On the first day Georgia Parham was brought home, she treated me with utter malice.

The moment she walked in, she burst into tears at the sight of me. "Dad, Mom, is this the girl who's been standing in for me all these years?"

Her parents, Randall Parham and Rosella Quinn, were still overwhelmed with joy at having found their long-lost daughter and missed the sarcasm in her tone.

Wiping her tears away, Rosella said, "Georgia, this is Mabel. She's a good girl. I'm sure you two will become good friends. Since you've just returned, feel free to ask her anything you'd like to know."

Georgia pouted. "Mom, I'm back. Shouldn't she leave? Don't tell me you're choosing a fake daughter over me. If that's the case, I wish I'd never come back at all."

Instantly, the moving scene turned a bit awkward.

Randall hesitated before saying, "Fake daughter? What are you talking about?"

Rosella was equally puzzled. "Georgia, what do you mean?"

Georgia pointed at me. "Her. She's the fake daughter, isn't she? Just because you raised her for a few years, you're not actually treating her like your real daughter, are you?"

Standing aside, I said flatly, "Ms. Parham, my biological father is right here."

With that, I pointed at Hubert Robinson—my father, the housekeeper, who was dressed in a tuxedo.

Surprised, Georgia remarked, "Oh? So, you're the housekeeper's daughter? Well, that's great. Now that I'm back, let me make one thing clear. I am my parents' only daughter. No matter how long you've been with this family, you will always be an outsider."

"What's that supposed to mean? Am I suddenly an orphan?" Kelsey Parham stared wide-eyed at Randall and Rosella.

Randall pulled a long face. "Georgia, your sister is standing right here. How could you say something like that?"

Only then did Georgia notice Kelsey, her younger sister, who appeared to be about twelve years old.

After getting a clear look at Kelsey's face, she covered her mouth and said in a sobbing voice, "Dad, Mom, did you have another child to replace me after I went missing?"

Her words obviously shocked Kelsey, who turned to Randall and Rosella with unmistakable sadness in her eyes. "Is that true? Dad, Mom, am I just a replacement?"

Both Randall and Rosella's expressions darkened instantly.

Rosella immediately pulled Kelsey into her arms, comforting her, "Of course not. You're Kelsey, our daughter, not anyone's replacement."

"Georgia, what have you been through all these years? Kelsey was already three when you went missing. How could you say she's your replacement?" Randall frowned at Georgia.

She scratched her hair a bit awkwardly. "I was just a little girl when I was taken. I can't remember anything, Dad."

Randall clearly wasn't convinced. Looking at her suspiciously, he said, "You were nine that year. Are you sure you don't remember?"

A flash of panic crossed her face, then she grabbed her head like it was splitting apart. "Yes, Dad. All I remember is they beat me and screamed at me. Every time I try to recall, my head hurts terribly."

Seeing her like that, Randall and Rosella couldn't help but feel sorry for her.

Rosella held her tightly. "Sweetheart, don't force yourself. It's OK if you can't remember. The most important thing is you're home now. You've suffered so much—I promise we'll make it up to you."

Kelsey nodded, taking a step forward. "Georgia, I'm so happy you're back. All these years, Dad and Mom never stopped searching for you. They never gave up on you."

Leaning against Rosella's embrace, Georgia said through tears, "Thank you, Dad, Mom. I knew you'd never give up on me."

After her family comforted her for quite some time, she finally stopped sobbing.

She looked up, her gaze toward me still dripping with venom. "Dad, Mom, while I was out there suffering all these years, Mabel got to enjoy a comfortable life here in our home. This is so unfair."

Hubert's expression darkened, but he maintained a polite smile. "Ms. Georgia, it's true that Mabel has lived here over the years, but she's never spent a single penny from the Parham family. I covered all her expenses. Besides, Mr. and Mrs. Parham invited her to stay to tutor Ms. Kelsey."

Rosella and Randall nodded. "That's right, Georgia. Mabel is a sweet girl—a straight-A student, well-behaved, and she's been a great help with Kelsey's studies."

