His Dangerous Angel Free Preview

Evervale City, the Reed Family Estate.

"Ms. Serena, it's time to change. Mr. and Mrs. Reed will be home soon!" Margaret Harper's voice echoed through the darkened room. She stood at the door, hesitant to switch on the light. The room felt heavy, like a forgotten space, with no windows and no air conditioning. It was stifling.

The girl on the bed didn't stir at first, her attention absorbed by the tablet in her hands. The flickering screen cast soft shadows on her delicate face, hiding any hint of emotion. Margaret was about to repeat herself when Serena finally sat up, her movements slow and deliberate. She flicked on the light.

Margaret stepped inside, and the musty, oppressive air hit her instantly, making her breath catch in her throat. The room had once been a storage space, forgotten and discarded, just like the girl who now sat in it.

Wiping the sweat from her brow, Margaret forced a tight smile. "Today is your birthday. Your classmates are all waiting for you outside."

Serena's gaze flicked over to Margaret, her voice a little hoarse. "The dress."

Margaret hurriedly handed over the dress, holding it with both hands. Within moments, her palms were slick with sweat, but Serena's demeanor remained cool and unaffected. Her features, bright and sharp in the warm light, gave nothing away.

Serena took the dress and glanced at it for a mere three seconds before tossing it aside. "It smells."

Margaret froze. She didn't need to ask. It carried the scent of Celeste Reed, Serena's foster sister.

A pang of awkwardness swept over her. Mrs. Reed was often generous, but for some inexplicable reason, she had shown no kindness to Serena. Serena had been back for two months now, yet her mother hadn't even bought her a new outfit. Not a single piece of clothing, and she was the biological daughter.

"I'll get another one, right away!" Margaret blurted, flustered.

Serena's face remained unreadable, her eyes shadowed. Margaret rushed to fetch a new dress, still in its packaging, almost relieved to have a reason to leave the room.

Serena eyed the dress as Margaret handed it to her. "You bought this?"

A slight blush colored Margaret's cheeks. The dress, cheap compared to what the Reed family usually bought, was nothing special. It couldn't possibly match the elegant, expensive pieces Celeste had.

"If you don't like it—"

"It's fine," Serena interrupted, her voice steady. She opened the packaging, the subtle scent of fresh fabric filling the air. The dress wasn't much, but it was new, and for the first time in her life, someone had bought her something new. The dress fit well, hugging her frame in a way that made her look almost ethereal.

Margaret carefully styled Serena's hair, braiding two strands on either side and pulling them back, securing them with a ribbon. Her hair cascaded down in gentle waves, soft and natural, creating the perfect contrast to the elegance of the dress. She looked like a princess from the pages of a magazine—sweet, graceful, and undeniably beautiful.

But why wasn't she cherished? Why wasn't someone as lovely as Serena treated with the care she deserved?

"Ms. Serena," Margaret said softly, a note of concern in her voice, "today marks the end of your trial period. After today, you'll be officially recognized as a member of the Reed family. Mr. and Mrs. Reed will treat you the same as they do Celeste!"

Margaret had heard of many things, but a trial period for a biological daughter? That sounded absurd.

Serena didn't respond. She simply stared at Margaret, her eyes dark and emotionless, like a still pool of water.

Margaret swallowed, realizing she'd spoken out of turn.

Downstairs, in the grand living room, Celeste and her friends were already gathered, eagerly unboxing a cake that had just been delivered. The celebration was in full swing, but Serena was nowhere to be seen.

Celeste had invited only her close friends, all from the senior class. Serena didn't know any of them well. In fact, she had almost no friends in Evervale City. Celeste had intentionally made this party about her—the long-lost sister who had returned after all these years.

One of Celeste's friends glanced at her curiously. "Celeste, last year, your parents got you that gorgeous limited edition gown. What did they get for Serena?"

Celeste smiled coolly. "She's a true daughter of the Reed family. You can bet what they gave her is as exquisite as what I received."

Of course, it was exactly the same dress—the one she'd worn multiple times already, a hand-me-down. The stain on the front was glaring. To Serena, it would likely pass as an expensive design flaw, given how little she knew about high fashion.

Celeste's lips curled into a smug grin. "Since it's Serena's first birthday celebration, Lilian, use your phone to record a video of her as a keepsake."

The smirk on Celeste's face was full of dark intentions. She wanted to prove something tonight—to show her friends who the precious one to the Reed family was.

As if on cue, Serena entered the room, and Celeste's smile faltered.

What was she wearing? Why wasn't she in the dress I had prepared?

Her friends fell silent, their gazes snapping to Serena. There was no denying it—Serena was stunning. Even in a simple dress, she outshone everyone in the room. Perhaps it was her striking features, or maybe it was the way the cheap fabric clung to her frame with effortless elegance. Either way, she was unforgettable.

