Fortune's Flame
Reborn in Ashes
？？？
*wakes up in unfamiliar sheets, the scent of Jasmine lingering in the air*
*rushes to the mirror, eyes wide as she sees her 18-year-old self staring back*
Vivian Shen
This… this is my old room. From before it all went to hell.
Vivian Shen
*Touches her face, chest heaving*
Vivian Shen
Did I really… come back?
*Phone buzzes from a notification *
[Message: Unknown Number]
???
Welcome back, Vivian. Let’s not waste this second chance.
Vivian Shen
*Stares at the message, hands trembling*
???
Call me a friend. You’ll need one.
Vivian Shen
This can’t be real. I remember everything.
Vivian Shen
Being thrown out like trash by the people who raised me…
Vivian Shen
Not this time. I won’t be fooled.
Vivian Shen
Love? Family?
No. I’ll take what’s mine. Everything.
Eleanor Shen
Vivian, breakfast. Dress appropriately—directors are visiting.
Vivian Shen
*Types without hesitation*
Yes, Mother. I’ll be ready in ten.
Vivian Shen
*To herself, walking to the closet*
I used to cling to every word she said…
Pathetic.
This time, I’ll play the role perfectly.
*Phone buzzes from a notification *
A notification pops in her phone...
Sebastian “Bash” Lin
Viv, you good? You disappeared from the group chat.
Vivian Shen
I’m fine. Just… got a lot on my mind.
Sebastian “Bash” Lin
You always do.
Want to talk later? I miss our old debates about world domination.
Vivian Shen
*Smirks slightly*
Later. I have a boardroom to charm.
*Types silently to herself*
Vivian Shen
If they want a perfect heiress, I’ll give them one.
Vivian Shen
But I’m not here for their approval anymore.
Vivian Shen
I’m here to take the empire they trained me to rule.
Vivian Shen
Even if I was never their real daughter.
The return of Bianca
Eleanor Shen
Vivian, straighten your posture.
Eleanor Shen
And smile when you speak to Mr. Yuan. You represent us.
Vivian Shen
*Smooths her blazer, flawless smile in place*
Of course, Mother.
Mr. Gregory Yuan
Vivian. You’ve grown into quite the poised young woman.
We expect great things.
Vivian Shen
*Bows her head slightly*
Thank you, Mr. Yuan. I hope to exceed expectations.
Jonathan Shen
*Pulls Vivian aside briefly*
Jonathan Shen
You’ve done well, kid. Proud of you.
Vivian Shen
*Heart skips. But her voice stays steady*
Vivian Shen
He said that before too.
Before they told me I was nothing more than a mistake.
Before they replaced me.
Eleanor Shen
Vivian.
Come to the foyer.
Vivian Shen
*Walks over, heels echoing sharply on the marble*
Yes?
Bianca Shen
*Steps through the door in designer heels and a sharp smirk*
Bianca Shen
Hello, Vivian.
Miss me?
Vivian Shen
*Eyes narrow, but her voice is sweet*
Vivian Shen
Bianca.
What a… surprise.
Bianca Shen
*Glances around with mock innocence*
Bianca Shen
I thought it was time to come home.
You know—real family matters.
Jonathan Shen
*Smiles awkwardly*
Vivian, we thought it might be good for Bianca to… reconnect.
Vivian Shen
*Smile razor-sharp*
Of course.
After all, what’s family without a little chaos?
Bianca Shen
Oh, Vivian. Still pretending?
Bianca Shen
Don’t worry. I’m not here to fight.
Unless… you still think you’re the heiress?
Vivian Shen
*Leans in, whispering close enough for only Bianca to hear*
Vivian Shen
I don’t need to pretend.
Vivian Shen
I am what they built.
And you’re just the inconvenient truth they forgot to bury.
Bianca Shen
*Freezes, eyes flaring just for a moment*
Bianca Shen
We’ll see about that.
???
She’s back.
Let the game begin.
Vivian Shen
This time, I win.
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