5
437words
"Three years ago, my company went bankrupt, leaving me in debt."
"I climbed Mount Rose for…relief. You and Master Elias guided me."
"You said I'd face this hurdle but find a clear path after."
"You told me to go west three miles down the mountain, and a benefactor would save me."
"I wanted to thank Master Elias, but you both keep a low profile, traveling."
"I never got the chance—until today!"
I recalled who he was, my expression softening.
"No need for thanks."
"Meeting me and Master means your fate wasn't sealed—it's destiny."
"Do good, live well."
The crowd buzzed, whispering.
"Isn't that Thomas Kane of Kane Enterprises?"
"He went bankrupt, then skyrocketed after saving Mr. Walton."
"Is this Master Elias the legendary one?"
The name Master Elias drew heated gazes.
My father stepped forward." Claire, are you really Master Elias's last disciple?"
Mr. Ashton's face fell. Master Elias's influence dwarfed ten Ashton families.
Daniel couldn't risk making an enemy of Elias's disciple just for "true love".
Mrs. Ashton, sensing this, looked at Emily with displeasure.
Nathan pulled my father back.
"Dad, what's this?"
"If Claire weren't tied to Master Elias, would you disown her?"
"Let her life be stolen?"
My mother, seeing the argument, tried to mediate.
"Nathan, he's your father."
"What are you doing?"
Nathan ignored her and looked at me.
"Claire, tell me what you want."
"I'll support you."
I glanced at Emily's twisted expression, smirking.
"Why not let them finish the engagement?"
The engagement didn't proceed. The Ashtons might pressure the Harpers to abandon a penniless daughter but wouldn't dare go against Elias's disciple.
No matter how much Daniel loved Emily, he knew the marriage was doomed.
The lavish engagement banquet ended abruptly.
I entered the Harper household as planned. My parents fawned over me.
"Claire, you're back—that's what matters."
"I've prepared the biggest north-facing room for you."
"Mrs. Lee's cleaning it. If you don't like it, we'll change it."
Emily stood up and protested," Mom, that's my room!"
"Enough!"my father snapped.
"Who said it's yours?"
"That room belongs to my daughter."
"You, a fraud, dare compete with Claire?"
Emily's eyes reddened and she glared at me with hatred.
I ignored her poor act and asked," Two Harper heiresses at once—how will you announce it?"
My parents exchanged glances. My mother said.
"Claire, the company's working on a big project."
"Public image matters."
"Admitting we got the wrong girl isn't ideal."
"How about this: we say you're fraternal twins."
"You're the older sister, and Emily is the younger."
"Let Emily keep the engagement with Ashton, okay?"
