THE MAYOR'S WICKED DAUGHTER

🪻 THE YOUNG HEIR

The front door suddenly opened.

A beautiful young woman in a cream dress, a long curly hair with a plane clip in her head appeared with a warm smile.

"Sandy!"

Dylene Montenegro walked toward her with open arms. As if she was surprised to see Sandy that finally got home, even the truth is.. she really hates her.

"Welcome home!"

Sandy remained still.

Dylene awkwardly lowered her hands. Behind her stood Veronica Montenegro. She was so elegant and perfect, but still... she is a cold mother to her.

"You could at least dress properly," Veronica said immediately, while staring at Sandy’s clothes.

She did not even care to ask if she is okay, and how's her journey, and why is her daughter is so thin? Unlike Dylene who got her healthy diets and dress properly.

Veronica did not greet her, even hug her like a long lost daughter. As a mother, there is no warmth for her on how to treat her own daughter, the daughter she gave birth, 18 years ago. Only she criticizes her!

Sandy smiled faintly. “Nice to see you too, Mother.”

Neither of them smiled back. Instead, their eyes slowly scanned her from head to toe like judges inspecting something unpleasant.

“What’s that smell, Sis…?” Dylene asked, covering her nose dramatically. “Did you forget to take a bath or something?”

Though she sounded concerned, the amusement dancing in her eyes said otherwise.

“She just arrived,” Veronica said calmly. “The water in her room can refresh her now instead of the river water she’s been using.”

“Why? What’s wrong with the river water, Mom?” Dylene asked innocently, already knowing she’d enjoy the answer.

“The river isn’t clean. Farmers usually use it, and they even soak their animals there so they won’t get dehydrated. And of course, where there are animals…” she paused with disgust, “…they relieve themselves there too. Everything mixes into the water.” Veronica explained.

Dylene’s face twisted in exaggerated horror.

“Eww, Sis! You actually bathed in that?” she gasped, almost laughing. “And here I thought your perfume smelled strange. Turns out it’s carabao-poop river essence.”

She fanned the air dramatically before adding with a mocking grin, “How are you even alive? I would’ve fainted after getting diarrhea there!"

Sandy clenched her fists but remained silent.

Before she could answer, the sound of heavy footsteps echoed through the floor.

Her father had come out from behind.

Mayor Montenegro finally appeared. His aura is such a strict, powerful business man and respected mayor. The same man who left his daughter alone for years.

Sandy remembered that moment clearly.

Her small body hit the cold ground after her father shoved her without hesitation. The pain on her knees was nothing compared to the pain she felt.

She had only been a crying little girl back then, confused, trembling, and desperately looking for someone to comfort her.

But no one did.

Her grandmother quickly rushed to her side and helped her stand up carefully. The old woman glared at Sandy’s parents with burning anger.

“How could you do this to your own daughter! You treat her worse than a stranger!” she shouted bitterly.

Her grandmother’s voice trembled with fury as hateful words poured from her mouth, unable to accept the cruelty they had shown to the child.

Meanwhile, Veronica remained silent the entire time.

She simply stood there holding Dylene’s hand as if nothing terrible had happened. No apology, no concern, and not even a single glance toward the little girl crying on the ground.

And Dylene… even then, she hid behind their mother while staring at Sandy with quiet satisfaction, as though watching her suffer was somehow amusing.

That memory stayed with Sandy for years like a scar that never truly healed.

"Starting today, you will behave properly. You represent this family now." Mayor Montenegro said firmly.

Sandy looked directly into his eyes. "Didn’t know I suddenly became useful."

Veronica frowned. "Watch your tone."

Dylene immediately stepped between them.

"Please don’t fight. Sandy just arrived…" she said softly.

The servants admired Dylene’s kindness.

Watching the three of them, with the same performance. Their fake innocence?

Sandy almost laughed.

Later on, as they entered the mansion, Sandy noticed the countless family pictures hanging on the walls. Every single one included Dylene. But none of them, was included her. Not, even a single one.

Something painful tightened inside her. But she ignored it. Pain was useless!

"Your room is upstairs," Veronica said.

A servant carried Sandy’s bag.

But before she could continue walking, another voice suddenly echoed from the living room.

"So this is the famous troublemaker daughter?"

Everyone turned.

Two young men sat casually near the sofa. One wore glasses with a calm expression while the other lazily spun car keys around his finger. Both were undeniably handsome. But dangerously handsome.

Sandy narrowed her eyes. "And you are?"

The playful one smirked. "Lucas Villareal."

The calm one adjusted his glasses, before saying, "Nathan Castillo."

Dylene smiled brightly. "They’re our classmates in school starting next week."

Lucas stared at Sandy from head to toe.

"You don’t look like a Montenegro at all."

"Good," Sandy answered.

Nathan suddenly spoke. "You were in San Isidro High School, right?"

Sandy looked at him silently.

Your records are terrible," nathan continued.

Whispers immediately spread among the servants.

"I heard that this girl was always absent in most of the classes"

"Always fighting"

"If that is so.. she is a hopeless student."

Sandy already expected it.

Dylene sighed dramatically. "Come on guys! Sandy had a difficult life in the province," she said gently.

The way she spoke sounded full of pity. As if Sandy was someone broken, living with a lowlife is not easy.

Pathetic.

Sandy slowly smiled. "You seem to know everything about me," she said.

Dylene blinked innocently. "I’m only worried about you."

Liar.

Before Sandy could answer, a servant suddenly rushed inside nervously.

"Mayor, someone arrived from the Sanctuary Clan."

The entire room froze. Even Mayor Montenegro’s expression changed.

The Sanctuary Clan.

One of the richest and most powerful families in the city. Nobody dared to offend them.

Veronica quickly fixed her posture, and Dylene’s eyes sparkled with excitement.

But Sandy remained calm.

Then, there were footsteps echoed from outside.

A tall young man entered the living room, instantly changing the atmosphere into something cold.

His fitted black suit perfectly matched his intimidating presence. Every servant lowered their head the moment they saw him.

The Montenegro family immediately recognized him.

The heir of the Sanctuary Clan. One of the most powerful families in the country.

Dylene’s eyes sparkled instantly. She fixed her hair and smiled sweetly.

“You’re finally here…”

But the young man walked past her as if she didn’t even exist.

Dylene's smile froze.

Without sparing anyone's glance, the young man walked directly toward Sandy.

The entire room fell silent on his steps.

Even the Mayor Montenegro looked confused, the same with the other boys, Lucas and Nathan.

Then.. Sandy slowly raised an eyebrow, as the man stopped in front of her.