Lilian stared at her for a long time but couldn't place which brand it was. It looked familiar, but no, it was just... too simple.

Celeste's jaw clenched. She might have avoided this trap, but Celeste had more tricks up her sleeve.

Striding forward, she grabbed Serena by the arm and pulled her into the living room, putting on an exaggerated smile. "Serena, you look absolutely beautiful today!" But her eyes were fixed on the stairs, scanning the upstairs for the next move.

At that moment, a teenage boy appeared at the railing, holding a bucket with a grin on his face. Celeste knew exactly what he was carrying—red paint mixed with strong adhesive. It would ruin Serena's hair if it touched it; if it touched her skin, it would leave a permanent stain.

Celeste maneuvered Serena right under the boy, positioning her perfectly for the "accident."

But just as the boy prepared to pour the paint, something unexpected happened. His knee buckled, as though hit by something, and he lost his balance.

Crash!

The bucket tipped, spilling the red paint everywhere. Some of it splashed directly on Celeste's face.

"Ahhh!" Celeste screamed, wiping furiously at her face, but the damage was already done. The paint wasn't coming off anytime soon.

The boy struggled to stand, but the paint made the floor slippery, and he tumbled down the stairs, landing with a thud.

The room descended into chaos.

Just as Richard and Angela Reed, freshly returned from a temple visit, heard the screams and rushed in, they found their son sprawled out in a pool of paint. Celeste, her face covered in red streaks, was crying dramatically. Guests scrambled to help, while others tried to wipe the mess off the floor.

Serena stood motionless in the middle of the chaos, unscathed, her face expressionless.

"Serena Quinn!" Angela screamed, her fury boiling over.

Richard quickly surveyed the scene. "What happened here?"

Celeste sobbed, her voice full of fake distress. "Mom, I just wanted to throw a nice party for Serena! I never expected—never expected this!"

Zachary Reed, Serena's brother, groggy from the fall, slowly climbed to his feet. "Dad, Mom, Serena pushed me down the stairs! She's trying to kill me and steal my inheritance! You have to throw her out!"

Lilian, ever eager to please, immediately chimed in. "I saw it too, Mr. Reed! Serena pushed Zachary!" She shot a glance at the others, knowing they'd stay silent.

"I told you we shouldn't have taken her in!" Angela shouted. "Look what she's done to our family!"

Margaret rushed in, her face pale at the sight of the commotion. "Ms. Serena, say something! You didn't do anything!"

Serena finally looked up at Margaret, her voice cool and calm. “Yes. I pushed him."

Margaret was struck dumb.

Angela pounced, "Look! She admitted it! She even dared to harm her own brother! Honey, we can't keep someone like this!"

Serena looked at her coldly. "So, I pushed him from upstairs, then magically floated down to stand here." She gestured at the stairs, stained with red paint, then at her spotless shoes, completely unaffected by the chaos.

The irony was too glaring to ignore.

"If you don't believe me, check the video," Serena said, pointing at Lilian, her tone dripping with disdain.

Lilian froze, her face going pale. She quickly fumbled with her phone, wiping the records. "What video? You're lying!" But it seemed too late.

Serena simply smiled, her expression cold and knowing.

Angela stood there, livid but speechless.

As the last thread of their plan unraveled, Zachary suddenly collapsed, his face contorted in exaggerated agony. "Ahhh! My foot! It's broken!" His wail echoed through the living room.

Angela immediately panicked and rushed to him, her anger boiling over as old and new grievances surged within her. "Serena, you bring nothing but misfortune! Why didn't you just die out there? Why did you have to come back and ruin our family?!”

Margaret instinctively stepped in front of Serena, trying to protect her. “Mrs. Reed, how can you say that? Serena is your own…"

"Enough!" Richard snapped, his patience already running thin. "Margaret, take the guests out. Angela, call the doctor for the children. Serena, come to the study room with me."

Once inside the study, Richard lit a cigarette, trying to suppress his frustration. He motioned toward the chair across from him. "Sit down, Serena."

Serena didn't move, staying standing, her expression unreadable. Richard's irritation grew as he spoke, his voice filled with anger. "Look at what's happened. In just two months, you've turned this house upside down."

Earlier that day, he had visited a fortune teller who claimed Serena was a curse. Ever since she entered their home, his business had suffered, and his health had declined. The fortune teller said keeping Serena around would lead to their downfall. Richard had never believed in such things before, but now, after everything that had happened, he wondered if there was truth to it.

"Do you really think you belong here?" he asked, his voice dripping with disdain.

