《Swapping Identities》 Chapter One Charlotte has been feeling recently that she is being followed, and there are two people who are acting very strangely. Today, she is once again punctually arriving at the ice cream shop for work, and at 2:00 PM, a man and a woman are promptly showing up at the ice cream shop. They have been consistently appearing at the same time for a full two weeks now, ordering the same ice cream each time. Consequently, Charlotte has a particularly deep impression of them. Sure enough, at 2:00 PM today, they appeared again. But what makes it even stranger is that both of them are wearing black hats and masks. For a full two weeks now, every time Charlotte has seen them, they have been dressed like this. In this hot summer, such attire is clearly peculiar. However, Charlotte feels that she is being followed because for several days, on her way home at night, she has seen their car parked near her house. The two individuals inside the car are also wearing black hats and masks, making it impossible to see their faces clearly. Charlotte continues to enthusiastically serve every customer, including the two who seem a bit suspicious. She feels that she might be overthinking it, and perhaps it''s just a habit of the customers. It could also be a coincidence that they happen to live near her house. But everything is changing for Charlotte on this evening as she is waiting for the bus at the bus stop. On a summer evening, which is cooler compared to the hot daytime, Charlotte is waiting alone at the deserted bus stop. In her mind, she is calculating the schedule for the next semester, wondering if it is conflicting with her work hours. She is also considering whether to find a new job closer to both the school and her apartment before the start of the new semester. The advertising light from the bus stop sign illuminates Charlotte''s face, and the perfume and car advertisements on the billboard alternately cycle. In her mind, Charlotte is carefully calculating the time and expenses for the upcoming semester. At this moment, a black sedan comes to a steady and quiet stop in front of her. Charlotte doesn''t pay much attention to the black car, thinking it might be just a temporary stop. However, the sudden appearance of the car disrupts her thoughts. At this moment, the car door opens, and a woman steps out from the passenger side. Charlotte is somewhat surprised because this woman is the same strange lady who frequents the ice cream shop! The woman looks at Charlotte and then walks directly towards her and the bus stop. Charlotte senses that she has been staring, which might be a bit impolite. Perhaps this woman is just passing by or intends to take the bus as well. She slightly shifts her gaze away, feeling a bit awkward, and takes out her phone. Charlotte casually opens one app after another, portraying herself as occupied. Maybe this woman also wants to take the bus here. Charlotte reminds herself not to be too impolite and issues a silent warning in her mind. This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. "Hello, may I ask if you are Miss Charlotte?" Charlotte looks up in surprise. How could this woman know her name? The woman is dressed in all black, wearing a black hat and mask, with only her beautiful blue eyes visible. She locks eyes with the woman, and Charlotte sees the most beautiful eyes she has ever seen! The woman''s eyes are incredibly bright, shining with a starry blue, as if they hold an endless expanse of stars. "Yes, I am Charlotte." Charlotte quickly stands up from her chair, feeling a bit awkward as she speaks. "Hello, I''m Claire, and that''s my husband Antoine." Their gaze shifts towards the man sitting in the car, and he warmly greets them. "Hello, nice to meet you.Have we met before?" Charlotte asks them with a hint of doubt. Both her mind and body tense up, and she is now incredibly alert, maintaining a vigilant defensive posture. Claire shakes her head, "No, this should be our first formal meeting. Nice to meet you, Miss Charlotte." Charlotte nods, hesitating about whether to speak up but deciding to find a topic, "Likewise, I''ve seen you both at the ice cream shop. I work there." Claire appears a bit anxious at this point. She glances around, noticing only a few scattered pedestrians strolling along the street or hurrying home. "Yes, Miss Charlotte, we''ve been to your ice cream shop a few times. If it''s convenient for you, can we get in the car and find a quiet place to talk?" At this point, her husband sitting in the car also speaks up, "Yes, it''s not suitable for the car to be parked here for an extended period." Charlotte checks the bus display and wonders why the bus is delayed by 45 minutes today. With these being the last two bus trips, she doesn''t want to take the last bus home Charlotte becomes more alert, observing the scattered pedestrians on the street. She politely responds to Claire''s request, "My bus might be arriving soon. I''m sorry, but may I ask what brings you to me? Is there something I can help you with?" Antoine senses that Charlotte might be concerned about her safety. He says to Claire in the car, "Claire, you can talk to Miss Charlotte in a safe place. I''ll park the car, and then I''ll come to join you." Antoine''s words remind Claire that inviting a lone woman into the car in the middle of the night might not be the most friendly thing to do. "Can we find a quiet corner to talk? Miss Charlotte?" Charlotte nods. She is familiar with the surroundings, and she doesn''t think they pose any danger. If things take a turn for the worse, she can always run, as her good friend Camille''s house is nearby. Charlotte follows behind Claire, simultaneously planning escape routes