "You're focusing on the Binder family, especially Angelica. What are you planning to do?" Mara asked. "I'm going back to take my place," Victoria said. A faint spark lit up in her deep eyes. She found the idea of being the Binder family's real daughter interesting. Victoria had many identities. The one she used the most was a village herbalist and healer. In her daily life, she spent time with her retired scientist friends in the village, growing new herbs and developing new medicines. Over the years, she had cultivated twenty kinds of rare medicinal plants. Because they were so hard to produce, they sold for extremely high prices. Any one of them, if sold at auction in Benwig City, could earn more than most people made in a lifetime. On top of that, she was skilled in traditional medical techniques. When she treated regular villagers, she charged normal fees. But when rich families or powerful figures came to her, her starting fee was three million dollars. Of course, she guaranteed results. If she couldn't cure them, she wouldn't take a single dollar. This identity alone had already made her very rich. Money no longer meant much to her. So when her ex-boyfriend, Gavin, said she wasn't good enough for him, she found it almost funny. If she wanted, she could build her own place in Benwig City without relying on anyone. Over the years, all her different identities had started to feel dull. It was time to try something new. And she had to admit, Jackson impressed her. Out of all the people she had treated, none had faced sudden injury like he did, so calm and steady. His willpower was strong. He was someone who would go far. He was handsome and capable. It would be a waste for him to stay crippled. So she would fix his legs. Mara quickly understood, her voice turning serious. "Understood, boss. I'll get on it right away." ***** Late that night, Victoria was fast asleep when she heard wood cracking outside. Her eyes opened at once, sharp and alert, and she turned toward the sound. Anyone showing up at this hour without warning was not from the village. She had spread powders around her home to keep wild animals away, so no beasts would come near. That left only one answer. Someone had broken in. Victoria got up quietly and, using the moonlight, moved to hide behind the door. Soon, her old wooden door was kicked open, and a shadow rushed inside. She hadn't expected him to be so bold, barging in instead of sneaking around. She flicked a silver needle straight at him. The man let out a low groan and dropped to the ground. Victoria turned on the light, filling the room with brightness. She kicked him aside and finally saw his face clearly. He looked like a hardened criminal. She grabbed a rope, walked over, and tied up his hands and feet. Once he was secured, she took out a needle and stuck it into his neck. Within seconds, he woke up. Victoria sat on the bed, crossing her legs as she played with another needle. "If you don't want to suffer, you'd better tell me the truth. Who sent you?" The man quickly sized up the situation. "People who hire killers stay anonymous. Who would be stupid enough to give their name? But they said that if I raped you, they would get me out of the country safely." Victoria's eyes turned cold and sharp. If he needed to run overseas, that meant he was already a wanted criminal. The man hurried to beg, "I've told you everything I know. Let me go. I won't take this job anymore." Victoria nodded. "Fine." She walked over, pulled out the needle, and untied the ropes. "You can leave." The man rubbed his wrists. "Thanks—" Before he could finish, his face suddenly changed. He lifted his leg and tried to kick Victoria in the knee. But the moment his foot rose, a sharp pain shot through him. Then his whole body went numb. He couldn't move. He looked down in terror. A small black snake had bitten his ankle. "How is there a poisonous snake here—" Before he could finish, blood burst from his throat. His body fell stiffly to the ground. After a few jerks, he went still. Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Trying to kill me in my place? You asked for it. Good job, Blackie. Go rest." The little black snake slipped into a dark corner and quickly disappeared. Victoria picked up a hoe, stuffed the body into a large basket, and lifted it onto her back with ease. She carried it outside and buried it near her vegetable garden. It would make good fertilizer for her herbs. After that, she let out a long breath, brushed off her hands, and looked up at the nearly full moon. She had just learned who she really was, and someone had already sent a man to ruin her. It seemed that someone had prepared a "welcome gift" for her in advance. Chapter 3 We've Got Your Back The next day at noon, a black Bentley worth 1.5 million dollars stopped in front of Victoria's house. Victoria was grinding the herbs she had picked the day before. When she heard the car, she glanced out the window and checked the license plate. It was from Benwig City, just as she expected. She finished grinding the herbs, put them into jars, brushed the dust off her hands, and walked outside. She went straight to the car and knocked on the window. A moment later, the window slid down, revealing the still handsome face of a middle-aged man—Hector Binder. He looked about fifty, with neatly slicked-back hair. A woman sat beside him. She looked about the same age. Even though she wasn't young anymore, she had taken good care of herself and looked as if she were in her thirties. Her features were still soft and beautiful. Victoria didn't waste time. "Are you here for me?" Hector, sitting in the back seat, looked at her, then at the photo in his hand. His eyes lit up. "Daisy, it's her. She's the one we're looking for." Daisy's eyes filled with excitement, even shining with tears. "Yes, it's her. No mistake." They quickly opened the door, got out of the car, and walked over to Victoria. Hector nodded. "Yes. You're the real daughter the Binder family lost years ago. We're here to take you back." Victoria looked straight into his eyes. He seemed like a decent man, and the excitement in his expression matched Daisy's. It didn't look fake. This couple didn't seem to have anything to do with what happened to her last night. Hector paused, a little surprised. "How did you know we were coming?" But he didn't dwell on it. Instead, he explained, "You are the young lady of the Binder family. "When you were little, someone switched you with another baby. That's why you ended up here. You've suffered for twenty years, living away from your real home." As soon as he finished, Daisy started to choke up. "Poor child." Victoria stayed calm. "So, are you my parents?" Hector and Daisy froze. They exchanged a look, then answered awkwardly, "No. We're your uncle and aunt." Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Then why aren't my parents here? Why did they send you instead?" Daisy looked uneasy. "Something came up at home. They couldn't leave, so they asked us to come get you." Victoria saw right through it. "You don't have to cover for them. I'm not a child. What could be more important than picking up their own daughter? They just didn't want to come." Hearing that, Daisy stepped forward and gently hugged her. Tears slipped down her face. "My poor child, you've suffered so much." Victoria didn't expect the sudden hug. At first, she wanted to pull away, but the warmth of it stopped her. It felt soft and comforting, unlike any embrace she had experienced in twenty years. It was, perhaps, the closest she had ever come to what a mother's embrace should feel like. She let out a quiet sigh. For a moment, she thought that if these two were her real parents, it wouldn't be so bad. After a while, Daisy let go and held her hand. "Go pack your things. We'll take you home today. You won't have to live like this anymore." Victoria nodded. "Okay. Wait for me. I'll go pack." She didn't need to bring clothes. The only things she needed were the medicines she had made. After packing all the bottles of medicine powder and poison powder from the wooden cabinet, Victoria called out, "Blackie, Whitey, Greenie, come out. I'm taking you somewhere new." As soon as she finished, three small snakes slid out from the corners and crawled into a sack. Victoria tied the sack and slung it over her shoulder. Then she took a drum from the old cabinet. After giving the shabby house one last look, she walked outside and began to beat the drum. The loud sound of the drum echoed through the area. Hector and Daisy, waiting outside, looked confused. Before long, the villagers gathered around. They looked at Victoria with concern. "Victoria, what's wrong? What happened?" Victoria set down the drum, cleared her throat, and said, "Everyone, you all know I'm an orphan. I grew up without parents, raised by all of you. "But now I know who my real parents are. It turns out I'm the daughter of the Binder family in Benwig City." The villagers were happy for her at first, but then she continued, "But here's the thing. My real parents knew all along who I was, but they never came to acknowledge me. "And now, the only reason they're taking me back is to make me marry a disabled man in place of their adopted daughter." Hector and Daisy were stunned. They had no idea about any of this. The villagers were furious. "What kind of people are they? They knew you were their real daughter but ignored you all this time, and now they want to use you like this, huh?" "Blind fools! You're such a good girl, and they treat you like a tool, making you marry some cripple instead of their adopted daughter." "Victoria, don't listen to those heartless people." "That's right. Ignore them. We'll go teach them a lesson." "The Binder family? They're nothing special in Benwig City, acting all high and mighty. Victoria, you don't need to go back with them." Victoria raised her hand to quiet them. "Everyone, calm down. I've decided to go back to the Binder family for this arranged marriage. "But I'm going back to teach them a lesson. So I'm telling you all ahead of time. Please help take care of the herbs I just planted in my yard." Even though the villagers didn't really understand, they still respected her choice. "Okay. But if anyone from the Binder family dares to bully you, just call me. I'll get people to take them down," one person said. "That's right. We've got your back," another added. Victoria waved her hand. "Thank you, everyone. That's all I wanted to say. You can all head back now." After that, she turned to Hector and Daisy, who were still waiting, and gave them a light smile. "We can go now." Hector and Daisy were still a little stunned. When they heard her, they finally snapped out of it. "Oh, okay." "Let me carry that." The driver stepped forward and reached for the sack. "Be careful. It's heavy," Victoria said. The driver didn't believe it at first. But the moment he took it with both hands, he almost dropped it on his foot. Victoria blinked at him. "Can you handle it? Don't break anything inside." "No problem." The driver forced a smile, gritted his teeth, and lifted the sack into the trunk. By the time he got back into the driver's seat, he was sweating all over. He hadn't expected Victoria to be this strong despite looking so thin. After getting into the car, Daisy and Hector looked at each other, then kept glancing at Victoria. They seemed to want to say something, but neither of them knew how to start. In the end, Daisy asked, "Victoria, you just told the villagers about marrying a disabled man instead of that adopted daughter. What did you mean?" "You didn't know?" Victoria looked back at her, her eyes narrowing with suspicion. Daisy shook her head. "Hector and I really had no idea. About half a month ago, your parents suddenly told us Angelica wasn't their biological daughter. Then they sent people to look into it. "Just yesterday, they found out their real daughter was living here. That's why they want to bring you back today." Hector nodded to confirm her words. Victoria smiled faintly. "Then why do you think they didn't come themselves?" Daisy fell silent. To her, it was absurd that Victoria's parents would have relatives fetch their biological daughter instead of coming themselves. But the truth would hurt Victoria, so she chose not to say anything. Victoria let out a bitter laugh. "Aunt Daisy, even if you don't say it, I can guess. Just like I said, they don't want to acknowledge me. "They're only bringing me back because they have no choice. They want me to marry that disabled heir in place of their precious adopted daughter." Her gaze was clear and calm, and there was a quiet maturity about her that went far beyond her years. Hector frowned slightly. "Victoria, how did you find out about this arranged marriage?" Victoria smiled. "Secret." On the way, Daisy told her a lot about the Binder family. It wasn't much different from what Mara had already found out. The Binder family was still led by Calvin. He had two sons and one daughter. The eldest son, Hector, was the one who had come to get Victoria, and his wife was Daisy. They didn't have any children. The second son, Darell, was Victoria's biological father. He and his wife, Julia, had two sons and one daughter. The eldest son, Simon, managed the family's entertainment company, Brightstar Entertainment. The second son, Curtis, was a well-known singer under the same company. Then there was the youngest daughter, Angelica. She was considered very outstanding. At just twenty, she had already skipped grades and finished college. She was now preparing to study abroad after getting engaged to the eldest son of the Thornton family. Angelica was the baby who had been switched with Victoria. As for Calvin's daughter, Sirena, she had already married into another wealthy family and only returned for holidays. The drive from the village to Benwig City took six hours over bumpy roads. By the time they arrived, it was dark. "We're here," the driver said as he stopped the car. Victoria looked out the window. In front of her stood a large estate, with several villas spread across it. It looked grand and impressive. The Binder family mansion alone was almost as big as the entire Mullinran Village. Victoria got out of the car and followed Hector and Daisy inside. The head butler, Milton, who had been waiting at the door, stepped forward respectfully. "You're back." He looked at Victoria and gave a polite nod. "This must be Miss Victoria Binder." "Yes," Daisy replied. Then she looked at Victoria gently. "Victoria, go in and meet your parents and brother." Victoria said nothing. She quietly followed them inside. They passed through the wide front yard and stepped into the entrance hall. Standing at the doorway, she quickly scanned the four people sitting on the sofas in the main hall. First, she saw a middle-aged couple dressed in expensive clothes, carrying