Chapter 4

My nose stung, and I fought hard to keep the tears from falling. They didn't understand. The lottery ticket could never be taken by me directly; Valerie had to give it to me willingly. Only then could I prevent the tragedy of my previous life from repeating itself.

During this time, our family had become the talk and laughingstock of the neighborhood. Everyone sighed with regret for my parents, who had raised such a heartless ingrate. Watching the many white hairs that had appeared on my parents overnight, I clenched my fists, finally unable to bear it.

"Dad, Mom, do you… trust me?"

Arthur and Eleanor exchanged glances. After a few seconds of hesitation, they finally nodded, a flicker of doubt in their eyes. My eyes welled up, and I gripped their hands tightly, telling them firmly that they needed to wait three more days.

It was currently a long public holiday, and the lottery agency was closed, so no one could cash in a ticket. This gave me the perfect opportunity to execute my plan. If all went well, in three days, Valerie would regret her actions. This time, I would protect my family and make those who had hurt me and my loved ones pay!

Time flew by. Three mornings later, there was a sudden knock on our door. I subtly curved my lips. She's here, just as expected.

I opened the door calmly. Valerie, looking incredibly eager, pushed the lottery ticket into my hand and said the words I had already predicted: "Chloe, this lottery ticket is yours. You absolutely must keep it safe! Cash it in as soon as the holiday is over. And remember, no matter what, don't let your father, Marcus, or your brother, Leo, get their hands on it, okay?"

She seemed to be in a hurry to do something else, tossing out those two sentences before rushing away.

Arthur and Eleanor, after confirming the lottery ticket in my hand hadn't been swapped, widened their eyes in astonishment. They simply couldn't believe that someone like Valerie would suddenly have a change of heart.

I smiled faintly, telling them Valerie hadn't truly repented. Then, word by word, I revealed the hidden truth from my previous life.