I was a walking blood bank. Because of my incredibly rare blood type, my grandparents went to an orphanage and adopted a "blood bag" just for me. The "blood bag" was two years older than me. I treated her like my own flesh-and-blood sister. I took meticulous care of my own body because I never wanted her to have to shed a single drop of blood for me. Later, I was in a severe car accident and desperately needed a transfusion. She purposely swapped the blood bags, giving me the wrong blood type. I developed a severe hemolytic reaction and died. At my funeral, she comforted my grieving grandparents. But when no one was looking, she secretly held hands with my fiancé, Preston. I died with my eyes wide open. My soul lingered in the mortal realm, unwilling to leave. I watched her wrap her arms around Preston’s neck, sleeping with him in the very house meant for my marriage. I watched them pop champagne with the piano teacher I had respected since childhood, celebrating my death. I watched my grandparents, swindled out of their entire fortune by them, end up homeless on the streets like beggars. But heaven showed mercy. I was reborn to take my revenge. 1 "Sweetheart, she’s going to be your older sister. She'll grow up with you, isn't that wonderful?" My grandparents held my hand, pointing at the little girl our butler, Arthur, had just brought through the front door. "Look, doesn't she look just like the porcelain dolls in your room?" Seeing the guarded, unfamiliar look in my eyes, Grandma quickly chimed in. My poor grandparents had absolutely no idea they had just brought a monster into our home. I stared at the seventeen-year-old Audrey Caldwell in front of me, saying nothing. Audrey Caldwell, my wonderful older sister. In my past life, I adored her the moment I saw her. She was beautiful, with a delicate oval face and bright, almond-shaped eyes that made people instantly like her. Being stared down by me made Audrey a little nervous, but she forced a smile, trying her hardest to look sweet and obedient. It made sense. To be adopted by a billionaire family at seventeen, she had to seize this opportunity with everything she had. "Okay! Sister can stay in the room right next to mine." I smiled sweetly and stepped forward to warmly take her hand to lead her upstairs. Leaving my grandparents behind us, secretly wiping their tears of relief. "Our precious girl is finally going to grow up safe and sound." I was born premature. I had been frail and sickly since childhood, and on top of that, I inherited my dad's extremely rare Rh-negative blood type. It was a genetic cocktail practically guaranteeing a short life. Grandpa always said I was rarer than a giant panda. When I was fifteen, my parents died in a car crash. My dad had a chance to survive the massive hemorrhaging, but because of his rare blood type, the hospital's blood bank ran out of stock. He tragically passed away. This became an insurmountable hurdle in my grandparents' hearts. They refused to let history repeat itself with me. They hired private investigators to scour orphanages across the country. Finally, a year later, they found a matching "blood bag" for me. "Sweetheart, remember, no matter where you go, you must take your sister with you," Grandma patted my head, emphasizing it over and over. To be bled when needed, to be a living supply—that was the sole purpose of a blood bag. If this were the old me, I would have fought my grandma tooth and nail. I wouldn't have allowed them to use Audrey like that, because I loved her and couldn't bear to see her hurt. Now, I just nodded obediently. "I'll remember." 2 Audrey was incredibly good at reading the room and knew exactly how to make people like her. She never slept in. She would come downstairs early and sit in the living room, waiting for my grandparents to wake up just to say good morning. Grandma loved gardening and had a courtyard full of flowers. Audrey would feign interest, keeping Grandma company while she pruned and arranged bouquets. She’d ask Grandma all sorts of questions about floral arrangements, keeping her entertained and incredibly happy. Grandpa loved coffee and tea. She meticulously memorized the different roasts on his shelf and the exact brewing times, pouring and serving him whenever he was busy with work. Even Arthur, our butler, received a sweet "Thank you for your hard work, Arthur," from her every day. She served everyone in the house perfectly. Everyone except me. No matter how hard she tried to cater to my interests, I was always ice-cold toward her. Grandma told her it was because I had just lost my parents and hadn't adjusted yet, asking her to be patient and accommodating with me. Audrey took the flower basket Grandma had just arranged and said sensibly: "Grandma, I see Stella as my own little sister. As the older sister, I should be the one to yield." I stood on the second-floor balcony, my stomach churning with disgust. I once treated you as my own flesh and blood. I let you pick the best of everything. I remembered your birthday and begged Grandpa to throw you a lavish party matching the scale of my own. I even gave you one of the heirloom emerald bracelets Grandma passed down to me without a second thought. And what did you give me in return? You orchestrated a car crash, swapped my blood bags, stole the man I loved, and deceived and abandoned the grandparents who treated you like their own granddaughter. Audrey, my dearest sister. In this life, you better try your absolute hardest to survive. 