Chapter 2: A New Beginning in the Shadows
Harlee stepped out of the Gill family villa, the cool night air brushing against her face. The sound of laughter and music from the party faded behind her as she walked down the quiet, tree-lined driveway. She didn’t look back. There was nothing left for her there.
As she reached the end of the driveway, a sleek black car pulled up beside her. The window rolled down, revealing a man in a sharp suit. “Miss Sanderson?” he asked politely.
Harlee nodded, and the man stepped out to open the door for her. “Your ride, as requested,” he said with a slight bow.
She slid into the back seat, her suitcase placed neatly beside her. The car glided smoothly onto the road, leaving the Gill estate behind. Harlee leaned back, her mind calm but her thoughts racing. She had planned this moment for a long time, and now it was finally happening.
The car drove through the city, the bright lights reflecting off the windows. Harlee stared out, her expression unreadable. She wasn’t heading to the impoverished village the Gills thought she was. No, her destination was far more interesting.
Meanwhile, back at the villa, Adelina stood by the window, watching the taillights of Harlee’s car disappear into the distance. A smug smile played on her lips. “Good riddance,” she muttered under her breath.
Liam walked up behind her, his expression conflicted. “Do you think we did the right thing? Harlee’s been with us for so long. She’s practically family.”
Averie scoffed, joining them. “Family? She’s not our blood, Liam. Adelina is. Harlee was just a placeholder, and now that we have our real daughter back, there’s no need to keep her around. Let her go back to where she belongs.”
Adelina placed a hand on Liam’s arm, her voice dripping with fake sympathy. “Dad, I know it’s hard, but Harlee will be fine. She’s strong. And who knows? Maybe her real family will appreciate her more than we ever could.”
Liam sighed, nodding reluctantly. But deep down, he couldn’t shake the feeling that they’d made a mistake.
The black car came to a stop in front of a luxurious high-rise building in the heart of the city. The driver opened the door for Harlee, and she stepped out, her eyes scanning the towering structure.
“Welcome home, Miss Sanderson,” the driver said, handing her a keycard.
Harlee took it with a small nod and entered the building. The lobby was grand, with marble floors and crystal chandeliers. She took the private elevator to the penthouse, her new sanctuary.
As the elevator doors opened, she was greeted by a spacious, elegantly decorated apartment. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a breathtaking view of the city skyline. Harlee walked in, her suitcase rolling behind her, and set it down by the door.
She took a deep breath, savoring the silence. This was her space now, far removed from the chaos of the Gill family. But Harlee wasn’t here to relax. She had work to do.
She opened her laptop and began typing, her fingers flying across the keyboard. Within minutes, she was deep into her designs, her mind focused and sharp. Harlee wasn’t just a girl who’d been cast aside. She was a genius, and her brilliance was about to change everything.
The next morning, the Gills were still basking in the glow of Adelina’s return. They sat around the breakfast table, chatting and laughing, completely unaware of what Harlee was up to.
Averie sipped her coffee, a satisfied smile on her face. “I’m so glad we finally have our real daughter back. Everything feels right again.”
Adelina beamed, playing the part of the perfect daughter. “I’m just happy to be home. And don’t worry about Harlee. She’ll find her way. After all, she’s always been so… resourceful.”
But as they enjoyed their breakfast, a news alert popped up on Liam’s phone. He frowned as he read the headline: “Mystery Designer Behind Billion-Dollar Patents Revealed!”
Curious, he clicked on the article. His eyes widened as he scrolled through the details. The designer, whose identity had been a closely guarded secret, was none other than Harlee Sanderson.
Liam’s heart sank. “Averie, Adelina… you need to see this.”
He handed his phone to Averie, who gasped as she read the article. “Harlee? But how? She’s just a girl!”
Adelina snatched the phone, her face paling as she read the details. Harlee wasn’t just a designer; she was a prodigy, her patents worth billions. And now, the whole world was talking about her.
Adelina’s hands trembled as she set the phone down. “This… this can’t be real. Harlee’s supposed to be in some poor village, not… not this!”
Liam stared out the window, a mix of regret and pride swirling in his chest. They’d underestimated Harlee, and now, she was proving just how wrong they’d been.
Harlee, meanwhile, was already making her next move. She had no intention of letting the Gills—or anyone else—dictate her future. Her brilliance was her weapon, and she was ready to wield it.
The game had just begun, and Harlee was playing to win.