Chapter 3 The next morning, Isabella, who had rushed over, intercepted me. My 'mother', with whom I'd had only two meetings before, once again tried to appeal to my emotions. Just like eight years ago, she attempted to guilt-trip me, "Elara, Leo is still young, he needs you! Your father and brothers rely on Lucien's protection! You can't be this selfish!" "You've said so much. Why have you never once asked me if I'm doing well?" I asked calmly. She disliked me, loathed my existence, sent me to the borderlands, and only brought me back when I was needed. It was as if she were mining me, extracting value piece by piece. Even now, she refused to grant me freedom. Isabella was taken aback. Just then, light footsteps sounded from outside, and a graceful figure entered with a smile. It was Olena, a she-wolf whose eyes and brows bore a seventy percent resemblance to Serena's. The moment she appeared, Leo cheered rms. Auto-added to the Library "Miss Olena! I missed you so much!" Ig ast, hand in hand. The servants' whispers reached my ears, "How pathetic, clinging on here, trying to please the Alpha and the young master, yet she's even less welcome than an outsider." "She threatened to leave yesterday but stayed today. Probably afraid Miss Olena will take her place." Leo nuzzled against Olena, "Dad is waiting for you in the study! Let's go! I like Miss Olena the most. You'reso fragrant and gentle, not like some wild border woman!" I was stunned. Having grown up in the wilderness, I found myself utterly out of place when I first came to this rule-bound, oppressive castle. It was the young Leo who had given me warmth back then, saying he loved how I looked on horseback. "Elara, you look so much like my mom. You must be her double! I like you! I'll protect you forever!" That little shadow who once followed me everywhere had now become a thorn piercing my heart. Olena greeted me with a smile, her tone gentle yet challenging, "Miss Elara, don't take a child's words to heart." Chapter 3 20009 I ignored her and helped the weeping Isabella to her feet, "You see, they are never short of people to care for them." Olena resembled Serena too, not so much in face, but in her entire aura and demeanor. She had completely become a replica of Serena. With this different kind of similarity, she easily entered Lucien's study-a place I was never permitted to enter-and easily won the favor of both father and son. Isabella's face turned cold, "Are you truly determined to leave?" "I don't want to spend my entire life trapped within these cold stone walls, revolving around two men who don't love me." sl*ap! A sharp blow landed on my cheek, "Lowborn scum, exactly as expected-unworthy of standing among us!If I hadn't been soft-hearted back then, you should have died in the wilderness! An ungrateful wretch!" My mother was a beast-tamer from the wilds, who had a fleeting affair with Isabella's husband, resulting in To them, I was nothing but a crawling insect beneath their feet. When the second sl*ap came, I caught her wrist. "The family raised me until I was eight. I've repaid them with eight years of my life. We are even. "} For eight years, I endured Lucien's physical demands, managed the pack's internal affairs, and raised Leo as my own. I had done my utmost. The only one I had wronged was myself. Isabella left in a fury. I turned and met Lucien's deep, inscrutable gaze. Chapter 3 In the world of "Crimson Heiress" by CrushReel, business magnate Zelda falls victim to a treacherous plot orchestrated by her own brother and husband, unwittingly surrendering her empire to the cunning Yasmina. As Yasmina's sinister intentions unravel, Zelda meets a tragic fate. However, a twist of fate brings Zelda back to life, setting the stage for a riveting saga of betrayal, revenge, and redemption. Exploring themes of deceit, power struggles, and the complexities of relationships, "Crimson Heiress" delves into the intertwined lives of its characters against the backdrop of a captivating blend of CEO dynamics, time travel elements, and mysterious reincarnations. The narrative unfolds within the opulent setting of a grand mansion, where secrets are as abundant as the characters' ambitions. As Zelda navigates through her journey of transformation and retribution, readers are drawn into a web of drama that promises unexpected twists at every turn. What sets "Crimson Heiress" apart is its seamless fusion of suspenseful storytelling with elements of glow-up narratives and intricate character developments. With its gripping plotline and immersive exploration of vengeance and second chances, this ongoing tale captivates audiences seeking a compelling blend of mystery and drama. Discover the allure of "Crimson Heiress" for yourself; available to read online at CrushReel.