in her mind to ensure that in case of an unexpected situation, she can quickly run to Camille''s house. Camille lives with her parents, and her two brothers are also home for the holidays, making her home the safest option. "Is this place okay?" Claire politely asks the somewhat distracted Charlotte. Observing Claire''s polite inquiry, Charlotte looks around at the environment. They are in a park not far from the bus stop. Claire is pointing to a bench under a large tree. Behind the bench is a row of bushes, providing a very secluded and suitable spot for a conversation. Charlotte nods and responds, "It¡¯s okay for me." And once they are seated, Claire takes off her hat and mask. "Miss Charlotte, I apologize. Please forgive me. Time is of the essence, so I''ll get straight to the point in our conversation." As Claire removes her hat, a cascade of thick, glossy hair pours out. She shakes her elegant, flowing locks and takes off her mask, revealing a beautiful and refined face. Charlotte has never seen someone so stunning, truly breathtaking. The beauty is beyond words. The woman before her seems to have a myriad of sparkling stars hidden in her eyes, and her appearance is angelically beautiful. The beauty is so striking that Charlotte can''t help but blurt out, "Wow! You''re so beautiful!" "Like, you two look so alike!" Antoine walks over at this moment, looking at the two women sitting on the bench, and utters a somewhat cryptic remark. "Do you have the information, Antoine?" "I have it, here." Claire takes the files Antoine hands her. As she is about to open the documents, Antoine steps forward and forcefully stops her, placing a hand on hers. "Have you talked to Charlotte yet? Does she agree with us?" Claire pauses and says, "Not yet." Chapter Two Antoine reluctantly takes the documents back from Claire''s hand and looks at Charlotte. "Miss Charlotte, please forgive our abrupt actions. If you''re willing, would you listen to our story?" The summer breeze is cool, and as the wind rustles through the leaves, a soft whispering sound emerges, as if the trees are engaged in a secret conversation. Unbeknownst to Charlotte, she has found herself standing at the doorstep, gazing at the door. She seems a bit lost, unsure of what her next steps should be. "Good evening, Miss Charlotte. You''re coming back later than usual today." It''s the neighbor, Pierre. "Good evening, Mr. Pierre. Yes, a bit later today. Have you just returned home too?" The neighbor''s voice helps Charlotte regain some clarity. She quickly feels for her keys in her bag while responding to Pierre. "No, I just had dinner with my wife. I stepped out just to throw away some garbage. You haven''t had dinner yet, have you?" Pierre asks. "Yeah, I''m heading home to prepare dinner now." At this point, Charlotte is also finding her keys and inserting them into the door lock. "Wishing you a good appetite and a pleasant evening," Pierre says. "You too, wish you a delightful evening," Charlotte responds as she opens the door. At three in the morning, the lights are still on in Charlotte''s room. She tosses and turns, unable to sleep. The desire to have a drink lingers, but the concern about a hangover affecting her work the next day holds her back. Instead, she clutches a bottle of water and paces around the room. This is her manifestation of anxiety¡ªeither drinking a lot of alcohol to get some sleep or drinking plenty of water to stay awake. She tends to pace anxiously in her room and engages in behaviors she may not be consciously aware of, such as frequent trips to the bathroom, repeatedly opening the refrigerator, lifting and putting down a frying pan, or turning the stove on and off. At this moment, she paces around her room, her eyes fixed on the documents on the table¡ªthose she brought back from the park. Her mind keeps replaying the conversation that took place in the park. It turns out that Claire and Antoine are not peculiar individuals. They are just like any regular couple, two ordinary people in love with each other. They first met at a ski resort, where Antoine, a novice skier, accidentally collided with Claire, who was an expert skier. Despite Claire''s advanced skills, she could have avoided the collision, but as Antoine approached rapidly from a distance, Claire seemed to be pinned in place. This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version. The sunlight on the ski slopes that day was exceptionally bright, and the pristine snow, along with the approaching Antoine, seemed like a deity descending from ancient Greek mythology. It was the first time Claire felt the sensation of her heart being struck. Similarly, Antoine was captivated at first sight by the distant but entrancing Claire. Their collision was a result of this mutual attraction. So, their love story began with love at first sight. In the month following their skiing encounter, both of them often found themselves reminiscing about the scene at the ski resort. Claire would frequently daydream, bursting into laughter whenever she thought of Antoine on the slopes. Antoine, on the other hand, was a bit frustrated. He deeply regretted not exchanging contact information. After the collision, both were swiftly pulled away by their respective friends, leaving no chance for a single word. Every day, he was caught between longing and remorse. But the gears of fate kept turning, and finally, they had their second encounter. It was an art exhibition organized by a philanthropist. Claire attended the lecture as a special guest representing the philanthropic side. She was dressed in a beautiful gown, elegantly introducing the significance of each artwork and sharing the stories of the artists. Antoine was a student at