Serena's silence only seemed to fuel his growing fury. He crushed his cigarette and spoke sharply. "You should go back to the Sullivan orphanage. Once your mother, sister, and brother come to their senses, maybe you can come back then."

Finally, Serena spoke, her voice cold and final. "No need. Let's sever ties."

Richard froze. "Serena, do you even know what you're saying?"

His mind raced. He could reject her, but how dare she reject him?

"If you go back to the orphanage, I'll still send you money," Richard said, his voice harsh. "But if we sever ties, you won't see a single cent from me."

Serena's response was indifferent. "I don't need it."

Richard's anger boiled over. “Fine! Perfect! Just don't come crawling back to me later when you're starving!"

"I won't."

Serena wasn't the type to back down. She had given them a chance, and they had failed. It was better to sever ties cleanly, with no hesitation, no lingering attachments.

Richard stormed around the study, finally flinging open the door and shouting, "Margaret, call the Sullivan orphanage! Tell them to pick up Serena. She's no longer part of this family!"

Margaret's heart sank when she heard his words. She rushed to take the guests out, but she couldn't ignore the panic rising in her chest. “Mr. Reed, please reconsider! Serena is still young! You can teach her! You can—"

"Teach what? She's the one who wants to sever ties with me!" Richard interrupted, his voice filled with frustration.

In the living room, everything came to a standstill. Zachary stopped his fussing. Celeste stopped crying. Even Angela's anger seemed to dissipate. All their eyes turned toward Serena as she walked out of the study, almost as if they had finally gotten what they wanted, but now they didn't know what to do with it.

"What are you waiting for?" Richard barked.

Margaret hesitated, then looked at Angela. “Mrs. Reed?”

Angela sneered. "She's hurt Celeste and Zachary over and over again. Someone like her doesn't deserve to stay!"

Margaret then turned to Serena.

Serena's voice was calm. "Go ahead."

Margaret felt her heart break.

Reluctantly, Margaret made the call. "The director of the Sullivan orphanage, Walter Sullivan, said he'll be here in half an hour."

Everyone fell silent, their gazes fixed on Serena as she turned and walked back to her room.

Bang! Richard slammed the ashtray down on the floor, his frustration boiling over.

Margaret's heart raced. "I'll help Serena pack."

Serena didn't have much—just a notebook, a tablet, and a phone. She was leaving with the bare minimum, just as she had arrived, but now there was a dress Margaret had gifted her in her suitcase.

Margaret couldn't help but glance at her. Serena's expression was distant, her eyes lowered. It was clear she wasn't in the best of moods, but that was all.

“Ms. Serena, if you apologize to Mr. and Mrs. Reed, they might reconsider. They might not send you back to the Sullivan orphanage," Margaret said hesitantly.

Serena's voice was flat. "They've wanted to get rid of me for a long time."

Margaret's chest tightened. "Aren't you sad?"

Serena paused for a moment. "I suppose… a little. After all, they're my biological parents."

Margaret looked at Serena, her heart aching. The girl's beauty was undeniable—her porcelain skin, striking features—but there was something cold about her. She wasn't crying. She didn't know how to cry, even after everything she had been through. What had she endured in these seventeen years?

Margaret's tears came suddenly, without warning. She tried to hide them, wiping at her eyes. Serena glanced at her, confused, but Margaret quickly looked away.

"Something got in my eye," she muttered, embarrassed. "Don't mind me."

But the tears still flowed. “Ms. Serena… if you're wronged, speak out. Someone will believe you."

Serena didn't seem to understand why Margaret was crying, but the warmth of her hand on her own was undeniable. Serena simply nodded.

The orphanage director, Walter Sullivan, arrived quickly. He'd seen this happen too many times. Serena had been taken in and sent back four times in the past year alone. He had been so stressed over it. It was practically giving him gray hairs.

“Mr. Reed, Mrs. Reed, are you certain about this?" Walter asked gently.

Richard was calmer now, the anger fading. Sending Serena away felt like a weight had been lifted from his shoulders.

He pulled out a check for $10,000, his tone harsh. "This is for her education."

Walter knew it wasn't for education—it was a bribe, pure and simple.

"No need for that," Walter said firmly. "If you're certain, just sign the relinquishment papers. We need your consent to place Serena with another family."

Richard's expression darkened. "Another family? She's seventeen. Who would take in a girl that old?"

Walter's patience was wearing thin. "That's not for you to worry about, Mr. Reed."

Richard hesitated only briefly before signing the papers. When Serena came downstairs, the paperwork was done.

Walter offered her a small, gentle smile. "Don't be sad. There's still one last chance."

Serena gave a slight nod, her face cold, emotionless, and she walked out of the Reed family home without looking back.

Zachary stared at her in disbelief. "She really just left?"

