**Chapter 2** Regina couldn’t help but feel dwarfed in Nicole’s presence, both in beauty and intellect. The pride she once felt regarding her family’s status crumbled under the weight of Nicole's undeniable superiority, igniting a fire of jealousy within her that threatened to consume her entirely. “Step into the car, Nicole,” Sean said, his voice smooth as silk as he opened the door with the grace of a true gentleman. His gaze lingered on her, tender and kind. “Wow, he’s such a charmer! If only I had a brother like that,” one girl whispered, her envy palpable. “Seriously, can you believe her luck?” another chimed in. Regina stood nearby, her jealousy swelling like a storm ready to unleash its fury. With an effort to poison the atmosphere, she shouted, “What’s so special about her? She’s nothing but a country bumpkin! Does she really believe she can leap into the social elite just like that?” Nicole froze mid-step, just as she was about to enter the car, a chill creeping into the air. Sean's expression turned dark, echoing the tension in the crowd. “Regina, what on earth is wrong with you?” Ms. Mills snapped, irritation etched on her face. Mr. Barrett, recognizing Regina as the daughter of a board member, was wary; he understood that crossing the Riddles was a gamble he couldn’t afford to make. “Is this truly the student council president you’ve appointed?” he demanded, turning his eyes to Ms. Mills, disapproval heavy in his tone. Stumbling over her words, Ms. Mills hesitated, “I...” Nicole, sensing an opportunity, decided to fan the flames of the moment. “Ms. Mills, the behavior of student leaders reflects on the entire school. Next time you appoint someone, maybe choose based on capability rather than who can pay you off,” she said pointedly. The revelation hung in the air like thunder, and Ms. Mills felt her face flush with shame as the crowd erupted in murmurs. In a flash of realization, Ms. Mills felt the intensity of Nicole’s words cut straight to her core, and Mr. Barrett added, “If this is the caliber of leadership you’re offering, you should be ashamed of yourself!” His voice was a whip crack in the air. “Effective immediately, I will terminate your position, Ms. Mills,” Mr. Barrett announced with authority, sealing her fate in that moment. Regina stood in shock, her carefully constructed status dwindling to dust before her eyes—her ill-gotten position was slipping away. “Let’s get out of here, Nicole,” Sean said, his expression easing into warmth as he turned his attention back to her. Nicole hadn’t anticipated this sudden show of loyalty from Sean, and a flicker of affection ignited in her heart. It was comforting, perhaps even special, to have a brother like him. “Alright,” she replied, slipping into the car as Sean joined her, driving away with Mrs. Wallace Sr. still standing in a stupor, her heart heavy with worry. Soon, the luxurious Rolls-Royce arrived at Nicole’s modest home, the small sanctuary she shared with her grandmother. Sean, perceptive as ever, followed her inside to assist with her things. The meager possessions in her hands—a notebook, a school bag, and a few articles of clothing—prompted an unexpected concern from him. “Less is more, Nicole. Once we reach San Joto, we can buy you anything you need,” he proposed, as though seeking to dispel any worries lingering in her mind. “I prefer simplicity,” Nicole answered softly, holding her grandmother's hand close. The driver, witnessing this exchange, was left speechless. As the general manager of Riddle Corporation, Sean was usually met with a surge of cloying flattery, yet here was a girl who turned down his generous offer without a second thought. The driver could only stand nervously by the car, finding himself caught in a whirlwind of respect for Sean’s gentle demeanor towards the sister who had seemingly fallen from the sky. Undeterred by any societal standards, Sean merely smiled, an expression suffused with affection, “No worries. I’ll respect your wishes.” The driver blinked in disbelief; the treatment Nicole received was a privilege not even Sean’s other sibling could dream of enjoying. Before entering the car, Nicole urged her grandmother not to see her off, her hardened demeanor softening. “Grandma, I promise I will come back to visit.” “Okay…” Mrs. Wallace Sr. nodded, tears glistening in her eyes as she reluctantly let Nicole’s hand slip from her grasp, watching the car pull away from her cherished home. As they drove on, Nicole cast one last glance back at her grandmother, her heart heavy. The silhouette of her beloved hometown began to recede, and with it, the need to hide her true self faded into the distance. After several hours on the road, they finally approached San Joto. “Here we are! Mom and Dad are waiting for you," Sean announced, gesturing toward the grand estate that towered ahead. Nicole’s heart fluttered, the opulence of the Riddle family home igniting a sense of awe within her. Yet, instead of excitement, she wore a calm expression, nodding slightly as she absorbed the sheer magnificence of her new surroundings. Upon exiting the vehicle, she took in the incredible oil paintings lining the initial hallway, the family butler offering eager explanations about each renowned piece, their value immeasurable. Internally, however, Nicole assessed their authenticity; two of the famed artworks were clever forgeries, a revelation only she and a select few connoisseurs would recognize. In the spacious hall, three figures captured her attention: a polished couple calmly seated on a plush sofa, and a young girl, not much older than herself, lounging nearby. “Grandpa, Mom, Dad, I’ve brought my sister home!” Sean’s proud proclamation filled the air. As his words faded, Gloria Holder and Daniel Riddle turned their gazes toward Nicole. The sight of her drew gasps; she was tall and graceful, her skin smooth and flawless. She radiated a quiet elegance even in her simple attire, making it nearly impossible to look away. Gloria’s eyes filled with tears of joy. “It’s her! It’s my daughter!” The warm glow of reunion filled the hall as Nicole stood at the threshold of an entirely new life, one where secrets would no longer shackle her, and the potential for a family beckoned with open arms.