From Cellblock to Chaebol: I Took the Fall, Then Took It All.Chapter 2

I stood by the peeling radiator, watching the scene unfold with the detached chill of a ghost.

Hayes scrutinized Riley, then let his gaze slide over to me. A shiver racked my spine. Mimicking Riley’s usual arrogant demeanor, I lifted my chin and glared right back at him, my expression radiating teenage hostility.

"Which one of you is Wren?" Hayes asked, his voice smooth and clipped.

His background check would have told him that Wren was the unloved one, the girl in the hand-me-downs. But because Riley had stolen my ratty t-shirt, he couldn't tell us apart by our clothes.

That was exactly why Arthur had chosen me in the first place. An unloved, neglected child is the easiest to sever from her roots. No one comes looking for the girl nobody wanted.

Seeing Hayes hesitate, Riley quickly stepped in front of me, shielding me from their view.

"I... I'm Wren," she stammered, shrinking into herself. "Is it true? Am I really not my mother's?"

She sounded heartbreakingly fragile, but I could see the manic, triumphant gleam dancing in her eyes.

After a tense beat, Hayes gave Arthur a subtle nod.

Arthur descended into another agonizing coughing fit, his face turning a dangerous shade of plum. For a second, I thought he might just drop dead right there on our cheap rug. My heart was in my throat, terrified he would see through Riley's act.

But he bought it. He slowly nodded. Hayes handed the final copy of the agreement to Brenda.

Arthur stood up, leaning heavily on his silver-tipped cane, and offered Riley a grandfatherly smile. "Wren, my dear. Come with your grandfather. Let me spend my final days making up for all the time we've lost."

Tears welled up in Riley's eyes—a masterclass in manipulation. "Grandpa! You finally found me."

She threw herself into Arthur's arms, but not before shooting me a vicious, gloating smirk over his shoulder.

"Sir, we need to leave," Hayes interrupted, checking his watch.

Riley pulled back, wiping her eyes. "Grandpa, could I come by later tonight? I need to say goodbye to my mom. Even if she didn't love me, she kept a roof over my head. I want to do this the right way."

Arthur frowned slightly, but the performance won him over. He patted her hand. "Very well. I will leave a driver for you. Don't be late."

Riley nodded furiously, walking them to the door like the perfect, obedient heiress.