3 Grandpa arranged for Audrey to be in the same grade as me. She was two years older. When we enrolled, the principal suggested she be placed in the junior class, but I clung to Grandpa's arm, whining that I couldn't be separated from my sister. "If anything happens to me, Sister will be right there to help," I said. I knew exactly what Grandpa feared most. I purposely emphasized the danger, subtly reminding him of her function as a blood bag. A flash of reluctance crossed Audrey's eyes, but she quickly masked it with a smile. Grandpa immediately waved his hand, rejecting the principal's suggestion, and had the homeroom teacher lead us both to the sophomore classroom. Audrey wore a pink bow in her hair and a pristine white pleated skirt. She walked with elegant, dainty steps, looking more like a wealthy heiress than I did. The moment she entered the classroom, everyone gathered around, looking at her curiously. "Who is she? Why isn't she wearing the uniform?" "Stella, do you know her? She's so pretty." "Yeah, she really is." Being praised by everyone made Audrey blush. She lowered her head shyly. Of course. She woke up at 6 AM and spent an hour doing her hair and makeup; she absolutely had to soak up the praise. I cleared my throat and spoke slowly. "This is Audrey Caldwell. The older sister my grandpa picked up from the orphanage." I deliberately emphasized the word orphanage. The color drained from her face, replaced by a deep, flushed embarrassment. "Oh, an orphanage. So she's an orphan." The class started whispering and gossiping. I raised my hand and pointed to a seat by the window. "You can sit there." Under the watchful eyes of the entire class, Audrey murmured a quiet "Okay." Then, clutching the straps of her backpack tightly, she walked over with her head down. I lifted my chin and walked back to my own seat, listening to my classmates whispering. "What 'sister'? She seems more like Stella's servant." "Adopted from an orphanage, huh? How could she possibly be on the same level as Stella Thornton?" Seeing Audrey sitting by the window, looking mortified, I was absolutely thrilled. In my past life, she didn't know her place. Because I liked her and didn't want her to feel wronged, I publicly announced she was my real sister. I even had her last name legally changed to Thornton, elevating her to the status of a billionaire heiress right alongside me. But humans have a tendency to forget their roots. It’s always better to have someone remind you where you came from. 4 I attended an elite private prep school. The student body consisted of the ultra-wealthy, and the Thornton family was the school's largest shareholder. Here, I was the undisputed queen bee. I wouldn't maliciously bully Audrey, but I wouldn't be close to her either. Rich kids always have a superiority complex. Audrey endured her fair share of mockery and snide remarks. I pretended not to hear any of it. Anyway, she was just a blood bag. Why should anyone respect her? Every afternoon after school, Arthur would pick me up for my one-on-one piano lessons. Sebastian Reed was the city's youngest piano prodigy. Grandpa threw an astronomical amount of money at him to get him to teach me. I worked hard too. I never missed a single day. Audrey loved my white horse. She kept petting its head. "Stop touching him. He'll get annoyed in a minute, and if he gets angry, I won't be able to ride," I interrupted her sharply. Looking embarrassed, she quickly stepped back. I rode my horse, galloping freely around the arena, looking incredibly cool and carefree. Passing by the fence, I could see the blazing envy in Audrey's eyes. Suddenly, the horse bucked wildly. Its front hooves shot into the air, and the reins slipped from my control. I slammed hard into the dirt, blood gushing from my leg. I wailed in pain. Terrifying the entire staff, the instructors rushed me to the hospital. While waiting for the leg examination results, Grandpa and Grandma arrived in a sheer panic. Seeing them, I cried even harder, my face deathly pale. "There's so much blood, Grandma. My pants are completely soaked red." Grandma hugged me, her heart breaking. "Grandma, I feel dizzy. Am I losing too much blood?" I squinted, speaking weakly. Grandma turned and exchanged