The Zi family estate was one of the most luxurious mansions in the city. The gates alone were tall and made of iron, decorated with golden designs. Behind them stood a grand building, surrounded by a vast garden. The Zi family had been one of the wealthiest and most powerful families for generations.
Zi Ning sat in the back of a black luxury car as it drove through the main entrance. Zi Heng sat beside her, calm and composed, but she could tell he was observing her closely.
Her heart pounded, but her face remained expressionless.
She had imagined this moment for years.
Would they accept her?
Would they reject her?
No matter what, she had to be strong.
The car stopped in front of the grand mansion. Several servants stood waiting at the entrance, their expressions respectful but curious.
As she stepped out of the car, the large doors swung open, and an elderly man walked out. His back was straight despite his old age, and his eyes, though filled with years of wisdom, held deep emotion.
Zi Rong, the patriarch of the Zi family.
Her grandfather.
Zi Ning's fingers clenched at her sides.
For a second, no one spoke.
Zi Rong's hands trembled. His eyes never left her face.
Then, in a hoarse voice, he called her name.
"…Yan'er."
Zi Ning's breath hitched.
Her childhood name.
She had no memories of it, but hearing it from his mouth felt strangely familiar.
She opened her lips, her voice soft but firm.
"I am Zi Ning now."
Zi Rong blinked, then let out a shaky chuckle. "Yes. Yes, of course."
He stepped closer, his gaze still locked onto her.
Then, before she could react, he hugged her.
Zi Ning stiffened.
She had never been hugged like this before.
A hug that felt… warm.
A hug that felt like family.
She slowly lifted her arms and hesitantly returned the embrace.
The old man patted her back gently. "You're home now."
Her heart clenched.
Home…
As they entered the mansion, several members of the Zi family were already waiting.
Zi Qian, the middle-aged woman who had spoken against her before, sat on a luxurious sofa. Her lips were pressed into a thin line.
Beside her stood her son, Zi Rui. He was a tall, handsome man, but his eyes held arrogance. He glanced at Zi Ning with barely hidden contempt.
Other members of the extended family were present as well. Some whispered among themselves.
Zi Heng led her to a seat across from Zi Rong, who sat in the head position.
"Now," Zi Rong said, his voice serious, "tell us what happened to you."
Zi Ning took a breath.
She briefly explained what she knew—how she had been adopted by an ordinary middle-class family, how she had grown up without knowing her real identity, and how she had worked her way into the entertainment industry.
She did not mention the mistreatment from her stepmother and stepsister. That was not important now.
Zi Rong's expression darkened as he listened. "Someone hid you from us."
Zi Heng nodded. "We need to investigate this further."
Zi Qian scoffed. "What's the point? She grew up as a commoner. Does she even know how to be a real heiress?"
Zi Ning turned her gaze to Zi Qian.
Calm. Unshaken.
"Does an heiress need to prove herself?" she asked lightly.
Zi Qian's face darkened.
Before she could respond, Zi Rong spoke, his voice final.
"Yan'er is my granddaughter. No one will question her place in this family."
Zi Ning's eyes flickered.
Her grandfather's unshakable support…
It gave her a feeling she had never experienced before.
Belonging.
Before the discussion could continue, a servant hurried into the room.
"Master! The Yan family is here!"
The room fell silent.
Zi Ning's fingers curled slightly.
The Yan family…
Her other family.
Zi Rong stood up immediately. "Bring them in."
The large doors opened again.
A tall, dignified man entered first. His hair was neatly combed back, and his face held the confidence of a man who had been in power for years.
Yan Bai, the head of the Yan family.
Beside him walked a graceful woman, her eyes red as if she had been crying.
Madam Yan.
And behind them, a younger man with sharp, intelligent eyes.
Yan Zhou.
Their footsteps were firm as they approached.
The moment Madam Yan saw Zi Ning, she let out a soft cry.
"My daughter…"
Zi Ning stiffened.
Her mother…
For so many years, she had lived without knowing the warmth of a mother's love.
She had learned to survive on her own.
And now, this woman was crying for her?
She wasn't sure how to feel.
Yan Bai stepped forward, his voice deep but filled with emotion.
"Zi Ning."
Zi Ning met his gaze.
"You are my daughter."
It was not a question.
It was a fact.
She exhaled softly.
"I suppose I am."
Yan Bai closed his eyes briefly before nodding. "Come home."
Zi Ning's fingers tightened slightly.
Home.
Again, that word.
First, the Zi family.
Now, the Yan family.
Two families, both claiming her.
Both expecting her to return.
She looked at Zi Rong, then back at Yan Bai.
Then, slowly, she spoke.
"I will need time."
Yan Bai did not argue.
Instead, he simply nodded.
"As long as you need."
Madam Yan stepped closer. "We will wait for you."
Zi Ning gave a small nod.
She was not ready yet.
But something inside her told her…
She would be, soon.
Outside the Zi family estate, a black car was parked across the street.
Inside, Wang Yin sat, her eyes narrowed.
Her nails dug into the leather seat.
She had lost.
Zi Ning had won.
A few days ago, she was just a washed-up actress.
Now, she was a double heiress.
Guo Bao sat beside her, his jaw clenched.
"This isn't over," he muttered.
Wang Yin's lips curled into a cold smile.
"No. It's just beginning."
They would not let Zi Ning take everything so easily.
Zi Ning stood by the window of her new room in the Zi estate, looking out at the vast garden.
She had returned.
But this was only the start.
She had a lot to uncover.
Who had taken her away all those years ago?
Who had hidden her identity?
And most importantly—
Would she ever truly belong?
Her fingers brushed against the old pendant on her neck.
She would find the truth.