Once an Orphan, Now the Heiress They Regret Losing

I never thought that the son of the richest man in the city would throw a tantrum about wanting a sister, and when he came to the orphanage, he picked me the moment he saw me.

At that time, I was pinning down a boy who had bullied me and beating him up.

“This little sister is really something else. I can tell right away she’s meant to be my sister.”

And just like that, I became the child of the richest family.

“You’ve got such a bad temper. All these years, you haven’t even called us once. But I know, deep down, you still think of your parents.”

“Otherwise, why would you have personally knitted a scarf for me? You still care about your mom and dad.”

I almost laughed.

A large part of the orphanage’s expenses came from donations, including those from the Romero family. Every year, the orphanage sent handmade gifts as a token of thanks.

When I first came to the orphanage, I knitted a scarf only to complete an assigned task. The dean must have taken it and claimed it was made especially for them, hoping they would take me home.

I honestly felt there was nothing to say to someone I hadn’t seen in eight years.

Claudia only thought I was shy.

“You’ve waited eight years, and now you’re finally reunited with us, you must be happy. Your dad and I have been waiting for this day for so long.”

“Once Phoebe’s school entrance banquet ends next week, I’ll come to bring you home.”

The dean, who had rushed over, stood nearby, listening quietly but unable to find a chance to speak.

Claudia kept talking, telling the people to unload the gifts from the car.

“You should dress up properly, don’t look like a beggar.”

I looked down at my simple, practical sportswear, chosen because it was comfortable and easy to wash. How did that make me look like a beggar?

The motorcade outside soon drove away again.

The dean let out a sigh of relief.

“Mrs. Romero still doesn’t know you’ve been adopted, Freya Walker? I clearly sent her a message.”

I kept handing out snacks.

“It doesn’t matter. She’s just a stranger.”

“Dean, please store those gifts in the warehouse. They’ll make a nice treat for the children.”

After finishing my chores at the orphanage, I remembered that the birthday gift I had ordered for my mom should be ready by now.

There were only a few luxury jewelry stores in town, and I honestly didn’t expect to run into Claudia there. She was sitting on the sofa, listening to the manager introduce jewelry. When she saw me, she stood up in surprise.

“You silly child, did you miss your mother? Were you afraid I wouldn’t come to pick you up, so you came to check for yourself?”

A dull ache formed in my head. When did she start talking to herself like this? Had she even seen a doctor?

It was better not to deal with someone acting like that, so I tried to walk past her and head to the counter to pick up my order.

But she stopped me.

“Freya, I have to say, when you come to such a nice place, at least pay attention to what you wear. Why didn’t you put on the outfit I brought this morning? Coming here dressed like this is really embarrassing; it makes you look so plain.”

I was furious; she had just insulted how I was raised. It was the first time anyone had ever questioned my manners.

I lowered my voice, calm and cold. “What I wear is my choice. My family doesn’t control me; what gives you the right to? Please move aside, I’m here to get my jewelry.”

Claudia looked uneasy at my impatient tone. “So you’re still upset because your father and I sent you to the orphanage? Haven’t we already explained it? Why are you still being so small-minded? It’s not nice at all.”

“You’re nothing like Phoebe.”

“Mom.”

A gentle hand held her arm.

A bright and elegant girl stood beside her, carrying the air of someone born into wealth.

“So this is Sister Freya?”