a look with Grandpa. Both of them simultaneously glanced at Audrey, who was standing to the side. Audrey's eyes were filled with terror. Her legs involuntarily took a step back. "Sister, Sister, I'm so dizzy. Can you give me some blood?" I reached out and grabbed the hem of her shirt. Panicked and helpless, she tried to push my hand away. She checked my grandparents' expressions but didn't dare refuse outright. "Are you unwilling, Sister?" I squeezed out a few more tears. "No, no, it's not that. But I'm still a minor," she quickly waved her hands. A look of difficult hesitation appeared on Grandpa's face. It was a perfect excuse. After all, according to the law, minors couldn't donate blood. She had clearly researched the legal loopholes of her purpose in this house long ago. I rolled my eyes and said pitifully: "But Sister, the orphanage director called the other day. She said your birth year was registered two months late, and they've already corrected it. You're legally 18 now." 5 Audrey ultimately didn't give me any blood. I was just scaring her. My injury didn't actually require a transfusion. Having her blood in my body would make me feel sick. As finals approached, I was recovering at home, and Audrey tutored me every day. Actually, my grades were excellent. I didn't need extra tutoring to get into a top Ivy League, but I just loved having Audrey hover around me. I loved watching her act cautious and speak to me with a fake, hypocritical smile. It constantly reminded me never to forget what happened in my past life. "Today's key points are these. It's all review from before. You can look over it yourself." She closed the textbook, looking relieved that her daily task was finally over. "Sister, I don't understand it. I feel like I really need the notes to help me. Why don't you just write the notes out for me too?" I stretched lazily. I saw her face darken. "I'm not a maid." After a long internal struggle, she finally chose to lose her temper. "Then what are you? The Thornton family's eldest lady? Or my actual flesh-and-blood sister?" I smiled lightly, watching her with great interest. Her lips moved, but no sound came out. She just glared at me dead in the eye. You broke character that fast? You really are nothing special, Audrey. To think you destroyed me so thoroughly in my past life... I really must have had the brain of a pig. "Don't look at me like that. I know you get good grades and want to get into a top college. You even have study-abroad brochures for elite European universities hidden under your pillow, don't you? Too bad I have no intention of going to Europe." I watched her face turn increasingly humiliated. It was exhilarating. "Know your place. You're just a blood bag. The Thornton family found you, and we can easily find another one." "Next time you try to spook my horse, you won't be staying in the Thornton house anymore. You'll go right back to wherever you came from." My equestrian coach had noticed a strong smell of vinegar on my white horse's head. Horses are highly sensitive to the smell of vinegar; smelling it for too long causes them to panic and lose control. Audrey was the only one constantly petting the horse. Even a toddler could figure out who did it. Actually, I had smelled the vinegar on the horse long before I got on. I just played along. I was in full control of how I fell. Because of her "minor" excuse, she thought she could watch me suffer without having to bleed. She didn't expect that I had specifically called the orphanage to confirm her exact date of birth. "Coming up with a plan that hurts the enemy a thousand times but damages yourself eight hundred... With a brain like yours, do you really think you're cut out for studying abroad?" I shrugged effortlessly, looking at her with amusement. 6 After exams, Audrey and I both got into top universities. Sebastian Reed won a major international piano competition and returned to the city to prepare for his premiere solo recital. At the airport, surrounded by reporters asking about his preparations for the concert, Sebastian smiled mysteriously and said that his only student would perform on stage. The moment the news broke, the internet exploded. Everyone started guessing the identity of this musical prodigy's sole disciple. "Piano prodigy Sebastian Reed, heralded as a musical genius since childhood with a boundless future, took on a student at such a young age!" "To be mentored by Sebastian Reed and make a piano debut at his premiere recital... This student must be an absolute prodigy!" I sat in a haute couture boutique, listening to the reporters' speculation on TV, leisurely sipping my tea. The genius student Mr. Reed was preparing to introduce to the world was me. To be precise, this entire piano recital was funded and prepared for my debut. As the heiress of the Thornton Group, if I was going to learn piano and