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In her previous life, Mabel had stumbled upon the truth only after she was an adult, and by then, it was far too late. She wasn’t the abandoned orphan the Harpers had kindly taken in. Her real last name was Barrett – a name that carried the weight of power and prestige. Her father, Calvin Barrett, had been the eldest son of the illustrious Barrett family, one of the wealthiest and most influential dynasties in Linburn City.
Over a decade ago, tragedy had engulfed the Barrett family. A web of betrayal and greed caused Calvin and his wife’s deaths. leaving the family in ruins. In a desperate bid to protect their baby daughter from the chaos, Calvin and his wife had entrusted her to Dale and Beatrice Harper, pleading with them to raise her safely and anonymously.
They renamed her Mabel, burying her true identity along with the Barrett legacy.
Her birth name, Maybelle – chosen by her mother was a loving tribute, meaning “dear” and “beloved.”
To ensure their daughter’s future, Calvin had set aside a one–billion–dollar trust fund under her name, secured with a black card that symbolized her unparalleled privilege. The card provided access to extravagant luxuries–first–class service, global perks, and an endless stream of wealth.
Until Mabel turned eighteen, however, the Harpers were entrusted to manage the fund and care for her. According to the agreement between the Barretts and the Harpers, the card was to be returned to Mabel upon reaching adulthood, ensuring she had the financial freedom to live comfortably once she left their care.
The Harpers hadn’t agreed out of pure kindness. Calvin had sweetened the deal with more than enough to tempt their greed: luxury cars, a sprawling villa, and, most importantly, 30 of the Barrett Group’s shares. But Calvin wasn’t a fool. To ensure Mabel’s protection, the shares came with a critical condition: they would only transfer to the Harpers if Mabel personally signed her consent after turning eighteen.
That business empire, worth hundreds of billions, was a golden goose for anyone lucky enough to own a slice of it. For the Harpers, who were little more than middling players in Linburns social hierarchy, the opportunity to elevate themselves into true elite status was irresistible.
This clause bound the Harpers to treat Mabel well, showering her with affection and care in the hope of securing her signature. For years, they played their parts to perfection, hiding their true motives behind fake smiles and kind words. And now, the time was drawing near.
In her previous life, Mabel had remained blissfully ignorant of this intricate web of deception. She had no idea the card existed, nor that the trust fund tied to it was hers. The Harpers had drained the account long before she died.
Worse, they preyed on her vulnerability after her disfigurement swooping in at her lowest moment. Wracked with pain and despair in the hospital, Mabel had been coerced into signing away her consent to the shares, a pen trembling in her injured hand. That single moment had sealed the Harpers‘ rise to unimaginable wealth and power.
It wasn’t until the very end – just before her death – that Mabel learned the full extent of their betrayal. Rhea, ever vindictive, had taken perverse pleasure in spelling out every detail, gloating over how easily the Harpers had manipulated her. Rhea’s confession had been a dagger to Mabel’s already broken heart, cruel reminder of everything she’d lost.
But this time, Mabel wasn’t in the dark.
Rhea couldn’t quite pinpoint it, but something about Mabel felt off. She looked the same calm, unobtrusive, as if she had no intention of competing. But there was a subtle frostiness in her demeanor, a quiet strength beneath the surface that sent an unexpected chill down Rhea’s spine.
Still, Rhea quickly dismissed the thought. ‘She’s probably realize she can’t compete with me, the real heiress. Now she’s just trying to stay on my good side, she thought smugly.
Her mood soarel when Beatrice swiped the card for the clothing spree without hesitation. Clinging to–Beatrice’s arm, Rheat poured on the charm, showering her with compliments while subtly steering her toward the jewelry exhibition just down
the hall.
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Mabel followed a few paces behind, her expression unreadable. Oh, she’s not stopping at clothes today. Now she’s setting her sights on the crown jewels.
The mall’s luxury jewelry exhibition was a stroke of luck for Rhea. The hall gleamed with radiant gemstones and breathtaking craftsmanship, each display designed to dazzle.
Amidst all the glittering necklaces and statement rings, one piece stole the spotlight: a diamond tiara mounted on a plush velvet pedestal at the center of the room.
The tiara was a masterpiece of artistry. Made entirely of diamonds, it featured an enormous central stone that caught and reflected light in a kaleidoscope of brilliance. Its name was as poetic as its design: “Love Like No Other.”
The piece radiated an almost mystical beauty, mesmerizing every girl in the room as they envisioned themselves wearing it
Mabel’s breath caught as her eyes landed on the tiara. A flicker of recognition danced at the edge of her memory. She hadn’t attended this exhibition in her previous life, yet she felt certain she had seen this tiara before.
Rhea, however, was enraptured for a different reason. She clutched Beatrice’s arm, her face lighting up with exaggerated excitement. “Mom! Look at this tiara! Isn’t it gorgeous? Don’t you think I’d look just like a princess in it?”
The tone might have been endearing from a child, but coming from a nearly grown woman, it bordered on ridiculous. Her voice was syrupy sweet, her posture coyly girlish, and yet none of it suited her features or demeanor. Beatrice, as always, fell hook, line, and sinker for Rhea’s act. Her indulgent smile widened as she gazed at the tiara, clearly imagining her daughter adorned in its brilliance.
Seeing Beatrice’s face, Mabel walked up to the display and glanced at the price tag. letting out a soft whistle. “Wow. 13 million dollars? That’s… a lot of princess.”