For the past two months, he had been waging a battle of tricks and games to get rid of her. Now that his opponent was gone, he felt oddly empty. Angela and Celeste remained silent.

Serena's face remained as cold as ever, unaffected by the oppressive September heat. Walter, too, felt an unsettling chill in his chest.

"Who's the next family?" Serena asked, her voice light and indifferent.

Walter spoke with respect. "Do you remember Mrs. Morrow from two months ago? She has two sons and has always wanted a daughter. She liked you immediately, but we had just found your biological parents, so she missed the chance. I called her on my way here, and she's thrilled. She's already on her way."

He paused before adding, "I believe this family will be better for you."

Serena's future now hinged on this last chance. If it didn't work out… she had no more options.

Walter wiped the sweat from his brow.

"Send Margaret $500,000 for her retirement," Serena instructed.

Walter paused, but nodded. He couldn't help but feel a strange sense of respect for Serena. She wasn't the troublemaker they thought she was. She just needed the right people around her.

The Reed family had no idea what they had just discarded. Serena was no ordinary girl. She was the only one who could flawlessly integrate the ancient genetic codes from a primordial tomb. A real, next-level national experiment.

A real treasure, protected by the government.

Richard paced around the living room before stepping outside after her, a check in hand.

"Take this check. Don't say I never looked out for you as a father," he called.

He was sure Serena would take it. After all, $10,000 was probably more than she had ever seen in her life.

But she didn't even reach for it.

Trying to sound kind, he urged, "None of the families that adopted you before were any good. This time won't be any different. You…”

Before he could finish, the hum of an approaching Rolls-Royce Phantom cut him off.

"Serena, your ride is here."

"Olivia, is this the daughter you want to adopt?"

Nathan Morrow sat behind the wheel, his eyes scanning Serena as she stood beside his sister-in-law, Olivia Brown. He'd heard the rumors—the so-called wild daughter of the Reed family, a troublemaker from the countryside with a bad attitude. But now, looking at the girl before him, there was nothing wild or unruly about her. She seemed delicate, composed, almost too refined for the image painted by the gossip.

Still, Nathan couldn't shake the nagging question. Why would anyone want to adopt a child who still had biological parents? And in the same city, no less. What would happen if they ran into each other in the future? Wouldn't that make things... awkward?

He'd always known Olivia longed for a daughter, but choosing Serena—the Reed family's disgrace—hadn't been what he expected.

Olivia, her heart racing with anticipation, looked at Serena. Taking a deep breath, she stepped out of the car, trying to steady herself. She forced a gentle smile, then spoke softly, "Serena, I'm Olivia. Would you like to come home with me?"

Serena's grip tightened on the straps of her backpack, her knuckles turning white. She didn't understand. "You want me?" Her voice remained flat, but somehow, Olivia could feel the sadness behind her eyes.

A stray kitten, abandoned, unloved, forced to fight for survival. That was Serena. Wounded, yet still standing.

"Yes," Olivia answered, her voice thick with emotion. "I want you."

My baby girl, I'll love you for the rest of my life, just like a mother loves her own child. Family isn't just about taking—it's about responsibility.

Serena nodded, the weight of Olivia's words settling in. "Alright."

At that moment, Serena became the daughter Olivia had always dreamed of, without the speech Olivia had carefully prepared ever needing to be said.

Walter, who had been standing by with Serena's suitcase, placed it in the trunk of the car. Olivia gently shielded Serena's head as she helped her inside, her movements tender, as if protecting something precious.

Just then, Richard approached them.

"Mr. Morrow, what brings you here?" His eyes quickly flicked to Olivia. He didn't know her, but her presence was undeniable. And with Nathan Morrow, the head of the prestigious Morrow family, personally driving her? Richard couldn't ignore the unease settling in his stomach. If Serena had powerful backing now, it might spell trouble for the Reed family, especially after everything they had done to her.

Nathan saw through Richard's anxiety immediately and gave him a reassuring smile. "My big brother is away in the mountains. I'm just here to pick up Serena for Olivia."

Richard exhaled in relief. Arbor Morrow was a farmer, not the one who ran the family, but Nathan, the real decision-maker, had a lot of respect for him and his family. Without Nathan’s support, Arbor would’ve been nothing. But no matter what, he was still a Morrow!

What Richard couldn’t ignore was that by taking Serena in, the Morrow family had just picked up the Reed family’s biggest disgrace. That meant their dirty little secrets could be exposed at any moment.

He turned to Serena, who had just settled into the backseat. "Going to the Morrow family will only bring them shame! If you have any self-awareness, don't burden them. Go back to the Sullivan orphanage where you belong!"

