Chapter 1 The Switch
Crystal chandeliers illuminated the grand ballroom of the luxurious mansion, casting everything in brilliant white light.
Tonight was the Smith family's centennial celebration, bringing together practically every prominent figure in Emerald City's high society.
Yet the lavish party had been forced to an abrupt end because of one uninvited revelation.
"So, I was switched at birth with the Smith family's child, and Emily is actually the Smith family's daughter?"
Sophia Smith calmly closed the folder and looked up at the elegantly poised couple seated in the high-backed chairs before her.
The Smith family had spent seventeen years investing significant time, effort and resourses to raise Sophia. Looking at her, Sophia's adoptive mother, Jane Smith, nodded, her expression complex as she pressed her fingers to her temples.
Beside her sat a girl with a perky ponytail, wearing a faded, yellowing white dress. She clutched at her skirt hem, head bowed low, her legs pressed tightly together in obvious discomfort.
She sniffled quietly, eyes red and swollen, like a delicate flower trembling in the wind, stealing nervous glances at Sophia from time to time.
"I know this must be so sudden for Sophia, too. I'm sorry, but I really just want to be with my mom and dad..."
George Smith, Emily's biological father, tapped his fingers impatiently, cutting Emily off with a cool look at Sophia. "What are your plans? Stay here while I send some compensation money to your biological parents?"
Emily's face went white, the rest of her words dying in her throat.
Why was he asking Sophia to stay?
Sophia's lips curved into a polite, distant smile. "That won't be necessary. Since your real daughter is back, I have no reason to continue staying where I don't belong."
George believed that the Smith family had raised Sophia very well; she was efficient and capable. Unfortunately, despite her excellence, she couldn't hold the same value as a biological daughter due to the lack of blood relation.
Since Sophia wanted to leave, George naturally wouldn't stop her.
"Suit yourself," he replied simply, not intervening in Sophia's choices.
Jane spoke coolly, "I'll have the driver take you tomorrow."
It was getting late, and if Sophia left now, outsiders might think that the Smith family had mistreated her.
The matter was settled in just a few exchanges, polite and calm. They didn't sound like a family who'd lived together for over a decade, but more like business negotiators?
Looking at Sophia in her stunning ice-blue haute couture gown, so radiant she commanded attention just by standing there, Emily clutched her skirt and couldn't help but speak up, her face full of worried concern.
"Sophia leaving like this is too sudden. I just missed Mom and Dad. We could all live together."
"Mom, Dad, I really don't mind."
Her words dripped with gentle kindness and magnanimity.
But Sophia dodged her outstretched hand with a smile, turning directly toward the staircase.
"I'll just pack a few things and leave. I'll have a friend pick me up."
Left behind, Emily looked pitifully at Jane. "Is she upset with me? I..."
"Enough with the act."
Jane cut her off with a frown. "This is your first meeting. She's held your identity and status for over a decade. If you have demands, state them directly. This sisterly devotion charade convinces no one and gains you nothing."
George was equally displeased. "Starting tomorrow, etiquette lessons begin at eight sharp."
Emily was stunned. This wasn't how it was supposed to go.
Upstairs, Sophia had already packed and come back down. She carried only a small leather backpack with her most important documents, leaving without a trace of nostalgia.
Emily really thought the Smith family was some kind of paradise. This place had parents who weren't parents—blood ties and family bonds were nothing but tools for chasing fame and profit.
She could only wish Emily would survive long enough under those lunatics' care.