Rhea’s head snapped toward Beatrice, quickly calculating her reaction before turning back with a wide–eyed expression of mock dismay. “Oh? That much? 1 – Im so sorry, Mom! I didn’t know it would cost so much! I’ve never really been around diamonds before… I thought they were just shiny rocks. I bet Mabel knew, though. She’s always so sensitive about prices.”
Her tone was sugar–coated with just enough venom to make her dig stick. It painted Mabel as stingy and bitter without outright saying it.
Mabel didn’t so much as flinch. “Never seen a diamond, huh?” she replied smoothly. “Funny, since you seem to know enough to aim for the most expensive one here. Quit playing innocent, Rhea it’s embarrassing”
Rhea’s smile wavered, her cheeks flushing with frustration as she turned to Beatrice. “Mom! Listen to her! She’s so mean to
Right on cue, Beatrice’s indulgence transformed into stern disapproval. Her sharp gaze landed on Mabel. “What’s gotten into you lately? You’ve become so insolent! How could you speak to Rhea like that? Haven’t we always treated you well? You’ve had plenty of clothes and jewelry – more than enough! And now, when Rhea wants something expensive for the first time, you’re throwing a tantrum? Why are you so mean to her?”
Rhea’s satisfaction at seeing Mabel scolded was immeasurable. On the surface, though, she kept her act intact, tilting her head with a sweetly worried expression. “Mom, don’t be upset with Mabel. She didn’t mean anything by it. “If I were in her position, I’d probably feel insecure too. It must be hard when a new kid joins the family and–gets so much attention. “Maybe you should just buy the tiara for her instead? It’s too expensive for me anyway – I don’t deserve something so gorgeous.”
Mabel stood to the side, her face unreadable, but her thoughts were sharp as ice. She couldn’t believe she lost her life to the stupid duo in her previous life.
Beatrice looked conflicted; she was, of course, more than willing to make Rhea a princess.
Her hesitation was about the price. Thirteen million dollars was a jaw–dropping sum, even for her most cherished daughter. Then there was the nagging concern about the black card: What Calvin Barrett had left behind conditions or tracking
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mechanisms? What if Mabel discovered the truth?
But as the hours passed, Beatrice began to relax. From the moment she used the card to the present, Mabel had shown no reaction. Her expression was utterly indifferent, betraying no sign that she suspected a thing.
Beatrice finally breathed a sigh of relief. With plenty of money still left on the card, she figured she could continue to use it without consequence. Mabel’s soft nature made her easy to handle. Even if she found out later that the money was she wouldn’t do anything about it.
as spent.
With newfound confidence, Beatrice pulled out the card once more and turned to Rhea with a warm smile. “Why would I buy it for her? Haven’t we done enough for Mabel? Don’t worry, sweetheart – it’s only 13 million dollars. I’m getting it for you right now!”
Mabel’s lips curved into a subtle smirk as she remarked, “Mom, you’re so generous! If I were Rhea, I’d be crying.”
Her words dripped with false admiration, but her thoughts were anything but. ‘Easy for you to swipe my card. Mabel mused silently,
‘But I wonder – when the time comes to settle the debt, will you be crying your heart out, A
Mom?‘
Just as Beatrice was about to hand over the card, the salesman stepped forward with an apologetic smile. I’m terribly sorry, Mrs. Harper, but this tiara has already been reserved. Perhaps you’d be interested in one of our other exquisite pieces. instead!
For a moment, silence hung heavy in the room.
Rhea’s radiant smile froze. “Then order another one! This tiara is perfect for me.”
Rhea’s carefully cultivated persona of the sweet, unassuming daughter was slipping.
Beatrice, however, seemed oblivious, still basking in the glow of her favorite daughter’s affection.
The salesman’s polite smile didn’t falter. “I’m afraid that’s not possible, ma’am. As its name suggests, this tiara is truly one of a kind.”
One of a kind.
The words only made Rhea’s obsession burn hotter. She turned to Beatrice with pleading eyes, the tiara’s allure transforming her childish excitement into raw desperation.
Beatrice’s protective instincts flared. “Could you contact the buyer?” she asked the salesman. “We’d be willing to offer them a very generous compensation.”
The salesman hesitated before responding with careful diplomacy. “I’m afraid that’s not an option, ma’am. The buyer has already finalized the purchase, and the tiara is scheduled for delivery. If we breach the contract, we would be liable for double its value as a penalty”
Beatrice’s eyes widened. Double the price? Twenty–six million dollars?
Even with her inflated sense of security from the black card, she couldn’t justify that kind of spending.
Before she could protest further, the salesman added with a faintly nervous s we would dare disappoint
The words landed like a thunderclap. A heavy silence enveloped the room.
smile, “Besides, the buyer… He’s not someone
Beatrice realized the tiara was truly out of reach. She softened her tone, attempting to redirect Rhea’s attention. “Sweetheart,
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why don’t you take a look at that necklace over there? It’s absolutely stunning and would suit you beautifully.”
But Rhea, ever the actress, shook her head with an air of reluctant disappointment. “No, it’s fine,” she murmured, her gaze lingering wistfully on the tiara‘ one last time. No other piece could compare; the rest of the showroom’s offerings now felt like cheap trinkets in comparison. How could she, the rightful heiress of the Harper family, settle for anything less than the very best?
The thought of wearing an inferior piece didn’t sit well with her- not when her elevated status demanded nothing but the most exclusive, most opulent treasures.
There will be jewelry far more valuable than this tiara in the future, Rhea assured herself, straightening her posture with newfound resolve. Why waste energy fighting over it now? My real focus should be on driving that insufferable Mabel out of this family for good! Once Mabel was gone, there would be no one left to share the family’s wealth with Rhea. Every cent. every car, every mansion – they would all belong to her.
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