His eyes shifted to Olivia. "Mrs. Morrow, Serena isn't as innocent as she looks. You should think this through carefully!"

Walter slammed the trunk shut with a mocking grin. "Mr. Reed, you've already severed ties with Serena. You no longer have a say in what happens to her."

He shot a knowing glance at Richard.

If you push her too far, the Reed family could be obliterated with just a flick of her finger. Serena wasn't called a "national-level little devil" for nothing.

Serena's icy gaze locked with Richard's, and in that moment, he felt a chill run down his spine.

A warm hand wrapped around hers. She turned to see Olivia looking at her with gentle, reassuring eyes. The coldness that had enveloped Serena melted away. Olivia's touch was like a balm, and even Walter, who had seen it all, felt a sense of calm. He knew, without a doubt, that he had entrusted Serena to the right person.

When Olivia turned back to Richard, her expression was nothing short of fury. "Mr. Reed, Serena is my daughter now. Watch your words. Nathan, let's go."

Nathan gave Richard a quick nod before the car sped off.

Richard's face twisted in anger. Ungrateful brat.

After the car drove away, Walter reported to his superior secretly.

Then he got the instructions. "Make sure all records are complete—leave no loopholes."

Too many forces want to track Serena down. Putting her in a well-known family like this is risky.

"Understood," Walter replied.

Nathan, ever pragmatic, didn't see the point in picking a fight with the Reed family over a mere foster daughter. Richard was an insignificant man, skilled only at stirring up trouble.

As expected, before they even reached home, Nathan's phone rang. He glanced at Olivia, then put the call on speaker.

"Mr. Morrow, Kelly ranked second in the recent exams. But don't worry. I just received a call from the Reed family. They're claiming Serena Quinn, who ranked first, cheated. She's also been involved in fights, and the school is planning to expel her."

Nathan chuckled, unimpressed by the Reed family's pathetic attempt to smear Serena's name.

Well, they're really going all out to paint her as the bad girl, aren't they?

He responded, "My big brother’s family has adopted Serena."

The principal feigned surprise. "Oh? Is that so?"

Nathan leaned back in his seat. "She's still young. If she's not studying, what else can she do? And besides, a school shouldn't judge based on just one side of the story. By the way, I hear Haven High is planning to build a new language lab. I happen to have $500,000 available..."

Money solved most problems. Nathan handled the situation smoothly, even in front of Olivia, leaving no room for complications.

Olivia sighed in relief. "Thank you, Nathan."

Nathan gave a small chuckle. "It's nothing."

His gaze flickered to Serena in the backseat. She was staring out the window at the military Humvees lined up at a roadside checkpoint, her expression unreadable. He'd just spent $500,000 on her, but she hadn't even acknowledged it.

He muttered to himself, "Uncultured country girl with no manners."

But just as he was about to look away, Serena turned to face the rearview mirror, meeting his gaze head-on.

"Thank you," she said quietly.

Nathan was taken aback. "You're... welcome."

Her personality was seriously unbearable. Honestly, if I didn’t need the leverage from taking care of her, I wouldn’t have gotten myself tangled up in this mess in the first place!

The drive was long, and by the time they reached Morrow Manor, it was nearly dark. As Nathan entered the house, he was immediately hit with his wife's complaints.

"Why are you involved in their adoption? If they needed help, couldn't they have asked someone else? Did you really have to go yourself?"

Nathan, exhausted from the long drive, collapsed onto the sofa. "What do you know?"

Mica Parker scoffed. "I don't understand! Go ahead and be their lackey for the rest of your life!"

Ignoring her, Nathan casually asked, "By the way, didn't I set aside $500,000 dollars for Kelly's custom outfits the other day? Transfer that back to me."

Mica froze. "What do you need it for?"

Nathan looked at her, unbothered. "Serena's grades are terrible, and now there's a cheating scandal. The school is planning to expel her. She's part of the Morrow family now. We can't just let her get kicked out, can we? That would be a disgrace. So, I’m planning to donate some money to the school to build a new building…"

Mica was on the verge of tears. "Nathan Morrow, I want a divorce!"

Nathan raised an eyebrow. "If we get divorced, where will you get money for your designer bags and haute couture? Think your family can support you?"

Mica's throat tightened, her words caught.

Nathan waved her off. "Enough drama. I'm short on cash right now. Transfer the $500,000 back to me."

Fuming, Mica stomped upstairs. Nathan didn't even flinch. He pulled out his phone, staring at the dark screen.

Ten minutes later, the screen lit up with an incoming call from an unknown number.

He sat up straight, a hand pressed to his chest, his heart racing. "Hello, who is this?"