But Georgia pouted. "Didn't you just say the most important thing is that I'm back? Dad, Mom, I can tutor Kelsey, too. You may not know this, but even though I suffered all these years, I always ranked in the top ten at school. Tutoring Kelsey would be easy-peasy for me.

"I don't wanna see Mabel here. Dad, Mom, can't you just send her away?"

Rosella and Randall looked torn.

Sensing their hesitation, Georgia stood up, snapping, "While I was out there—beaten and struggling—you were doting on the housekeeper's daughter. And now that I'm back, you still take her side and speak up for her. It's clear you don't really want me here. Fine! I'll leave."

With that, she stormed out.

Rosella hastily stood up and took her hand. "Silly girl, what are you saying? You're our daughter. We love you. How could you think we don't want you here?"

Not wanting to put them in an awkward position any longer, I stepped forward. "Mr. Parham, Mrs. Parham, since Ms. Georgia has returned, she can help tutor Ms. Kelsey. It's only right that I move out."

I bowed to them deeply. "Thank you for taking care of me for years. I'll move out today."

Though they looked somewhat embarrassed, I could sense a hint of relief beneath their expressions.

Randall said while scratching his head, "Mabel, Georgia's just come back, so she may be a bit insecure. Don't take it personally."

"Don't worry, Mr. Parham. I won't."

With that, I turned to my room and packed up.

Hubert followed me into the room. While helping me place my belongings into the suitcase, he said gently, "Maybe moving out isn't such a bad thing. Over the years, we've hardly had much time to spend with your mom.

"I know what happened today was unfair to you. Mabel, I'm sorry—it's all because of my job. If you're truly upset, I'll resign."

I quickly shook my head. "Dad, that's really not necessary. You're doing fine here, right?

"Besides, you have absolutely nothing to apologize for. You're the best housekeeper in the country—people are lining up, hoping you'll work for them. Dad, I'm so proud of you. Really, I'm not upset at all."

In truth, moving out didn't really affect me much.

Thanks to Hubert's high salary, we owned a villa not far from the Parham's villa.

Within minutes, I was back at our own home. Being with my mother, Barbara Morrison, I actually felt more at ease.

Yet, even though I had moved out, Georgia had no intention of leaving me alone.

A week later, she transferred to Crown Academy—the very school I attended.

When she went to school in the morning, the driver stopped by to pick me up as always.

Her gaze was dripping with malice when she saw me walking out of the villa. "So, they've been keeping you outside?

"Mabel, this is my last warning to you. I am the Parham family's daughter, not you. Now that I'm back, drop your pathetic little games. Everything that belongs to the Parham family is mine. You'll never get a single piece."

Was she insane? A wave of speechlessness washed over me, and I turned away, intending to hail a cab instead.

But she added contemptuously, "Get in. Consider it an act of pity."

Clenching my teeth, I was about to refuse when the driver urged, "Mabel, hurry. If you wait for a cab, you'll be late for class."

After a moment's hesitation, I reluctantly gave in and stepped into the car.

The car had barely stopped when I pushed the door open and got out—I didn't want to spend a second longer with Georgia than necessary.

Just then, I spotted my friends, including my best friend Audrey Howell, who had just arrived at school.

Seeing me step out of the car, Audrey waved enthusiastically. "Morning, Mabel! Over here! I brought you a slice of strawberry cake—your favorite!"

I smiled and began walking toward her.

But before I could take more than a few steps, Georgia moved directly into my path, blocking my way.

I couldn't help but look at her, puzzled.

Meanwhile, she walked over to my friends and greeted them with a polished smile. "Hello, everyone. Allow me to introduce myself—I'm Georgia Parham, the real daughter of the Parham family. I've only recently been found and reunited with my parents."

My friends looked obviously confused and could only smile at her awkwardly, "Hello, Georgia."

Georgia nodded with satisfaction. After shooting me a glance, she continued, "What you might not know is that Mabel isn't actually part of the Parham family. She's just our housekeeper's daughter.

