Chapter 1 - The Return
2:20 PM, Yuncheng Airport.
A slim figure strolled out from the VIP exit, suitcase trailing behind.
She wore a loose white shirt tucked casually into wide-legged trousers, with the sleeves rolled up at the elbows. That laid-back, effortless vibe made her stand out instantly—more than a few heads turned her way.
About ten minutes later, Clara Evans finally showed up, unhurried as ever.
Inside the big black Mercedes, Clara turned her head irritably. The second she spotted Lillian Reed approaching, a clear look of displeasure flickered through her eyes.
“So you finally remembered this place exists? You had the guts to run off, but couldn’t make it on your own? All you ever do is embarrass the family.”
Her tone was sharp and impatient—no hint of warmth, not even the bare minimum you’d expect from a mother greeting the daughter she hadn’t seen in two years.
Clara had two daughters—fraternal twins who couldn’t be more different if they tried.
The younger one, Violet Reed, was smart, talented, sweet, and respectful. Everyone in Yuncheng adored her.
And then there was the older one. Always wore that stone-cold expression like the world owed her something. Terrible grades, always skipping class and sneaking out. Honestly, who’d like a kid like that?Two years ago, she vanished during her first year of high school, got expelled, and totally embarrassed Clara Evans.
Now that Lillian Reed suddenly showed up again, Clara had zero excitement on her face.
Lillian tossed her suitcase aside, slid into the back seat, legs casually crossed, her pale, slender fingers tapping away at her phone like nothing else mattered.
She didn’t even pretend to hear Clara’s nagging.
Watching her like that made Clara’s irritation spike.
She couldn’t stand Lillian's lazy, careless vibe—like the whole world was just background noise to her.
How could she not compare her to Violet Reed? Her youngest, who was smart, motivated, and literally glowed no matter where she went.
They were fraternal twins, sure, but still—how could the gap be this huge?
Seeing Lillian stay quiet, Clara’s brows knit tight. “What, two years gone and you forgot how to talk? Turned mute or something?”
The tapping paused. Lillian slowly raised her eyes, expression cold and detached, like there was ice in her veins.
“In this heat, your temper’s burning already. Thought I’d do the smart thing and stay quiet.”
Clara choked a little, falling silent.
Right—back when Lillian lived at home, just opening her mouth was enough to make Clara's blood pressure skyrocket. It always took forever to calm down after.
She was full of flaws, had zero respect, and this attitude—how was Clara supposed to like a daughter like that?Clara Evans wasn’t really happy about Lillian Reed suddenly showing up—more than anything, she was just worried Lillian would embarrass her again.
She didn’t push for Lillian to talk, but that didn’t mean she’d let her off easy. Clara said matter-of-factly, like it was the most obvious thing in the world, “Since you’re back, you need to follow my rules. Fix those old bad habits of yours, hit the books hard, and learn from your sister. Don’t drag the Reed family down again.”
Just the thought of finding a school for Lillian gave Clara a headache. With grades at rock bottom and a habit of skipping class, who on earth would still take her in?
Seriously, she felt like she’d lost all her dignity in this lifetime thanks to Lillian.
Forty-five minutes later, as they reached the gates of the Reed estate, the sound of soft violin music floated out.
Clara’s face finally softened a bit. She glanced at Lillian, her eyes still cold.
“Violet not only gets top marks, but plays the violin beautifully too. She might even get into the Capital Music Association. Now that’s what a daughter of mine should be like.”
Hearing the tune, Lillian nodded with a faint smirk. “True.” A daughter like that? Definitely not her.
She couldn’t play at that level even with her eyes wide open—let alone closed.Before Clara Evans could even react to what Lillian Reed meant, she'd already marched into the house.
Inside the Reed family villa.
Mr. Reed, who usually didn't stay in Yuncheng, had always treated Lillian fairly well.
So when she came back, he was genuinely happy. He held her hand and chatted nonstop with her.
Clara Evans, however, found it unbearable. She cut in with a cold voice, breaking the flow between the two. "You don’t see your dad or your sister standing there or what?"
Lillian had been back this whole time, only talking to Mr. Reed like the rest of them didn’t exist. Didn't even spare them a glance.
They had hoped she might’ve grown a bit over the two years she was gone, but she came back acting all high and mighty — for who’s benefit exactly?
Oliver Reed wasn’t too bothered, though. He rarely involved himself in family stuff, and had never shown much emotion toward Lillian — no strong love or dislike.
He figured maybe blaming the kid right after she got home was a bit much.
He reached out and tugged lightly at Clara’s sleeve. "It’s just a greeting, no big deal."
Off to the side, Violet Reed calmly smoothed her clothes, giving a soft, polite smile. "It’s okay, Mom. Maybe she’s just not used to being back yet. Dad and I don’t mind."
Saying she didn't mind was just an act, though. In truth, Lillian wasn’t even worth the effort in Violet’s eyes.Clara Evans’s face darkened as she kept pressing with that impatient tone, completely missing the grim look settling on Mr. Reed’s face.
“Been gone for two years, and you come back without the slightest bit of manners?”
Lillian Reed just let out a soft laugh, the kind that didn’t quite reach her eyes. Oliver Reed and Violet Reed glanced over, puzzled.
Lounging back on the couch, she tilted her head lazily, eyes half-lidded like she couldn’t care less.
“Manners?” Her voice dragged slightly at the end, sounding oddly captivating.
Then suddenly she switched tone, voice laced with sarcasm. “Since when have I ever had any?”
Truth be told, she had her own set of rules, and dealing with folks from the Reed family just wasn’t worth her energy.
To them, that probably screamed ‘rude’.
Clara Evans clearly picked up on the jab. Her face stiffened, and you could practically see the steam rising off her.
She jerked up like she was about to explode, but before she could go off, someone yanked her arm down. She stumbled a step and met Mr. Reed’s thunderous expression head-on.
Instantly, her words caught in her throat. She didn’t dare say another thing.
The whole living room went dead silent. You could hear a pin drop.