hire a master, I had to pick the perfect moment to make a grand, highly publicized debut. Besides, I was Sebastian's only student. Hearing the TV broadcast mention the word "only," Audrey, sitting across from me, resentfully lowered her eyes. She was technically Sebastian's student too. What a pity; only I was worthy of the word "only." "Ms. Thornton, what do you think of these pieces? They've all been tailored to your measurements." The manager asked politely. Several sales associates wearing white gloves wheeled the gowns in. "These are all the latest haute couture masterpieces. With your fair complexion, this smoky purple trailing gown will make you look incredibly elegant and regal." "And this pink and white embroidered maxi dress is elegant with a touch of playful cuteness." The manager introduced them one by one. I found the styles rather ordinary, but Audrey's eyes sparkled. "I'll take this one." I pointed at the first smoky purple gown. "Wait!" I called out to the associate who was packing the dresses away, and pointed at Audrey. "Pick one for her too." "Me?!" Amidst Audrey's questioning and surprise, there was an unmistakable, overwhelming joy she couldn't hide. "You have to go to the recital too. To the outside world, you're a member of the Thornton family. You naturally need to dress the part." I nodded. Watching Audrey happily follow the associate to get her measurements taken, I couldn't help but sneer. In my past life, the person who shone brightly at Sebastian's piano recital was Audrey. Just as I was about to go on stage, I suddenly had severe stomach cramps, forcing me to let Audrey take my place. Audrey used the opportunity to become famous, instantly becoming a highly sought-after piano prodigy. And through the media's mouth, she officially announced her status as the eldest daughter of the Thornton family to society. And the naive, foolish me back then was sitting in the audience, happily clapping for my sister who was shining on stage. I never once suspected that the coffee she brought me that afternoon was spiked. Now, I wanted to see... The stage is set for you again. Are you going to pull the same trick? My favorite thing to do was to watch a freshly ignited hope get snuffed out and brutally crushed beneath my feet. 7 After three months of intense practice, the day of the recital finally arrived. Socialites, elites, and reporters took their seats one after another. I attended in full glamor. "Our sweet girl is the most beautiful little princess today." Grandma and Grandpa came backstage to see me, holding my hands, their eyes full of loving affection. Audrey stood obediently next to Grandma. She was wearing a pink gown today, her long hair cascading down, accentuating her slender neck. She looked very radiant. "Audrey is such a beautiful young woman," Grandma complimented her politely. While acting shy, she didn't forget to shoot a glance my way. What the hell are you so smug about? "Grandma, I was so nervous yesterday I didn't sleep well. I want coffee." I yawned and said. Grandpa immediately waved his hand, calling his secretary downstairs to buy me a coffee. "I'll go. I've been here with Stella for rehearsals a few times, so I'm familiar with the route," Audrey quickly volunteered. "Okay, thank you, Sister." I gave her a sweet smile. Sure enough, the fish took the bait. A few minutes later, Audrey returned with a cup of coffee. "Here, drink up." I took it with a smile and told her I left my sheet music in the dressing room we were just in, asking her to fetch it for me. Her eyes lingered on the coffee for a second before she nodded and turned to go to the adjacent dressing room. I picked up the aromatic iced Americano, took a deep sniff, and then quickly walked outside Sebastian's private lounge. "Mr. Reed, you've worked so hard. Have a cup of coffee." 8 The opening went very smoothly. Sebastian, dressed in a sharp tuxedo, looked like a prince sitting at the piano. The stage lights illuminated the packed auditorium. As his fingers lightly touched the keys, Liszt's La Campanella slowly echoed through the hall. Everyone was immersed in the beautiful melody. No one noticed the dense beads of sweat forming on Sebastian's forehead, or his micro-expressions of excruciating agony. I leaned against the curtain backstage, watching Sebastian with intense interest. Mr. Reed, it must hurt a lot, doesn't it? That's laxative, after all. Sebastian wasn't innocent. In my past life, Audrey being able to take my place on stage was fully aided by him in the dark. Originally, there were much better PR methods to smooth over my minor absence. But he specifically chose to be Audrey's advocate. He convinced my grandparents that, for the sake of the Thornton family's reputation, they should go with the flow and make Audrey the star of the piano show. He said, since Audrey was already treated like a real