"If it weren't for my parents' generosity, she could never have afforded a prestigious school like Crown Academy.

"I know you're all kind-hearted young ladies from good families. Don't let yourself be fooled by someone like her. She's nothing but a fraud."

The polite smiles on the faces of Audrey and the others vanished as they heard Georgia's words. Their expressions darkened at once.

In Georgia's eyes, they were furious at having been deceived by me.

She said with a smile, "It's a good thing that I'm back. My parents have already kicked her out. I didn't want any of you to be fooled any longer, so I decided to tell you the truth as soon as possible."

"What makes you say Mabel is a fraud?" Audrey hissed, her voice sharp with anger.

Georgia was taken aback by the hostility in Audrey's tone.

After pondering for a few seconds, she answered, "I've heard she's been living in my family's villa all these years, riding in our car every day. And she never once told any of you who she really is, did she? Doesn't that sound like she was trying to make everyone believe she was the Parham family's daughter? If that's not fraud, what is?"

The scene fell into immediate silence—everyone was left utterly speechless.

Audrey, always the straightforward one, couldn't stand hearing Georgia slander me any longer.

She snapped, "Georgia, Mabel has never tried to pretend she was something she's not. We've always known her father works as the Parham family's housekeeper. But you? You show up out of nowhere, announcing you're the real daughter. How do we know you're not lying?"

Being challenged, Georgia instantly flushed with rage. Her cheeks burned as she grabbed my arm and dragged me forward, then demanded loudly, "Tell them! Am I or am I not the Parham family's daughter?"

"Audrey, it's true. Mr. and Mrs. Parham have just found Georgia back," I said.

Hearing this, Georgia lifted her chin triumphantly. "You heard her. She admitted that I'm the daughter of the richest family in this city. I don't think I need to remind you all who's worth being friends with, do I?"

Audrey and the others didn't even bother hiding their contempt. They shot Georgia a dismissive look before walking over to me.

Putting the strawberry cake in my hand, Audrey said, "Let's go, Mabel. What's her problem? She's such a psycho. She doesn't have a knife hidden somewhere, does she?"

They linked arms with me and walked toward the classroom together.

Georgia, however, was completely baffled by their reaction.

Stomping her foot in frustration, she shouted after us, "I'm the daughter of the richest man in town! How can you be so stupid, choosing to hang out with the housekeeper's daughter instead of fawning over me? I swear you're gonna regret this!"

Her voice was loud enough to draw the attention of everyone near the school gate.

Feeling embarrassed, my friends and I quickened our pace to get away.

Around us, onlookers were shooting Georgia strange glances.

Yet, in her mind, she had successfully captured everyone's attention.

Chest puffed out with misplaced pride, she strutted into the school, swaying her hips with an air of triumph.

After stepping into the classroom, Audrey couldn't help but ask me, "Mabel, is Georgia really the Parham family's daughter?"

I nodded.

"But she's so unlike them. I mean, the Parham family is known for their refinement and kindness. How could someone like her be part of that family?"

I stayed silent for a moment, then simply shrugged. Gently changing the subject, I urged, "We should get ready for class."

Sensing my reluctance to dwell on the topic, Audrey didn't press further and let the matter drop.

To my surprise, when the class bell rang, our homeroom teacher Selena Lawson walked in with Georgia following behind.

I instantly felt a headache coming on. Exactly how unlucky I was? It felt like I could never get rid of that psycho.

After introducing her as the new transfer student, Selena invited her to introduce herself.

Straightening her back, she strode confidently onto the podium and swept her gaze across the classroom, a proud smile spreading across her face.

"Everyone, you may not have heard of me yet, but from this moment on, remember this. I, Georgia Parham, am the real daughter of the Parham family—the wealthiest family in town."

Her declaration sent a wave of shock through the room. Even those who had been reading looked up at her.