the engineering school. As everyone knows, science students immersed in programming and mathematics every day might not have much affinity for the arts. Therefore, he wasn''t particularly interested in the event organized by the school''s art department. However, his friends insisted that he participate in the event. They heard that many executives from major companies who were art collectors would attend. After the event, students would have the opportunity to chat with the writers or collectors present, listening to their insights into art and the initial intentions behind their collections. For the engineering school and students about to graduate, this was a unique opportunity to connect with top executives from businesses and potentially enter large companies. Antoine initially had no interest in such an event because, despite the urgency of finding a suitable job, he felt that these methods were not the right way to go about it. Nevertheless, he went along with his friends to the event. The part about introducing art seemed to them the most boring. They couldn''t comprehend the drama and conflict in abstract paintings, nor could they appreciate the sophistication of light, shadow, and color usage. However, it''s understandable. Just as those with talents in aesthetics and the arts excel in creative fields like literature, painting, and music, people from different backgrounds have diverse strengths. On the other hand, those with strong analytical and logical thinking skills in areas like mathematics and reasoning might find success in logical, technological, and programming fields. This reflects the diverse ways of thinking among humans. However, when Antoine saw Claire stepping onto the stage, his mind buzzed instantly. It was as if an atomic bomb had exploded in his head, bursting into a magnificent bloom. After the event, everyone visibly relaxed, eagerly chasing after the artists and collectors they had already targeted. Claire, however, left from backstage once the event concluded. Antoine''s gaze remained fixed on Claire. As she walked away, he maneuvered through the crowd and hurriedly caught up, intercepting her before she boarded her car. Breathless, Antoine stood in front of Claire, speaking rapidly, "Hello, do you remember me? From the ski resort about a month ago, I collided with you." Claire smiled faintly without responding and boarded her car. Staff members intercepted Antoine, preventing him from making any harmful gestures. Seeing her reaction, Antoine felt somewhat disappointed, but he didn''t give up. Despite being held back by the staff, he still shouted toward the departing car, "I''m Antoine! Can you tell me your phone number?" Watching the car get farther and farther away, Antoine''s heart sank. This might be the craziest thing he had ever done. He had never been so impulsive before. But surprisingly, as the car stopped when turning a corner, and the red taillights lit up, his hope was reignited. A female secretary got off the car, jogged up to Antoine, and handed him a business card, saying, "Our miss is deeply sorry for the incident at the ski resort. If you experience any discomfort, you can contact her at this number." Antoine stared at the now-distant and out-of-sight car. The business card in his hand seemed a bit glaring in the sunlight, and his mind was blank at that moment. Returning home in the evening, Antoine anxiously ran his hands through his hair. The business card and phone lay side by side on the table. He entered the number from the card into his phone, but his fingers trembled above the green dial button, hesitating to press it. Chapter Three After several failed attempts, Antoine took a deep breath, patted his chest, and admonished himself to be brave. He recalled a quote he had seen before: "Brave people enjoy the world first." Even though it might not be entirely fitting in this context, he silently repeated this phrase as a mantra, using it as a self-encouragement. Finally, with closed eyes, he decisively pressed the dial button. In that moment of connection, he felt his heart pounding violently in his chest, and the sound of his heartbeat echoed in his mind and ears. The agonizing pre-connection beep was the most difficult to endure. "Hello, this is Claire. I''m her personal assistant, Camille. How can I help you? I''ll make a note of your message and convey it to Claire tomorrow." Antoine heard the phone being picked up, and in that moment of nervousness, he forgot to breathe. However, the person who answered the call wasn''t Claire, which inexplicably relieved him. He stammered, saying it was a mistake and apologized for disturbing her at such a late hour. But the assistant on the other end of the line still left the phone number and his name. Antoine hung up the phone, breathed a sigh of relief, not really sure why he made that call. In fact, he hadn''t figured out what he wanted to talk to her about when the call connected. It''s like they''ve met twice, but haven''t said a word. Claire, that''s her name, sounds really nice. With a strange sense of sweetness and joy, Antoine drifted off into a deep sleep. The next morning, he was awakened by a call from an unknown number. Initially, he considered hanging up, but thinking it might be something important, he answered. As he spoke, he still carried a heavy drowsiness, having stayed up late for system testing the previous days. With the holiday break, he had planned to adjust his sleep schedule and catch up on rest. "It seems I''ve interrupted your rest..." The sweet voice instantly woke Antoine up. He sat up abruptly in bed, and with a voice trembling with excitement and uncertainty, he cautiously asked, "Miss Claire?" The voice on the other end