From Phony to Fearless

"Mrs. Serena Black of the Miller family is exposed for plagiarism and will hold a press conference this afternoon."

"Serena Black isn't the true Miss Black of the Black family. The real story behind the switch of genuine and impostor heiresses two decades ago at the hospital has been unveiled."

As Serena watched the ongoing flow of news on the computer screen, a chill crept into her heart. She bowed her head and released a self-deprecating sigh.

At that moment, the bedroom door suddenly opened. She looked up and met the cold and handsome face of Keegan Miller.

It was this man that she had secretly liked for twenty years.

It was also this man who gradually pushed her into the abyss.

Serena was the heiress of the Black family, to be more precise, a phony heiress.

Due to an accident two decades ago, she and the genuine heiress of the Black family, Isobel Black, had their identities exchanged. Now, twenty years later, Isobel reclaimed her position in the Black family, while Serena, labeled as the "outsider" and "culprit", departed from the Black family amidst accusations and disdain.

Unexpectedly, she married Keegan and became a member of the Miller family.

Even though, during her time as the heiress of the Black family, they did have an engagement.

"Why?"

Serena asked this difficult question.

Even though she didn't plagiarize, and it was Isobel who falsely accused her, why would Keegan, as her husband, confess on her behalf?

Keegan's face, as cold as an iceberg, seemed to frost over. When his gaze met Serena's, there was only distance and disgust left.

After a moment, he spoke coldly, "You owe Isobel."

Tears welled up in Serena's eyes. She felt a sharp pain in her heart, as if stabbed with a knife.

She already knew the reason; Keegan liked Isobel. If they hadn't accidentally slept together and been photographed by the media, Keegan wouldn't have married her to take responsibility, blocking the public outcry.

Since her identity was exposed, and the engagement with Keegan was annulled, the one who should have married Keegan was Isobel.

Serena took a deep breath and forced back tears, saying, "Keegan, we've been married for so long, but you've never truly looked at me. No matter how hard I try, in your heart, I am not even half as good as Isobel, am I?"

Keegan looked at her with cold eyes, and his silent attitude spoke volumes.

Suddenly, Serena felt ridiculous.

She pulled at her lips, stood up, and said, "Yes, you're right. I owe Isobel. She was supposed to be the heiress of the Black family. Because of me, she suffered outside. My parents wanted me to humor her, and you always sided with her. Even though she was the one who made the mistake this time, because I owe her, I have no right to defend myself. I must accept everything and apologize to her."

Looking at Serena's hysterical behavior, Keegan suddenly felt a tightness in his chest, attributing it to her annoying antics that had angered him.

After all these years, this woman had caused him no shortage of headaches. He was used to it.

He frowned displeasedly, "Serena, what madness are you up to again?"

Serena smiled bitterly. "Just consider it my madness."

"The Black family has raised me. I've been the heiress for so many years, and everything, from clothing to living expenses, comes from them. Don't worry; I understand the rules. I admit to the plagiarism, and I'll give back the heiress position to her, and as for you..."

She bowed deeply to Keegan, stood up straight, and said, "I'm sorry for making Mr. Miller endure this marriage with me for so many years. Now that I've figured it out, instead of tormenting each other, it's better to let go. I wish you and Ms. Black a lifetime of happiness together."

"Keegan."

She paused, her eyes stinging, and then continued, "Let's get a divorce."

The next day, news of Serena admitting to plagiarism and divorcing Keegan broke the internet.

People discussed it fervently—

"How shameless! Occupying the position of the heiress and enjoying it for so many years, and still plagiarizing from others."

"I heard that Isobel was the one engaged to Mr. Miller, and Serena schemed her way into the Miller family."

"She constantly sticks close to Mr. Miller. Have you observed Mr. Miller treating her kindly? Mr. Miller and Miss Isobel are the perfect couple."

Under Serena's social media accounts, a group of outraged netizens gathered.

Due to Serena's fake heiress status and the plagiarism incident, everyone wished her ill and cursed her.

Amid this noisy condemnation, Serena swiftly moved out of the Miller mansion with her suitcase.

The media, unwilling to miss out on such a spectacle, even stationed themselves at the entrance of the mansion to live-stream the events.

In the camera frame, a woman in a rose-colored dress and high heels appeared before everyone.

Recognizing Serena, the group of journalists erupted in chaos, each person showing an expression of disbelief.

Throughout Serena's marriage to Keegan, she tried to please him by mimicking her Sis Isobel's style every day—wearing elegant chiffon dresses and adopting refined butterfly bows. Unfortunately, this led to her becoming a subject of ridicule.

Serena's appearance leaned towards glamorous and sexy, and her plain dressing made her look like a village woman.

But now...

She seemed like a blooming rose, exuding a strong fragrance.

"Sis, why bother being stubborn with yourself?"

Isobel received the news early and mockingly waited at the door to answer questions for her so-called Sis.

On the surface, she appeared to forgive Serena's "mistake" generously, but in reality, she practically confirmed Serena's plagiarism.

Biting her lip, Isobel said in a coquettish manner, "After all, we are sisters. Even if you copied my work, I won't hold it against you. Just apologize publicly, and it will be over. Why bother divorcing Keegan?"

Serena squinted and smiled, responding, "No, I felt unworthy of Mr. Miller, so I gave way to Ms. Black."

Isobel's face was a bit hot.

Although her engagement with Keegan was a fact, Serena had already divorced him.

Now, Serena's words seemed like she was indirectly implying that Isobel interfered in Serena's marriage with Keegan.

Isobel wanted to approach and pull her, but Serena skillfully avoided her. Isobel could only hide her embarrassment and say, "Serena, I know you're upset now. Come home with me for a while. Mom and Dad really want you back."

"No need."

Serena adopted a nonchalant posture, saying, "The Black family is Ms. Black's home, not mine. I'm just a fake daughter. Now that the truth is revealed, I naturally need to know my place. How can I disturb your family reunion?"

The crowd fell into silence, staring in astonishment at the woman before them—

Is this person... Serena?

Is she out of her mind?

Being rejected in public, Isobel felt her face losing its luster. "Then I'll send you to the hotel..."

"No need."

Serena smiled lightly, "Even if I, Serena, am not doing well, I won't be so homeless as to go to a hotel."

A luxury car was parked not far away, and a figure came out of it.

She smirked, announcing to the camera, "The person I've been waiting for has arrived."

The moment Lincoln Ross appeared, everyone's jaws dropped—

How could Serena be with Lincoln?

Lincoln is the eldest son of the Ross family. He took over the Ross Group's overseas business a few years ago. Due to family ties, he and Serena grew up together.

Although Lincoln has only been back for less than three months, when he didn't go abroad, the upper-class society often spread rumors about Serena and Lincoln being a couple.

So, the current situation was...

Serena dumped Keegan and decided to rekindle the old flame with Lincoln?

Or did Serena, upon seeing her ex-lover return, have an affair in her marriage with Keegan and choose to divorce for Lincoln?

Seeing the sudden appearance of Lincoln, Isobel was also a bit confused.

What she wanted to see was Serena being kicked out of the Miller family, moving out of the villa in a pathetic manner.

Instead, Serena, escorted by the wealthy and handsome scion of Acowell City, walked away with high-profile swagger.

Isobel bit her lip and asked tentatively, "Linc, why are you here?"

Catching a glimpse of Serena, she deliberately set the tone, "You didn't discuss it with my Sis, did you?"

People in the circle knew that Lincoln, whether in the past or now, was a well-known playboy. Especially towards women, he always maintained a gentlemanly demeanor.

However, in response to Isobel's words, he smirked, "Ms. Black, although our Ross family has deep ties with the Black family, I don't seem to be familiar with you! So, calling me Linc is probably too much."

"And Serena..."

He paused, and in his beautiful peach blossom eyes, though still smiling, there was a hint of deep meaning. "Didn't your Black family announce a long time ago that Serena is not your member? So, she probably doesn't want to hear you call her Sis."

There was an uproar among the crowd, and Isobel, in the shock of everyone, blushed and lost face.

Ignoring her, Lincoln turned to Serena and asked, "Is everything packed?"

Seeing Serena nod, he took the suitcase from her and directly led Serena away.

The people left at the door were dumbfounded—

Did he just take Serena away from the Miller family without explaining anything?

Walking halfway, with Lincoln driving in front, he asked, "Do you really want to take the blame for the plagiarism? Don't you want to clarify?"

