After finally walking through the alley, Sierra reached the spot where the Stone family driver was waiting for her.
He was leaning against the car, a tired expression on his face—probably from searching for her for so long.
The moment he noticed her, he hurried over.
"Madam, where have you been all this time? I was worried something bad had happened to you."
"I'm really sorry, sir. I accidentally lost my way, and it took me a long time to get here," she replied sincerely.
This driver had served the Stone family for years and had always treated her well in her past life.
"It's okay. We should resume our journey before it gets too late," he said, turning back toward the car.
Sierra quietly followed him, and soon, the car drove off.
*****
During the drive to the Stone family mansion, Sierra could feel her heartbeat becoming unsteady.
The place she was heading to…
…was the same place where she had been destroyed in her past life.
Despite having unremarkable skills back then, she had still chosen to return to this family—leaving everything behind.
Something she had craved since childhood.
But in return, she had only received cruel betrayal.
Not long after, the car came to a stop in front of the Stone family mansion.
The mansion stood on a vast piece of land, its outdoor lights perfectly complementing its grandeur.
The guards quickly opened the gates, allowing the car to drive in.
A servant stepped forward and opened the door for Sierra.
"Miss, Mr. and Mrs. Stone are waiting for you in the living room," the maid said respectfully, bowing her head.
"Alright," Sierra replied curtly as she stepped out and walked toward the entrance.
The maid frowned slightly in confusion.
She had expected Sierra to be timid and shy, having grown up in the countryside.
But this version of her…
…was completely different.
Sierra walked into the living room, her gaze landing on the so-called perfect family of three.
Her father—Henry.
Her stepmother—Cecilia.
And more importantly—
Bella.
Cecilia was the first to react. She quickly stood up and rushed toward Sierra.
"Honey, look how much you've grown over the years. I'm so glad you're back."
Bella followed with a gentle smile.
"Hi, I'm Bella. From now on, I'm your younger sister."
Sierra turned to look at her, silently assessing.
Bella looked about eighteen—pure and innocent on the surface.
But Sierra clearly saw the deep hatred hidden in her eyes.
"I don't remember my mother giving birth to another daughter," Sierra replied coldly, ignoring her outstretched hand.
"Sierra—what did you just say?" Henry snapped.
"What's wrong with what I said? Isn't it the truth?"
Henry's expression darkened, but Cecilia quickly intervened.
"Calm down, honey. Sierra probably thinks this way because she grew up in the countryside."
Henry took a breath, suppressing his anger.
"I'll forgive you this once. It's already late, and I've arranged your welcoming party for tomorrow. Bella, take her to her room."
"Alright, Dad," Bella replied obediently.
Henry turned and left. Cecilia followed after him like a dutiful wife.
Soon, only Sierra and Bella remained.
"Follow me. I'll take you to your room," Bella said, walking toward the stairs.
Sierra didn't argue and followed behind her.
At the top of the stairs, Bella suddenly turned—
—and reached out to push her.
But Sierra had already anticipated it.
The exact same thing had happened in her past life.
Back then, she had fallen down the stairs, and Bella had claimed it was because Sierra was afraid.
And Sierra…
…had believed her.
This time, Sierra slightly sidestepped.
Bella lost her balance and tilted forward, nearly falling.
At the last moment, Sierra grabbed her wrist.
Bella froze, staring down at the stairs below.
If she fell…
It wouldn't end well.
"Sierra, pull me up," she ordered.
Sierra looked at her calmly.
"Why should I? Weren't you just trying to push me down the stairs?"
"That was just a mistake! Pull me up, or I'll fall!"
"But that's exactly what I want."
Her grip loosened slightly.
Bella screamed.
"Sierra! Pull me up now!"
Sierra let out a soft scoff before tightening her grip and pulling her back up.
Bella immediately steadied herself, breathing heavily.
Then she glared at Sierra.
"I'm really sorry, Bella. That was just a small mistake," Sierra said mockingly before walking past her.
Bella clenched her fists, her voice low and venomous.
"Just you wait, bitch."
Sierra finally returned to her room and collapsed onto the bed.
She stared at the familiar ceiling.
Nothing had changed.
It was exactly the same as in her past life.
She got up, freshened up, and soon fell asleep.
*****
The next day, Sierra was awakened by the noise throughout the mansion.
It was already afternoon.
Today was her welcoming party—
The day that had humiliated her in her past life.
But this time…
She would turn the tables.
After washing up, she casually dressed.
Not long after, a knock sounded.
"Come in," she said calmly.
The door opened, and Cecilia walked in, followed by a dozen makeup artists.
Cecilia approached her with a gentle smile, holding her hands.
"Did you sleep well, Sierra? I know you may hate me, but I truly consider you my daughter. Your father has asked them to prepare you for the welcoming party."
Sierra inwardly sneered.
If she didn't know Cecilia's true nature…
She might have believed her.
"I'll keep that in mind," she replied coldly, pulling her hands away.
Cecilia showed no reaction and simply instructed the makeup artists before leaving.
Sierra sat before the vanity mirror as the artists worked on her face.
By the time they finished, evening had arrived.
Luxury cars filled the mansion grounds, and guests had already gathered.
The return of Sierra Stone…
…was the talk of the entire social circle.
After all, her mother, Olivia Allen, had once been a world-renowned fashion designer and a legendary beauty.
Everyone was curious—
What had become of her daughter?
Once the makeup was done, a rack of dresses was brought in.
Bella entered shortly after.
She was already dressed in a golden gown, her hair styled elegantly.
She looked like a refined socialite.
But the moment she saw Sierra—
Jealousy flashed across her face.
Even without a dress, Sierra's beauty overshadowed hers.
A cold smile formed on Bella's lips.
"Sierra, which dress will you wear? How about this one?" she asked, picking one out.
Through the mirror, Sierra caught the jealousy in her eyes.
That dress…
She remembered it clearly.
It was the same one that had ruined her in her past life.
Beautiful—but fragile.
One pull on the thread…
…and it would fall apart.
"I'm not wearing that. If you like it so much, you can wear it yourself."
Bella tried to insist but eventually stormed out.
After carefully choosing, Sierra selected a black dress.
It hugged her figure perfectly, highlighting her elegance.
Her hair was swept back, revealing her collarbone, paired with simple silver earrings.
The makeup artists stared in awe.
She looked breathtaking.
Sierra gazed at her reflection.
A cold smile slowly appeared on her face.
"Let the show begin."