Diamond In Disguise: Now Watch Me Shine

Chapter 1 Leaving The Reed Family "Elena, our family has given you everything for the past twenty-three years, yet this is how you repay us? Such ingratitude! Gather your things and return to that rundown village to find your real parents!" In front of Elena Reed stood a wealthy middle-aged woman draped in an exquisite gown, her wrists adorned with gold and diamond bangles. Her sharp gaze bore into Elena with evident contempt. This middle-aged woman, Cecily Reed, was the one Elena had addressed as "mother" her entire life. Now, Cecily clutched another girl who bore an uncanny resemblance to her. The girl, Sylvia Reed, looked up at Cecily, her tone tripped with mock consideration. "Mom, don't be mad. I'm sure Elena didn't mean any harm. She's just struggling to accept that your love and Dad's belong to me now. Please don't hold it against her..." Cecily's expression softened as she looked down at Sylvia. Then, Cecily shot Elena a look with scorn. "She's the imposter--the one who stole the life meant for you. While you suffered all these years, she basked in wealth and privilege. It's only right that she faces the consequences!" A fleeting glint of triumph flickered in Sylvia's eyes, quickly replaced by the perfect mask of innocence. Earlier, Sylvia had shattered a glass downstairs, letting the shards cut her skin, and then framed Elena for it. Sylvia's parents immediately jumped to the assumption that Elena was to blame, dismissing any chance for Elena to defend herself. Determined to banish Elena for good, Sylvia watched her with revulsion. Elena had stolen her rightful place for too long. Elena's flawless features only fueled Sylvia's resentment. Elena's--now Sylvia's--father, Benjamin Reed frowned at Elena, his face full of distaste. "To think you'd be capable of such cruelty--trying to scar Sylvia's face! With a heart as wicked as yours, you don't deserve to stay in Foiclens. I've already sent for your real parents. Get your belongings together and prepare to return to Cloudstream Village immediately." For a time, Benjamin had considered keeping Elena. After all, they had invested years in raising her. Even if she wasn't suited to marry Darren Griffiths, the wealthy heir, she could have been useful in securing another alliance through marriage. But Elena had supposedly hurt Sylvia and ruined every matchmaking attempt he arranged for her. Now that Elena was of no use, Benjamin saw no reason to keep her. Elena lowered her gaze, a bitter smirk playing on her lips. The true colors of the Reed family had become painfully clear. The Reeds had risen to prominence in Foiclens years ago. Then, two months prior, Benjamin had fallen ill, requiring a blood transfusion. That was when they discovered Elena's blood type was Rh-negative--proof that she wasn't their daughter. Immediately, the Reed family had pulled every string to locate their biological child: Sylvia. It turned out during Cecily's labor, a fire had broken out in the hospital, causing chaos in the maternity ward. In the aftermath, newborns had been mistakenly swapped. Cecily had unknowingly taken Elena home, while Sylvia ended up with a working-class couple. Now that the Reed family had retrieved their real daughter Sylvia, they treated her like a treasure. Cecily, in particular, was filled with guilt for Sylvia's years of hardship and held Elena responsible for it all. As for Elena, the girl they had raised? Now that she was of no benefit, she was cast aside without hesitation. Their investigation revealed that Elena's actual parents were destitute farmers from a remote area of Cloudstream Village, struggling just to get by. Sylvia's lips curled into a seemingly kind smile. "Elena, you don't want to return to that isolated village, do you? It's understandable. No one willingly trades comfort for hardship. You've enjoyed the luxury of being a Reed, while your real family has barely managed to earn a living. The contrast must be overwhelming." But Elena felt no attachment to the Reed family. If not for her, their company wouldn't have thrived the way it had. "Heh..." Without another word, Elena turned and walked upstairs, stuffing a few outfits and accessories into a bag. By the time Elena descended the stairs, Sylvia's minor injury had already been neatly wrapped. Had she taken any longer, the wound might have healed completely. Sylvia, feigning concern, tilted her head. "Oh, Elena, next month is Darren and I's engagement party. Even though you'll be back in that remote village, I hope you'll attend." Darren had been Elena's childhood sweetheart, her once-promised fiancé. But ever since Sylvia's return, his attitude had shifted. He now doted on Sylvia while treating Elena with increasing coldness. Seeing Darren for what he truly was, Elena had long since lost interest. Yet, Sylvia continued in her syrupy tone, "You and Darren grew up together, but now he belongs to me. Elena, you're not upset, are you?" Elena turned, barely concealing her disgust. "It's shocking that even garbage can have admirers. If you want him, he's yours. I don't make a habit of collecting trash--you're actually doing me a favor." "You!" Sylvia's smile twitched, but she quickly composed