Chapter 5 No.5

After the butler spoke, everyone in the room looked at Brianna. She was perfectly calm.

"It's okay," she said quietly. "I'll go out and talk to them."

Abbie quickly stepped forward and took Brianna's hand. "No, sweetheart. You don't have to face them alone." She turned to the butler. "Bring them in."

About ten minutes later, Neil and his parents, William and Nancy, were led into the grand living room.

Their eyes were wide as they looked around. They stared at the high ceilings, the sparkling chandelier, and the expensive furniture. Their faces showed a mix of envy and greed. They wanted that money more than ever.

When Neil saw Brianna, he moved to grab her arm. "Brianna, come here!"

Abbie immediately stepped between them, her voice sharp as she hissed, "Don't you touch my daughter!"

Caleb picked up a document from the table. It was the DNA test. He threw it towards William and barked, "Read it. Brianna is my daughter. Not yours."

William picked up the paper. Once he finished reading, he pretended to be sad. "Eighteen years... we raised her for eighteen years," he sighed, shaking his head. "It was so hard. I had to work three jobs just to feed two children."

Nancy joined in, playing her part. "Yes! I had to quit my job to take care of them because we couldn't afford a babysitter! We sacrificed so much!"

Abbie had heard enough. "What do you want?" she asked, her voice cold.

William smiled a slimy smile. "Well, our appartment is very old. We need money for repairs." Then he held up one finger.

Caleb frowned. "One million?"

William shook his head. "No. Ten million."

Abbie gasped. "Ten million? That's robbery!"

"Be careful what you say!" William snapped. "This is compensation for us raising your child!"

Caleb had lost his patience. He turned to the butler. "Call the security guards. Throw these greedy people out."

Neil panicked. They weren't going to get the money!

His eyes darted around the room and landed on the other girl standing behind Abbie. She was pretty and dressed in expensive clothes. She looked spoiled and loved.

Neil instantly knew who she was. This was the girl who had taken Brianna's place-his real sister.

He rushed towards Cassie. "You must be my sister! Come home with us!" he said, reaching for her.

Neil looked dirty and rough. Cassie had never been near someone like him. She was terrified. She let out a sharp scream and stumbled backward.

William and Nancy understood Neil's plan immediately. If they couldn't have Brianna, they could take this girl! They also moved towards Cassie.

"Stay away from her!" Abbie cried, trying to shield Cassie, but Nancy pushed her aside.

For a moment, the beautiful living room was a scene of chaos and shouting.

Finally, the security guards rushed in and pinned Neil and his parents on the floor.

Cassie was sobbing uncontrollably, hiding her face in Abbie's shoulder. "Mom, don't let them take me! Please! This is my home!" she cried.

Abbie held her tightly, her heart breaking. "Don't be afraid, my darling. You are my daughter. No one is taking you away. I promise."

Brianna watched it all with cold eyes. She let out a sneer. Abbie had no idea what Cassie was really like-a cunning, poisonous snake.

As the guards were dragging them to the door, William shouted, "I'll call the police! I'll tell them you stole my daughter!"

Suddenly, Brianna spoke up. "Wait."

Everyone turned to look at her.

"I'll go with you," she said to William. "Don't call the police."

William was shocked into silence. He never thought she would give up this life of luxury.

Caleb and Abbie were just as stunned.

"Brianna, no!" Abbie ran to her, grabbing her hands. "Why would you leave?"

Brianna looked down, playing the role of the self-sacrificing daughter perfectly. "I don't want to cause you any more trouble. You already have a daughter you love. It's better if I go."

Abbie was deeply moved. She pulled Brianna into a tight hug, tears in her eyes. "No! You are my child! I lost you for eighteen years. I will never let you go again!"

Caleb saw his wife's tears and sighed. He looked at William. "Fine. You'll get your ten million. But on one condition: you sign a paper. You will never, ever come near Brianna or Cassie again. Do you understand?"

William, Nancy, and Neil nodded eagerly. "Yes! Yes, we understand!"

Once the annoying family was gone, the house was finally quiet.

Later that night, Abbie showed Brianna to her new bedroom. "I hope you like it. There are new clothes in the closet for you."

Cassie, wanting to look good, put on a sweet smile. "Brianna, if you're scared to sleep alone, you can come to my room!"

"No, thank you," Brianna replied politely but firmly. "I'm a very light sleeper. The smallest noise wakes me up."

Cassie nodded in understanding. She turned to Abbie instead. "Mom, I'm still so shaken up from tonight. Can you sleep in my room with me?"

Abbie agreed immediately. "Of course, darling."

Brianna didn't try to stop her. She just smiled. "Goodnight," she said softly.

Once they were gone, she closed the door.

Alone at last, Brianna lay down on the familiar bed. She took a deep breath.

"The first battle is over," she thought. "Now, I need to rest. Tomorrow, the real war begins. I will take back everything that snake stole from me, piece by piece."