She had started writing novels in high school, and penned her first book with the attitude of giving it a try. Unexpectedly, her first book, upon its release, shone like a dazzling star in the online writing community, instantly achieving legendary status. That single book alone brought her profits exceeding a million. This sudden success was as if a brilliant firework had illuminated her world. This further solidified her determination to continue her journey in writing. Following that, she adopted the pen name “Emery Lowry” and embarked on a series of new creative journeys. Every new book was like a meticulously crafted piece of art, stirring up waves of excitement in the online writing community, and the profits had always been quite impressive. Her name gradually became something of a legend in the online writing community. However, just when things were getting better, she had no choice but to take a two-year hiatus. These past two years felt like a vast chasm that stretched between her and her readers. Yet, the readers’ enthusiasm for her didn’t wane in the slightest. The works written under her pen name, Emery Lowry, left her fans eagerly anticipating new updates. She opened the comment section, where messages urging her to update flooded in like a tidal wave. There were also countless words of concern, asking what on earth had happened to her. Countless fans anxiously scoured the online world for any trace of her. Each sincere greeting and urging was like a warm ray of sunshine, piercing through the gloom in her heart. Upon reading through these comments filled with concern, a wave of emotion swelled in Emery’s heart. She hadn’t wanted to stop updating either! But what could be done? She planned to start updating again once things stabilized, but at the moment, she truly wasn’t in the mood. Her gaze settled on the family portrait on the table, her eyes slowly darkening as she fell into thought. Were those once familiar faces truly her family? Memories from the past surfaced in her mind, each one like a comforting painting. The joyous times of happiness and bliss seemed as if they were only yesterday, with the echoes of laughter and cheerful banter seemingly still lingering in the air. However, everything had changed now! The warmth she had once seen in her family’s eyes was no longer there, their attitudes making her feel an overwhelming sense of unfamiliarity. It was as if she was a stranger, or even an enemy. Emery slowly got up, filled the bathtub with hot water, and then soaked her weary body in it. The warm water enveloped her, yet it failed to dispel the chill within her heart. She lowered her gaze, taking in the multitude of scars and bruises that littered her body. Each mark was like a sharp blade, piercing her heart with pain. Every single one of these horrifying scars heartlessly reminded her that all these nightmarish experiences were indeed caused by the very hands of her once beloved family! They had watched her being slandered right before their eyes, yet not a single person had been willing to hear her defense. They didn’t even bother to check the surveillance footage, utterly convinced that she was the one who poisoned Luna. In their eyes, she no longer seemed to be the family member with whom they had spent day and night for twenty years. Instead, she was perceived as an unforgivable miscreant. It was they who, with their own hands, called the police and watched her get taken away, their faces devoid of any expression. In the courtroom, Winona and her close friends all took the stand to testify. They asserted unequivocally that it was Emery who had given the juice to Luna! Winona had tearfully recounted her alleged reasons: Emery had poisoned Luna because Luna had spoken in Winona’s favor. Throughout the entire ordeal, not a single person spoke up for Emery. Not a single person was willing to step forward and listen to her explanation. Luna was poisoned and ended up in a vegetative state, and Emery was accused of being the culprit! When she desperately claimed that the home surveillance cameras could prove her innocence, the police informed her that the surveillance system had conveniently broken down. Yet she distinctly remembered it was just fixed the day before the incident! It was only later that she understood. They might have deliberately erased the surveillance footage, all in an attempt to protect Winona. Perhaps they all knew the truth. Yet, in their hearts, she, Emery, was nothing more than the Langford family’s fake heiress, while Winona was who they truly sought to protect. In their eyes, the fact that the Langford family hadn’t driven her out was already a tremendous act of mercy toward her. As for her grievances, who would care? Gathering her thoughts, Emery grabbed a bath towel and began to dry her body. Each movement seemed somewhat heavy. She rummaged through her wardrobe and pulled out a pair of jeans to wear, followed by a simple white shirt. Her attire conveniently concealed the unsightly scars that were scattered across her arms and legs. She didn’t want to see those scars, for each glimpse would remind her of those agonizing experiences. It was a pain etched in her heart, a hurt that could never be erased. Thud, thud, thud! A knock on the door shattered the silence within the room. “Emery, come out and eat! Mom, Dad, and the others are waiting for you!” That voice, sickeningly sweet, was unmistakably Winona’s. Emery opened the door, only to find Winona standing outside, her makeup as immaculate as a porcelain doll. A flicker of disgust passed through her eyes as she said coldly, “Got it!” After she finished speaking, she turned around, went back to her room, and continued to blow-dry her hair. Seeing this, Winona gave a slight smirk and turned to head downstairs. Once upon a time, Emery had enviable shoulder-length hair. It was jet black, soft, and shiny. Her long hair was her pride and joy. Whenever she walked under the sun, her hair shimmered like black satin, radiating an enchanting luster. However, now, her hair barely reached her ears, the texture dry and brittle, much like parched grass in summer. Luckily, she had used a generous amount of conditioner while taking a bath just now, which made her hair look somewhat presentable. She descended the stairs, her face bare, marred only by the faded hues of bruises and scars. The face that was once delicately fair and tender was now covered in scars. She didn’t care how terrible she looked at the moment. Because in this home, now devoid of loving warmth, her heart had long since turned as cold as ashes. The family had already begun their meal, and there was a somewhat unusual atmosphere at the dining table. Seeing her approach, Winona quickly stood up, her face plastered with a feigned smile. She pulled out a chair and said in a sweet voice, “Emery, come sit here!” Ignoring her eager attentiveness, Emery walked straight to the dining table and took a seat. As she lifted her head, her gaze met with Howard’s from across the table. Emery paused for a moment, then nonchalantly began to eat her meal. “Emery, how could you not greet Howard after seeing him? Where are your manners?” Gary said, angrily putting down his cutlery. “Mr. Xenakis!” Emery said, her tone neither warm nor cold. She didn’t even bother to lift her head. “You… you’re just becoming more and more intolerable. You haven’t made any progress at all in the past two years!” Gary trembled with anger. Immediately, Winona rose to her feet and rushed over. She laid a soothing hand on Gary’s chest. “Dad, Emery just got back, so she might not be in the best of moods. Please don’t be angry! Don’t hold it against her, okay?” Winona’s soft and gentle words squirmed their way into Gary’s ears, finally easing his stern expression. “Emery, if only you were half as sensible as your sister, you wouldn’t have ended up in this predicament!” The food that Emery was halfway through eating suddenly got stuck in her throat.