themselves with an air of wealth and status. Next was a handsome young man who looked a bit rebellious. Finally, there was a beautiful young woman about her age. The corners of her eyes were red, and she looked pitiful, as if she had been crying. None of them looked happy. Their faces were tense, filled with worry. When they looked at her, Victoria caught the flash of disgust in their eyes. A faint smile appeared on her lips. She thought the family was really quite interesting. Chapter 4 Are You an Idiot? "Darell, Julia, I brought your daughter back," Daisy said. She gently patted Victoria on the back. "Victoria, go say hello to your parents and your brother." Victoria didn't move. With a faint, mocking smile, she asked, "Aunt Daisy, are they really my parents and brother?" Daisy froze for a moment, then nodded. "Yes, they are. Why do you ask?" Victoria let out a cold laugh. "I'm supposed to be their daughter and sister, but why do they all look like they can't stand me?" The four people in the room all stiffened. They hadn't expected her to be so direct. Daisy froze again. She wanted to say something, but stopped herself. She knew what Darell and Julia were thinking. They didn't want to accept this daughter because they already had an excellent adopted one. They would rather stay home and comfort their adopted daughter's feelings than spend even a little time going to the village to pick up their real daughter. Simon and Curtis felt the same way. They were closer to the sister they had lived with for twenty years. None of them wanted to hurt her feelings just to pick up Victoria. Simon didn't even bother to show up; he was still at work. In the end, Daisy couldn't take it anymore and offered to go with Hector to bring Victoria home. What she didn't expect was that even after Victoria came back, Darell and Julia still acted like this. They didn't even try to hide it. Julia looked at Darell, and he looked back at her. In that brief exchange, they reached an understanding. Victoria clearly wasn't as quiet and easy to control as they had thought. They couldn't just brush her aside. If they wanted her to willingly take Angelica's place in the marriage to Jackson later, they would have to act nice and coax her a little. Julia hesitated, then forced herself to stand up. She put on a pained expression and walked toward Victoria. "My child, you've suffered so much out there." Victoria stepped aside slightly and avoided her touch. "Stop pretending. I don't see any concern in your eyes." Julia froze in place. A wave of anger rose inside her. She had lowered herself to show kindness, yet Victoria had refused it and embarrassed her in front of everyone. But to her, Victoria's lack of manners was no surprise. She had grown up in the countryside without her parents and had never been properly brought up. Julia forced a stiff smile. "I carried you for ten months. Of course, it hurts me to know you've suffered." Victoria sneered, "Is that so? If you really feel that way, why didn't you come pick me up today? Why did you send Uncle Hector and Aunt Daisy instead?" Daisy wanted to speak, but Hector gently held her hand and shook his head. He said quietly, "Daisy, we've already brought her back. What happens now is their family matter. Let them handle it. Let's go home." Daisy looked at Victoria, her eyes full of worry and sympathy. But she knew Hector was right. This was between Victoria and her parents. No matter what happened, she had no right to interfere. "Julia, now that Victoria is back, you should treat her well. Don't hurt her again. Daisy and I will head back now," Hector said politely, hoping his words would help a little. Darell nodded. "Thank you for your help today." Daisy said gently, "Victoria, we are leaving. If you need anything, come find us at Goldenwood Villa on the east side." With that, she reluctantly turned and left. Victoria watched them walk away, then quickly looked away. Once they were gone, Julia finally breathed a sigh of relief. "This is all my fault. Your father and I didn't go pick you up ourselves because I'm very emotional. "I was afraid that if I saw how poorly you were living, I wouldn't be able to handle it. So I stayed home to calm myself and prepare to welcome you." She was lying. Actually, after Angelica found out last night that she wasn't their real daughter, she had been upset the whole night. This morning, she was so distracted that she couldn't even eat. Julia felt sorry for her and stayed home to comfort her. Victoria's eyes were full of sarcasm. "So what exactly did you prepare for me?" Julia quickly said, "I've already cleaned up a room for you. Come, I'll show you." She reached for Victoria's hand again, but Victoria dodged her once more. "So cleaning a room was more important than coming to pick me up yourself." Julia's hand hung in the air. A trace of impatience flashed across her eyes. "Forget the room. I'm not even sure I'll stay," Victoria said. Then she pointed at the young woman about her age. "Who is she?" Angelica froze. Her eyes instantly turned red. She gently tugged on Curtis's sleeve. Curtis held her hand and said softly, "Angelica, don't be afraid." After comforting her, Curtis looked at Victoria coldly. His tone turned sharp. "I'm your brother, Curtis. And she's my sister, Angelica." He deliberately stressed the words "my sister." "I see." Victoria's voice carried a hint of sarcasm. "So that means she's the adopted daughter who was switched with me, right?" Angelica's hand trembled. Tears gathered in her eyes, ready to fall. Curtis's face darkened. He emphasized, "In my heart, Angelica is my real sister." Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Calling her your real sister? Are you an idiot?" Everyone except Victoria froze at her words. Curtis stared at her in disbelief. "You just called me an idiot, huh?" Victoria laughed mockingly. "Yeah. Did I say anything wrong? Don't you know her mother was the one who secretly switched us back then?" Angelica's birth mother, Jasmine, had worked as a customer service representative at a postpartum care center. When Julia was three months pregnant, she started looking for a high-end center, and Jasmine had served her. By coincidence, Jasmine was also pregnant at the time. When she realized Julia was wealthy, she started having bad thoughts. She secretly followed Julia to find out which center she chose and forced herself to spend the money to book the same one. During the recovery period after giving birth, Jasmine secretly switched her own daughter with Julia's without anyone noticing. At the time, Angelica had an allergic rash on her face. Julia didn't realize anything was wrong, and when she left the center, she took Angelica home. Angelica bit her lip. Tears finally streamed down her face. "I'm sorry." Curtis held her cold hand tightly and gently said, "Angelica, this has nothing to do with you." Then he turned to Victoria, his voice full of anger. "Yes, her mother switched you back then. But Angelica is innocent. She didn't know anything about it." Victoria laughed out loud, her eyes full of ridicule. "Oh, she's innocent? She spent twenty years enjoying my life, living in comfort and luxury. "And me? I was thrown into a trash can by her cruel mother in the freezing cold. If no one had found me, I would have died right after I was born." Chapter 5 I'll Leave Victoria's words left Curtis speechless. He had just started to feel a bit guilty when Angelica suddenly broke down in tears again. She said, "I'm sorry. It's all my fault. It's my fault for having a mother like that. Victoria, if you hate me, you can hit me or yell at me, but please don't blame Curtis." As she spoke, she struggled to pull free from Curtis's hand. With a determined look, she bit her lip and ran toward Victoria. "Angelica!" Curtis panicked and quickly got up to follow her. Angelica ran up to Victoria and was about to bow, but Curtis caught up just in time and pulled her back. "Angelica, what are you doing? This isn't your fault. It's your mother's fault." Victoria watched the whole scene and suddenly laughed. She even clapped her hands like she was watching a show. "This is really something. Are you putting on a pity act for me?" The small bit of guilt Curtis had felt disappeared right away. After helping Angelica steady herself, he looked at Victoria coldly. "Why are you being so unreasonable?" he asked. "Angelica already apologized sincerely, and you're still mocking her." "I'm not just mocking her. I'm mocking all of you," Victoria said. "Her mother planned everything, found a way to switch us, and let her take twenty years of the life that should have been mine. "Now that I'm back, you guys are still protecting her right in front of me. It's a shame that I ended up with a family like this." Curtis's face darkened even more. Julia looked helplessly at Darell. She hadn't expected Victoria to be so stubborn and didn't know how to deal with her. No matter how she looked at it, Julia just couldn't bring herself to like Victoria. Darell, who had been silent until now, finally spoke up. "That's enough, Victoria. Angelica's mother has already been punished. Angelica is alone now, with no one to rely on. "Your mother and I raised her for twenty years. We can't just throw her out. The Binder family has more than enough. Keeping her here is no big deal. She won't affect you." But Victoria didn't accept that. "If it's really no big deal, then she can live anywhere. Why does she have to stay here and bother me? "Every time I see her, I'm reminded of everything I went through after being switched." Darell didn't expect her to keep pushing like this. Just like Julia, he began to feel more and more resistant toward Victoria. Compared to Angelica, who was gentle and understanding, Victoria seemed completely rude to him. Angelica bit her lip and let her tears fall silently. She looked pitiful, making it hard not to feel sorry for her. Seeing how aggressive Victoria was, Curtis finally lost his temper. "So you won't be satisfied unless we send Angelica away, huh?" Victoria nodded. "That's right. We're not both living here. It's one or the other." As soon as she said that, everyone's faces darkened. "I don't want to leave you," Angelica said through her tears, looking completely wronged. It made anyone who saw her feel bad. Curtis held her hand tightly. "Angelica, don't worry. You don't have to go anywhere. As long as I'm here, I won't let anyone drive you out of the Binder family. You'll always be my sister. You're part of us." Victoria raised an eyebrow. "So you want me to leave, huh?" Julia was already at her limit, but she forced herself to stay calm. "Victoria, you just got back. You don't really know Angelica yet. "She's kind and understanding. Once you spend some time with her, you'll accept her. Her staying here won't affect your place. No matter what, you're our real daughter." Victoria sneered, "Really? Then why did all of you look disgusted the moment you saw me? Is it because I'm not as pretty as her? Or because I'm not as refined? "But have you forgotten? If we had never been switched, the pretty, refined one would be me. Everything she has now was built on the suffering I endured for her." Julia froze and quickly shook her head. "That's not it. We just haven't adjusted yet." "You need time to adjust to your own daughter, huh? Then why didn't Uncle Hector and Aunt Daisy need time when they saw me?" Victoria pressed. Julia had no answer. But she thought it was because Hector and Daisy had no children, so of course, they would be happy. She took a deep breath and softened her voice. "Victoria, we won't treat you badly from now on. Your living expenses will be the same as Angelica's. Your father and I won't favor one over the other." Victoria gave a faint, mocking smile. "Should I thank you for that? Honestly, for me, not favoring one over the other is already the biggest favoritism. "You two are really kind. You don't want your own daughter, but you're willing to spend money raising the daughter of someone who ruined my life. I've never seen people this generous." Julia held back her anger and continued, "Victoria, stop making trouble. You're my real daughter. We finally found you. How could we let you keep suffering out there?" Victoria replied, "So you knew I was suffering. While I was suffering, that criminal's daughter was living here, enjoying everything you gave her in my place. "And now, on the very first day I come back, you're ready to push me away again." Curtis said coldly, "Get this straight. We're not pushing you away. You're the one making things difficult. You could stay here peacefully, but you refuse to accept Angelica." "How could I accept the daughter of a criminal?" Victoria asked. "If I hadn't been lucky enough to survive, her mother would be both a trafficker and a murderer. "She committed the crime, but her daughter hasn't been punished at all. Why should she get to keep living this rich, comfortable life as if nothing had happened?" Angelica's body swayed. Curtis quickly held her steady, his anger finally breaking through. "With your attitude, do you even deserve to stay here while Angelica leaves?" "Of course I do. First, I'm a Binder by blood. Second, unlike you, I'm not an idiot." After snapping at him, Victoria lost her patience. "Have you decided? Is she leaving, or am I?" Curtis pulled Angelica into his arms protectively and said firmly, "Dad, Mom, if I have to choose, then I only recognize Angelica as my sister." "Good. One vote." Victoria raised her index finger and then looked at Julia. "What about you?" Julia forced down her frustration and said gently, "Victoria, don't do this—" "Alright, that's two votes," Victoria said, not even bothering to listen. She turned to Darell. "Your vote doesn't matter anymore. There are already two votes for Angelica. Fine. Since that's the case, she stays. I'll leave." A trace of anxiety flashed in Angelica's eyes. If Victoria really left, there would be no one to take her place in marrying Jackson. ------ 👇👇👇 There are limited chapters to put here, click “continue reading” to open App to continue reading (It will automatically jump to the book)
