Chapter 4 A Dead End and the Mysterious Marriage Contract

Elena stumbled out of the hotel, squinting as the dazzling sunlight washed over her. It felt as though an entire lifetime had passed overnight.

She clutched the oversized shirt wrapped around her body and looked at the bustling street, crowded with people coming and going. The world was so vast, yet it seemed there wasn't a single place where she truly belonged.

The moment she thought back to everything that had happened at the Campbell residence yesterday, her eyes began to sting.

But she simply lifted her chin, took a deep breath, and slowly let it out. The tears welling in her eyes never had the chance to fall.

She was nothing more than an ordinary girl—painfully ordinary. For the past nineteen years, all she had done was struggle to survive. She had once dreamed of having a family, believing that perhaps then she wouldn't have to carry so much pain and exhaustion alone.

So when she learned that she still had living relatives, she had been overjoyed, desperate to embrace the family she had imagined countless times.

Yet the truth was painfully clear.

Even her own biological parents had no desire to become her family.

Now that she had finally come to her senses, Elena realized just how foolish she had been.

It wasn't that Mr. Campbell didn't know how to express affection. He simply had no intention of showing any to her.

It wasn't that Mrs. Campbell wasn't used to hearing someone call her "Mom." She simply didn't want to hear that word coming from Elena's lips.

They cherished Vivian so deeply, doted on her so completely, that it was as if there had never been a place for Elena in that house from the very beginning.

So what if she was their biological daughter?

In the end, she could never compare to Vivian—the daughter they had loved and raised for nineteen years.

Recalling Ashton's words from yesterday, Elena finally understood.

The banquet had never been a celebration to welcome her home.

It had been a trial prepared just for her.

How ridiculous that she had mistaken it for proof that they had been looking forward to her return just as desperately as she had longed for them.

Elena gave a faint shake of her head. When she raised it again, her eyes were filled with unwavering determination.

She stepped into an inexpensive clothing store, bought a simple change of clothes, replaced the outfit she was wearing, and then headed straight back to the Campbell family's villa.

The servants couldn't help but glance at her as she passed. There wasn't a trace of respect in their eyes—only curiosity and silent judgment.

Elena couldn't help but think that her past self had been laughably pathetic. Their disdain had been so obvious all along, so how had she never noticed?

Ignoring them, she hurried back to her room to pack her belongings.

But there was nothing.

Her clothes, her documents—everything had vanished without a trace.

Frowning, Elena turned to demand an explanation. Just then, she saw the Campbells standing outside her room, with Vivian peeking in from behind them.

Looking at them warily, Elena asked coldly, "Where did you put my things?"

"What kind of attitude is that?" Mr. Campbell roared.

Elena frowned and let out a cold laugh. "So you've finally stopped pretending?"

Her words caused all three of them to freeze for a moment.

Mrs. Campbell forced a gentle smile. "Elena, what are you talking about..."

"The pair of high heels with the broken heel yesterday," Elena said, staring straight at her. "The servants told me you picked them out for me yourself."

Mr. Campbell slammed his cane against the floor.

"That was because you were careless! You embarrassed the entire Campbell family yesterday, and now you're trying to shift the blame? Just as expected from someone who grew up on the streets—you're beyond teaching. If you were even half the daughter Vivian is, we wouldn't have to worry so much!"

Mrs. Campbell immediately stepped in to calm him down, urging him not to lose his temper.

Vivian also spoke up softly. "Elena didn't do it on purpose. Please don't blame her like this..."

Watching the family of three put on their performance before her, Elena first felt furious, then only found it absurd.

She said icily, "I'm not as good as her, and I'm not worthy of being your daughter, right? Fine. Then give me back my belongings. I don't want anything to do with any of you anymore."

None of the three had expected Elena to say such a thing.

Mrs. Campbell hurriedly tried to smooth things over.

"Elena, even if you're angry, you shouldn't say something like that..."

Elena narrowed her eyes as she watched their attitudes soften in an instant.

Without another word, she lunged toward the door.

But before she could get far, she was restrained. Two bodyguards grabbed her tightly from either side, holding her in place like iron clamps.

She struggled fiercely.

"What are you trying to do? This is unlawful imprisonment!"

Mr. Campbell looked at her coldly before issuing an order.

"Keep a close eye on Miss Elena."

With that, he turned and walked away.

Watching Elena struggle helplessly, Vivian couldn't help but smile.

"Don't be so afraid, Sister. The man Mom and Dad chose for you is actually quite a catch. Once you marry him, you'll be helping our family prosper."

Bang!

Elena fell to the floor, staring at the bedroom door as it slammed shut in front of her.

She immediately got to her feet and walked toward the window.

It was only the second floor.

Those people had underestimated her—just as she had underestimated how cruel they truly were.

The wind swept through her hair, drying the tears on her face.

Without the slightest hesitation, Elena jumped.

Pain shot through her scraped knees the moment she landed, but she ignored it completely and sprinted straight toward the front gate.

The Campbell family clearly hadn't expected her to be so decisive.

Had Vivian not happened to glance out the window, she probably wouldn't have caught sight of Elena's fleeing figure.

"Catch her!"

Vivian screamed hysterically.

She couldn't let Elena escape.

She refused to be the one married off to that old man.

She was going to marry Ashton.

Soon, Elena heard the sounds of pursuit behind her. At the same time, servants poured in from the front like a rising tide, blocking off her only path to freedom.

Damn it... Is there really no other way?

Am I really going to be trapped here... unable to escape...?

Just as despair overwhelmed her, the front gates suddenly swung open.

An elderly lawyer stepped out of the lead car.

Behind him, a formidable squad of bodyguards advanced in perfect formation, forcing the gathered servants aside as if they were nothing.

The overwhelming display of power caused the pursuing members of the Campbell family to halt in surprise.

Having just been shoved to the ground, Elena seemed to sense something. She slowly raised her head and found herself face to face with the unfamiliar men dressed in black.