From Orphan to Billionaire: The Foster Girl's Secret

Chapter 2 He Makes Me Sick

Phyllis was soon dragged out of the pool, her soaked figure trembling pitifully. 

Wendy rushed over, wrapping Phyllis in a tight embrace. She glared at Daisy with a venomous expression.

"Daisy, how dare you push Phyllis into the water? You're nothing but an adopted daughter, yet you act so boldly! You're ungrateful and shameless!" 

Daisy's gaze remained calm. "Don't act like you actually raised me. All I ever got was the title of adopted daughter. That's it." 

After all, from the moment she was brought to the Brick family, Daisy had been nothing more than a punching bag for Wendy, who took out her frustrations on her during frequent mental breakdowns. 

When Daisy was younger, she had hoped to see the Brick family as her family.

But after countless beatings, punishments, and pleas for help that fell on deaf ears, she realized she was nothing more than a convenient scapegoat to them. 

As an adult, Daisy hadn't taken a cent from the Brick family in years.

In fact, she had secured them a major contract, earning them enough profit to ensure the family's wealth for generations. 

She owed them nothing. 

"You!" Wendy's face turned red with anger, her body trembling. 

"Daisy, how can you say such things? Mom must feel so hurt hearing this!" Phyllis interjected, feigning shock. 

Inside, Phyllis was elated. Daisy was falling right into her trap. If Daisy severed ties with the Brick family, Phyllis wouldn't have to worry about her competing for their affection or status. 

Phyllis put on her most pitiful expression, patting Wendy's back. "Mom, don't blame Daisy.

She must be upset about her canceled engagement to Bruce. It's understandable she'd act out after enjoying the life of an heiress for so long." 

Hearing this, Wendy's eyes narrowed dangerously.

"How shameless of you to try and steal Phyllis's engagement to Bruce! Do you really think a lowly thing like you deserves a spot in the Watts family? Only Phyllis is worthy of such a match!" 

Phyllis's voice was soft and sweet.

"Daisy, I'm willing to let you have everything else, even though I know it must be hard adjusting to life outside our home. But Bruce is exceptional, and our families have long been planning this marriage. I can't let it go." 

Daisy's lips curled into a cold smile. "You like Bruce? Take him. I should thank you for doing the garbage collection." 

Phyllis's face darkened instantly.

The Watts family was one of the most prestigious in the area, with countless women vying to marry into it. How could Daisy call Bruce trash? 

'She's bluffing.' 

Just then, Phyllis noticed a tall figure descending the staircase. 

She quickly composed herself, taking a small diamond tiara from her head and extending it to Daisy. "Daisy, you may have hit me and pushed me into the pool, but I understand. It's because of the changes in your identity, and I don't blame you. Here, take this tiara. Use it to improve your living situation." 

The guests murmured in admiration. 

"The true heiress of the Brick family is so kind. Even after being treated so badly, she still worries about her adopted sister." 

"Unlike her, Daisy is vile. It's in her blood." 

Phyllis basked in the compliments, her lips curling into a faint smile. She raised her chin slightly, pretending to be humble. "Please, everyone, don't praise me. This is what I should do. Daisy took my place for so many years. I should thank her for being there for my parents in my absence." 

Wendy placed a comforting hand on Phyllis's, her tone heavy with emotion. "Phyllis, you're too naive! Daisy's been stealing from us ever since we took her in. She's nothing but a lowly thief! Giving her something as precious as this tiara is pointless—she'll never appreciate it." 

Daisy suddenly chuckled, her icy gaze locking onto Wendy. "Making up more lies about me on my way out, Wendy? That's fine. Maybe I should share a few stories of my own for everyone's entertainment." 

Wendy glared at Daisy, rage burning in her eyes. Deep down, though, she felt a flicker of fear.

Ever since she was little, Daisy had always been this way!

The way Daisy looked at people seemed almost magical, as though she could see straight into their hearts, which always made Wendy feel uneasy.

When Daisy took action, she was like a queen ruling over everything!

But Daisy was just an orphan—what gave her the right to act so haughty? Wendy constantly tried to ruin Daisy's reputation, hoping to make her kneel and beg for mercy. Not once did she succeed.

Now that Daisy was about to leave, she remained as cold and arrogant as ever, which infuriated Wendy.

Yet what Wendy feared more was Daisy bringing up those shameful secrets. If people discovered that Wendy had abused Daisy since childhood, she would be shunned by everyone in high society.