herself. Turning toward Cecily, she pouted. "Mom, Elena must still have feelings for Darren. Otherwise, why would she say that?" Chapter 2 Completely Disappointed With The Reed Family Sylvia loathed Elena's distant attitude the most, as if nothing in the world concerned her. Worse, how could Elena, a descendant of a lowlife, possess such breathtaking beauty? Sylvia couldn't wait for Elena to return to that remote village, where endless labor under the scorching sun would strip away her refined elegance. There was no way Elena would remain as arrogant as she was now. Cecily, already bitter over Elena supposedly taking Sylvia's rightful place in the household, was even more enraged upon hearing Sylvia's provocative words. She patted Sylvia's back comfortably. "Elena wouldn't dare, not after she has stolen your identity! Someone like her, hailing from a humble background, wouldn't even be worthy of serving Darren, let alone becoming his fiancée!" Truthfully, Elena was just as much a victim in this ordeal, yet Cecily placed all the blame on her. If Elena had a choice, she would sever all connections with the Reed family. Darren was the Griffiths' sole son, and his family wasn't just the wealthiest in Foiclens but also ranked among Klathe's elite. Although the Griffiths family didn't make it into the top hundred, they were still leagues ahead of the Reeds. Elena and Darren had grown up together, naturally leading to their engagement. Elena once believed his feelings were genuine, but the moment the truth surfaced--that she wasn't truly a Reed--Darren turned his back on her. Not only did he end their betrothal immediately, but he also got involved with Sylvia. Elena's face remained blank. "I want nothing from the Reed family, including a fiancé of your choosing." She pivoted to leave, but Sylvia's voice stopped her. "If you don't care about anything from this family, then open your bag and prove it. Don't act like you don't want anything while secretly taking things with you." Cecily chimed in instantly, "Exactly! Your village is dirt poor--stealing even one piece of our jewelry could feed your family for years. Elena, don't think you can steal from the Reed family to support those rural parents of yours!" Sylvia stormed forward and yanked Elena's bag open--only to reveal something astonishing. An emerald necklace tumbled out. Sylvia wasted no time exclaiming, "Isn't this the necklace my mom gave me? How did it end up in your bag…" Sylvia couldn't hide her smirk. She knew Elena wouldn't leave empty-handed when there was so much wealth within reach. Cecily snatched the necklace. "You filthy thief! Do you know what you've done? This piece was designed by the world-famous Helena Walsh! I paid five million for it. You truly are nothing more than a hick's daughter. I'm calling the police!" Benjamin's expression darkened with fury, his glare sharp enough to cut. "What do you have to say for yourself?" His gaze at Elena held nothing but cold hostility. Sylvia pretended to mediate while fueling the fire. "Dad, Mom, don't be too harsh. Elena must've really liked the necklace and took it without asking. Since she wants it so badly, I won't argue over it…" Cecily's anger only escalated. "Not only did she steal your life, but now she wants a five-million-dollar luxury necklace? If we let her off, she'll bring nothing but disgrace to the Reed family! This design is one of Helena's limited creations, each with a unique serial number. I have to report this to the authorities!" Sylvia feigned concern. "Mom, if you involve the police, Elena will end up in prison. Won't that destroy her reputation?" "A thief like her belongs behind bars. She needs to learn her lesson. It'd be best if she rotted in jail forever, sparing the Reed family from any future humiliation!" Cecily retorted viciously. Benjamin said nothing, silently agreeing with Cecily's decision. It was better to see Elena locked away than to have her tarnish their family's name. Elena met Cecily's vicious glare and Benjamin's apathetic stare. For twenty-three years, she had called them Mom and Dad. She had once been grateful for the Reed family's upbringing and didn't want to think too badly of them. But now, she realized they were far worse than she ever imagined. They truly wanted her to struggle behind bars. Whatever affection she had left for the Reed family completely vanished. Chapter 3 Necklace Elena remained unfazed, her expression cold and unwavering. "Call the authorities if you like. But if I didn't steal the necklace, how do you plan to make it up to me?" "You couldn't possibly--" Cecily flipped the necklace over, her breath hitching as her eyes landed on the engraving. "This... How could this be? I clearly remember purchasing Number 9, so why does this read 1?" "Number 1?" Sylvia's smile disappeared, her face darkening with shock. "That can't be!" Sylvia was convinced Elena had stolen her necklace. She quickly grabbed it, scrutinizing the back--and sure enough, it bore the number 1. "This doesn't make sense..." Sylvia was dumbfounded. How had Elena come into possession of a piece from Helena's collection--especially the most prized and irreplaceable first edition? Glaring at Elena, Sylvia demanded, "Where did you