"This is Wren Williams, the project manager for the Wading Waters Bay development. There was an oversight in your company's application review, and unfortunately, you were mistakenly disqualified. I'd like to apologize. If you're still interested, we'd be happy to meet tomorrow for an in-person review..."

The new home was a three-story villa, tucked away in a quieter area just a few kilometers from the famous Shadowridge Mountain. As Serena stepped through the door, Olivia beamed with pride.

"Serena, from now on, this is your home!"

Olivia personally carried Serena's suitcase up the stairs to the second floor.

Serena paused, hesitant, her hand gripping the railing tightly. "No trial period?"

Olivia's heart clenched, and she nearly lost control of her emotions.

"Serena, the moment you stepped through this door, you became part of the Morrow family. You are my daughter."

Serena's lips twitched slightly, a flicker of emotion crossing her face before she lifted her foot and stepped onto the staircase.

Olivia's heart ached as she watched her. This wasn't how she imagined things would be, but she would make it work.

She pushed open the door to a beautifully arranged room, and with a gentle smile, she asked, "Do you like it?"

The room was bathed in soft sunlight, with a wardrobe, a vanity table, and floor-to-ceiling windows. Soft pink curtains fluttered in the breeze, filling the room with light. Serena narrowed her eyes slightly, taking in the brightness, the warmth. It had been a long time since she had seen sunlight this pure, breathed air this fresh.

"If you don't like it, Mommy will have it redecorated right away!" Olivia added eagerly, trying to gauge her reaction.

Serena remained quiet for a moment before she murmured, "I… like it."

Her face remained unreadable. Olivia found herself struggling to keep up with her, realizing for the first time just how mentally exhausting motherhood really was.

"This is the new school bag I got you…"

A pink, brand-new backpack, smelling fresh and untouched by anyone else’s hands.

"Thank you."

Olivia's heart fluttered. These words were all she needed, her enthusiasm soaring.

"I also prepared some clothes for you..."

She glanced at Serena's worn-out outfit, likely a donation from the Sullivan orphanage. It tugged at her heart.

She reached out to open the wardrobe, eager to show off her surprise, but Serena suddenly pressed her hand down.

"Later," Serena said softly.

"Alright." Olivia smiled, stepping back. "Serena, get some rest first, and Mommy will make you something to eat."

She left the room reluctantly, stealing one last glance before closing the door.

Serena stood by the wardrobe, watching her leave.

Her long hair swayed gently in the breeze, and Olivia's heart swelled with emotion. From today on, I finally have a daughter.

But as soon as the door clicked shut, Serena held her breath, a shadow crossing her face. The scent inside the wardrobe was even stronger now. She didn't waste any time. With a sharp yank, she threw open the door—just as the man inside moved.

Before he could react, she threw him over her shoulder, sending him crashing to the floor with a loud thud.

Olivia, who had barely reached the stairs, froze at the sound. She rushed back up in a panic.

"Serena, what happened?"

Serena, without hesitation, kicked the man under the bed before turning back to Olivia, her face as calm as ever. "Mom, I'm fine. I just bumped into something."

Her expression remained pale and emotionless, but to Olivia's eyes, she looked like the sweetest, most obedient little girl. So adorable, Olivia thought, that she could just pinch her chubby little cheeks.

Olivia's heart softened, but then her eyes widened. "It's all my fault. I should've helped you unpack... Wait, what did you just call me?"

Serena's expression stiffened, her gaze flickering. Under Olivia's hopeful stare, she hesitated for a long moment before finally saying, "...Mom."

Olivia's joy was overwhelming, and she lost all composure. "I'll go get you some fruit."

As Olivia rushed out, Serena let out a quiet sigh and dragged the unconscious man from under the bed. But before she could get a good look at him, Olivia knocked on the door again.

"Serena, I forgot to ask—what fruit do you like?"

Serena, irritated, kicked the man again, muttering, "I'm not picky."

"That's great! That's great!" Olivia responded cheerfully, completely oblivious to the scene in her daughter's room.

The door clicked shut once more. Serena resumed pulling the man out, but the door was opened again. In her haste, she kicked him straight in the face.

"Mom, anything else?" Olivia asked, trying to keep her voice calm.

"No... I just wanted to hear you call me that again."

Serena froze. To avoid more trouble, she followed Olivia straight downstairs.

She ate the fruits Olivia prepared for her, telling her she wanted to rest. Once the door was closed and locked, Serena dared to pull the man out again.

The man was still unconscious, his breathing shallow and weak. He had serious injuries, but those weren't the most pressing issue. His skin was flushed red—he was having a severe allergic reaction.

Serena's eyes narrowed. She knew this type of allergy could be fatal without immediate treatment. She checked his pockets, but there was nothing—no phone, no wallet, no identification. Her mind raced. Thinking back on some Hummers blocking the road earlier, this man's identity wasn't simple. She couldn't afford to make a mistake.