Seeing Wendy finally fall silent, Daisy glanced at the tiara on the table.

It was the lowest-grade item among the gifts recently given to Phyllis. The diamonds were of the most basic cut and sparkle. Pretending to be generous, Phyllis offered this cheap piece. Daisy thought it was both foolish and laughable.

'She's actually gifting this tiara?' Daisy wouldn't even use it to fill a hole in her garden, considering how many top-grade diamonds she already owned. Though she mocked it inwardly, her face betrayed nothing. She simply said, "Thanks, Phyllis."

She picked up the tiara. 

But in the next moment, she slammed it to the ground. The diamonds scattered in all directions. 

Gasps filled the air. 

Phyllis stared at the shattered tiara, her face filled with shock and pain. 

Then a sharp male voice cut through the tension. "Daisy, how dare you! Phyllis offered you that tiara out of kindness, and you smashed it? You really are nothing but a lowly commoner!" 

A tall man in a tailored suit, about six feet tall, walked over. His handsome features were marred by the disdainful look in his eyes as he glanced down at Daisy. 

This man was Bruce Watts, Phyllis's fiancé—and, just a month ago, Daisy's own fiancé. Having grown up with Daisy, Bruce had been her childhood companion, almost a fairytale match. But the moment he learned Daisy was adopted, he hadn't hesitated to switch allegiances and become Phyllis's betrothed instead. 

"Bruce," Daisy said calmly, her tone indifferent. "You already said she gave it to me. That means I can do whatever I want with it. Besides, I've thrown out everything the Brick family gave me." 

After seeing the true colors of the Brick Family, Daisy threw away every gift they had given her in an effort to appear kind and charitable. Looking at those items only reminded her of how they had played her back then. Besides, those so-called lavish gifts—worth a few million dollars—didn't even come close to one-tenth of what Daisy earned on her own. Yet, because she had grown up longing for affection, she'd once believed they would actually treat her like family. She had poured her heart into helping them, working tirelessly to pull them back from the brink of bankruptcy. Since she could toss something worth millions without a second thought, how could she possibly care about such a cheap diamond tiara now?

Bruce's lips curled into a mocking smile. "Threw it all out? Wow, look at you playing the saint. Wendy's gifts alone were worth millions! And don't even get me started on that outfit you're wearing—it's from XH Brand's latest collection, right? Costs what, $100,000? Don't tell me you bought it yourself. No one would believe that!" 

Unfortunately for him, he wasn't wrong. The clothes Daisy wore now were all bought with her own money. She had already made up her mind to sever ties with the Brick family today. Naturally, she wouldn't take anything bought by them. 

Daisy didn't bother explaining, nor did she give Bruce any face. "What's it to you? My money has nothing to do with you. Are you the chief of police or something? Stop trying to meddle." 

"You…" Bruce's face twisted in frustration. Failing to win the argument, he turned to Wendy, his expression sour. "Wendy, why are you still letting someone like her stick around? Just kick her out already. She's ruining Phyllis's celebration." 

Wendy, already brimming with resentment toward Daisy, felt her anger ignite further at Bruce's words. She pointed a trembling finger at Daisy, shouting, "Daisy, get out of my house right now! We don't welcome you." 

Daisy raised her eyes slightly, her cold gaze sweeping over the room and the three-story villa that barely spanned 3,000 square feet. Her expression remained indifferent. 

A so-called "wealthy family" that didn't even own a mansion over 10,000 square feet? The Brick family was a joke. She'd been putting up with them for far too long. 

Her lips curved into a faint smile as she said coolly, "The Brick family isn't worthy of keeping me here." 

With that, she turned and strode toward the door, her posture firm and unyielding, with not a trace of hesitation. 

Wendy's anger boiled over as she watched Daisy's resolute departure. With a cold laugh, she spat, "She'd better keep that attitude. Otherwise, I'll just wait for the day she can't handle the hardships of poverty and comes crawling back." 

Phyllis, ever the picture of false sweetness, chimed in with a troubled look. "Daisy's just overwhelmed by the sudden change. I'm sure she doesn't mean it. I'll go see her out." 

With that, Phyllis hurried after Daisy. 

When she reached the door, she noticed a run-down black sedan parked outside. The car was in terrible shape, with its back hatch crooked, spiderweb cracks on the windows, and a thick layer of dust coating the exterior. It looked like it hadn't been maintained in years. 

Seeing the state of the car, Phyllis felt reassured. Daisy's family must truly be dirt poor if this was their ride. 

