“If it weren’t for you,” Nanjou’s voice sharpened, “do you think their tiny family business would’ve ever grown so big? Would they have moved from some backwater town to a tier-one city? That so-called White patriarch becoming the richest man in Wintertown? Pfft. You carried them on your back!”
“They couldn’t run a lemonade stand without crashing it. You’ve been patching their holes from behind the scenes for years. If you had kept the profits to yourself, you’d be the one on the cover of Forbes!”
Eliana’s voice was lazy, almost indifferent. “It’s just money. If I want it, I can make it rain.”
“I’m just mad for you!” Nanjou huffed. “They threw you to that old lady to raise. Barely came home once a year! And then, when they found that fake daughter, they kicked you aside like a used rag!”
“Forget them,” Eliana interrupted. “Just keep looking for more Yixin Grass. One isn’t enough.”
“Got it. I’ll keep my eyes on all the upcoming auctions. I’ll let you know the second something comes up.”
The call ended, but her phone buzzed again.
[Boss! Huge order alert!]
[Some crazy rich guy just ordered 100 dresses, 100 pairs of shoes, and 100 bags for his daughter— by tonight! ]
[I already sent out all the limited editions from the warehouse. We’re wiped!]
[You gotta send me new designs. Urgent, urgent, URGENT!]
Eliana’s long fingers typed quickly:
[I’ll sketch a few this week.]
[Okay! I’m on my way to their mansion now. I have to see what kind of girl wears this many exclusive pieces. If she’s ugly, I’m gonna cry for your clothes.]
[You’re delivering it yourself?]
[Duh. A deal this big? You bet I’m rolling out the red carpet service.]
Eliana raised a brow. What kind of family drops a fortune on clothes, shoes, and bags all at once?
—
Outside the Lancaster estate, a luxurious RV pulled up at the gates.
The head butler, Mr. Gao, rushed forward with a smile and opened the door. “Miss Yusha, welcome home for the summer. With you here again, the manor will be filled with laughter and joy!”
Yusha stepped out in a layered designer dress, her flawless skin glowing like porcelain. Her long dark hair was pinned back elegantly, exposing a graceful neckline. Her whole presence screamed elite.
A few maids rushed forward to carry her luggage as Mr. Gao personally escorted her inside.
“We didn’t want to disturb you during exams,” he said warmly. “And then you jetted off on vacation with your friends. But now you’re back, I finally get to speak with you again…”
Yusha’s lips curled slightly. She had always looked… average, but years of pampering, designer grooming, and social polish made her carry herself like a real heiress. Today, she looked every bit the part.
“What is it?” she asked, sensing his hesitation.
Before Mr. Gao could answer, her eyes landed on something peculiar in the garden.
More than a dozen workers were moving racks of dazzling clothing and high-end handbags across the courtyard. Balloons were being inflated. Fairy lights strung from trees. Even Mrs. Zhang—her nanny since birth—was giving orders.
Mrs. Zhang wasn’t just any servant. She had practically raised Yusha since birth. With Mrs. Lancaster too tired after having five sons, it was Mrs. Zhang who bottle-fed Yusha, sang her lullabies, and tucked her in at night. Their bond ran deep—like mother and daughter.
“Mrs. Zhang!” Yusha called out joyfully.
The older woman turned and lit up. “Miss Yusha, you’re back! Let me look at you. You’ve lost weight again! I told you not to live on campus…”
“You’ve lost weight too. Missed me too much, huh?” Yusha giggled.
“Such a naughty girl,” Mrs. Zhang chuckled. “But still so pretty. Even thinner, you’re glowing!”
Yusha beamed, her eyes sweeping the courtyard. “Is all this… a surprise from Mom and Dad?”
After all, she just finished her college entrance exams. Maybe this was a celebration. A private fashion show? Or maybe an early birthday present?
Mr. Gao and Mrs. Zhang exchanged a look.
“I’ll go take a peek,” Yusha said cheerfully.
Mrs. Zhang tried to stop her. “Miss Yusha, those things… they’re not for you.”
Yusha laughed it off. “It’s okay. I know I came home early. I won’t ruin the surprise. I’ll pretend I saw nothing.”
She turned and stepped into the main hall.
How could it not be for her?
She was the only girl in this house. Her parents spoiled her rotten. Those racks of limited-edition designer clothes—they had to be hers.
Inside, the showroom setup was like a boutique. Dozens of racks, rows of shimmering dresses, glistening handbags, luxury heels.
She walked among them like she was walking into a dream.
Every piece looked tailored for her.
Mrs. Zhang opened her mouth to explain, but when she saw the glow on Yusha’s face, she just… couldn’t. She didn’t have the heart to shatter that fragile joy.
Upstairs, Eliana had just finished handling business and was about to lie down when—
Knock knock.