Calling an ambulance wasn't an option. A new daughter, in a new family, drawing attention right now would be dangerous. There was a garden right below the window, so throwing a man out just didn’t seem appropriate—he was too big. Disposing of him quietly would be difficult, and too messy.

So, Serena did what she knew best.

She pulled a small set of silver needles from her bag. After feeding him a specially formulated pill, she stripped him down and carefully inserted the needles into the man's acupoints. Half an hour later, the redness and swelling on his body had started to subside. His breathing steadied, and his pulse regained strength. She was sweating from the effort, but she had made it.

Sebastian Hayes slowly opened his eyes. His vision blurred at first, but as it cleared, he saw a stunningly delicate face, her round apricot eyes shimmering like stars.

"I..." he started, but pain flared in his chest and shoulders, memories of those brutal kicks resurfacing.

"You..." he tried again, but Serena was quicker.

"You're not fully recovered yet, so don't talk. Just listen."

She stood over him, her voice cold but clear.

"Yes, I'm your savior. Remember to pay me later."

Her eyes hardened.

"And I fed you poison. If you try anything funny, I guarantee you'll be dead within ten days."

She paused, studying him carefully.

"One more thing, you've been taking special allergy medication, haven't you? If you don't quit now, you'll be impotent and die young."

At that moment, a knock sounded at the door.

"Serena, dinner's ready."

Serena quickly withdrew the needles and shoved the man back under the bed. She opened the door, smiling at Olivia, who looked concerned when she noticed Serena was sweating.

"Did you not turn on the air conditioning? Don't be afraid to use electricity. Even though your father earns little, he can still support our family of four." There was a hint of pride in her tone.

Serena nodded. "Okay."

Downstairs, dinner was already served. An eighteen-year-old boy was playing on his phone at the table. When he heard footsteps, he glanced up and scoffed audibly, just loud enough for Serena to hear.

"Serena, your father and younger brother are still in the mountains, so it'll be a while before they get back. This is your eldest brother, Thanos Morrow. He also attends Haven High School and is in the same grade as you. Thanos, this is your sister."

Thanos looked up, clearly displeased.

"Mom, the school forum just posted that Serena cheated on her exams. You always say you hate cheating kids, right? Sure, she got first place, but it's all fake. I may have ranked last, but at least I didn't cheat!"

There was an unmistakable pride in his tone, just like Olivia's. No doubt, Thanos was her biological son.

Olivia shot a nervous glance at Serena, protective instincts kicking in. "Serena is not someone who chases after vanity. She wouldn't cheat!"

Thanos sneered. "Mom, don't be fooled. Her entrance scores were as bad as mine. How could she suddenly jump to first place in just a month? She's obviously scamming you!"

Olivia snapped. "Thanos Morrow, apologize!"

Thanos lifted his chin defiantly. Apologize? Never.

"No pocket money next month!" Olivia declared.

Thanos' eyes darted around. His chin dropped a little.

"No gaming console!"

"Serena, I'm sorry!"

Thanos muttered, surprisingly sincere.

"Don't do it again," Serena said coldly.

What? Seriously? Is that a warning?

Dinner passed without any real drama. The whole time, Olivia kept coaxing Serena to eat, while Serena quietly loosened her belt by two notches because she was too full.

After the meal, Olivia pulled out a small notebook and sat neatly on the sofa, posture straight and earnest, like a model student preparing for class. She patted the seat beside her. "Serena, come here."

Serena hesitated briefly, then sat down. Olivia uncapped her pen with a serious expression. "If you have any likes or dislikes, you can tell Mommy. I should understand your habits so we can get along better."

Serena thought about it. "I don't like talking."

Olivia froze for half a second, then smiled brightly. “Oh! So you prefer quiet. That's wonderful—our whole family is pretty quiet!"

She turned her head. Thanos had already dropped his plate and was sprawled on the sofa playing games, the volume blasting so loudly it felt like the walls were vibrating.

A sharp kick landed on his foot.

Thanos yelped and shot upright. “Mom! What was that for? This is the foot of a football genius!"

Olivia's voice was calm but firm. “Headphones.”

Thanos stared at her, then at Serena.

I'm playing games in my own house—why should I wear headphones?

Damn it!

But a second later, he obediently put them on.

Olivia smiled again and looked back at Serena. "What else do you like?"

What Serena meant was that she preferred actions over words, but clearly that level of meaning would be lost on her new mother.

"I also hold grudges."

Olivia paused, pen hovering midair. My girl's preferences were… unique.

