Misfortunes seemed to pile up relentlessly for Alex, who, penniless and deceived, was trafficked into the mountains. Forced into a life of subjugation, she bore two children and was resold three times, enduring unspeakable hardships.
Eventually, she managed to escape, fleeing to an unfamiliar city in the hope of starting anew. Yet, during the Qingming Festival, she couldn't resist the urge to return and pay her respects to Grandfather Andra.
To avoid encountering any members of the Andra family, she ventured to the cemetery only at 5 p.m., but fate had other plans. There, she stumbled upon Ethan and Tian Tian, now married, and quickly hid, hoping to remain unseen. Unwittingly, she overheard their conversation about the past.
"Each time I think of Grandfather, my heart is filled with sorrow and guilt. He loved me so deeply; did I make a mistake...?" Tian Tian said mournfully, seated beside Ethan.
"Tian Tian, you didn't make a mistake," Ethan consoled. "Our intention was merely to expel Alex from the Andra family, never anticipating Grandfather's passing."
"But Alex did nothing wrong either. Wasn't it too harsh on her?"
"No, it was Grandfather who was unjust. Knowing full well you're his biological granddaughter, he favored Alex over you. Despite being the rightful heir to the Andra Corporation, he entrusted her with significant responsibilities and even bestowed upon her 30% of the company's shares! You're the true heiress, and Alex caused you so much suffering. She never deserved any of it. You were merely reclaiming what was rightfully yours," Ethan said earnestly.
"But now that we've driven her away, did we go too far by having her trafficked?" Tian Tian asked, though Alex detected no genuine remorse in her voice.
"Tian Tian, only if she disappears forever can no one threaten your position in the Andra family..."
Over the years, Alex had pondered many things, certain that Tian Tian played a part in her expulsion. Yet, upon hearing their conversation, she was stunned to learn that the man she once loved had conspired against her.
Was Tian Tian truly as kind and forgiving as she appeared? No, of course not. Her innocent facade was but a ruse to garner sympathy and support, manipulating events to her advantage while pushing Alex into an abyss.
Fueled by resentment and frustration, Alex longed to confront them and seek justice. Yet, powerless and vulnerable, she knew standing up would only lead to humiliation. So, she silently endured, hiding in the shadows.
Her body, already weakened by years of abuse, could not withstand the revelation of the truth. Mentally and physically shattered, she soon succumbed to depression, her life extinguished by the weight of injustice.
The host within Alex seethed with anger and unwilling. Reliving her past, she felt as if a boulder rested upon her chest, suffocating her with grief.
If given a chance to rewrite her story, she vowed to protect herself, make Ethan and Tian Tian pay for their deeds, and expose the true colors of the so-called "true heiress."
With her goal clear, Alex marveled at Tian Tian's facade of innocence and lamented not striking her earlier. This woman,the appearance is gentle and kind, was nothing more than a manipulative white lotus, a type she despised.
"Assistant, are you alright?" Interrupting her thoughts, Yu Qianqian, Alex's new secretary, entered the room, concerned by Alex's hand pressed against her shoulder.
"I'm fine," Alex straightened, ignoring the pain, determined not to tarnish the Andra name with weakness.
"Should I ask Ms. Ye to clarify things with Mr. Qiao?" Yu Qianqian ventured, sensing a change in her boss.
"It's unnecessary," Alex dismissed the idea.
"Shall we have someone 'take care' of Tian Tian then?" Yu Qianqian persisted.
Alex sighed, realizing her team's suggestions lacked finesse. Confronting Tian Tian directly would only backfire.
"Let's drop it. I don't want to discuss it further."
Confused, Yu Qianqian noted Alex's unusual calm, recalling her previous reactions to Ethan and Tian Tian.
"Is there anything else, Assistant? You haven't clarified with Mr. Qiao that you didn't hit Tian Tian."
"No need. Even if I did, he'd dismiss it as an excuse," Alex acknowledged Tian Tian's prowess, marveling at how she enchanted not only Ethan but also Ye Xin's childhood friend, causing their breakup.
Angered by Tian Tian's meddling, Ye Xin sought revenge, inviting Alex to join her. Though tempted, Alex couldn't attend due to a sudden company meeting.
Yet, Ethan's accusation fell on Alex regardless, his anger fueled by Tian Tian's injuries, unaware of the true culprit.
"Assistant..." Yu Qianqian's sympathetic gaze pierced Alex's armor.
Recognizing the misinterpretation, Alex dismissed the pity, replying coolly, "If there's nothing else, please leave. I need some time alone."
Understanding Alex's mood, Yu Qianqian offered a comforting word before leaving.
Alone, Alex's mind raced with strategies, her narrative weaving a complex web of deceit, revenge, and self-discovery, far exceeding the initial word limit, as she plotted her course through this intricate landscape of betrayal and redemption.