Part 2The True Heiress Refuses to Return

I would later learn that I'd been far too naive.

Two days later, the Daltons returned to the orphanage.

They said they'd made a mistake.

It was then I understood. The Daltons hadn't just relied on a locket to identify me all those years ago. In my past life, they must have secretly run a DNA test when they took me home. It just happened to confirm I was theirs.

This time, Anna was not.

The director had all of us girls, aged six and seven, line up in a row. Mr. and Mrs. Dalton followed him, their eyes scanning each of us. Stalking ahead of them, dressed in expensive clothes with an air of profound boredom, was the boy who had been my brother, Elias.

I shrank into a corner, keeping my head bowed low. At this age, I was malnourished and frail, a small and unremarkable child.

The Daltons passed by me without a second glance. Elias's gaze swept over me and moved on, completely indifferent.

After they left, the matron informed us that all the girls would have to give a blood sample the next day.

A chill went down my spine.

As I stood there, lost and afraid, I saw the matron escort another woman into the room. She was dressed simply and was alone, a stark contrast to the Daltons' grand entourage. There was no grand lineup for her.

Her eyes, as she looked at us, were gentle, though hesitant.

I recognized her. She was a maid at the Dalton estate. I'd seen her there.

In my past life, after Sophie’s suicide, the Daltons forbade me from eating dinner.

"We heard that after Sophie was cast out, she could barely afford to eat. She developed stomach problems at such a young age, while you were here, living in luxury," Elias had sneered, his eyes filled with disgust. "The least you can do is feel a fraction of her pain."

Soon, being denied dinner escalated to being allowed only one meal a day—cold leftovers.

Back then, she was the only one who showed me any kindness. She would secretly slip a piece of bread or some food through the crack in my door.

Remembering this, I made a bold decision.

As she walked closer, I lunged forward, wrapped my arms around her legs, and cried out, "Mama!"