sister, I wouldn't mind. The entire reason was that he thought I was just a rich piece of trash who had absolutely no right to be his student. Only someone as naturally gifted as Audrey deserved the guidance of the Piano Prince. "The Thornton family just has a little money, they don't understand art at all. Stella is a mediocrity, she isn't worthy of high art." Those were the words he said while toasting with Audrey at my funeral. He seemed to have forgotten that he used to be a nameless nobody from a regular music conservatory. Who was it that paved his path with starlight? As the piece ended, Sebastian's face was deathly pale. He bowed to the audience, then practically sprinted off the stage, making a beeline for the restroom. The host took the script and calmly went on stage to buy time for Sebastian. But no matter how professional the host was, they couldn't stall for that long. Sebastian was unleashing a waterfall in the bathroom. The audience was getting restless and started whispering. The organizers sitting in the front row looked incredibly grim. Audrey stared blankly at the empty stage. She still had no idea her mentor had suffered a catastrophic blowout in the bathroom. The timing was perfect. I elegantly lifted the hem of my gown and walked gracefully onto the stage. Catching my eye signal, the host quickly reacted and immediately introduced me: "And now, please welcome Mr. Sebastian Reed's sole disciple, the heiress of the Thornton Group, Miss Stella Thornton!" A wave of commotion swept through the hall, and countless camera flashes fired at me. I smiled gently, acknowledging the audience's applause. In the audience, Audrey clutched her dress, her face shifting between green and white. She looked utterly horrific. 9 I played the remaining pieces that Sebastian was supposed to perform. I had memorized all those pieces perfectly long ago. This comeback concert for the musical genius completely transformed into my debut stage. Listening to the thunderous applause from the audience, I proudly lifted my chin, soaking in all the glory. Compared to Audrey, my natural aptitude was indeed average. But I worked hard. I started playing piano at 5 years old. Even if I hadn't always taken it seriously, the foundation was there. Sebastian despising my "stupidity" was just because I didn't take his lessons seriously to begin with. Because I despised his pretentious, pseudo-intellectual act. As the curtain fell, Sebastian finally emerged from the bathroom. His face was stiff as he walked to the front of the stage. Seeing the reporters below, he forced a smile and stood next to me for the final bow. "Stella, you did this on purpose." I heard his low, teeth-gritting voice. I looked at him with an innocent expression. "Mr. Reed, what are you talking about? I don't understand. I was just saving the show." Sebastian's expression froze; he seemed to believe me. "But Mr. Reed, why do you smell like crap?" 10 My debut was a massive success. Grandpa took the whole family to treat Sebastian to a celebratory dinner. "Sebastian, I heard about the little accident. I've already had the PR department handle it. It won't have a major impact on you." The PR department successfully shifted the focus onto me. No one paid attention to Sebastian's embarrassing interlude. After all, my identity was far more newsworthy to the public. Sebastian politely thanked Grandpa, but his expression was incredibly unnatural. His spotlight was stolen. He was an arrogant man; naturally, he was resentful. Normally, he would have dug into the cause and refused to let it go. The fact that he remained silent meant he had probably already touched base with his star pupil, Audrey, and realized I had played them. "Grandpa, Mr. Reed has always been a meticulous person, very attentive to his condition before a performance. There must have been an error somewhere." I said, locking eyes with a guilty-looking Audrey. "Mr. Reed, I've already had people investigate all your food and drink intake before taking the stage. We will definitely find the truth." Sebastian's face darkened. He immediately forced a smile and said, "No need, no need. It was probably just an upset stomach from catching a chill." "Don't say that, Mr. Reed. Arthur just said the results are out, and they've been sent straight to my phone." Wanting to sweep this under the rug? Not that easy. You owe me, and you're going to pay it back. I held up my phone, and a ding sounded. Panic flashed in the eyes of the two co-conspirators. I opened my phone to check, then placed the phone on the table, displaying the screen to Audrey sitting across from me. "Sister, it says here there were laxatives in the coffee." "But wait, wasn't this the coffee you bought for me?"
? Continue the story here ?? ? Download the "MotoNovel" app ? search for "420132", and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel