Chapter 1

1

In my past life, after Britney, the real heiress, returned home, my icy mother demanded I hand over the CEO position. I refused, but out of guilt, made her Vice President. She then systematically seized control of the company, even seducing my husband, leaving me destitute. As I lay dying, she gloated, "Ashley, I finally have everything that belongs to me! And you? You can die!" Everything that belonged to her? I laughed. She didn't know that without me, there would be no company, no glamorous Ethan.

...

Reborn, I stared at the familiar faces in the living room. It was the day my mother demanded I relinquish my role. Days earlier, Mom had paraded Britney in front of everyone, declaring her the true daughter. Britney, apparently, had discovered the truth after a household accident and tracked down Mom herself.

"Ashley, I raised you, but I owe Britney so much," Mom stated, her voice devoid of emotion. "Give her the CEO position."

Britney wrung her hands, eyes glistening. "Mom, but this is Ashley's hard work… I can't…"

Mom's face softened with a warmth I'd never seen. She grasped Britney's hand. "Don't worry, it's my company." Then, her eyes turned to ice as she glared at me. "Not hers."

This scene mirrored the past. I was once devastated by that look. I'd strived relentlessly for her approval, studying late into the night, even collapsing from a nosebleed once while chasing top grades. Mom had visited me in the hospital, but when I reached for her, she recoiled, her eyes filled with disdain. "Ashley, you're a disgrace. I regret giving birth to you."

Those words shattered me. I realized she saw me as a pawn. Now, watching them, a single tear from Britney had earned Mom's tenderness. I closed my eyes, a bitter smile playing on my lips.

"Ashley, you did live her life for 25 years. Just give it back," Ethan, my husband, mumbled, avoiding my gaze.

The room fell silent. Their looks accused me of being shameless.

I turned to the weeping Britney, then smiled brightly. "Fine. You want it? You got it. I'll give you everything."