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Chapter 1
On a rainy September day, the mountain town was drenched by a light drizzle that cleaned the stone streets, filling the air with the refreshing scent of earth.
An eighteen-year-old girl walked towards the principal’s office of the only high school in the town.
She dressed plainly, yet her beauty could not be hidden.
Her emotionless eyes gave her an aloof and distant appearance.
“Mr.
Barrett, here comes Nicole,” Ms.
Mills, the class teacher, announced as she led Nicole into the office.
Nicole Wallace was taken aback by the sudden warmth from Ms.
Mills, who had always been keen on selecting class committee members based on family background.
“Let her in,” the principal said, his voice quivering with excitement.
Nicole’s lips curled into a slow smile as she stepped into the office.
So, it was because of him.
A tall man sat on the VIP sofa, wearing an expensive suit, exuding an air of sophistication.
But as she looked at him, Nicole saw something familiar—his features resembled hers.
They were studying each other when Nicole finally asked, “Who are you?” She had known all her life that she wasn’t her grandmother’s biological granddaughter.
She had always expected her real family to come for her one day, but this man was far too young to be her father.
A flicker of frustration crossed his face before he replied, “I’m your older brother.” “Nicole, why didn’t you tell us your brother is the general manager of Riddle Corporation in San Joto?” Mr.
Barrett interjected, his surprise palpable.
Nicole rolled her eyes inwardly; she had just learned this herself.
Three years ago, her parents had died in a car accident, and it was then that her grandmother had revealed the truth—that Nicole had been adopted.
No wonder her adoptive parents had treated her so coldly and left her in the countryside.
After their passing, her grandmother had registered her at the welfare office, waiting for her biological family to find her.
Now, this day had come, and to her surprise, her brother was the general manager of Riddle Corporation, a well-known company in San Joto.
“Are you really my brother?” Nicole asked, still struggling to believe this revelation.
“Yes,” the man, Sean Riddle, answered gently.
“You have four brothers besides me.” “Four?” Nicole frowned, her mind spinning.
She had never imagined she would have four older brothers.
It was hard to picture what that would be like—probably chaotic.
Mrs.
Wallace Sr.
spoke up, addressing Sean politely.
“Nicole is a bit reserved.
She needs time to adjust.
I hope you don’t mind.” “I understand, Mrs.
Wallace,” Sean replied with a smile before retrieving a gift box from his backpack.
“Nicole, this is for you.
Since it’s our first meeting.” Mr.
Barrett quickly stood up, eager to win favor with Nicole.
“How kind of your brother, Nicole.
You should accept his gift.
It’s clear you and your brother are very close.
Please don’t forget us when you transfer schools.” Hearing Mr.
Barrett’s words, Sean’s expression turned cold.
He glanced at the teacher and replied, his voice icy, “Mr.
Barrett, Great Oak High School has nurtured my sister for many years.
We will show our gratitude by donating money to build a new campus.” The Riddle family never owed anyone anything.
Mr.
Barrett’s eyes gleamed.
“That’s incredible! Thank you, Mr.
Riddle!”