I pulled my hand back, feigning indifference. "You can't make money without getting a few scrapes."
Hudson frowned. A flicker of unease crossed his face, but he didn't press the issue. He merely offered a dry, perfunctory warning. "Take care of yourself."
Then, without a second glance, he got into his car and drove away.
My phone buzzed. A text from Eliana flashed on the screen.
Following the coordinates she provided, I arrived at the Riverside Mansion.
The entrance was swarming with luxury cars. It wasn't just family; the guest list included the city's most prominent heiresses and Eliana's close circle of friends. They were all here to celebrate the return of the "real" daughter.
Before I could announce myself, a staff member grabbed my arm, mistaking me for a temp worker. I was shoved into a changing room, forced into a server's uniform, and pushed into the main hall.
I watched from the shadows as my parents presented Eliana with jewelry worth tens of millions. They beamed at her with a warmth I had never known.
Then came Hudson. He handed over the deed to a branch company, giving Eliana immense prestige in front of the guests. Then, the final blow. He placed my bank card into her palm.