The Eldest Daughter's Revenge

Chapter 5

Sophia awoke with a sharp gasp, her lungs hungrily pulling in air. Her entire body trembled as her eyes darted around, taking in her surroundings. The room was unfamiliar at first, but slowly, recognition set in.

“Where am I? Who saved me?” she whispered to herself, her voice shaky.

She blinked, disoriented, before realizing she was in her own apartment. Throwing off the duvet, she quickly got out of bed and rushed to the mirror, her mind racing with questions. She scanned her reflection, expecting to see burn marks or injuries—anything to remind her of the fire. But there were none. Her skin was smooth, unblemished, and her face looked younger than she remembered.

“What is going on?” she murmured, her confusion deepening.

Her gaze shifted to the calendar on the wall beside the mirror. When she saw the date, her eyes widened in shock.

“Three years ago...” she breathed, disbelief flooding her senses. Her hands trembled as she pinched herself, wincing at the sharp sting. This was real. Somehow, she had been reborn.

A mixture of relief and determination washed over her as she stared at her reflection. “Heavens, I’ve been given a second chance,” she whispered, a slow, incredulous smile spreading across her lips. “This time, things will be different. The Lane family, Rose, Ivy, Ethan... you’ll all pay for what you did.”

Her mind raced as she pieced together the timeline. She was currently in a relationship with Ethan, naively supporting Rose and Ivy’s careers while planning to launch her own design studio. And in two days, the Lane family would host a party to celebrate their business success—a turning point she knew all too well.

“This time, I’ll play my cards differently,” she resolved. “No more being a pawn in their games. I’ll follow my dreams and find my real parents.”

Her expression softened momentarily as thoughts of her parents filled her mind. But the ringing of her phone snapped her back to the present. She picked it up, only to see Rose’s name flashing on the screen. Memories from her past life surfaced, filling her with bitterness. She recalled how Rose had manipulated her into taking an audition while she was unwell, securing a role that later catapulted Rose’s career.

Sophia sneered at the memory. Not this time.

Answering the call, she spoke in a feeble voice, “Rose?”

“Elder sister, are you okay? You sound unwell,” Rose’s voice dripped with concern, but Sophia wasn’t fooled. She could almost see the fake sweetness in her sister’s expression.

“Yes, I’m feeling terrible,” Sophia replied, adding a weak cough for effect.

“Oh no, elder sister! Do you need me to come take care of you?” Rose offered, her tone saccharine.

Sophia rolled her eyes. “No, I’ll manage. Why did you call?”

“Well,” Rose hesitated, “there’s an audition for a movie I really want to be in, but... my ankle is sprained, and I can’t go. I was hoping you could go for me, but since you’re unwell...”

Sophia’s lips curled into a smirk. “I’d love to help, Rose, but I can’t even leave my bed right now.”

“Oh... it’s okay, elder sister. I’ll figure something out. Take care,” Rose said, masking her disappointment.

As the call ended, Sophia lay back on the bed, her mind brimming with plans. That audition had been a crucial stepping stone in Rose’s rise to fame, but without her help, it would be much harder for Rose to succeed.

“Let’s see how you manage this time,” Sophia thought with a satisfied smile.

Sophia had made up her mind—this time, she wouldn’t be a tool for others to manipulate. She wouldn’t allow Rose to climb to stardom on her back. Without her help, let’s see how Rose could secure the coveted role.

---

Meanwhile, in the sleek, luxurious office of Carter Corporation, Ethan was seated at his massive mahogany desk, his expression smug. Rose perched herself on his lap, her arms draped around his neck. She gazed up at him with feigned innocence, her voice sweet yet laced with frustration.

“Brother Ethan, that useless woman is sick,” she pouted, fluttering her eyelashes dramatically. “She said she won’t help me!”

Ethan arched an eyebrow, his lips curling into an amused smirk. “Oh? She’s sick, is she?” he said, running a hand lazily through her hair.

Rose’s pout deepened as she toyed with the buttons on his shirt. “Brother Ethan, I really want this role. That stupid woman listens to you. Can you convince her?”

Ethan’s grin widened as he leaned closer. “And what do I get in return for helping you, hmm?” he teased.

Rose’s cheeks flushed a deep pink. Her fingers trailed along his jawline as she whispered, “Me... Isn’t that enough?”

With a low chuckle, Ethan claimed her lips, and soon, their whispered words dissolved into the heat of passion. Clothes were discarded carelessly, the room echoing with their indulgence. Time passed in a blur until they were left tangled in each other’s arms, breathless and satisfied.

As their breathing steadied, Rose rested her head on Ethan’s chest, her fingers lazily tracing patterns on his skin. “Brother Ethan,” she murmured, her voice soft and coaxing, “will you call her now?”

Ethan chuckled, his hand running down her back. “I’ll handle it, my dear. Don’t you worry.”

Rose beamed, satisfied with his response. She had always known how to pull the right strings to get what she wanted, and Ethan was no exception.