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When a killer came in the night, Victoria Binder didn’t scream—she fought. And she won, burying the proof in her own garden. That was just the beginning. Unveiled as the lost heiress to a mighty fortune, Victoria returned to a family that despised her. She wasn’t there for their love. She was there for what was hers: the power, the legacy, the truth. ------ Chapter 1 I Want to Marry You "Victoria, we need to break up. It turns out I'm actually the heir to the Fairbank family, one of the most powerful families in Benwig City. You're just a country girl who sells herbs. You're not good enough for me anymore." Victoria Binder had just received a call from her boyfriend, Gavin Alvarado—no, Gavin Fairbank now. She had been about to tell him that she was the long-lost daughter of a wealthy family herself, but before she could say a word, she heard him claim she wasn't good enough for him. She let out a silent, cold laugh. The medicinal herbs she grew were incredibly valuable. Countless rich and influential families were trying to buy them at high prices. Her products had even appeared several times at the largest auction house in Benwig City. Gavin's arrogant voice came through the phone again. "With my status now, I need to marry a proper heiress from a family that matches mine. "But since we dated for two months, I won't treat you badly. Before I marry someone suitable, you can stay with me. Even after I get married, I can still keep you as my—" Before he could finish, Victoria snapped, "Asshole. If you want to break up, then we're done." She hung up immediately. The handsome man standing in front of her, Jackson Thornton, raised an eyebrow. He had been waiting for her response. He smiled. "So? You just found out you're the heiress of the Binder family, one of the richest families in Benwig City, and you still got dumped?" Victoria looked up at him and smiled brightly. "Funny coincidence. He just told me that he's the heir to a wealthy family in Benwig City and that I'm not good enough for him." Then her expression shifted, turning doubtful. "Wait a second. This whole thing about being the real daughter or real son of some rich family... Isn't that some new kind of scam going around?" Jackson paused for a moment, then smiled. "Of course not. You really are the true daughter of the Binder family." Victoria gave a nonchalant hum. She took the basket off her back, sat down on a chair, and began sorting the herbs she had just picked. "Then who are you?" she asked. "Why are you the one coming to find me instead of my biological parents?" Jackson glanced at the shabby house in front of him, then looked at Victoria, who sat casually on a small stool. He said, "If nothing unexpected happens, I'll soon be your fiancé. I'm Jackson, the eldest son of the Thornton family in Benwig City." Victoria almost slipped off her stool. She stared at him in shock. "What? Fiancé?" "That's right. But as you can see, I'm disabled now. I lost the use of my legs last month." Sitting in his wheelchair, Jackson lifted a hand and pointed at his legs, giving a helpless smile. "I see. And what does that have to do with you coming to find me today?" Victoria asked. Then she suddenly understood. "Wait. Are you saying that I'm the real daughter of the wealthy Binder family, and that they're planning to bring me back and have me marry you?" Jackson nodded, a hint of admiration in his eyes. "Exactly." Victoria's gaze flickered. Jackson continued, "Because of my legs, I'm about to be dumped. Just like you." Victoria caught on quickly. "So the one who was supposed to marry you was the Binder family's adopted daughter. But now that you're disabled, she doesn't want to marry you anymore." Jackson nodded again. "Yes. That's exactly it." Victoria almost let out a bitter laugh. "Then why don't you look upset at all?" Jackson said calmly, "You just got dumped by your boyfriend, and you don't look upset either." "He's just trash. Good riddance." Victoria curled her lips in disdain. Jackson studied her, the admiration in his eyes deepening. "You're surprisingly chill about it." Victoria let out a small scoff. "Of course. Why waste time and energy feeling bad over someone who isn't worth it?" She had started dating Gavin after saving his life by chance two years ago. After that, he had chased after her nonstop, using gratitude as an excuse. For two whole years, he acted devoted, as if he would never marry anyone but her. He didn't seem to have any serious flaws. She figured having a man around could help her take care of the herb garden and keep other men from bothering her, so she agreed to date him. But she never expected that the moment Gavin found out he was the heir to a wealthy family, he would turn on her so quickly. Jackson smiled. "Same here. She's trash anyway. Better not to marry her." There had never been anything between him and Angelica Binder. Their engagement had only been arranged by his grandfather for a business alliance. Now that his legs were disabled, Angelica's parents naturally didn't want her to marry him anymore. But the Thornton family was the most powerful family in Benwig City, with huge wealth and influence. They weren't willing to give up the alliance, either. In the end, they planned to have their biological daughter, Victoria, marry him in Angelica's place. Victoria went straight to the point. "It's just strange. How could it be such a coincidence? Right after your legs were disabled, my birth parents suddenly found me and decided to have me marry you instead of their adopted daughter." She let out a cold, mocking laugh. "Looks like they always knew I was their real daughter. I just had no value to them, so they left me out here all this time and never brought me home." Jackson didn't try to comfort her with lies. "I think you're right." Victoria gave a cold sneer. If that was true, then her birth parents were even more heartless than she had thought. Still, one thing didn't make sense to her. "Since you already know what the Binder family is planning, why not just give up on the alliance? Why walk straight into their trap?" "I had someone look into you," Jackson said calmly. "You sell medicine, and you're pretty well-known around here. "I heard you've treated quite a few difficult cases with your own methods. My legs are disabled. Over the past month, I've invited top doctors from all over the country, but none of them could help. "So I came here myself to see if marrying you would be a trap or a chance for me." He didn't hide why he came. Victoria found him interesting. She shrugged. "Well, you've seen me now. I'm just a wild country girl. My birth parents, the ones I've never even met, clearly don't like me. "Do you still want to marry someone like me? I'm just a real daughter who isn't valued and is just being used as a substitute bride." Jackson looked at her closely. At first glance, she wasn't the delicate type raised in comfort. Her skin wasn't soft. It had a light wheat tone that made her look healthy and full of life. But if one looked more carefully, her features were actually very refined. Her eyes were bright and clear, and there was strength in the way she looked at people. There was no trace of disrespect in Jackson's gaze. He looked sincere. "Yes. After meeting you, I'm sure I want to marry you. I just don't know if you're willing to give me a chance." Victoria studied his face. She had to admit that he was strikingly handsome, the kind of man who wouldn't be forgotten even in a huge crowd. His features were sharp, and his face was well-defined. What stood out the most was his eyes. Even after going through something as serious as losing the use of his legs, they were still clear. There was no bitterness or confusion. Victoria glanced at his legs again. "What's going on with them?" "They were broken with a wooden club last month," Jackson said. "I've had many well-known doctors take a look. They all said my legs are beyond saving. I'll never stand again." "Pull up your pant legs. Let me see," said Victoria. "Okay." Jackson did as she said, lifting his pant legs to reveal his knees and lower legs, covered in scars. Victoria's expression darkened. She set the herbs aside, stood up, and walked over to him. Then she bent down and pressed carefully on his knees. The pain made Jackson frown, but he didn't make a sound. "They can be treated," Victoria said firmly. Hope lit up in Jackson's eyes at once. Thinking about how her birth parents had ignored her existence for so many years, Victoria made up her mind. She would go back to Benwig City and take her place as the Binder family's true daughter. She wanted to meet them face to face. She clapped her hands lightly and sat back down on the small stool. "I can marry you." Jackson raised an eyebrow. "Do you have any conditions?" Victoria tilted her head and smiled brightly. "Listen to you. Do I need conditions to marry you? You're so good-looking. If I fix your legs, I'll be the one getting the better deal." Jackson hadn't expected her to be so straightforward. His brow lifted higher, and he let out a soft laugh. "Alright. Then it's settled. I'll wait for you to return to the Binder family." Chapter 2 A Welcome Gift After Jackson left his phone number with Victoria, he left the village with his assistant, Ollie Rowse. Victoria watched him go, her eyes growing thoughtful. She took out her phone and dialed a number. "Mara, I need you to look into everyone in the Binder family in Benwig City right away. Focus on their daughter. I want everything you can find, and I want it by tonight." "Yes, boss," Mara replied. After hanging up, Victoria's gaze turned even sharper. Ford had once told her about that freezing winter night twenty years ago. He had been on his way to settle down in a small southern town when he heard a baby crying from inside a trash bin. He got out of the car to check and found a baby girl, not even a month old, her skin red from the cold. If she hadn't been crying so loudly, and if he hadn't happened to pass that deserted road, she would have died quietly in that trash bin. That baby was Victoria. Ford gave her that name, hoping she would grow up strong and tough no matter what life threw at her. Even on his deathbed, Ford never stopped looking for her biological parents. And all this time, Victoria had believed they must have abandoned her because they had no other choice. But now, it seemed that wasn't true. Her biological parents didn't want her and had no intention of taking her back. If it weren't for the adopted daughter they had raised for twenty years, Victoria might have gone her whole life without parents. Just then, someone called out from outside, "Victoria, who was that man in the nice car looking for you?" It was Stephan, a middle-aged man from next door. He spent most of his time up in the mountains hunting herbs. Victoria put her phone away and walked out, smiling at him. "To be honest with you, that was my fiancé." Stephan looked surprised. "Your fiancé? You have good taste. He's a handsome man. Why didn't you ask him to stay for dinner?" "He had things to take care of in the city. He couldn't stay today," Victoria said. "Next time he comes, make sure he stays for a meal. Everything we eat here is grown by us. Let him try it. It's much better and healthier than city food," Stephan said. "I will," Victoria said with a smile. Stephan grabbed his tools and headed up into the mountains. Only after he left did Victoria go back inside to keep sorting the herbs she had picked. ***** After leaving Mullinran Village, Ollie, who was driving, glanced at Jackson's calm face in the rearview mirror and asked carefully, "Mr. Thornton, are you really going to marry her? "You saw it yourself. Her own parents don't even want her. She makes a living selling herbs and doing some basic medical work. "You just went through something serious, and this is when you need support the most. Marrying her won't help you secure your position in the Thornton family." Jackson shifted his gaze away from the fields outside the window and gently rubbed the petals of a purple flower he had picked from Victoria's doorstep. He asked, "Ollie, do you remember six months ago, when my grandfather was seriously ill and needed a very rare herb to survive?" Ollie wasn't sure why he changed the subject, but he nodded. "Of course. That herb showed up at the biggest auction house in Benwig City. You spent 30 million dollars to get it." "Didn't you notice? That same rare herb was hanging casually on the wall of her simple, run-down house," Jackson said. That one bundle alone would be worth a fortune at any auction in Benwig City. "What?" Ollie was stunned. From the moment they walked into Victoria's house, he had only noticed how shabby it looked and missed everything else. Now it finally clicked. "Do you mean her background might not be as simple as it seems?" Jackson lifted the purple flower to his nose and took a light breath. "I can't say for sure what her background is yet. But one thing is clear. Her medical skills are far from simple." Ollie understood right away. If that was true, then there was real hope for Jackson's legs. Still, he couldn't help asking, "If all you want is to fix your legs, you could just pay her a large amount of money. There's no need to marry her." Jackson blinked and slowly turned the flower between his fingers. A faint smile appeared on his lips. "What if I said I fell for her at first sight? Would you believe me?" Ollie paused and looked at him again through the rearview mirror. He seemed calm. He wasn't exactly joking, but he wasn't completely serious, either. But Jackson rarely joked, so Ollie couldn't tell how much of it was real. In the end, he chose to believe him. "I believe you." "Good. In my eyes, she is already my fiancée. From now on, you need to treat her with respect," Jackson said. "Understood." Ollie nodded. Jackson wasn't joking. When it came to love, he had never believed in feelings that grew over time. To him, if there was no spark at first sight, then staying together would only lead to a relationship based on weighing pros and cons, not the kind of love that made his heart race. That was why, when his grandfather arranged his engagement to Angelica, he had agreed for practical reasons alone. But when he saw Victoria, everything changed. It felt like the world spun around him, and everything else faded away. In his eyes, she was the only color left. He couldn't explain why it had to be her. Maybe it was that moment when their eyes met, when the light in hers pulled him in like a whirlpool. Jackson picked up a book from the car and carefully placed the small purple flower between its pages. Then he closed the book and shut his eyes. ***** At eight that evening, Victoria had just finished bringing in the herbs she had been drying on the roof when her phone rang. She set the herbs aside, brushed the dust off her hands, and picked up the call. Mara's cool voice came through. "Boss, I found what you asked for. The Binder family has only one daughter. She was born to the second son, Darell, and his wife, Julia. Her name is Angelica. She's the same age as you. "She's very spoiled at home. Two months ago, Darell arranged a great marriage for her. She's engaged to Jackson, the eldest son of the Thornton family, the most powerful family in Benwig City. "Jackson had already been chosen by his grandfather, Gerry, as the next heir. But last month, he had an accident. Someone broke both his legs, and the announcement was put on hold." "What is Angelica like?" Victoria asked. "She has a very good reputation. She's