Chapter 1 The Torn Evening Gown and the Betrayal

The capital of Utopia was home to the nation's most powerful and wealthiest families. It was a world of luxury, prestige, and, at times, shameless extravagance. Everything there was built upon limitless wealth, unshakable power, and an unspoken code that outsiders could never hope to understand.

Nineteen years ago, Elena could never have imagined that one day she would leave the slums behind and step into a place like this.

Just a month ago, she had been brought back as the long-lost daughter of the Campbell family. And today was her birthday—the day the Campbells would officially reveal her true identity to the public.

Elena unconsciously pressed a hand against her chest, feeling the rapid beat of her heart beneath her palm.

"All done, Elena."

At that moment, the makeup artist's voice broke the silence. Her makeup was finally complete.

Elena slowly opened her eyes and stared at her reflection in the mirror.

The stylist admired the masterpiece before her.

Just look at this young lady.

Her long, wavy raven-black hair cascaded elegantly over her shoulders, adorned with an exquisitely crafted gold hairpiece tucked above one ear. Her features were striking, inheriting nearly all of the Campbell old matriarch's finest traits. Emerald-green eyes gleamed like precious gemstones, complemented by a delicate, straight nose and soft crimson lips. Even with only light makeup, she outshone almost everyone around her.

Why was she wearing only such subtle makeup?

The stylist glanced at Elena, who was happily admiring herself in the mirror, and quietly shook her head.

Elena was merely the daughter who had been raised outside the family. How could the Campbells allow her to steal the spotlight from Vivian, the true star of today's celebration? Even the gown Elena was wearing had gone out of fashion last year. It was undeniably beautiful, but anyone familiar with luxury brands would immediately recognize it as a clear sign of how little importance the Campbell family placed on her.

Elena, however, remained completely unaware of the stylist's thoughts.

She walked over to the full-length mirror, gathered the skirt of her sea-green gown, and gave herself a gentle twirl.

"So beautiful..." she whispered.

The thought of Ashton seeing her like this made her cheeks flush a rosy pink.

Just then, the door to the dressing room suddenly opened.

A maid stepped inside and said softly, "Miss, your shoes have arrived."

Elena turned her gaze and immediately spotted a pair of sparkling silver high heels encrusted with glittering crystals. They didn't seem to match her gown very well, but they were undoubtedly expensive.

The maid added, "Lady Campbell personally picked them out for you."

Hearing that, Elena slipped them on without a second thought and nodded with a smile.

"They're beautiful... Please tell—"

She paused before correcting herself.

"No... I'll thank Mom myself."

The final word lingered awkwardly on her tongue.

Mrs. Campbell had never been comfortable with Elena calling her "Mom." But after today, perhaps everything would be different.

Watching Elena beam with happiness, the maid secretly sneered. Her eyes lingered on the pair of high heels for a brief moment before she quietly left the room.

"Well? Did she put them on?" Vivian asked, lifting her chin proudly.

"Yes, Miss. Elena's wearing them now," the maid replied with a mocking laugh. "The way she looked so happy was absolutely ridiculous."

Satisfied, Vivian smiled faintly, lifted the hem of her extravagant gown, and walked away. The enormous skirt spread across almost the entire staircase as she descended.

...

"And now, everyone, please welcome the star of today's celebration—Miss Elena!"

The emcee's enthusiastic voice echoed through the grand ballroom, followed by scattered applause from the guests.

Elena stared at the magnificent stage before her, then lowered her eyes to the large hand extended toward her.

Ashton smiled gently.

"Come on."

"Ashton..." Elena murmured as she placed her hand in his without the slightest hesitation.

Ever since she had returned to the Campbell family, lost and unfamiliar with everything around her, Ashton had been the one looking after her.

And today...

Today, he was going to confess his feelings to her.

The thought alone filled Elena with courage, making each step she took feel steadier than the last.

The moment they stepped onto the stage, however, Ashton released her hand almost immediately.

Even when she instinctively tried to hold on, he deliberately—or perhaps casually—pulled away.

Startled, Elena looked up at him in confusion.

Ashton merely curled his lips into a faint smile as he looked back at her.

At that moment, Elena still couldn't understand the meaning hidden behind that smile.

She only knew that the instant Ashton let go of her hand, she looked down from the stage and saw Vivian standing beside her parents, chatting and smiling with them.

Vivian slowly lifted her eyes to meet Elena's.

The icy indifference in that gaze sent a chill through Elena's entire body.

For the first time, all she wanted to do...

...was run away.

"Ashton..." Elena called softly, reaching for his hand.

Before she could touch him, Ashton roared, "Let go! Who gave you permission to touch me?"

He violently shook her hand away, sending Elena stumbling backward.

She should have been able to regain her balance.

But at that exact moment, the heel of one of her shoes suddenly snapped.

Elena's eyes widened in horror.

She instinctively squeezed them shut.

Crash!

The towering champagne display beside her collapsed the instant she crashed into it. Glasses clattered across the floor as Elena fell heavily to the ground, drenched from head to toe in crimson liquid. One of her high heels had flown off and landed several feet away.

Elena felt as though something inside her had.

Her body trembled as she slowly opened her eyes.

Ashton looking down at her with icy contempt, he said coldly, "Did you really think I would ever fall for a country bumpkin like you? I only got close to a crude girl like you to get justice for Vivian! You wanted to steal her place, didn't you? Then this is the price you have to pay."

Elena parted her lips, only to realize that no words would come out.

Tears streamed down her face beyond her control.

Almost instinctively, she looked toward the audience.

Everyone...

Everyone was staring at her.

Even her parents.

Even Vivian.

They all watched her from where they stood.

Not a single person stepped forward to help her.

"So she really was picked up from the slums. Even the way she walks is embarrassing."

"And she actually made a fool of herself at an event like this..."

"Did you see those shoes she's wearing? So tacky. What a joke."

Gripping the soaked skirt of her gown, Elena struggled to her feet.

She ran.

Behind her, Ashton's mocking laughter echoed through the ballroom.

All around her, countless whispers rose and blended together.

It felt as though they were all trying to swallow her whole.

Elena fled the Campbell mansion without looking back, allowing the torrential rain outside to consume her completely.