get Number 1? That's the prototype for the entire series, the original masterpiece, worth a fortune!" Without hesitation, Elena retrieved the necklace from Sylvia's grasp, tucking it into her backpack with little care. It was nothing more than a design she had created on a whim. "You're just shoving something so valuable into your bag like that?" Sylvia was dumbstruck. Did Elena even comprehend the worth of that piece? Without sparing a glance, Elena responded, "It belongs to me. I'll handle it however I please. Weren't you going to call the police? Why haven't you yet? If there's nothing else, I'll be going. I have more important matters to attend to--like finding my real parents." Sylvia, unwilling to let the matter go, searched through Elena's belongings once more but found nothing beyond everyday clothing. Frustrated at the lack of any dirt on Elena, she clenched her jaw. Cecily pondered for a moment. No one had ever given Elena an allowance--there was no conceivable way she could afford such a high-end piece. It had to be a counterfeit! So, that was it--Elena was so obsessed with appearances that she had gone out of her way to purchase a cheap replica of Sylvia's necklace. Cecily snorted. Did Elena not understand her place? The daughter of a hick had no business wearing the same jewelry as the daughter of the Reed family. And even if Elena dared flaunt it, anyone with an eye for quality would recognize it as a knockoff immediately. What a joke… Cecily scoffed. Elena had never been to Cloudstream Village--she had no idea what kind of life awaited her there. The moment she met her real parents, she'd come running back to the Reeds, begging to stay. And when that time came, they wouldn't so much as open the door for her. "You'll regret this soon enough!" Cecily snarled. Elena merely shrugged. Without her, the Reed family business would soon encounter obstacles. Who would end up regretting things in the end was still up for debate. With her bag slung over her shoulder, Elena stepped outside--only to spot an old, dust-covered van parked at the entrance. A man stepped out. The moment his gaze landed on Elena, he approached with great respect. "Miss Harper, I sincerely apologize for my tardiness." Elena frowned slightly, puzzled. The man continued, "Miss Harper, I hadn't anticipated that there wouldn't be a helipad here. The helicopter had to be stationed farther away, so to prevent any further delays, I arranged for this vehicle instead. It hasn't been used in some time, so it may appear a little worn. I hope you don't mind…" Hearing his explanation, Elena took a closer look. The so-called van was actually a vintage Maybach--an extremely rare limited edition. Suddenly, she wasn't so sure her birth family was as destitute as the Reeds had led her to believe. "Where are my parents?" she asked, noticing the vehicle was otherwise empty. "Miss Harper, I am Declan Marsh, your family's chauffeur. Your parents had planned to personally escort you home, but upon hearing the news, your grandmother became so overwhelmed with emotion that she fell ill. They had no choice but to send me in their place." Elena's gaze flickered, and then she gave a slight nod. "Alright, let's go." "One moment, please." Declan moved toward the trunk. "Your parents prepared a token of appreciation for the Reed family, to thank them for raising you all these years." The car had clearly been unused for quite some time, and with the strong winds outside, dust swirled through the air, creating a rather messy scene. Just then, the Reeds stepped out, their expressions filled with open disdain. Sylvia took one look at the weathered vehicle and immediately assumed it was scrap metal hauled from a junkyard. Were Elena's parents really so poor that they couldn't even afford a decent sedan and had to resort to this? It only confirmed what she had suspected all along--Elena's biological parents were impoverished farmers, living a world apart from the wealthy Reed family of Foiclens. Cecily wrinkled her nose, taking a few steps back as if afraid the very air carried the stench of poverty. This man looked like he had just come from a long day of labor, his hands caked with dirt--probably from tending the fields. He must stink of sweat. Just the thought made her cringe. Benjamin, more composed, remained silent while observing Declan. This man, older in appearance and speaking to Elena with such familiarity, must be her real father. It was understandable that someone from a destitute place couldn't own a proper car--but dragging out a worn-out van like this? That was downright humiliating. With the recent rain, Declan had slipped on the lawn earlier, and his muddy hands had left stains on the gift box he now held out to Benjamin. "Mr. Reed, this is a gesture of gratitude for taking care of her for twenty-three years. Please accept it." Benjamin eyed the dirty box. What could a humble family possibly have to offer? Likely just some homegrown produce, packed in a worn container… Still, he remained courteous. "That won't be necessary. You may leave." Cecily snorted. What could possibly be inside that box that was worth accepting? The Reeds had no need for farm goods. Declan hesitated, recalling his employer's