STOLEN LEGACY: The Heiress's Revenge

Your Daughter

Chapter 8

My car door opened, and a young woman in her twenties stepped forward.

“Welcome home,” she greeted respectfully, bowing her head slightly.

“Home?” I murmured, almost to myself.

Is this really happening?

A faint smile formed on my lips as I met her gaze again. “Thank you.”

“I’m Trisha, your personal assistant. Nice to meet you, please come in,” the woman said.

“Same here,” I responded, nodding and following her inside.

The interior of the building was nothing short of breathtaking; an exquisite blend of modern sophistication and timeless luxury.

Crystal chandeliers cascaded from the high ceilings like frozen waterfalls, scattering soft light across polished marble floors that reflected every step like glass.

The air itself carried a subtle fragrance of elegance, something floral and expensive, wrapping around me like a silent welcome.

Trisha guided me through the vast expanse with practiced ease, her heels clicking softly against the floor. We passed sweeping staircases with intricately carved railings and walls adorned with rare artwork before she finally led me into a grand hall where a celebration was already in full bloom.

Powerful figures, influential guests, and employees filled the room.

“Let’s welcome my daughter, Liora Sinclair!” Mrs. Sinclair announced proudly.

A wave of applause erupted as I stepped onto the stage, my heart racing.

“I am so happy and fulfilled that my beloved daughter is finally back… all grown now,” Mrs. Sinclair said, her voice trembling with emotion. She tried to hold back her tears, but they fell regardless.

I walked closer and embraced her as the applause continued.

“I’ve missed you so much,” Mrs. Sinclair whispered, gently stroking my hair.

“I missed you too,” I replied softly as we separated.

“You are the heiress of Starlight Enterprise. You should have inherited it long ago,” Mrs. Sinclair declared.

Hearing that, tears welled up in my eyes.

Turning towards the crowd as they cheered happily for my return, in just a single day… I had become the heiress of an empire worth hundreds of billions.

“I should have been here five years ago,” I murmured to myself.

Mrs. Sinclair turned back to the crowd. “Let us celebrate and rejoice for our heiress!”

“Yaaah!!!” The crowd responded in unison.

Then Mrs. Sinclair turned to me with a knowing smile. “Now… about the surprise. Come with me.”

I felt my stomach twitch. What surprise awaited her?

My mother gripped my hand gently as she guided me through the crowd. Conversations hushed almost instantly, and all eyes turned toward me, a wave of curious gazes trailing my every step.

We finally came to a stop before a large object positioned at the center of the space, concealed beneath a cover.

“Close your eyes,” she instructed softly.

I obeyed without hesitation, and then I heard her voice.

“Open them.”

Slowly, I lifted my eyelids.

Before me stood a sleek luxury vehicle, its body gleaming under the soft lights. Drawn by its quiet allure, I stepped closer, my fingers brushing lightly against its smooth surface, feeling the cool perfection beneath my touch.

I opened the door slowly and peered inside.

The interior was nothing short of a masterpiece; plush leather seats stitched with flawless precision, a refined dashboard embedded with cutting-edge technology, and ambient lighting that glowed softly.

My breath caught as I turned back to my mother and pulled her into a tight embrace as tears welled in my eyes.

“Thank you,” I whispered, overwhelmed.

She returned the hug gently. “It’s nothing. You deserve the world. Now, you need to meet people.”

She guided me toward a nearby table where a man sat in a perfectly tailored suit. His hair was neatly styled, and dark sunglasses rested over his eyes, giving him an air of quiet authority.

“Mr. Derek, this is Liora, my lovely daughter,” my mother introduced with a warm smile.

At her words, he removed his glasses.

His face was strikingly charming, his blue eyes settling on me for far too long, carrying an intensity that made my pulse hitch.

“Mr. Derek,” my mother called, subtly breaking his stare.

He blinked, as though snapping out of a thought. “Oh… welcome.”

He extended his hand, and I accepted it politely, though I could still feel the weight of his gaze scanning me.

Why is he looking at me like that?

“Thank you,” I replied with a small, controlled smile.

“Mrs. Sinclair,” he continued, turning to my mother, “may I have a word with Miss Liora?”

A faint chill ran down my spine at his request.

My mother glanced at me. “Do you mind?”

I swallowed before forcing a polite smile. “Sure.”

“You have just ten minutes. She still needs to greet the other guests,” she added before stepping away.

“Please, sit,” Derek offered, gesturing toward the chair opposite him.

I sat carefully, smoothing my dress as I settled.

“It’s nice having you back,” he began.

“Thank you.”

He studied me again. “You look familiar… have we met before?”

“I just arrived in the country, so I don’t think so,” I replied calmly.

He leaned back slightly, as though recalling something. “I've been to that hospital before. A woman… with her daughter, in an accident.”

His eyes met mine, but I quickly looked away. “Funny how things come full circle.”

My heart skipped as the doctor's words echoed in my head:

You were involved in an accident… fortunately, a gentleman saved both you and your daughter…

Is he the gentleman?

I forced myself to remain composed. I could not let him connect the dots. If my past were revealed, my mother would learn everything… including my marriage.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I said evenly, steadying my voice. “I have no daughter. I’ve never given birth before.”

He studied me in silence, his gaze narrowing slightly as if weighing my words.

Then he nodded slowly. “I see. Still… you both bear a striking resemblance.”

A nervous laugh escaped me as I quickly tried to dismiss the tension.

“Don’t worry,” he added casually, “I’ll arrange for you to meet her one day, so you can see the resemblance yourself.”

My jaw tightened almost imperceptibly.

Why is he pushing this?

“You honestly don’t have to go through the trouble,” I replied with a smile.

Before he could respond, my mother returned.

“Time’s up.”

She gently took my arm, guiding me away.

“See you later,” Derek’s voice followed me as I left.

We moved from one guest to another.

“Welcome, Miss Liora. It’s a pleasure having you,” a woman in her mid-forties greeted warmly.

“Thank you,” I replied with a polite smile, bowing slightly in respect.

“You’re such a well-mannered young lady. My son Derek must truly marry you,” she added with an approving smile.

“Derek has already spoken to her,” my mother interjected smoothly, “but I won’t force my child into any marriage.”

This was his mother?

The evening gradually came to an end. After exchanging final pleasantries, we left and returned home.

The mansion rose before us, grand and imposing, like a silent guardian of legacy and power. Its towering structure exuded authority, every window glowing warmly against the night, every architectural detail whispering of wealth that spanned generations.

As we stepped inside, the atmosphere shifted into one of refined order. I was introduced to the six staff members, each standing with poised professionalism, their expressions respectful yet curious.

We moved through long, elegant corridors lined with soft lighting and framed art until we reached my room; an elegant sanctuary designed as soft golden lighting bathed the room, highlighting the expansive bed draped in fine linens, the plush seating area by the window, and the delicate décor.

“Wow…” I exhaled in quiet admiration.

I collapsed onto the bed as I stared up as the staff helped arrange my luggage.

Just then, my mind drifted to Derek.

“What if he finds out I’m that woman?” I murmured under my breath. “Then everyone will know I was once married… I can’t let that happen.”

“Ma’am, do you need anything else?” one of the staff asked, jolting me out of my thoughts.

“Yes, I’m fine… you can go,” I forced out as I sat up.

They walked to the door and shut it gently behind them.

Realization hit me: Ava.

She was the reason I hadn’t discarded my SIM card. Quickly, I reached for my cracked phone and dialed her number.

After two rings, she picked up. “Hello, ma’am.”

“Ava, how are you doing?” I asked gently as I clicked on the speaker, dropping my phone on the bed.

“Yes, ma’am. I heard you’re no longer around… and your husband has been searching everywhere for you,” she replied.

I closed my eyes briefly.

“First… I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner. Remember when I asked for your advice about a woman whose husband pursued her sister?”

“Yes, I remember.”

“I was that woman,” I admitted softly. “I lied… and I’m truly sorry. You didn’t deserve that. You’re the best assistant I could ever ask for. Please forgive me… and find a better job.”

There was a short pause.

“It’s fine,” she said kindly. “You did what you had to do. I’m proud of you. Keep shining, boss.”

A small smile formed on my lips, though my eyes stung. “I’ll miss you.”

“Me too.”

“Who misses who?” My mother’s voice suddenly rang out as she stepped into the room.

I froze.

I hadn’t ended the call… Ava’s voice suddenly echoed faintly from the speaker:

“Take care of yourself… and your daughter.”

There was silence as I quickly ended the call and slowly turned to my mother.

Her expression had completely changed.

“Your… daughter?” she repeated.