Chapter 3Chasing Freedom

Carter let out a cold scoff. "So dramatic."

Then, like a grade schooler trying to show off, he waved a hand at Bruce.

The butler immediately escorted a girl in a simple white sundress into the room.

She was biting her lower lip, her expression a mix of terror and unease. She looked like she was bracing herself for a war.

The moment I saw her face, I understood exactly how they had tracked down the real heiress.

We couldn't call them identical twins, but she was an absolute carbon copy of our dad.

I took a step forward.

Instantly, the family's collective gaze locked onto me, darting frantically between Lily and myself.

Feeling a sudden urge to mess with them, I held back a grin and walked toward her in torturously slow motion.

Then, under their horrified stares, I threw my arms wide open.

"Sister! Welcome home!"

Lily froze like a statue. Her eyes went as round as saucers, looking like a deer caught in headlights. She stuttered over her words.

"You don't hate me? I'm taking your place..."

"Hate you? I'm trying to figure out how to thank you!"

I had barely finished my sentence when a theatrical, rhythmic sobbing erupted behind me.

My mom threw herself forward with the dramatic flair of a daytime soap opera star, pulling Lily into a crushing embrace.

"My poor, suffering daughter..."

My mouth twitched. I silently shuffled a few steps to the side, giving my dad and Carter enough room to join the performance.

The four of them huddled together in a tearful group hug. It was a scene straight out of a prime time family drama.

Standing on the sidelines, watching their genuine outpouring of emotion, a tiny, fleeting pang of loss brushed against my heart.

But I packed that feeling away almost instantly.

While they were drowning in the sentimental atmosphere of their family reunion, I quietly backed out of the room.

I marched up the grand staircase and began tossing things into my suitcase with ruthless efficiency.

The very first casualty was a heavy hardcover book on my nightstand titled The Elegant Socialite's Guide to Etiquette. It went straight into the trash can.

Twenty minutes later, I reappeared at the top of the stairs, dragging a massive Louis Vuitton trunk behind me.

The heartwarming family moment below froze completely. The looks on their faces were pure comedy.

"Jenica Collins! What on earth are you doing? Have you lost all sense of decorum?"

"I'm making room for my sister, obviously."

Lily stood awkwardly by the sofa. "You really don't have to do that..."

Seeing her distress, I walked down the stairs and gave her a friendly pat on the shoulder.

"Girl, do you have any idea what the rules are in this house?"