Second Life but First in Line

Charlotte had never married. She was an only child. After her father died in a car accident, she took over the Evans family business all by herself.

In just ten years, she managed to multiply the family's assets several times over, turning an old, established company into a major force that no one in the business world could afford to ignore.

So, it was no wonder that Amelia thought she was something special after becoming Charlotte's adopted daughter.

But because Charlotte was so tough and decisive, she made plenty of enemies among her relatives. Those greedy for a piece of the pie did everything they could to get their own children in front of her, hoping to curry favor.

When it became clear Charlotte wasn't going to marry, they tried even harder, but she kept her distance and eventually chose to adopt from an orphanage instead. That was why Amelia had been bullied in her previous life.

Even though I thought I was ready for anything, once I actually entered the Evans residence, I realized just how tough life there really was.

Charlotte sent me to a nearby school. I went to school during the day. In the evenings, I set aside two extra hours for tutoring.

On weekends, I took all kinds of lessons, such as horseback riding, archery, piano, and dance.

Whenever Charlotte had time, she kept an eye on me. If I ever lost focus or seemed tired, she'd make me stand as punishment until I snapped out of it.

By the time I finally got to crawl into bed, the moon was already high in the sky.

This strict routine lasted for a full two years before Charlotte's attitude toward me began to soften.

Over time, our relationship grew closer. She started showing me more care without even noticing.

While she was certainly demanding, thanks to her guidance, my grades kept improving, and my health became stronger from the regular schedule. I was truly grateful to Charlotte for all she'd done.

But to the rest of the Evans family, Charlotte's change in attitude felt like a threat.

Charlotte had plenty of relatives. After two years, I'd learned that money was all that mattered to them.

At first, they assumed Charlotte's interest in me was just a passing phase. But once they saw how gentle she was with me, they panicked.

If I really gained a foothold in the Evans family, what hope would they have of inheriting any of the fortune?

So, they started scheming to get rid of me.

Whenever Charlotte wasn't around, they would cut my meal portions or soak my sheets just to make my life miserable.

At school, their kids spread rumors about me being an orphan, stirring up gossip and making me an outcast.

I put up with everything in silence. Compared to what I'd faced in my last life, this was nothing.

Seeing me unbothered, they finally decided to get physical.

A group of girls, led by Charlotte's eldest niece, Olivia Evans, surrounded me with their faces twisted in scorn.

"You filthy stray, my diamond necklace is gone. Was it you who took it?"

"I bet it was! What would an orphan know about nice things? Just because Aunt Charlotte treats her decently, she thinks she's a real Evans now!"

"Hand over the necklace or get out of the house!"

While they accused me of stealing, they began to search me, checking my pockets and clothes.

I could only let out a quiet laugh, watching these girls go to such lengths just to drive me out of the house.

I shook my head. "I didn't take your necklace. You're all just mad because Ms. Evans actually likes me. You try to bully me at home and isolate me at school, but I don't care. I'm not as petty as you are."

My words hit home, and their faces flushed red with anger.

"Don't bother talking to this little tramp! Just hit her! Aunt Charlotte will definitely kick her out after this!"

With that, four of them lunged at me, trying to rip off my clothes. They pulled at my hair, forcing my face up, and slapped me again and again, each blow landing hard on my cheeks.

"Look at her! She still dares to glare at me? Beat her!"