Serena lounged against the back seat of the car, adopting a languid pose like a relaxed fish. She nonchalantly responded, "What more can I elaborate on? Ultimately, I have a debt to the Black family. Even if I provide clarification, people might still perceive it as me not showing respect to the Black family or being ungrateful. Nevertheless, I must express my gratitude to you."

Thank him for coming here to pick her up, so she wouldn't leave in such an embarrassing manner.

Lincoln was momentarily taken aback, gazing at Serena's partially turned profile through the rearview mirror. A shadow of darkness suddenly flickered in his captivating peach-blossom eyes.

But it quickly disappeared.

He smirked, "Although we haven't seen each other for many years, it's also fate to meet again. After all, you helped me back then. Consider this me repaying a favor."

Pausing, he continued, "But from the time I met you until now, it's the first time I've seen you give up so easily."

Serena's lips curled into a bitter smile, "You talk as if you understand me so well. But... I can't afford not to give up this time. I've truly lost, defeated."

Lincoln looked at her through the rearview mirror. They had met again at a bidding event half a month ago.

That day, her design work was accidentally soaked, but it was clear that someone did it on purpose. However, this woman remained calm and modified the design, using the water stains to highlight its features, winning applause from the audience.

This woman was still as smart as before. Unexpectedly, the wife of Keegan, whom he had been investigating before returning to the country, turned out to be her.

Lincoln fell silent for a moment, tentatively asking, "Are you okay? You're not still thinking about Keegan, are you?"

Serena paused, then scoffed, "Do you genuinely believe that I, Serena, am like a love-struck puppy? When I had feelings for him, I treated him like a treasure. However, now that I no longer harbor those feelings, that's when I've truly moved on."

She curled her red lips, laughing with charm, "Now, he's not even comparable to wild grass."

Lincoln's eyes flickered slightly, and he suddenly smiled, his tone carrying a hint of ambiguity, "I hope you can keep your word."

In the rearview mirror, Serena's eyes flickered, and she said indifferently, "Then just wait and see."

In the Miller Group, Keegan had just finished a meeting.

However, Serena's voice suddenly echoed in his ears.

It used to be Serena chasing after him, and he could ignore Serena's face, her voice, anything about her. That woman would happily present herself. But today, he found himself unusually distracted, thinking about that woman.

Not for anything else but because Serena proposed a divorce.

Despite the years of marriage, Serena had argued and caused a scene, but she had never mentioned divorce.

That woman...

Perhaps she was playing some kind of trick again?

Tiredly pinching his brow, Keegan asked his assistant, Koby Harper, "Has Serena apologized?"

Serena's alleged plagiarism of Isobel had caused a stir online, and the assistant was naturally aware of it.

He respectfully answered, "Ms. Black has admitted to plagiarism online and apologized to Miss Isobel."

Keegan frowned, feeling that something was off.

Upon reflection, he realized that Koby used to address that woman as 'Madam,' but now he referred to her as 'Ms. Black.'

After a moment of contemplation, he asked, "How is Firetronics Corp?"

Firetronics Corp was established by Serena. After leaving the Black family, Serena lost her source of income. Keegan, who never favored her, naturally wouldn't provide her with money to start a company.

So, every bit of Firetronics Corp's success was the result of Serena's hard work in attracting clients.

In Keegan's eyes, this small company was like an ant, but it represented all of Serena's efforts.

The plagiarism scandal was bound to have a significant impact on Firetronics Corp.

The assistant replied, "Due to Ms. Black's plagiarism incident, Firetronics Corp has suffered greatly. The company's reputation and credibility have hit rock bottom. Many clients have terminated contracts with Ms. Black, and due to a financial crisis, the company is struggling to operate. Ms. Black also owes millions in debt."

Keegan lowered his gaze, making it hard to read his expression. After a moment, he said coldly, "Transfer fifty million from my private account as divorce alimony, and send it to that woman."

"Sir..."

The assistant hesitated for a moment, seeming to want to say something, but ultimately kept quiet.

Keegan's gaze fell on the USB drive lying on the table, just brought by the assistant. It contained the surveillance footage from the morning when Serena left.

The man's long fingers lightly tapped on the tabletop. The room was surprisingly quiet, and after a while, he picked up the USB drive.