Daisy's eyes flicked to the car, her expression unreadable. 

She could tell at a glance that the car had been modified. The faint hum of the engine suggested it housed top-of-the-line parts worth over $30 million. And those cracked windows? Military-grade bulletproof glass. 

This car had clearly been through a violent accident—likely involving both a crash and gunfire. 

As Daisy pondered, the car door opened, and a burly man stepped out. He removed his sunglasses, revealing a rugged but friendly smile. 

"You must be Daisy," he said respectfully. "I'm Leopold, your driver." 

"I am," Daisy replied coolly, her sharp eyes quickly scanning Leopold. 

He was dressed in a tailored suit that hinted at his muscular frame. The faint calluses on his hands were unmistakable—they came from frequent use of weapons. 

Leopold was also assessing Daisy. 

Her features were delicate yet striking, her nose high-bridged, and her red lips vibrant against her porcelain skin. Her presence was understated but regal. She was impossible to ignore—yet before stepping out of the car, he'd somehow completely missed her. 

If she were an enemy, he would've been dead by now. 

Leopold glanced behind Daisy, his brows furrowing. "No one from the Brick family came to see you off?" He paused, adding, "Your parents instructed me to deliver some gifts as a thank-you for raising you." 

Before Daisy could respond, Phyllis interjected, her tone dripping with superiority. "Are you Daisy's family? Hurry up and take her away! People like her—cheap and vicious—don't belong in the Brick family!" 

Leopold froze, his hand hovering over the car as he reached for the gift. His face darkened. "Watch your mouth," he said, his voice low and menacing. 

The sudden shift in his demeanor sent a chill down Phyllis's spine, but she quickly regained her composure. Her gaze flicked to the battered car, and her arrogance flared again. 

So, this intimidating man was just another poor nobody. If he drove a car like that, he was nothing to be afraid of. 

Phyllis sneered. "And who are you to lecture me? Just take Daisy and leave. Trash like you has no right to be here." 

Leopold's eyes burned with fury. 

He'd faced guns to his head without flinching, yet this spoiled brat had the audacity to speak to him like that? 

For a moment, he was tempted to lash out, but remembering Daisy's connection to the Brick family, he suppressed his anger. 

Instead, he opened the car door and pulled out a wooden box. "Regardless of what you say, the Brick family must accept these gifts as a token of gratitude for raising my lady." 

The box was no ordinary wooden box—it was crafted from a single piece of precious sandalwood. 

Daisy's eyes gleamed with amusement. This was quite the gesture. 

Phyllis, however, snorted in disdain. She swatted the box away. "What cheap junk! How dare you bring something like this to the Brick family? Take Daisy and leave—now!" 

Leopold couldn't hold back any longer. Clenching his fists, he swung a punch at the person in front of him.

Suddenly, a hand reached out and effortlessly intercepted his blow.

Leopold stared in shock.

Daisy's expression was calm, and her gaze was as still and cold as a winter lake. She said, "Leopold, let's go. There's no need to waste any more time. After all, I won't be dealing with them again."

She had stopped Leopold from teaching Phyllis a lesson, so she owed nothing more to The Brick Family. From this day on, whether they thrived or fell no longer had anything to do with Daisy. She turned and got into that battered old car without a second glance.

Leopold saw her settle into the backseat and climbed behind the wheel. He tossed the gift box onto the passenger seat in a huff. "The Brick Family has little real skill, but they sure are full of themselves!"

He was thinking about what lay inside that gift box: forty villas in the heart of Lynelle City, each property several times larger than anything The Brick Family owned; fifty stores located in the downtown areas of major cities across the country; and two bank cards containing two billion dollars in total. Most important of all were three villas in Ogria's Dragonridge Villa district!

And yet The Brick Family had the nerve to call it bad luck. They sure knew how to talk big.

The car engine rumbled to life. Daisy, sitting in the backseat, glanced at Leopold and said, "Leopold, if you swapped out this car's shock absorbers for Falcon's X Series, it would handle a lot better."

Leopold's eyes went wide. Who exactly was Daisy? How could she spot the shock absorber issues at a glance?

He had considered upgrading to the Falcon X Series for a while. But the X Series was created by KING—an undisputed legend in off-road modding—and Leopold had never been able to contact KING.

Daisy seemed unaware of his amazement. She casually studied the car's interior until her gaze fell on a small piece under the seat: a g*n part. If she wasn't mistaken, it belonged to a Browning M1911A12.

"Leopold," Daisy said suddenly, "what's my birth father's last name?"

Leopold froze for a moment, then remembered what he had almost forgotten to say. "Lexington," he blurted out. Fearing he might leave anything else out, he quickly went on. "He's originally from Taniz, but he settled in Ogria and lives in Dragonridge Villa. We're heading there now."

In that moment, Daisy—no, Daisy Lexington—heard the words "Dragonridge Villa," and a subtle ripple passed through her calm eyes. Only those with powerful status lived in the largest villa district in Ogria. A few years ago, Lynelle City had been officially placed under Ogria's jurisdiction, effectively making it Lynelle City District. Sure, The Brick Family was the richest in Lynelle City District, but even then, they were nowhere near the level required to move into Dragonridge Villa.

Meanwhile, the celebration at the Brick Family's recognition banquet carried on. Phyllis went upstairs to change into another outfit, listening to Wendy remind her not to miss her chance to get close to Bruce. From the second floor, Phyllis glimpsed Daisy and Leopold leaving. A flicker of unease crossed her face. Thinking things over, she realized that Leopold's manner didn't seem as poor and lowly as she first assumed. It seemed like he might carry some weight.

Feeling uneasy, Phyllis said hesitantly to Wendy, "Mom, when I went to see my sister off, the man who picked her up treated her with a lot of respect. I think I saw a g*n on his belt…"

"That's impossible," Wendy interrupted immediately. Ogria wasn't like some wild underworld region. It was controlled by the Brotherhood Syndicate, a major power on the streets. No one could carry a g*n there without permission. In other words, anyone who legally carried a g*n in Ogria had high status and rank. She scoffed at the idea. "Daisy's family lives out in the middle of nowhere. There's no way they could qualify for a permit."

Yet Wendy still glanced out the window, just in case. By now, Leopold had driven off at full speed. Wendy recognized the brand of the car—famous for its sturdy build—but seeing how banged up it looked, she decided it had to be a knockoff.

Convinced of that, Wendy sneered. "Daisy's family is a joke. If they don't have money, they should just admit it. Renting a fake luxury car just to put on airs? They're broke and dramatic."

Phyllis thought back to the way Leopold had looked at her and felt a twinge of doubt. "But the man who picked my sister up looked like someone with underworld experience. He didn't seem like he was just pretending."

"You're too naive," Wendy said with a dismissive laugh. "You only saw what they wanted you to see. If he truly had the cash to afford that brand of car, not to mention a g*n license—if he was really that powerful—then Daisy's birth parents would have to be some core figure in the Brotherhood Syndicate living in Dragonridge Villa! But the Syndicate's leaders have publicly acknowledged their daughter to the world, so they can't be linked to Daisy at all."

More importantly, Wendy knew how long the Brick Family had struggled, yet they still couldn't even set foot on the outskirts of Dragonridge Villa. There was no way an orphan like Daisy could ever move in there!

If Daisy's family really had such influence, how could they have lost her back then? 

"You always have the best judgment," Phyllis praised Wendy with a sweet smile. Finally satisfied, she changed into a new dress and headed back to the banquet. 

With Daisy gone, Phyllis would now be the only young lady of the Brick family. She intended to relish every moment of her newfound status. 

About an hour away from Dragonridge Villa, Daisy, who had been silently watching the scenery outside, suddenly spoke. "Leopold, take a detour to Brightview Sanatorium. I have something to take care of." 

Brightview Sanatorium was the top rehabilitation center in Ogria, located just north of Dragonridge Villa and conveniently on the way. 

"Understood," Leopold replied. "Do you need me to call ahead and arrange for their assistance?" 

"No need," Daisy said calmly. "I'm just visiting Mrs. Brick." 

Throughout the years Daisy lived with the Brick family, the only genuine warmth she had received was from Ellie Brick, the family matriarch. She had treated Daisy like her own granddaughter. 

Ellie had once said that since Daisy was adopted into the family, she was part of their bloodline. But after her son passed away, Ellie's health had declined, eventually leaving her in a vegetative state. Since then, she had been living in Brightview Sanatorium. Despite everything, Daisy had visited regularly, offering her care and companionship. 

Now that Daisy was leaving the Brick family, she knew she had to see Ellie one last time. 

In the VIP ward of Brightview Sanatorium, Daisy quietly pushed open the door. 

Ellie lay peacefully in bed, her eyes closed. Time had etched wrinkles on her face, but there was a serene elegance to her appearance. In her youth, she must have been a stunning beauty. 

Sunlight streamed through the window, casting a warm glow on Ellie. If she weren't in a vegetative state, it would have been a picture-perfect moment. But reality, as always, was harsh. 

"When did you get here? Why didn't you let me know?" 

A deep, steady voice interrupted Daisy's thoughts. Turning, she saw Heinrich Evans standing in the doorway. His gold-rimmed glasses glinted as his sharp gaze settled on her. 

"Heinrich, thank you for taking care of Ellie," Daisy said with a faint nod. "The Brick family has severed ties with me. From now on, I'm Daisy Lexington, and I'll be moving elsewhere." 

Heinrich's tone turned cold with sarcasm. "You lived with them for so many years, and now that their real daughter is back, they cut ties? How heartless." 

Glancing at Ellie, Heinrich's expression grew serious. "If you're leaving the Brick family, I assume you won't have time to visit anymore. You already know Ellie missed the critical window for recovery. Her vital signs have been stable since she fell into a coma, but her consciousness hasn't returned. None of the treatments have had any significant effect." 

He hesitated for a moment, then added reluctantly, "Daisy, let it go. You know better than anyone that there's no chance of her waking up. It's a miracle she's held on this long, but there won't be another one." 

Daisy ignored his pessimism and calmly pulled a vial from her bag. She handed it to Heinrich. "Administer this in three doses intravenously. Ten milliliters per dose, two weeks apart." 

Heinrich froze, staring at the vial in shock. His eyes widened as recognition dawned. "This… This is MK Serum? The experimental treatment developed just last month for vegetative states and critical illnesses? The one reserved exclusively for key figures? How did you even get this?" 

Heinrich couldn't believe it. The 10ml vial in his hand, though small, was worth over a billion dollars on the black market. Yet, despite its astronomical price, it wasn't even available for purchase. 

MK Serum was one of the rarest commodities in the world, controlled by a shadowy organization with global influence. Even in Ogria's underground market, it was unheard of. Yet Daisy had not just one vial, but three. 

How was that possible? 

"Just use it. Don't ask questions," Daisy said evenly. 

Heinrich studied her carefully. "The Brick family treated you so horribly, yet you're still going out of your way to help Ellie..." 

He trailed off as Daisy shot him a warning look. 

Unfazed, he continued bitterly, "Am I wrong? Without you, the Brick family would have gone bankrupt years ago. And Wendy knows full well that Ellie is the reason the family has what they have today. But since Ellie was admitted here, how many times have they visited? They're heartless!" 

Daisy glanced at Heinrich but let him vent without interruption. She understood his frustration. After all, Heinrich had spent years taking care of Ellie, and suggesting they give up on her wasn't easy for him either. 

Heinrich had once been a medical prodigy, proud and untouchable. But when his mother fell critically ill, he couldn't save her. That failure shattered him, leaving him unable to perform surgery ever again. 

He had believed his life would remain in darkness until Daisy showed up. 

She had pulled him from the depths, guiding him with her actions. Together, they traveled to impoverished areas, providing medical care to those who needed it most. Daisy had taught him that his failure wasn't the end—that he could still save countless lives. 

In return, when Ellie fell ill, Heinrich abandoned prestigious opportunities to care for her at Brightview Sanatorium. 

"Their choices are theirs. Mine are mine," Daisy said coldly. "Ellie saved me several times when I was a child. I owe her that." 

Heinrich's gaze softened. Daisy always downplayed her emotions, masking her care and loyalty behind a detached facade. 

Sighing, Heinrich shifted the topic. "Since you're here, do you want to meet with John and the others? They've recently finished a new clinical paper on amniotic fluid embolism and could use your feedback." 

"I have other matters to attend to," Daisy replied, rising to her feet. "Next time." 

"Understood," Heinrich said. 

As Daisy looked back at Ellie's peaceful face, a wave of bittersweet emotion surged within her. Soon, she would no longer have any connection to this place. 

She turned away, her expression calm, and left the ward. 

In the underground parking garage, Daisy walked briskly toward the exit. She had instructed Leopold to wait outside to avoid revealing her connection with Heinrich. 

Just as she exited the elevator, a group of people escorted a woman in a wheelchair into the garage. 

"Quick, move aside!" 

The air was suddenly filled with the deafening roar of gunfire. Bullets ricocheted wildly as dust and debris erupted around them. 

Before Daisy could react, a Desert Eagle bullet hurtled toward her, spinning fiercely. 

It was aimed directly at her head.