Chapter 4

As a reward, Mrs. Preston gave me a credit card and told me to enjoy a free day out.

It was the most relaxed I'd been since coming to the Preston mansion.

The driver dropped me off in the bustling city center, and I got out alone.

I hadn't walked far when a familiar figure appeared.

It was Vivian, or rather, Vivian Miller now. She was standing on the roadside, under the scorching sun, handing out flyers.

The Millers were practically penniless, with almost no spare cash, so it was no surprise she was forced to work to earn money.

My past life had been just like that; during summer break, I'd juggle three jobs a day while still keeping up with my studies.

Not only that, but I also had to help my foster parents with all sorts of chores.

They claimed to treat us equally, but in reality, they never made Levi lift a finger.

I even found out later that my foster parents had initially adopted me not because they wanted a sweet, affectionate daughter.

But because they were looking for free labor.

"Hello, would you like to see this?"

A flyer was thrust in front of me.

Vivian's voice abruptly cut off when she looked up and saw me.

"Skylar?"

Noticing my luxury brand clothes and well-maintained skin, a flicker of jealousy crossed her face.

She smiled. "You're living pretty comfortably now, aren't you? But don't say I didn't warn you, the Prestons are a family that'll chew you up and spit you out. Mrs. Preston is far scarier than you can imagine. You'll find out soon enough."

"Fine."

My flat reply annoyed her slightly.

She began to boast about her foster family. "Mr. and Mrs. Miller are so good to me. My days are packed, and Levi even tutors me. And we were both admitted to Northwood High this year!"

Northwood High...

The acceptance letter Mrs. Preston had given me was also for Northwood High.

Only students from influential backgrounds or those with exceptionally high grades were admitted.

In my previous life, Levi and I were the ones who got in on merit.

"Our lives are only going to get better, while you, well, you're going to meet a tragic end on the streets."

She sounded absolutely certain.

My lips parted, just as I was about to say something.

"Vivian!"

"Levi! What are you doing here?"

Vivian beamed, throwing herself into Levi's arms.

Levi, carrying a lunchbox, handed it to her. "Mom told me to bring you lunch. It's too hot and tiring at midday. Why don't I take over for a bit?"

"No thanks, Levi. I can do it."

The Millers would rather pinch every penny to send Levi to expensive tutoring than let Vivian take a single break.

I was exploited the same way in my previous life.

"You're working hard."

As he spoke, Levi noticed me standing nearby.

"Levi, this is Skylar, my sister. You met her at the foster home before."

Vivian introduced.

Levi scrutinized me, his cold expression laced with a hint of disgust. He ignored me, turning to Vivian. "Don't hang around with sketchy people. Let's go."

Without giving me a chance to speak, Levi pulled Vivian away.

"Levi, why were you so mean? What if you scared her?"

"Silly Vivian, that person just now didn't look like good news. You should stay away from her in the future, otherwise, who knows how she might hurt you behind your back."

Their sharp voices faded behind me. I couldn't understand his sudden hostility, but the question only flickered briefly in my mind before vanishing.

Instead, I took out the card Mrs. Preston had given me and went on a shopping spree, buying out half the luxury store.