strict instructions. The boxes in the trunk contained deeds to twenty-three properties, twenty-three high-end jewelry pieces, twenty-three luxury car keys, and a bank card with a balance of 230 million--all as a token of appreciation for the 23 years the Reed family had spent raising Elena. "Mr. Reed, are you certain?" Declan asked. Benjamin waved his hand dismissively, his patience wearing thin. "The Reed family has no use for such things. Take it back and go." Declan had no choice but to close the trunk and escort Elena away. But Sylvia had caught a glimpse of something inside the trunk and stiffened. The packaging of one of the boxes--wasn't it from Helena's exclusive jewelry line? No… That couldn't be possible. It had to be an empty case that man had found somewhere. There was no way it actually contained jewelry from Helena's collection! Chapter 4 The Mountains Are Part Of Your Family's Property Declan couldn't stop himself from stealing a glance at Elena's face, which bore an uncanny resemblance to her mother's. Elena had delicate, mesmerizing features--her deep, expressive eyes and naturally flawless complexion radiated an almost ethereal beauty at first sight. Her composed and distant nature strongly echoed that of her biological mother, Jolie Harper. Her striking appearance left everyone captivated. Declan inwardly commented that Elena was undeniably the younger mirror image of Jolie. Despite Declan's obvious lingering stare, Elena remained unbothered, maintaining her usual poise. Impressed, Declan withdrew his gaze. Elena's temperament perfectly reflected her lineage as a Harper. Soon, the vehicle pulled to a halt in front of a private aircraft. Declan stepped out and guided Elena aboard. As Elena took in the extravagant surroundings, her eyes swept over the luxurious rugs, plush leather seating, antique vases, crystal-studded chandeliers, and even a ceiling designed to mimic a starlit sky. It was becoming clear that her birth parents were far more remarkable than she had envisioned. Elena turned toward the direction they were flying and suddenly spoke. "This route leads to Klathe, not Cloudstream Village." Declan promptly clarified, "Oh, right, Miss Harper, your family resides in Klathe. The mountains in Cloudstream Village are part of your family's property. Years ago, your father was conducting environmental research there when your mother traveled to see him. However, she unexpectedly went into labor upon reaching Foiclens. She had to deliver at the closest hospital, where a fire broke out. She was told her newborn hadn't survived, lost in the flames. But she swore she heard a baby's cries and never stopped believing her daughter was alive. Ever since, your parents have been traveling between Foiclens and Klathe in search of you. When they saw reports about the Reed family's daughter and the hospital's past mistakes, your mother recalled the hospital where she had lost you. That led them straight to you." Klathe was the nation's thriving center of commerce and governance. Although Foiclens bordered Klathe, its economy was nowhere near as powerful. The Reed family, though wealthy within Foiclens, with assets exceeding a hundred million, barely made the rankings among Klathe's elite. Elena raised an eyebrow. So, not only did her birth parents not live in Cloudstream Village, but they actually belonged to the very world the Reed family had always aspired to join? As the plane touched down, Elena caught sight of an imposing estate with elegant architecture, its walls draped in vibrant blossoms. "Is this..." she trailed off. To her knowledge, there was only one estate like this in Klathe--Hillside Manor. It was so prestigious that only the most influential figures in the city could own it. Declan said respectfully, "Miss Harper, this is Hillside Manor. It's your home." As Elena stepped out of the plane, a man and a woman came into view. The man had a chiseled, commanding presence. Despite the traces of age on his face, his strength remained evident. He held onto the woman, who was dressed in soft hues, her long hair elegantly pinned. Though her expression was distant, worry and anticipation clouded her gaze. The moment the woman's eyes landed on Elena, they glistened with unshed tears. Jolie, the woman in question, studied Elena's unfamiliar face, yet an unshakable maternal bond stirred within her. This was her biological daughter! "Elena, my daughter... I'm your mother..." Jolie's voice trembled as tears streamed down her cheeks. After more than two decades of searching, the child she had longed for was finally in front of her. Alexander Harper, Jolie's husband and Elena's father, despite his usual stern demeanor, was gentle as he reassured his wife. "Now that our daughter has returned, let's welcome her with joy, not sorrow." Elena looked at the two standing before her, a peculiar sense of familiarity washing over her--especially with the man. She was almost certain she had seen his face in a magazine before… As Elena remained silent, Alexander finally spoke. "Elena, we are your real parents. We've spent years scouring Cloudstream Village, never realizing you were in Foiclens. We regret that it took this long to find you." Elena asked hesitantly, "Are