Selena stood dumbfounded as well. After a long pause, she finally collected herself, cleared her throat, and gently reminded Georgia, "A ... normal introduction will do, Georgia. You can tell us about your hobbies, for example."

Georgia raised her hand and motioned downward toward Selena, signaling for her to stay out of it.

Then she continued, "I was missing for eight years before finally being brought back home. So, I don't blame you for not knowing who I am. Just remember this—I'm the real daughter of the Parham family, and Mabel is not. Don't waste your effort trying to curry favor with the wrong person."

Everyone was already simmering with anger.

Audrey slammed her book down on the desk. "Psycho, that's enough!"

Someone said with a frown, "Curry favor? What is she talking about?"

Selena's expression darkened as she shot Georgia a fierce glance. "Georgia, everyone here is here to learn. In this classroom, every student is equal. Your family background is irrelevant. No one cares how wealthy or well-connected you are—you are a student, so act like one."

For a moment, Georgia seemed embarrassed under the weight of her classmates' disapproval and the teacher's reprimand.

But then her eyes—filled with resentment and hatred—locked onto me. "I knew it. This fraud must have bribed you all."

The classmates and the teacher all found Georgia utterly unreasonable.

Selena took a step forward, intending to guide her down from the podium.

But she stubbornly continued, "Let's be honest—everyone knows we come to Crown Academy to build connections. Do you really think Mabel is doted on by the Parham family? Is that why you're all helping her to sideline me?

"Here's the truth, guys. I am the one my parents truly love. Now that I'm back, they've already thrown that fraud out. So think carefully—is it really a smart choice to keep being friends with her?"

Furious, Selena strode onto the podium and rapped her knuckles sharply on the desk, her face livid. "Georgia, students are here to learn, not to build connections. Now, find a seat and sit down."

Wide-eyed, Georgia stared at Selena in disbelief. "I'm the daughter of the richest family in town! How dare you talk to me like this?"

She believed her status came with special privileges.

It had never occurred to her that this was Crown Academy—where nearly every student came from a prestigious background, and even the teachers were known for their own influential connections.

Her family's wealth was far from enough to make anyone bow down.

Selena rolled her eyes impatiently. "I don't care whose daughter you are. In my classroom, your only job is to focus on your studies. Your grades are the only thing that matters here. Stop flaunting your family background."

Hearing this, Georgia, who had been fuming moments ago, lifted her head with a complacent smirk.

Her eyes gleamed with sudden excitement. "Grades? That's even less of a problem. Unlike those spoiled trust-fund kids around here, I always ranked in the top ten in my grade at my old school. With me here, our class' average score is definitely going to skyrocket."

She swept a condescending gaze across the classroom. "Everyone, if you ever come across questions you can't solve, feel free to ask me anytime. Even though you've been rude to me, I'm not a petty person. I'll help lead you all to improve together."

As she spoke, she completely missed the complicated look on Selena's face and the clear contempt in the eyes of her classmates.

Indeed, what made Crown Academy an elite institution went far beyond the prestigious backgrounds of its students and faculty. Its truly distinguishing feature was its exceptional teaching quality.

Students here received a world-class education, which resulted in top academic results and multiple specializations.

A significant number of them had already earned national awards.

Everyone found her remarks laughable.

Not bothering to respond, Selena simply pointed toward an empty seat with a stern expression. "Go down and sit over there. Class is starting. Focus on your studies."

Georgia went to sit down with a dissatisfied pout, and the lesson began.

For the rest of the day, every attempt she made to chat was met with either cold silence or subtle sarcasm. "Oh, I'm not good enough to talk to the daughter of the richest family in town."

Feeling she was being excluded, she shot me a sharp glare before burying her face in her arms on the desk, looking utterly aggrieved.

I felt so baffled. She brought this on herself—what did she expect after making such offensive remarks? Why blame me?

When classes ended that afternoon, Georgia instructed the driver to take us back to the Parham's villa.

The moment we stepped out of the car, she grabbed my arm and dragged me into the living room, where Rosella and Randall were seated. The second she saw them, she burst into tears.