Chapter 4The Secret Inheritance: My Family Can Hear My Thoughts

Ava had been much quieter these last few days, no longer seeking attention from my dad.

She clearly sensed his indifference and decided not to bother him.

Liam Sterling was my childhood sweetheart. We grew up together.

We were truly in love.

He founded his own company right after college, promising me the best life could offer.

But in the past life, Ava drugged my drink, leading to my public humiliation, which ultimately devastated Liam.

Seeing him again, I couldn't stop the tears welling up.

Before I could regain my composure, Ava rushed over to him.

Her gaze was overtly predatory as she addressed him.

“Are you Mr. Sterling? I’ve heard so much about your ambition and success. Seeing you today, you truly are impressive.”

In the past life, she used the same tactics to get close to Liam.

Liam, like me, was young and naive, easily caught off guard.

Although he hadn't been receptive to Ava in the last life, he hadn't truly guarded himself against her either.

Ava’s relentless pursuit, born from her twisted desire, eventually led to Liam’s misery.

I remained silent, thinking: [What do I do? Ava is starting again. Liam is so pure; what if she fools him?]

I could feel Liam’s eyes locked on me.

His brow was slightly furrowed, seemingly confused.

[Ava is always targeting me. Mom only cares about her biological daughter and completely ignores me. What should I do?]

[If Liam knew she was the one who killed us both in the past, he’d go ballistic.]

Liam’s expression grew progressively colder.

Ava, oblivious, continued to chatter beside him.

“Mr. Sterling, I read your company’s project plan; it’s brilliant. I love studying finance, but I hear Sister Chloe isn’t very interested in things like that…”

Before she could finish, Liam harshly pushed her away.

“Get lost!”

This was a side of Liam I’d never seen.

He was usually gentle and polite; this was the first time he'd lost his temper so dramatically.

He shoved her so hard that Ava tumbled to the ground.

Ava’s face was bright red, but she didn’t dare speak up.

She climbed back up reluctantly, tears in her eyes, adopting her usual helpless expression.

“I don’t know if Sister Chloe said something, but Mr. Sterling, you seem to really dislike me.”

The surrounding guests noticed the commotion.

“Isn’t that the foster daughter Mrs. Carrington brought home from the orphanage?”

“Yes, I heard she was adopted from a really poor one. Poor girl.”

“Right? The Carrington heiress seems so petty and small-minded.”

Ava listened contentedly to the gossip, hoping Liam would sympathize with her and be drawn to her.

[No wonder everyone hates me. Maybe I should just leave.]

I lowered my head, about to turn away.

Liam quickly stepped forward and grabbed my hand.

Then, he turned and spoke sternly to Ava.

“Stay away from me. Also, I don’t recall Chloe having a sister. Stop trying to claim family connections.”

Seeing her opportunity slipping away, Ava grew desperate.