The Vanishing Heiress

Chapter 23

Before Megan Sullivan was even born, her mother's only wish was for her daughter to be healthy and happy.

So how had things turned out this way?

That child had been her own flesh and blood, the daughter she had carried and nurtured for ten long months.

Why, then, had she found a thousand faults with Megan the moment she returned?

Why had she failed to love Megan properly, instead hurling cruel words at her for the sake of someone else?

Every night since learning the truth, Megan's mother dreamed of the day Megan had first come home after her release from Redpine Correctional Facility.

A regret that would haunt her for life.

"Mr. Lee, I beg you—if there's any news about Megan, no matter what, please tell me immediately. I'll pay you whatever you want. Double whatever Mr. Sterling is giving you."

She gripped the assistant's hand tightly.

Lee looked uneasy. "You're too kind. This is already part of my duties for Mr. Sterling. You have my word."

With that, he took his leave.

Watching him go, Emily Montgomery wrapped an arm around her mother's shoulders. "Mom, it's okay. Dripping water wears through stone. If we keep showing Megan our sincerity, she'll come back."

But everyone present knew the truth.

Megan would never return.

Five years ago, the old butler had shown them the surveillance footage of Megan's first attempt to come home—only to be driven away.

In the final frame, Megan had knelt before the mansion and knocked her forehead against the ground three times.

Her message was clear: she was done. The ties were severed.

"Don't comfort me—or yourself. Megan's refusal to return is exactly what we deserve," her mother said, patting Emily's hand. "How's Rachel?"

"She was transferred to Mercy Mental Health Center. With her pride, how could she accept a ruined face and a crippled leg?" Emily replied honestly.

"She reaped what she sowed. Let's just hope she isn't faking insanity to escape punishment."

Her mother's voice was flat, her eyes downcast.

Héshēng · 8 Xiaoyun Road

Megan swallowed a painkiller before settling onto her yoga mat to stretch.

She had once believed she would limp for the rest of her life.

But in Dominica, her landlord and Andy had taken her to see a highly respected orthopedic specialist.

After half a year of rehabilitation, the injury was nearly undetectable—as long as she didn't run.

The doorbell rang.

Aside from Mr. Luo and Officer Chen, no one knew she lived here.

Unless—

Megan frowned and checked the video feed.

The screen displayed a face too handsome for its own good, though now worn with exhaustion.

A face she had tried—and failed—to forget.

"So it is you, Ethan Sterling."

Her voice, filtered through the intercom, reached his ears.

For some reason, at that moment, Ethan felt an overwhelming urge to weep.

"Megan... I knew it. You're Megan. How could you be Sophia Lane? You're the Megan I've been searching for all this time—"

At those words, Megan yanked the door open.

"No. I am Sophia Lane."

She pulled an ID from her bag and held it up, cold and undeniable.

"I'm Sophia Lane. The Megan Sullivan you've been searching for died long ago. Or have you forgotten? You were the one who sent her to prison. You were the one who killed her!"

Her gaze was icy as she stared him down. "What's this act of devotion now?"

Ignoring the shadows darkening his expression, she continued, each word a blade.

"Megan Sullivan died in that prison—by your hands, Rachel Montgomery's, and the entire Montgomery family's."

Then, her lips curved into a smile.

"No. She died much earlier. The day you chose Rachel over her."