beautiful and talented. A lot of rich young men in Benwig City admire her. That's probably why she gained Gerry's approval for the marriage," Mara said. Victoria let out a cold laugh to herself. She didn't believe for a second that Angelica's perfect life came without tricks. "Got it. Now find out if Angelica is really Darell and Julia's biological daughter," Victoria said. "You're focusing on the Binder family, especially Angelica. What are you planning to do?" Mara asked. "I'm going back to take my place," Victoria said. A faint spark lit up in her deep eyes. She found the idea of being the Binder family's real daughter interesting. Victoria had many identities. The one she used the most was a village herbalist and healer. In her daily life, she spent time with her retired scientist friends in the village, growing new herbs and developing new medicines. Over the years, she had cultivated twenty kinds of rare medicinal plants. Because they were so hard to produce, they sold for extremely high prices. Any one of them, if sold at auction in Benwig City, could earn more than most people made in a lifetime. On top of that, she was skilled in traditional medical techniques. When she treated regular villagers, she charged normal fees. But when rich families or powerful figures came to her, her starting fee was three million dollars. Of course, she guaranteed results. If she couldn't cure them, she wouldn't take a single dollar. This identity alone had already made her very rich. Money no longer meant much to her. So when her ex-boyfriend, Gavin, said she wasn't good enough for him, she found it almost funny. If she wanted, she could build her own place in Benwig City without relying on anyone. Over the years, all her different identities had started to feel dull. It was time to try something new. And she had to admit, Jackson impressed her. Out of all the people she had treated, none had faced sudden injury like he did, so calm and steady. His willpower was strong. He was someone who would go far. He was handsome and capable. It would be a waste for him to stay crippled. So she would fix his legs. Mara quickly understood, her voice turning serious. "Understood, boss. I'll get on it right away." ***** Late that night, Victoria was fast asleep when she heard wood cracking outside. Her eyes opened at once, sharp and alert, and she turned toward the sound. Anyone showing up at this hour without warning was not from the village. She had spread powders around her home to keep wild animals away, so no beasts would come near. That left only one answer. Someone had broken in. Victoria got up quietly and, using the moonlight, moved to hide behind the door. Soon, her old wooden door was kicked open, and a shadow rushed inside. She hadn't expected him to be so bold, barging in instead of sneaking around. She flicked a silver needle straight at him. The man let out a low groan and dropped to the ground. Victoria turned on the light, filling the room with brightness. She kicked him aside and finally saw his face clearly. He looked like a hardened criminal. She grabbed a rope, walked over, and tied up his hands and feet. Once he was secured, she took out a needle and stuck it into his neck. Within seconds, he woke up. Victoria sat on the bed, crossing her legs as she played with another needle. "If you don't want to suffer, you'd better tell me the truth. Who sent you?" The man quickly sized up the situation. "People who hire killers stay anonymous. Who would be stupid enough to give their name? But they said that if I raped you, they would get me out of the country safely." Victoria's eyes turned cold and sharp. If he needed to run overseas, that meant he was already a wanted criminal. The man hurried to beg, "I've told you everything I know. Let me go. I won't take this job anymore." Victoria nodded. "Fine." She walked over, pulled out the needle, and untied the ropes. "You can leave." The man rubbed his wrists. "Thanks—" Before he could finish, his face suddenly changed. He lifted his leg and tried to kick Victoria in the knee. But the moment his foot rose, a sharp pain shot through him. Then his whole body went numb. He couldn't move. He looked down in terror. A small black snake had bitten his ankle. "How is there a poisonous snake here—" Before he could finish, blood burst from his throat. His body fell stiffly to the ground. After a few jerks, he went still. Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Trying to kill me in my place? You asked for it. Good job, Blackie. Go rest." The little black snake slipped into a dark corner and quickly disappeared. Victoria picked up a hoe, stuffed the body into a large basket, and lifted it onto her back with ease. She carried it outside and buried it near her vegetable garden. It would make good fertilizer for her herbs. After that, she let out a long breath, brushed off her hands, and looked up at the nearly full moon. She had just learned who she really was, and someone had already sent a man to ruin her. It seemed that someone had prepared a "welcome gift" for her in advance. Chapter 3 We've Got Your Back The next day at noon, a black Bentley worth 1.5 million dollars stopped in front of Victoria's house. Victoria was grinding the herbs she had picked the day before. When she heard the car, she glanced out the window and checked the license plate. It was from Benwig City, just as she expected. She finished grinding the herbs, put them into jars, brushed the dust off her hands, and walked outside. She went straight to the car and knocked on the window. A moment later, the window slid down, revealing the still handsome face of a middle-aged man—Hector Binder. He looked about fifty, with neatly slicked-back hair. A woman sat beside him. She looked about the same age. Even though she wasn't young anymore, she had taken good care of herself and looked as if she were in her thirties. Her features were still soft and beautiful. Victoria didn't waste time. "Are you here for me?" Hector, sitting in the back seat, looked at her, then at the photo in his hand. His eyes lit up. "Daisy, it's her. She's the one we're looking for." Daisy's eyes filled with excitement, even shining with tears. "Yes, it's her. No mistake." They quickly opened the door, got out of the car, and walked over to Victoria. Hector nodded. "Yes. You're the real daughter the Binder family lost years ago. We're here to take you back." Victoria looked straight into his eyes. He seemed like a decent man, and the excitement in his expression matched Daisy's. It didn't look fake. This couple didn't seem to have anything to do with what happened to her last night. Hector paused, a little surprised. "How did you know we were coming?" But he didn't dwell on it. Instead, he explained, "You are the young lady of the Binder family. "When you were little, someone switched you with another baby. That's why you ended up here. You've suffered for twenty years, living away from your real home." As soon as he finished, Daisy started to choke up. "Poor child." Victoria stayed calm. "So, are you my parents?" Hector and Daisy froze. They exchanged a look, then answered awkwardly, "No. We're your uncle and aunt." Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Then why aren't my parents here? Why did they send you instead?" Daisy looked uneasy. "Something came up at home. They couldn't leave, so they asked us to come get you." Victoria saw right through it. "You don't have to cover for them. I'm not a child. What could be more important than picking up their own daughter? They just didn't want to come." Hearing that, Daisy stepped forward and gently hugged her. Tears slipped down her face. "My poor child, you've suffered so much." Victoria didn't expect the sudden hug. At first, she wanted to pull away, but the warmth of it stopped her. It felt soft and comforting, unlike any embrace she had experienced in twenty years. It was, perhaps, the closest she had ever come to what a mother's embrace should feel like. She let out a quiet sigh. For a moment, she thought that if these two were her real parents, it wouldn't be so bad. After a while, Daisy let go and held her hand. "Go pack your things. We'll take you home today. You won't have to live like this anymore." Victoria nodded. "Okay. Wait for me. I'll go pack." She didn't need to bring clothes. The only things she needed were the medicines she had made. After packing all the bottles of medicine powder and poison powder from the wooden cabinet, Victoria called out, "Blackie, Whitey, Greenie, come out. I'm taking you somewhere new." As soon as she finished, three small snakes slid out from the corners and crawled into a sack. Victoria tied the sack and slung it over her shoulder. Then she took a drum from the old cabinet. After giving the shabby house one last look, she walked outside and began to beat the drum. The loud sound of the drum echoed through the area. Hector and Daisy, waiting outside, looked confused. Before long, the villagers gathered around. They looked at Victoria with concern. "Victoria, what's wrong? What happened?" Victoria set down the drum, cleared her throat, and said, "Everyone, you all know I'm an orphan. I grew up without parents, raised by all of you. "But now I know who my real parents are. It turns out I'm the daughter of the Binder family in Benwig City." The villagers were happy for her at first, but then she continued, "But here's the thing. My real parents knew all along who I was, but they never came to acknowledge me. "And now, the only reason they're taking me back is to make me marry a disabled man in place of their adopted daughter." Hector and Daisy were stunned. They had no idea about any of this. The villagers were furious. "What kind of people are they? They knew you were their real daughter but ignored you all this time, and now they want to use you like this, huh?" "Blind fools! You're such a good girl, and they treat you like a tool, making you marry some cripple instead of their adopted daughter." "Victoria, don't listen to those heartless people." "That's right. Ignore them. We'll go teach them a lesson." "The Binder family? They're nothing special in Benwig City, acting all high and mighty. Victoria, you don't need to go back with them." Victoria raised her hand to quiet them. "Everyone, calm down. I've decided to go back to the Binder family for this arranged marriage. "But I'm going back to teach them a lesson. So I'm telling you all ahead of time. Please help take care of the herbs I just planted in my yard." Even though the villagers didn't really understand, they still respected her choice. "Okay. But if anyone from the Binder family dares to bully you, just call me. I'll get people to take them down," one person said. "That's right. We've got your back," another added. Victoria waved her hand. "Thank you, everyone. That's all I wanted to say. You can all head back now." After that, she turned to Hector and Daisy, who were still waiting, and gave them a light smile. "We can go now." Hector and Daisy were still a little stunned. When they heard her, they finally snapped out of it. "Oh, okay." "Let me carry that." The driver stepped forward and reached for the sack. "Be careful. It's heavy," Victoria said. The driver didn't believe it at first. But the moment he took it with both hands, he almost dropped it on his foot. Victoria blinked at him. "Can you handle it? Don't break anything inside." "No problem." The driver forced a smile, gritted his teeth, and lifted the sack into the trunk. By the time he got back into the driver's seat, he was sweating all over. He hadn't expected Victoria to be this strong despite looking so thin. After getting into the car, Daisy and Hector looked at each other, then kept glancing at Victoria. They seemed to want to say something, but neither of them knew how to start. In the end, Daisy asked, "Victoria, you just told the villagers about marrying a disabled man instead of that adopted daughter. What did you mean?" "You didn't know?" Victoria looked back at her, her eyes narrowing with suspicion. Daisy shook her head. "Hector and I really had no idea. About half a month ago, your parents suddenly told us Angelica wasn't their biological daughter. Then they sent people to look into it. "Just yesterday, they found out their real daughter was living here. That's why they want to bring you back today." Hector nodded to confirm her words. Victoria smiled faintly. "Then why do you think they didn't come themselves?" Daisy fell silent. To her, it was absurd that Victoria's parents would have relatives fetch their biological daughter instead of coming themselves. But the truth would hurt Victoria, so she chose not to say anything. Victoria let out a bitter laugh. "Aunt Daisy, even if you don't say it, I can guess. Just like I said, they don't want to acknowledge me. "They're only bringing me back because they have no choice. They want me to marry that disabled heir in place of their precious adopted daughter." Her gaze was clear and calm, and there was a quiet maturity about her that went far beyond her years. Hector frowned slightly. "Victoria, how did you find out about this arranged marriage?" Victoria smiled. "Secret." On the way, Daisy told her a lot about the Binder family. It wasn't much different from what Mara had already found out. The Binder family was still led by Calvin. He had two sons and one daughter. The eldest son, Hector, was the one who had come to get Victoria, and his wife was Daisy. They didn't have any children. The second son, Darell, was Victoria's biological father. He and his wife, Julia, had two sons and one daughter. The eldest son, Simon, managed the family's entertainment company, Brightstar Entertainment. The second son, Curtis, was a well-known singer under the same company. Then there was the youngest daughter, Angelica. She was considered very outstanding. At just twenty, she had already skipped grades and finished college. She was now preparing to study abroad after getting engaged to the eldest son of the Thornton family. Angelica was the baby who had been switched with Victoria. As for Calvin's daughter, Sirena, she had already married into another wealthy family and only returned for holidays. The drive from the village to Benwig City took six hours over bumpy roads. By the time they arrived, it was dark. "We're here," the driver said as he stopped the car. Victoria looked out the window. In front of her stood a large estate, with several villas spread across it. It looked grand and impressive. The Binder family mansion alone was almost as big as the entire Mullinran Village. Victoria got out of the car and followed Hector and Daisy inside. The head butler, Milton, who had been waiting at the door, stepped forward respectfully. "You're back." He looked at Victoria and gave a polite nod. "This must be Miss Victoria Binder." "Yes," Daisy replied. Then she looked at Victoria gently. "Victoria, go in and meet your parents and brother." Victoria said nothing. She quietly followed them inside. They passed through the wide front yard and stepped into the entrance hall. Standing at the doorway, she quickly scanned the four people sitting on the sofas in the main hall. First, she saw a middle-aged couple dressed in expensive clothes, carrying themselves with an air of wealth and status. Next was a handsome young man who looked a bit rebellious. Finally, there was a beautiful young woman about her age. The corners of her eyes were red, and she looked pitiful, as if she had been crying. None of them looked happy. Their faces were tense, filled with worry. When they looked at her, Victoria caught the flash of disgust in their eyes. A faint smile appeared on her lips. She thought the family was really quite interesting. Chapter 4 Are You an Idiot? "Darell, Julia, I brought your daughter back," Daisy said. She gently patted Victoria on the back. "Victoria, go say hello to your parents and your brother." Victoria didn't move. With a faint, mocking smile, she asked, "Aunt Daisy, are they really my parents and brother?" Daisy froze for a moment, then nodded. "Yes, they are. Why do you ask?" Victoria let out a cold laugh. "I'm supposed to be their daughter and sister, but why do they all look like they can't stand me?" The four people in the room all stiffened. They hadn't expected her to be so direct. Daisy froze again. She wanted to say something, but stopped herself. She knew what Darell and Julia were thinking. They didn't want to accept this daughter because they already had an excellent adopted one. They would rather stay home and comfort their adopted daughter's feelings than spend even a little time going to the village to pick up their real daughter. Simon and Curtis felt the same way. They were closer to the sister they had lived with for twenty years. None of them wanted to hurt her feelings just to pick up Victoria. Simon didn't even bother to show up; he was still at work. In the end, Daisy couldn't take it anymore and offered to go with Hector to bring Victoria home. What she didn't expect was that even after Victoria came back, Darell and Julia still acted like this. They didn't even try to hide it. Julia looked at Darell, and he looked back at her. In that brief exchange, they reached an understanding. Victoria clearly wasn't as quiet and easy to control as they had thought. They couldn't just brush her aside. If they wanted her to willingly take Angelica's place in the marriage to Jackson later, they would have to act nice and coax her a little. Julia hesitated, then forced herself to stand up. She put on a pained expression and walked toward Victoria. "My child, you've suffered so much out there." Victoria stepped aside slightly and avoided her touch. "Stop pretending. I don't see any concern in your eyes." Julia froze in place. A wave of anger rose inside her. She had lowered herself to show kindness, yet Victoria had refused it and embarrassed her in front of everyone. But to her, Victoria's lack of manners was no surprise. She had grown up in the countryside without her parents and had never been properly brought up. Julia forced a stiff smile. "I carried you for ten months. Of course, it hurts me to know you've suffered." Victoria sneered, "Is that so? If you really feel that way, why didn't you come pick me up today? Why did you send Uncle Hector and Aunt Daisy instead?" Daisy wanted to speak, but Hector gently held her hand and shook his head. He said quietly, "Daisy, we've already brought her back. What happens now is their family matter. Let them handle it. Let's go home." Daisy looked at Victoria, her eyes full of worry and sympathy. But she knew Hector was right. This was between Victoria and her parents. No matter what happened, she had no right to interfere. "Julia, now that Victoria is back, you should treat her well. Don't hurt her again. Daisy and I will head back now," Hector said politely, hoping his words would help a little. Darell nodded. "Thank you for your help today." Daisy said gently, "Victoria, we are leaving. If you need anything, come find us at Goldenwood Villa on the east side." With that, she reluctantly turned and left. Victoria watched them walk away, then quickly looked away. Once they were gone, Julia finally breathed a sigh of relief. "This is all my fault. Your father and I didn't go pick you up ourselves because I'm very emotional. "I was afraid that if I saw how poorly you were living, I wouldn't be able to handle it. So I stayed home to calm myself and prepare to welcome you." She was lying. Actually, after Angelica found out last night that she wasn't their real daughter, she had been upset the whole night. This morning, she was so distracted that she couldn't even eat. Julia felt sorry for her and stayed home to comfort her. Victoria's eyes were full of sarcasm. "So what exactly did you prepare for me?" Julia quickly said, "I've already cleaned up a room for you. Come, I'll show you." She reached for Victoria's hand again, but Victoria dodged her once more. "So cleaning a room was more important than coming to pick me up yourself." Julia's hand hung in the air. A trace of impatience flashed across her eyes. "Forget the room. I'm not even sure I'll stay," Victoria said. Then she pointed at the young woman about her age. "Who is she?" Angelica froze. Her eyes instantly turned red. She gently tugged on Curtis's sleeve. Curtis held her hand and said softly, "Angelica, don't be afraid." After comforting her, Curtis looked at Victoria coldly. His tone turned sharp. "I'm your brother, Curtis. And she's my sister, Angelica." He deliberately stressed the words "my sister." "I see." Victoria's voice carried a hint of sarcasm. "So that means she's the adopted daughter who was switched with me, right?" Angelica's hand trembled. Tears gathered in her eyes, ready to fall. Curtis's face darkened. He emphasized, "In my heart, Angelica is my real sister." Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Calling her your real sister? Are you an idiot?" Everyone except Victoria froze at her words. Curtis stared at her in disbelief. "You just called me an idiot, huh?" Victoria laughed mockingly. "Yeah. Did I say anything wrong? Don't you know her mother was the one who secretly switched us back then?" Angelica's birth mother, Jasmine, had worked as a customer service representative at a postpartum care center. When Julia was three months pregnant, she started looking for a high-end center, and Jasmine had served her. By coincidence, Jasmine was also pregnant at the time. When she realized Julia was wealthy, she started having bad thoughts. She secretly followed Julia to find out which center she chose and forced herself to spend the money to book the same one. During the recovery period after giving birth, Jasmine secretly switched her own daughter with Julia's without anyone noticing. At the time, Angelica had an allergic rash on her face. Julia didn't realize anything was wrong, and when she left the center, she took Angelica home. Angelica bit her lip. Tears finally streamed down her face. "I'm sorry." Curtis held her cold hand tightly and gently said, "Angelica, this has nothing to do with you." Then he turned to Victoria, his voice full of anger. "Yes, her mother switched you back then. But Angelica is innocent. She didn't know anything about it." Victoria laughed out loud, her eyes full of ridicule. "Oh, she's innocent? She spent twenty years enjoying my life, living in comfort and luxury. "And me? I was thrown into a trash can by her cruel mother in the freezing cold. If no one had found me, I would have died right after I was born." Chapter 5 I'll Leave Victoria's words left Curtis speechless. He had just started to feel a bit guilty when Angelica suddenly broke down in tears again. She said, "I'm sorry. It's all my fault. It's my fault for having a mother like that. Victoria, if you hate me, you can hit me or yell at me, but please don't blame Curtis." As she spoke, she struggled to pull free from Curtis's hand. With a determined look, she bit her lip and ran toward Victoria. "Angelica!" Curtis panicked and quickly got up to follow her. Angelica ran up to Victoria and was about to bow, but Curtis caught up just in time and pulled her back. "Angelica, what are you doing? This isn't your fault. It's your mother's fault." Victoria watched the whole scene and suddenly laughed. She even clapped her hands like she was watching a show. "This is really something. Are you putting on a pity act for me?" The small bit of guilt Curtis had felt disappeared right away. After helping Angelica steady herself, he looked at Victoria coldly. "Why are you being so unreasonable?" he asked. "Angelica already apologized sincerely, and you're still mocking her." "I'm not just mocking her. I'm mocking all of you," Victoria said. "Her mother planned everything, found a way to switch us, and let her take twenty years of the life that should have been mine. "Now that I'm back, you guys are still protecting her right in front of me. It's a shame that I ended up with a family like this." Curtis's face darkened even more. Julia looked helplessly at Darell. She hadn't expected Victoria to be so stubborn and didn't know how to deal with her. No matter how she looked at it, Julia just couldn't bring herself to like Victoria. Darell, who had been silent until now, finally spoke up. "That's enough, Victoria. Angelica's mother has already been punished. Angelica is alone now, with no one to rely on. "Your mother and I raised her for twenty years. We can't just throw her out. The Binder family has more than enough. Keeping her here is no big deal. She won't affect you." But Victoria didn't accept that. "If it's really no big deal, then she can live anywhere. Why does she have to stay here and bother me? "Every time I see her, I'm reminded of everything I went through after being switched." Darell didn't expect her to keep pushing like this. Just like Julia, he began to feel more and more resistant toward Victoria. Compared to Angelica, who was gentle and understanding, Victoria seemed completely rude to him. Angelica bit her lip and let her tears fall silently. She looked pitiful, making it hard not to feel sorry for her. Seeing how aggressive Victoria was, Curtis finally lost his temper. "So you won't be satisfied unless we send Angelica away, huh?" Victoria nodded. "That's right. We're not both living here. It's one or the other." As soon as she said that, everyone's faces darkened. "I don't want to leave you," Angelica said through her tears, looking completely wronged. It made anyone who saw her feel bad. Curtis held her hand tightly. "Angelica, don't worry. You don't have to go anywhere. As long as I'm here, I won't let anyone drive you out of the Binder family. You'll always be my sister. You're part of us." Victoria raised an eyebrow. "So you want me to leave, huh?" Julia was already at her limit, but she forced herself to stay calm. "Victoria, you just got back. You don't really know Angelica yet. "She's kind and understanding. Once you spend some time with her, you'll accept her. Her staying here won't affect your place. No matter what, you're our real daughter." Victoria sneered, "Really? Then why did all of you look disgusted the moment you saw me? Is it because I'm not as pretty as her? Or because I'm not as refined? "But have you forgotten? If we had never been switched, the pretty, refined one would be me. Everything she has now was built on the suffering I endured for her." Julia froze and quickly shook her head. "That's not it. We just haven't adjusted yet." "You need time to adjust to your own daughter, huh? Then why didn't Uncle Hector and Aunt Daisy need time when they saw me?" Victoria pressed. Julia had no answer. But she thought it was because Hector and Daisy had no children, so of course, they would be happy. She took a deep breath and softened her voice. "Victoria, we won't treat you badly from now on. Your living expenses will be the same as Angelica's. Your father and I won't favor one over the other." Victoria gave a faint, mocking smile. "Should I thank you for that? Honestly, for me, not favoring one over the other is already the biggest favoritism. "You two are really kind. You don't want your own daughter, but you're willing to spend money raising the daughter of someone who ruined my life. I've never seen people this generous." Julia held back her anger and continued, "Victoria, stop making trouble. You're my real daughter. We finally found you. How could we let you keep suffering out there?" Victoria replied, "So you knew I was suffering. While I was suffering, that criminal's daughter was living here, enjoying everything you gave her in my place. "And now, on the very first day I come back, you're ready to push me away again." Curtis said coldly, "Get this straight. We're not pushing you away. You're the one making things difficult. You could stay here peacefully, but you refuse to accept Angelica." "How could I accept the daughter of a criminal?" Victoria asked. "If I hadn't been lucky enough to survive, her mother would be both a trafficker and a murderer. "She committed the crime, but her daughter hasn't been punished at all. Why should she get to keep living this rich, comfortable life as if nothing had happened?" Angelica's body swayed. Curtis quickly held her steady, his anger finally breaking through. "With your attitude, do you even deserve to stay here while Angelica leaves?" "Of course I do. First, I'm a Binder by blood. Second, unlike you, I'm not an idiot." After snapping at him, Victoria lost her patience. "Have you decided? Is she leaving, or am I?" Curtis pulled Angelica into his arms protectively and said firmly, "Dad, Mom, if I have to choose, then I only recognize Angelica as my sister." "Good. One vote." Victoria raised her index finger and then looked at Julia. "What about you?" Julia forced down her frustration and said gently, "Victoria, don't do this—" "Alright, that's two votes," Victoria said, not even bothering to listen. She turned to Darell. "Your vote doesn't matter anymore. There are already two votes for Angelica. Fine. Since that's the case, she stays. I'll leave." A trace of anxiety flashed in Angelica's eyes. If Victoria really left, there would be no one to take her place in marrying Jackson. ------ 👇👇👇 There are limited chapters to put here, click “continue reading” to open App to continue reading (It will automatically jump to the book)
When a killer came in the night, Victoria Binder didn’t scream—she fought. And she won, burying the proof in her own garden. That was just the beginning. Unveiled as the lost heiress to a mighty fortune, Victoria returned to a family that despised her. She wasn’t there for their love. She was there for what was hers: the power, the legacy, the truth. ------ Chapter 1 I Want to Marry You "Victoria, we need to break up. It turns out I'm actually the heir to the Fairbank family, one of the most powerful families in Benwig City. You're just a country girl who sells herbs. You're not good enough for me anymore." Victoria Binder had just received a call from her boyfriend, Gavin Alvarado—no, Gavin Fairbank now. She had been about to tell him that she was the long-lost daughter of a wealthy family herself, but before she could say a word, she heard him claim she wasn't good enough for him. She let out a silent, cold laugh. The medicinal herbs she grew were incredibly valuable. Countless rich and influential families were trying to buy them at high prices. Her products had even appeared several times at the largest auction house in Benwig City. Gavin's arrogant voice came through the phone again. "With my status now, I need to marry a proper heiress from a family that matches mine. "But since we dated for two months, I won't treat you badly. Before I marry someone suitable, you can stay with me. Even after I get married, I can still keep you as my—" Before he could finish, Victoria snapped, "Asshole. If you want to break up, then we're done." She hung up immediately. The handsome man standing in front of her, Jackson Thornton, raised an eyebrow. He had been waiting for her response. He smiled. "So? You just found out you're the heiress of the Binder family, one of the richest families in Benwig City, and you still got dumped?" Victoria looked up at him and smiled brightly. "Funny coincidence. He just told me that he's the heir to a wealthy family in Benwig City and that I'm not good enough for him." Then her expression shifted, turning doubtful. "Wait a second. This whole thing about being the real daughter or real son of some rich family... Isn't that some new kind of scam going around?" Jackson paused for a moment, then smiled. "Of course not. You really are the true daughter of the Binder family." Victoria gave a nonchalant hum. She took the basket off her back, sat down on a chair, and began sorting the herbs she had just picked. "Then who are you?" she asked. "Why are you the one coming to find me instead of my biological parents?" Jackson glanced at the shabby house in front of him, then looked at Victoria, who sat casually on a small stool. He said, "If nothing unexpected happens, I'll soon be your fiancé. I'm Jackson, the eldest son of the Thornton family in Benwig City." Victoria almost slipped off her stool. She stared at him in shock. "What? Fiancé?" "That's right. But as you can see, I'm disabled now. I lost the use of my legs last month." Sitting in his wheelchair, Jackson lifted a hand and pointed at his legs, giving a helpless smile. "I see. And what does that have to do with you coming to find me today?" Victoria asked. Then she suddenly understood. "Wait. Are you saying that I'm the real daughter of the wealthy Binder family, and that they're planning to bring me back and have me marry you?" Jackson nodded, a hint of admiration in his eyes. "Exactly." Victoria's gaze flickered. Jackson continued, "Because of my legs, I'm about to be dumped. Just like you." Victoria caught on quickly. "So the one who was supposed to marry you was the Binder family's adopted daughter. But now that you're disabled, she doesn't want to marry you anymore." Jackson nodded again. "Yes. That's exactly it." Victoria almost let out a bitter laugh. "Then why don't you look upset at all?" Jackson said calmly, "You just got dumped by your boyfriend, and you don't look upset either." "He's just trash. Good riddance." Victoria curled her lips in disdain. Jackson studied her, the admiration in his eyes deepening. "You're surprisingly chill about it." Victoria let out a small scoff. "Of course. Why waste time and energy feeling bad over someone who isn't worth it?" She had started dating Gavin after saving his life by chance two years ago. After that, he had chased after her nonstop, using gratitude as an excuse. For two whole years, he acted devoted, as if he would never marry anyone but her. He didn't seem to have any serious flaws. She figured having a man around could help her take care of the herb garden and keep other men from bothering her, so she agreed to date him. But she never expected that the moment Gavin found out he was the heir to a wealthy family, he would turn on her so quickly. Jackson smiled. "Same here. She's trash anyway. Better not to marry her." There had never been anything between him and Angelica Binder. Their engagement had only been arranged by his grandfather for a business alliance. Now that his legs were disabled, Angelica's parents naturally didn't want her to marry him anymore. But the Thornton family was the most powerful family in Benwig City, with huge wealth and influence. They weren't willing to give up the alliance, either. In the end, they planned to have their biological daughter, Victoria, marry him in Angelica's place. Victoria went straight to the point. "It's just strange. How could it be such a coincidence? Right after your legs were disabled, my birth parents suddenly found me and decided to have me marry you instead of their adopted daughter." She let out a cold, mocking laugh. "Looks like they always knew I was their real daughter. I just had no value to them, so they left me out here all this time and never brought me home." Jackson didn't try to comfort her with lies. "I think you're right." Victoria gave a cold sneer. If that was true, then her birth parents were even more heartless than she had thought. Still, one thing didn't make sense to her. "Since you already know what the Binder family is planning, why not just give up on the alliance? Why walk straight into their trap?" "I had someone look into you," Jackson said calmly. "You sell medicine, and you're pretty well-known around here. "I heard you've treated quite a few difficult cases with your own methods. My legs are disabled. Over the past month, I've invited top doctors from all over the country, but none of them could help. "So I came here myself to see if marrying you would be a trap or a chance for me." He didn't hide why he came. Victoria found him interesting. She shrugged. "Well, you've seen me now. I'm just a wild country girl. My birth parents, the ones I've never even met, clearly don't like me. "Do you still want to marry someone like me? I'm just a real daughter who isn't valued and is just being used as a substitute bride." Jackson looked at her closely. At first glance, she wasn't the delicate type raised in comfort. Her skin wasn't soft. It had a light wheat tone that made her look healthy and full of life. But if one looked more carefully, her features were actually very refined. Her eyes were bright and clear, and there was strength in the way she looked at people. There was no trace of disrespect in Jackson's gaze. He looked sincere. "Yes. After meeting you, I'm sure I want to marry you. I just don't know if you're willing to give me a chance." Victoria studied his face. She had to admit that he was strikingly handsome, the kind of man who wouldn't be forgotten even in a huge crowd. His features were sharp, and his face was well-defined. What stood out the most was his eyes. Even after going through something as serious as losing the use of his legs, they were still clear. There was no bitterness or confusion. Victoria glanced at his legs again. "What's going on with them?" "They were broken with a wooden club last month," Jackson said. "I've had many well-known doctors take a look. They all said my legs are beyond saving. I'll never stand again." "Pull up your pant legs. Let me see," said Victoria. "Okay." Jackson did as she said, lifting his pant legs to reveal his knees and lower legs, covered in scars. Victoria's expression darkened. She set the herbs aside, stood up, and walked over to him. Then she bent down and pressed carefully on his knees. The pain made Jackson frown, but he didn't make a sound. "They can be treated," Victoria said firmly. Hope lit up in Jackson's eyes at once. Thinking about how her birth parents had ignored her existence for so many years, Victoria made up her mind. She would go back to Benwig City and take her place as the Binder family's true daughter. She wanted to meet them face to face. She clapped her hands lightly and sat back down on the small stool. "I can marry you." Jackson raised an eyebrow. "Do you have any conditions?" Victoria tilted her head and smiled brightly. "Listen to you. Do I need conditions to marry you? You're so good-looking. If I fix your legs, I'll be the one getting the better deal." Jackson hadn't expected her to be so straightforward. His brow lifted higher, and he let out a soft laugh. "Alright. Then it's settled. I'll wait for you to return to the Binder family." Chapter 2 A Welcome Gift After Jackson left his phone number with Victoria, he left the village with his assistant, Ollie Rowse. Victoria watched him go, her eyes growing thoughtful. She took out her phone and dialed a number. "Mara, I need you to look into everyone in the Binder family in Benwig City right away. Focus on their daughter. I want everything you can find, and I want it by tonight." "Yes, boss," Mara replied. After hanging up, Victoria's gaze turned even sharper. Ford had once told her about that freezing winter night twenty years ago. He had been on his way to settle down in a small southern town when he heard a baby crying from inside a trash bin. He got out of the car to check and found a baby girl, not even a month old, her skin red from the cold. If she hadn't been crying so loudly, and if he hadn't happened to pass that deserted road, she would have died quietly in that trash bin. That baby was Victoria. Ford gave her that name, hoping she would grow up strong and tough no matter what life threw at her. Even on his deathbed, Ford never stopped looking for her biological parents. And all this time, Victoria had believed they must have abandoned her because they had no other choice. But now, it seemed that wasn't true. Her biological parents didn't want her and had no intention of taking her back. If it weren't for the adopted daughter they had raised for twenty years, Victoria might have gone her whole life without parents. Just then, someone called out from outside, "Victoria, who was that man in the nice car looking for you?" It was Stephan, a middle-aged man from next door. He spent most of his time up in the mountains hunting herbs. Victoria put her phone away and walked out, smiling at him. "To be honest with you, that was my fiancé." Stephan looked surprised. "Your fiancé? You have good taste. He's a handsome man. Why didn't you ask him to stay for dinner?" "He had things to take care of in the city. He couldn't stay today," Victoria said. "Next time he comes, make sure he stays for a meal. Everything we eat here is grown by us. Let him try it. It's much better and healthier than city food," Stephan said. "I will," Victoria said with a smile. Stephan grabbed his tools and headed up into the mountains. Only after he left did Victoria go back inside to keep sorting the herbs she had picked. ***** After leaving Mullinran Village, Ollie, who was driving, glanced at Jackson's calm face in the rearview mirror and asked carefully, "Mr. Thornton, are you really going to marry her? "You saw it yourself. Her own parents don't even want her. She makes a living selling herbs and doing some basic medical work. "You just went through something serious, and this is when you need support the most. Marrying her won't help you secure your position in the Thornton family." Jackson shifted his gaze away from the fields outside the window and gently rubbed the petals of a purple flower he had picked from Victoria's doorstep. He asked, "Ollie, do you remember six months ago, when my grandfather was seriously ill and needed a very rare herb to survive?" Ollie wasn't sure why he changed the subject, but he nodded. "Of course. That herb showed up at the biggest auction house in Benwig City. You spent 30 million dollars to get it." "Didn't you notice? That same rare herb was hanging casually on the wall of her simple, run-down house," Jackson said. That one bundle alone would be worth a fortune at any auction in Benwig City. "What?" Ollie was stunned. From the moment they walked into Victoria's house, he had only noticed how shabby it looked and missed everything else. Now it finally clicked. "Do you mean her background might not be as simple as it seems?" Jackson lifted the purple flower to his nose and took a light breath. "I can't say for sure what her background is yet. But one thing is clear. Her medical skills are far from simple." Ollie understood right away. If that was true, then there was real hope for Jackson's legs. Still, he couldn't help asking, "If all you want is to fix your legs, you could just pay her a large amount of money. There's no need to marry her." Jackson blinked and slowly turned the flower between his fingers. A faint smile appeared on his lips. "What if I said I fell for her at first sight? Would you believe me?" Ollie paused and looked at him again through the rearview mirror. He seemed calm. He wasn't exactly joking, but he wasn't completely serious, either. But Jackson rarely joked, so Ollie couldn't tell how much of it was real. In the end, he chose to believe him. "I believe you." "Good. In my eyes, she is already my fiancée. From now on, you need to treat her with respect," Jackson said. "Understood." Ollie nodded. Jackson wasn't joking. When it came to love, he had never believed in feelings that grew over time. To him, if there was no spark at first sight, then staying together would only lead to a relationship based on weighing pros and cons, not the kind of love that made his heart race. That was why, when his grandfather arranged his engagement to Angelica, he had agreed for practical reasons alone. But when he saw Victoria, everything changed. It felt like the world spun around him, and everything else faded away. In his eyes, she was the only color left. He couldn't explain why it had to be her. Maybe it was that moment when their eyes met, when the light in hers pulled him in like a whirlpool. Jackson picked up a book from the car and carefully placed the small purple flower between its pages. Then he closed the book and shut his eyes. ***** At eight that evening, Victoria had just finished bringing in the herbs she had been drying on the roof when her phone rang. She set the herbs aside, brushed the dust off her hands, and picked up the call. Mara's cool voice came through. "Boss, I found what you asked for. The Binder family has only one daughter. She was born to the second son, Darell, and his wife, Julia. Her name is Angelica. She's the same age as you. "She's very spoiled at home. Two months ago, Darell arranged a great marriage for her. She's engaged to Jackson, the eldest son of the Thornton family, the most powerful family in Benwig City. "Jackson had already been chosen by his grandfather, Gerry, as the next heir. But last month, he had an accident. Someone broke both his legs, and the announcement was put on hold." "What is Angelica like?" Victoria asked. "She has a very good reputation. She's beautiful and talented. A lot of rich young men in Benwig City admire her. That's probably why she gained Gerry's approval for the marriage," Mara said. Victoria let out a cold laugh to herself. She didn't believe for a second that Angelica's perfect life came without tricks. "Got it. Now find out if Angelica is really Darell and Julia's biological daughter," Victoria said. "You're focusing on the Binder family, especially Angelica. What are you planning to do?" Mara asked. "I'm going back to take my place," Victoria said. A faint spark lit up in her deep eyes. She found the idea of being the Binder family's real daughter interesting. Victoria had many identities. The one she used the most was a village herbalist and healer. In her daily life, she spent time with her retired scientist friends in the village, growing new herbs and developing new medicines. Over the years, she had cultivated twenty kinds of rare medicinal plants. Because they were so hard to produce, they sold for extremely high prices. Any one of them, if sold at auction in Benwig City, could earn more than most people made in a lifetime. On top of that, she was skilled in traditional medical techniques. When she treated regular villagers, she charged normal fees. But when rich families or powerful figures came to her, her starting fee was three million dollars. Of course, she guaranteed results. If she couldn't cure them, she wouldn't take a single dollar. This identity alone had already made her very rich. Money no longer meant much to her. So when her ex-boyfriend, Gavin, said she wasn't good enough for him, she found it almost funny. If she wanted, she could build her own place in Benwig City without relying on anyone. Over the years, all her different identities had started to feel dull. It was time to try something new. And she had to admit, Jackson impressed her. Out of all the people she had treated, none had faced sudden injury like he did, so calm and steady. His willpower was strong. He was someone who would go far. He was handsome and capable. It would be a waste for him to stay crippled. So she would fix his legs. Mara quickly understood, her voice turning serious. "Understood, boss. I'll get on it right away." ***** Late that night, Victoria was fast asleep when she heard wood cracking outside. Her eyes opened at once, sharp and alert, and she turned toward the sound. Anyone showing up at this hour without warning was not from the village. She had spread powders around her home to keep wild animals away, so no beasts would come near. That left only one answer. Someone had broken in. Victoria got up quietly and, using the moonlight, moved to hide behind the door. Soon, her old wooden door was kicked open, and a shadow rushed inside. She hadn't expected him to be so bold, barging in instead of sneaking around. She flicked a silver needle straight at him. The man let out a low groan and dropped to the ground. Victoria turned on the light, filling the room with brightness. She kicked him aside and finally saw his face clearly. He looked like a hardened criminal. She grabbed a rope, walked over, and tied up his hands and feet. Once he was secured, she took out a needle and stuck it into his neck. Within seconds, he woke up. Victoria sat on the bed, crossing her legs as she played with another needle. "If you don't want to suffer, you'd better tell me the truth. Who sent you?" The man quickly sized up the situation. "People who hire killers stay anonymous. Who would be stupid enough to give their name? But they said that if I raped you, they would get me out of the country safely." Victoria's eyes turned cold and sharp. If he needed to run overseas, that meant he was already a wanted criminal. The man hurried to beg, "I've told you everything I know. Let me go. I won't take this job anymore." Victoria nodded. "Fine." She walked over, pulled out the needle, and untied the ropes. "You can leave." The man rubbed his wrists. "Thanks—" Before he could finish, his face suddenly changed. He lifted his leg and tried to kick Victoria in the knee. But the moment his foot rose, a sharp pain shot through him. Then his whole body went numb. He couldn't move. He looked down in terror. A small black snake had bitten his ankle. "How is there a poisonous snake here—" Before he could finish, blood burst from his throat. His body fell stiffly to the ground. After a few jerks, he went still. Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Trying to kill me in my place? You asked for it. Good job, Blackie. Go rest." The little black snake slipped into a dark corner and quickly disappeared. Victoria picked up a hoe, stuffed the body into a large basket, and lifted it onto her back with ease. She carried it outside and buried it near her vegetable garden. It would make good fertilizer for her herbs. After that, she let out a long breath, brushed off her hands, and looked up at the nearly full moon. She had just learned who she really was, and someone had already sent a man to ruin her. It seemed that someone had prepared a "welcome gift" for her in advance. Chapter 3 We've Got Your Back The next day at noon, a black Bentley worth 1.5 million dollars stopped in front of Victoria's house. Victoria was grinding the herbs she had picked the day before. When she heard the car, she glanced out the window and checked the license plate. It was from Benwig City, just as she expected. She finished grinding the herbs, put them into jars, brushed the dust off her hands, and walked outside. She went straight to the car and knocked on the window. A moment later, the window slid down, revealing the still handsome face of a middle-aged man—Hector Binder. He looked about fifty, with neatly slicked-back hair. A woman sat beside him. She looked about the same age. Even though she wasn't young anymore, she had taken good care of herself and looked as if she were in her thirties. Her features were still soft and beautiful. Victoria didn't waste time. "Are you here for me?" Hector, sitting in the back seat, looked at her, then at the photo in his hand. His eyes lit up. "Daisy, it's her. She's the one we're looking for." Daisy's eyes filled with excitement, even shining with tears. "Yes, it's her. No mistake." They quickly opened the door, got out of the car, and walked over to Victoria. Hector nodded. "Yes. You're the real daughter the Binder family lost years ago. We're here to take you back." Victoria looked straight into his eyes. He seemed like a decent man, and the excitement in his expression matched Daisy's. It didn't look fake. This couple didn't seem to have anything to do with what happened to her last night. Hector paused, a little surprised. "How did you know we were coming?" But he didn't dwell on it. Instead, he explained, "You are the young lady of the Binder family. "When you were little, someone switched you with another baby. That's why you ended up here. You've suffered for twenty years, living away from your real home." As soon as he finished, Daisy started to choke up. "Poor child." Victoria stayed calm. "So, are you my parents?" Hector and Daisy froze. They exchanged a look, then answered awkwardly, "No. We're your uncle and aunt." Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Then why aren't my parents here? Why did they send you instead?" Daisy looked uneasy. "Something came up at home. They couldn't leave, so they asked us to come get you." Victoria saw right through it. "You don't have to cover for them. I'm not a child. What could be more important than picking up their own daughter? They just didn't want to come." Hearing that, Daisy stepped forward and gently hugged her. Tears slipped down her face. "My poor child, you've suffered so much." Victoria didn't expect the sudden hug. At first, she wanted to pull away, but the warmth of it stopped her. It felt soft and comforting, unlike any embrace she had experienced in twenty years. It was, perhaps, the closest she had ever come to what a mother's embrace should feel like. She let out a quiet sigh. For a moment, she thought that if these two were her real parents, it wouldn't be so bad. After a while, Daisy let go and held her hand. "Go pack your things. We'll take you home today. You won't have to live like this anymore." Victoria nodded. "Okay. Wait for me. I'll go pack." She didn't need to bring clothes. The only things she needed were the medicines she had made. After packing all the bottles of medicine powder and poison powder from the wooden cabinet, Victoria called out, "Blackie, Whitey, Greenie, come out. I'm taking you somewhere new." As soon as she finished, three small snakes slid out from the corners and crawled into a sack. Victoria tied the sack and slung it over her shoulder. Then she took a drum from the old cabinet. After giving the shabby house one last look, she walked outside and began to beat the drum. The loud sound of the drum echoed through the area. Hector and Daisy, waiting outside, looked confused. Before long, the villagers gathered around. They looked at Victoria with concern. "Victoria, what's wrong? What happened?" Victoria set down the drum, cleared her throat, and said, "Everyone, you all know I'm an orphan. I grew up without parents, raised by all of you. "But now I know who my real parents are. It turns out I'm the daughter of the Binder family in Benwig City." The villagers were happy for her at first, but then she continued, "But here's the thing. My real parents knew all along who I was, but they never came to acknowledge me. "And now, the only reason they're taking me back is to make me marry a disabled man in place of their adopted daughter." Hector and Daisy were stunned. They had no idea about any of this. The villagers were furious. "What kind of people are they? They knew you were their real daughter but ignored you all this time, and now they want to use you like this, huh?" "Blind fools! You're such a good girl, and they treat you like a tool, making you marry some cripple instead of their adopted daughter." "Victoria, don't listen to those heartless people." "That's right. Ignore them. We'll go teach them a lesson." "The Binder family? They're nothing special in Benwig City, acting all high and mighty. Victoria, you don't need to go back with them." Victoria raised her hand to quiet them. "Everyone, calm down. I've decided to go back to the Binder family for this arranged marriage. "But I'm going back to teach them a lesson. So I'm telling you all ahead of time. Please help take care of the herbs I just planted in my yard." Even though the villagers didn't really understand, they still respected her choice. "Okay. But if anyone from the Binder family dares to bully you, just call me. I'll get people to take them down," one person said. "That's right. We've got your back," another added. Victoria waved her hand. "Thank you, everyone. That's all I wanted to say. You can all head back now." After that, she turned to Hector and Daisy, who were still waiting, and gave them a light smile. "We can go now." Hector and Daisy were still a little stunned. When they heard her, they finally snapped out of it. "Oh, okay." "Let me carry that." The driver stepped forward and reached for the sack. "Be careful. It's heavy," Victoria said. The driver didn't believe it at first. But the moment he took it with both hands, he almost dropped it on his foot. Victoria blinked at him. "Can you handle it? Don't break anything inside." "No problem." The driver forced a smile, gritted his teeth, and lifted the sack into the trunk. By the time he got back into the driver's seat, he was sweating all over. He hadn't expected Victoria to be this strong despite looking so thin. After getting into the car, Daisy and Hector looked at each other, then kept glancing at Victoria. They seemed to want to say something, but neither of them knew how to start. In the end, Daisy asked, "Victoria, you just told the villagers about marrying a disabled man instead of that adopted daughter. What did you mean?" "You didn't know?" Victoria looked back at her, her eyes narrowing with suspicion. Daisy shook her head. "Hector and I really had no idea. About half a month ago, your parents suddenly told us Angelica wasn't their biological daughter. Then they sent people to look into it. "Just yesterday, they found out their real daughter was living here. That's why they want to bring you back today." Hector nodded to confirm her words. Victoria smiled faintly. "Then why do you think they didn't come themselves?" Daisy fell silent. To her, it was absurd that Victoria's parents would have relatives fetch their biological daughter instead of coming themselves. But the truth would hurt Victoria, so she chose not to say anything. Victoria let out a bitter laugh. "Aunt Daisy, even if you don't say it, I can guess. Just like I said, they don't want to acknowledge me. "They're only bringing me back because they have no choice. They want me to marry that disabled heir in place of their precious adopted daughter." Her gaze was clear and calm, and there was a quiet maturity about her that went far beyond her years. Hector frowned slightly. "Victoria, how did you find out about this arranged marriage?" Victoria smiled. "Secret." On the way, Daisy told her a lot about the Binder family. It wasn't much different from what Mara had already found out. The Binder family was still led by Calvin. He had two sons and one daughter. The eldest son, Hector, was the one who had come to get Victoria, and his wife was Daisy. They didn't have any children. The second son, Darell, was Victoria's biological father. He and his wife, Julia, had two sons and one daughter. The eldest son, Simon, managed the family's entertainment company, Brightstar Entertainment. The second son, Curtis, was a well-known singer under the same company. Then there was the youngest daughter, Angelica. She was considered very outstanding. At just twenty, she had already skipped grades and finished college. She was now preparing to study abroad after getting engaged to the eldest son of the Thornton family. Angelica was the baby who had been switched with Victoria. As for Calvin's daughter, Sirena, she had already married into another wealthy family and only returned for holidays. The drive from the village to Benwig City took six hours over bumpy roads. By the time they arrived, it was dark. "We're here," the driver said as he stopped the car. Victoria looked out the window. In front of her stood a large estate, with several villas spread across it. It looked grand and impressive. The Binder family mansion alone was almost as big as the entire Mullinran Village. Victoria got out of the car and followed Hector and Daisy inside. The head butler, Milton, who had been waiting at the door, stepped forward respectfully. "You're back." He looked at Victoria and gave a polite nod. "This must be Miss Victoria Binder." "Yes," Daisy replied. Then she looked at Victoria gently. "Victoria, go in and meet your parents and brother." Victoria said nothing. She quietly followed them inside. They passed through the wide front yard and stepped into the entrance hall. Standing at the doorway, she quickly scanned the four people sitting on the sofas in the main hall. First, she saw a middle-aged couple dressed in expensive clothes, carrying themselves with an air of wealth and status. Next was a handsome young man who looked a bit rebellious. Finally, there was a beautiful young woman about her age. The corners of her eyes were red, and she looked pitiful, as if she had been crying. None of them looked happy. Their faces were tense, filled with worry. When they looked at her, Victoria caught the flash of disgust in their eyes. A faint smile appeared on her lips. She thought the family was really quite interesting. Chapter 4 Are You an Idiot? "Darell, Julia, I brought your daughter back," Daisy said. She gently patted Victoria on the back. "Victoria, go say hello to your parents and your brother." Victoria didn't move. With a faint, mocking smile, she asked, "Aunt Daisy, are they really my parents and brother?" Daisy froze for a moment, then nodded. "Yes, they are. Why do you ask?" Victoria let out a cold laugh. "I'm supposed to be their daughter and sister, but why do they all look like they can't stand me?" The four people in the room all stiffened. They hadn't expected her to be so direct. Daisy froze again. She wanted to say something, but stopped herself. She knew what Darell and Julia were thinking. They didn't want to accept this daughter because they already had an excellent adopted one. They would rather stay home and comfort their adopted daughter's feelings than spend even a little time going to the village to pick up their real daughter. Simon and Curtis felt the same way. They were closer to the sister they had lived with for twenty years. None of them wanted to hurt her feelings just to pick up Victoria. Simon didn't even bother to show up; he was still at work. In the end, Daisy couldn't take it anymore and offered to go with Hector to bring Victoria home. What she didn't expect was that even after Victoria came back, Darell and Julia still acted like this. They didn't even try to hide it. Julia looked at Darell, and he looked back at her. In that brief exchange, they reached an understanding. Victoria clearly wasn't as quiet and easy to control as they had thought. They couldn't just brush her aside. If they wanted her to willingly take Angelica's place in the marriage to Jackson later, they would have to act nice and coax her a little. Julia hesitated, then forced herself to stand up. She put on a pained expression and walked toward Victoria. "My child, you've suffered so much out there." Victoria stepped aside slightly and avoided her touch. "Stop pretending. I don't see any concern in your eyes." Julia froze in place. A wave of anger rose inside her. She had lowered herself to show kindness, yet Victoria had refused it and embarrassed her in front of everyone. But to her, Victoria's lack of manners was no surprise. She had grown up in the countryside without her parents and had never been properly brought up. Julia forced a stiff smile. "I carried you for ten months. Of course, it hurts me to know you've suffered." Victoria sneered, "Is that so? If you really feel that way, why didn't you come pick me up today? Why did you send Uncle Hector and Aunt Daisy instead?" Daisy wanted to speak, but Hector gently held her hand and shook his head. He said quietly, "Daisy, we've already brought her back. What happens now is their family matter. Let them handle it. Let's go home." Daisy looked at Victoria, her eyes full of worry and sympathy. But she knew Hector was right. This was between Victoria and her parents. No matter what happened, she had no right to interfere. "Julia, now that Victoria is back, you should treat her well. Don't hurt her again. Daisy and I will head back now," Hector said politely, hoping his words would help a little. Darell nodded. "Thank you for your help today." Daisy said gently, "Victoria, we are leaving. If you need anything, come find us at Goldenwood Villa on the east side." With that, she reluctantly turned and left. Victoria watched them walk away, then quickly looked away. Once they were gone, Julia finally breathed a sigh of relief. "This is all my fault. Your father and I didn't go pick you up ourselves because I'm very emotional. "I was afraid that if I saw how poorly you were living, I wouldn't be able to handle it. So I stayed home to calm myself and prepare to welcome you." She was lying. Actually, after Angelica found out last night that she wasn't their real daughter, she had been upset the whole night. This morning, she was so distracted that she couldn't even eat. Julia felt sorry for her and stayed home to comfort her. Victoria's eyes were full of sarcasm. "So what exactly did you prepare for me?" Julia quickly said, "I've already cleaned up a room for you. Come, I'll show you." She reached for Victoria's hand again, but Victoria dodged her once more. "So cleaning a room was more important than coming to pick me up yourself." Julia's hand hung in the air. A trace of impatience flashed across her eyes. "Forget the room. I'm not even sure I'll stay," Victoria said. Then she pointed at the young woman about her age. "Who is she?" Angelica froze. Her eyes instantly turned red. She gently tugged on Curtis's sleeve. Curtis held her hand and said softly, "Angelica, don't be afraid." After comforting her, Curtis looked at Victoria coldly. His tone turned sharp. "I'm your brother, Curtis. And she's my sister, Angelica." He deliberately stressed the words "my sister." "I see." Victoria's voice carried a hint of sarcasm. "So that means she's the adopted daughter who was switched with me, right?" Angelica's hand trembled. Tears gathered in her eyes, ready to fall. Curtis's face darkened. He emphasized, "In my heart, Angelica is my real sister." Victoria let out a cold laugh. "Calling her your real sister? Are you an idiot?" Everyone except Victoria froze at her words. Curtis stared at her in disbelief. "You just called me an idiot, huh?" Victoria laughed mockingly. "Yeah. Did I say anything wrong? Don't you know her mother was the one who secretly switched us back then?" Angelica's birth mother, Jasmine, had worked as a customer service representative at a postpartum care center. When Julia was three months pregnant, she started looking for a high-end center, and Jasmine had served her. By coincidence, Jasmine was also pregnant at the time. When she realized Julia was wealthy, she started having bad thoughts. She secretly followed Julia to find out which center she chose and forced herself to spend the money to book the same one. During the recovery period after giving birth, Jasmine secretly switched her own daughter with Julia's without anyone noticing. At the time, Angelica had an allergic rash on her face. Julia didn't realize anything was wrong, and when she left the center, she took Angelica home. Angelica bit her lip. Tears finally streamed down her face. "I'm sorry." Curtis held her cold hand tightly and gently said, "Angelica, this has nothing to do with you." Then he turned to Victoria, his voice full of anger. "Yes, her mother switched you back then. But Angelica is innocent. She didn't know anything about it." Victoria laughed out loud, her eyes full of ridicule. "Oh, she's innocent? She spent twenty years enjoying my life, living in comfort and luxury. "And me? I was thrown into a trash can by her cruel mother in the freezing cold. If no one had found me, I would have died right after I was born." Chapter 5 I'll Leave Victoria's words left Curtis speechless. He had just started to feel a bit guilty when Angelica suddenly broke down in tears again. She said, "I'm sorry. It's all my fault. It's my fault for having a mother like that. Victoria, if you hate me, you can hit me or yell at me, but please don't blame Curtis." As she spoke, she struggled to pull free from Curtis's hand. With a determined look, she bit her lip and ran toward Victoria. "Angelica!" Curtis panicked and quickly got up to follow her. Angelica ran up to Victoria and was about to bow, but Curtis caught up just in time and pulled her back. "Angelica, what are you doing? This isn't your fault. It's your mother's fault." Victoria watched the whole scene and suddenly laughed. She even clapped her hands like she was watching a show. "This is really something. Are you putting on a pity act for me?" The small bit of guilt Curtis had felt disappeared right away. After helping Angelica steady herself, he looked at Victoria coldly. "Why are you being so unreasonable?" he asked. "Angelica already apologized sincerely, and you're still mocking her." "I'm not just mocking her. I'm mocking all of you," Victoria said. "Her mother planned everything, found a way to switch us, and let her take twenty years of the life that should have been mine. "Now that I'm back, you guys are still protecting her right in front of me. It's a shame that I ended up with a family like this." Curtis's face darkened even more. Julia looked helplessly at Darell. She hadn't expected Victoria to be so stubborn and didn't know how to deal with her. No matter how she looked at it, Julia just couldn't bring herself to like Victoria. Darell, who had been silent until now, finally spoke up. "That's enough, Victoria. Angelica's mother has already been punished. Angelica is alone now, with no one to rely on. "Your mother and I raised her for twenty years. We can't just throw her out. The Binder family has more than enough. Keeping her here is no big deal. She won't affect you." But Victoria didn't accept that. "If it's really no big deal, then she can live anywhere. Why does she have to stay here and bother me? "Every time I see her, I'm reminded of everything I went through after being switched." Darell didn't expect her to keep pushing like this. Just like Julia, he began to feel more and more resistant toward Victoria. Compared to Angelica, who was gentle and understanding, Victoria seemed completely rude to him. Angelica bit her lip and let her tears fall silently. She looked pitiful, making it hard not to feel sorry for her. Seeing how aggressive Victoria was, Curtis finally lost his temper. "So you won't be satisfied unless we send Angelica away, huh?" Victoria nodded. "That's right. We're not both living here. It's one or the other." As soon as she said that, everyone's faces darkened. "I don't want to leave you," Angelica said through her tears, looking completely wronged. It made anyone who saw her feel bad. Curtis held her hand tightly. "Angelica, don't worry. You don't have to go anywhere. As long as I'm here, I won't let anyone drive you out of the Binder family. You'll always be my sister. You're part of us." Victoria raised an eyebrow. "So you want me to leave, huh?" Julia was already at her limit, but she forced herself to stay calm. "Victoria, you just got back. You don't really know Angelica yet. "She's kind and understanding. Once you spend some time with her, you'll accept her. Her staying here won't affect your place. No matter what, you're our real daughter." Victoria sneered, "Really? Then why did all of you look disgusted the moment you saw me? Is it because I'm not as pretty as her? Or because I'm not as refined? "But have you forgotten? If we had never been switched, the pretty, refined one would be me. Everything she has now was built on the suffering I endured for her." Julia froze and quickly shook her head. "That's not it. We just haven't adjusted yet." "You need time to adjust to your own daughter, huh? Then why didn't Uncle Hector and Aunt Daisy need time when they saw me?" Victoria pressed. Julia had no answer. But she thought it was because Hector and Daisy had no children, so of course, they would be happy. She took a deep breath and softened her voice. "Victoria, we won't treat you badly from now on. Your living expenses will be the same as Angelica's. Your father and I won't favor one over the other." Victoria gave a faint, mocking smile. "Should I thank you for that? Honestly, for me, not favoring one over the other is already the biggest favoritism. "You two are really kind. You don't want your own daughter, but you're willing to spend money raising the daughter of someone who ruined my life. I've never seen people this generous." Julia held back her anger and continued, "Victoria, stop making trouble. You're my real daughter. We finally found you. How could we let you keep suffering out there?" Victoria replied, "So you knew I was suffering. While I was suffering, that criminal's daughter was living here, enjoying everything you gave her in my place. "And now, on the very first day I come back, you're ready to push me away again." Curtis said coldly, "Get this straight. We're not pushing you away. You're the one making things difficult. You could stay here peacefully, but you refuse to accept Angelica." "How could I accept the daughter of a criminal?" Victoria asked. "If I hadn't been lucky enough to survive, her mother would be both a trafficker and a murderer. "She committed the crime, but her daughter hasn't been punished at all. Why should she get to keep living this rich, comfortable life as if nothing had happened?" Angelica's body swayed. Curtis quickly held her steady, his anger finally breaking through. "With your attitude, do you even deserve to stay here while Angelica leaves?" "Of course I do. First, I'm a Binder by blood. Second, unlike you, I'm not an idiot." After snapping at him, Victoria lost her patience. "Have you decided? Is she leaving, or am I?" Curtis pulled Angelica into his arms protectively and said firmly, "Dad, Mom, if I have to choose, then I only recognize Angelica as my sister." "Good. One vote." Victoria raised her index finger and then looked at Julia. "What about you?" Julia forced down her frustration and said gently, "Victoria, don't do this—" "Alright, that's two votes," Victoria said, not even bothering to listen. She turned to Darell. "Your vote doesn't matter anymore. There are already two votes for Angelica. Fine. Since that's the case, she stays. I'll leave." A trace of anxiety flashed in Angelica's eyes. If Victoria really left, there would be no one to take her place in marrying Jackson. ------ 👇👇👇 There are limited chapters to put here, click “continue reading” to open App to continue reading (It will automatically jump to the book)
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