Thanos, who had been shooting Serena hostile looks, quietly looked away. He remembered the post on the school forum earlier that day—Zachary's carefully planned birthday party had ended with him drenched in paint and thrown down the stairs, and Celeste's face ruined. There were photos. Plenty of them.

He glanced at the staircase, then touched his own delicate face.

Well, I'm too fragile for that.

Silently, he stood up and slipped upstairs, determined not to provoke the little devil sitting beside his mother.

Once Olivia finished her questions, Serena also headed upstairs. She paused at the doorway of her new room, still not quite used to the bright, spacious, princess-like decor.

She closed the door and checked under the bed. The man was gone. On the nightstand lay a note with a WhatsApp number.

Serena thought for a moment, then pulled out her phone. The first thing she checked was her bank app. $500,000 had already been transferred into Margaret's account.

She opened WhatsApp and was instantly flooded with messages, so many that her system lagged for a second. The first batch—99+ unread messages—were all from the research institute. She ignored them.

Pinned at the top was a message from Zephyr Jones, along with an evaluation report of her performance with her fourth assigned family. His comment read: "Baby, you did great this time. Two full months without making a fuss. Keep it up."

Serena deleted it without hesitation. She had restrained herself out of respect for the bonds of blood, but now that concept no longer existed. Those people, the so-called family, restricted her actions and then took control of all her financial assets in plain sight. She would remember this debt.

Scrolling down, she saw a single message from James Quinn: "Serena, if you can't survive out there, come back…"

She didn't open it. She paused briefly, then scrolled past and tapped a contact labeled "Old Demon of Black Mountain," sending over a photo of Sebastian Hayes. "Look into this man."

"Yes, Boss!"

Thirty minutes later came the reply. No results.

Serena frowned and glanced at the WhatsApp number on the note. Switching to an unregistered number, she typed it in.

At the same time, in the Hayes residence, Sebastian sat pale and silent, a dangerous aura radiating from him. The guards outside his door barely dared to breathe. After taking two specially formulated anti-allergy pills, color slowly returned to his face.

Noah Parker wiped his forehead but couldn't help warning, "Mr. Sebastian, the Miller family said you shouldn't take too many of these."

The dosage kept increasing. The reactions were getting worse each time.

Sebastian knew it. His condition was likely spiraling beyond even the Miller family's control. A genetic defect like this had no cure.

Seeing his silence, Noah grew anxious. "I'll find the Ghost Doctor. I will. He'll cure you for sure."

Sebastian remained indifferent. They both knew the Ghost Doctor only treated patients he personally chose.

Just then, a WhatsApp notification popped up—a friend request. The note read: Your savior.

That title....

Sebastian accepted it, and a message immediately followed: Hello. Please transfer $500,000 to XXX.

Simple. Direct.

After a brief pause, he replied, "Okay."

The moment he sent it—

The user has enabled friend verification.

"You have been blocked."

Fast hands.

Sebastian stared at his phone, recalling the strange sensations from earlier when she had treated him. "Noah," he said quietly, "investigate this person."

Serena didn't know when she fell asleep. When she woke, it was already eleven. The main lights were off, leaving only a small night lamp glowing softly. Nearby, her new mother was lighting mosquito incense.

Serena didn't move or speak, only watched. Everything felt unreal—a mother who smelled gentle, who was warm, who smiled at her indulgently. A figure like this had once appeared in her childhood dreams, then faded as she grew older.

Sensing her gaze, Olivia turned around. "Did Mommy wake you?"

Serena pushed herself up slightly. “No.”

Olivia pointed at the incense. "This is calming incense. It keeps mosquitoes away and helps you sleep. Your brother used it when he was sick and couldn't sleep. It works really well."

Serena caught the faint scent of herbs and nodded. “Yeah.”

Olivia smiled. "Since you're awake, I have a gift for you."

Her warm hand took Serena's, leading her downstairs. Suddenly, Olivia covered Serena's eyes. Serena almost flipped her instinctively, but the softness of Olivia's hands calmed the restless tension inside her.

Then came Thanos's reluctant voice.

"Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you…"

Olivia moved her hands away, smiling brightly. "Serena, happy birthday. Just in time—before midnight."

A beautiful cake sat before her, pink frosting topped with fresh strawberries, mango slices, and chocolate drizzle.

Thanos shoved it toward her, grudgingly. "Blow it out. Mom's never even baked a cake for me before."

He looked a little aggrieved but still held onto his dignity. He wasn't about to fight a girl over cake.

Serena had celebrated birthdays before—in laboratories, at research institutes, in distant corners of the world. None of them had ever meant anything.

Except this one.

She puffed her cheeks and blew out the candles in one breath. A faint dimple appeared on her cheek. Olivia watched closely, and for the first time, she saw a trace of genuine joy in her new daughter's eyes.