you Alexander Harper?" Chapter 5 Her Family Was One Of The Wealthiest In Klathe Elena suddenly recalled that the man before her, Alexander, was one of the three wealthiest figures on Klathe's rankings. The Harper family had originally built their empire through real estate. Over time, their ventures expanded into renewable energy, advanced nanomaterials, luxury jewelry, and the entertainment sector. According to conservative media estimates, Alexander's fortune had surpassed several quadrillions. Jolie's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Elena, do you know your father before this meeting?" Elena responded with composure, "I've come across his name in articles." Jolie wiped her tears away and then pulled out a bank card from her pocket. "You've been through so much. There's ten million on this--it's my gift to you." Alexander also presented a card. "This is from me--another ten million." Not stopping there, Jolie revealed a small velvet case containing an exquisite collection of emerald jewelry--a necklace, earrings, bracelet, and ring, all intricately designed. This set alone was valued at no less than fifty million. Elena was momentarily stunned. Her birth parents were offering her extravagant gifts the first time they had met, whereas the Reed family had always disregarded her and never even bought her a simple trinket. Emotional, Jolie pulled Elena into a tight hug. "My darling, you're finally home! I've longed for this moment for years..." The warmth of the embrace left Elena uncertain. Was this how parents were supposed to be? Her mother's embrace was so comforting, something Cecily had never offered. It became clear that her biological parents were nothing like the Reeds... Alexander was equally excited but managed to keep his emotions in check. "Let's get in first." As the trio stepped into the magnificent estate, Elena noticed a girl around her age. the girl, Elyse Harper, frowned slightly at the sight of Elena, her gaze flickering with an unreadable emotion. Elyse had coveted that emerald jewelry set for the longest time, yet it was now handed over to Elena the moment she arrived. From the instant Elyse saw Elena's striking features, disappointment settled in. However, as soon as Alexander glanced her way, Elyse quickly replaced her expression with a welcoming smile. Elyse adopted an amiable demeanor and said to Elena, "You must be Elena, right? I'm Elyse Harper. This estate is vast, so if you ever need anything or feel lost, don't hesitate to ask me. No need for formalities--this is your home too." Elena immediately felt irritated. Why would she need to be formal with Elyse? This was her rightful home. She had noted that Elyse's earlier expression had been anything but welcoming, and her words carried the same insincere tone as Sylvia's. Elena politely declined. "That won't be necessary." She already knew her way around. Jolie gently squeezed Elena's hand. "Elena, Elyse is your aunt's daughter. Her parents passed away when she was young, so we took her in. Aside from Elyse, you have three elder brothers who can't wait to meet you. I'll introduce you to them soon. But for now, you must be starving. I wasn't sure what you enjoy, so I had a variety of dishes prepared for you." Jolie wasn't exaggerating--the dining table was filled with an extensive selection of international cuisine. Throughout the meal, Alexander and Jolie kept adding food to Elena's plate. Elena glanced at the growing pile in her plate, feeling the undeniable sincerity in their gestures. It was a lot of food--far more than she usually ate--but fortunately, her fast metabolism would take care of it. After dinner, Jolie led Elena to a bedroom. "This is a space I personally arranged for you. I hope it suits your taste, but if not, just say the word--I'll have it redesigned immediately..." A warmth spread in Elena's chest. The Reeds had never set up a proper room for her. During their struggling years, she had stayed with an elder. Even after they gained wealth, she had been given only a small, unremarkable room. Jolie noticed the lone backpack Elena had brought. "Come on. Let's get you some things you'll love." At Uchison Mall, Jolie held Elena's hand and headed straight for the jewelry boutique on the fifth floor. It was the only Helena Jewelry flagship store in the country. Jolie's tone was gentle. "The emerald set I gave you earlier was a gift from my mother to me. You may not like the design, so let's find something that suits your taste." Jolie couldn't stop thinking about how little Elena had arrived with--just a single backpack. The idea of her daughter enduring hardship for twenty-three years filled her with regret. She wanted to give her daughter the best of everything. As they entered the jewelry store, Jolie pointed at a few pieces. "Do you like any of these?" Elena examined them--they were her own recent designs. "Yes, I do." These were some of her finest creations. Jolie immediately instructed the staff to bring them out. "If you like them, try them on." Just then, Cecily entered the store with Sylvia. Sylvia's eyes narrowed the moment she spotted Elena. What was that wretched girl doing here? She was supposed to be rotting away in the countryside! &6&