chuckled twice, its clear and melodious tones causing Antoine''s heart to race as if it wanted to leap out of his throat. When he heard the affirmative response, their story officially began. "Yes, Mr. Antoine." You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author. All love stories, without exception: when two people who like each other come together, it''s a very easy and smooth thing, all the gods will help those who are in love. Claire and Antoine are just like that. They received the favor of the gods, and after this phone call, they reestablished their connection. They started dating, like any other couple, going to the movies, shopping in matching outfits, visiting Disneyland, singing together and recording it, and preparing candlelit dinners in the kitchen. They went to haunted houses, climbed mountains, traveled, rode roller coasters, Ferris wheels, hot air balloons, watched sunrises and sunsets, and stayed up all night to welcome the New Year. But when we talk about love without exception, there''s one more thing to mention: there will always be challenges and difficulties to test those in love, testing whether they will uphold their promises to each other and their determination to never give up on each other. The beautiful moments flew by rapidly, and finally, obstacles emerged in Claire and Antoine''s love story. Claire is the daughter of the chairman of a listed medical equipment company, and her mother is the most famous fashion designer. The couple has only one child, Claire. At an early age, Claire''s parents arranged a marriage contract for her, and the business models of both families have long been intertwined. When Claire excitedly introduced Antoine to her parents, she never expected her mother and father to say, "Claire, we don''t care how many boyfriends you have. Regardless, you are destined to marry Olivier. As parents, our best advice to you now is to break up sooner rather than later. This way, the damage to you and your current boyfriend will be minimized." They didn''t even show any respect or acknowledgment for Antoine, and her mother didn''t even bother to utter his name. Claire mocked her parents, stating that their seemingly well-intentioned words took away all her rights and decision-making power. Being born into such a wealthy family seemed pointless when she didn''t even have the right to decide her own marriage. But her mother told her that being born into such a wealthy family meant that she enjoyed the honor and wealth it brought her, and she had already lost the right to negotiate. Since then, her parents'' control and surveillance over Claire have become increasingly strict, leading to heated arguments between Claire and her parents. Fortunately, Antoine possesses strong technological skills, he is a genius in this field. Even when confined to her home, Claire can evade the surveillance at home and stay in touch with Antoine. Eventually, they found a perfect method to help Claire escape. Antoine, being proficient in technology, hacked into the surveillance system, replacing the footage with scenes from several months ago and erasing any timestamp data. This made everything within the surveillance range appear normal. Claire just needed to go about her activities within the mansion, find the right moments to avoid attention, and when she could exit the mansion, Antoine would be there to pick her up in a secluded spot. The plan was flawless, and its execution wasn''t challenging because Claire''s family didn''t imprison her; they only restricted her social interactions, hoping she would reflect at home. This plan only required the determination of two young people and their willingness to bear the consequences of their actions. So, they succeeded. Things went smoothly, and Claire and Antoine successfully escaped. They drove far away, leaving the city behind, and lived in an unfamiliar place for four years. However, during this time, Claire''s family didn''t give up searching for her, as the family''s arranged marriage was imminent. The two families'' industries were deeply intertwined, and in the face of interests and trust, long-term marital cooperation was the best way to bind their interests together. Although Claire and Antoine had happily lived together for four years, misfortune suddenly struck their happy little family. Their two-year-old daughter was diagnosed with cancer, and the treatment depleted all their savings. In the end, they had to face a cruel reality: money could prolong life. Antoine infiltrated the population information database, retrieving a vast amount of data to analyze girls who resembled Claire the most. They only needed to persuade one of them, and then they could potentially save their daughter. Fortunately and unfortunately, Charlotte happened to be one of their targets. Using various data analyses, Charlotte was the most receptive candidate for the proposal, but not the most suitable in terms of conditions. So, initially, they did not reach out to her. After experiencing two failed negotiations, they noticed Charlotte and observed her for a long time around her life. Due to the lessons learned from the previous failed negotiations, they became very cautious when dealing with Charlotte. Chapter Four Charlotte is lying in bed, rolling over, and looking at the untouched documents on the table. In fact, she has already made a decision on her way home. Accepting their proposal, replacing Claire to enter the wealthy family, she will enjoy a lifetime of inexhaustible wealth. No more worrying about rent and living, working hard at the ice cream shop, or fearing unemployment after graduation. She can focus on studying, travel, pursue dreams, and do everything she wants to do. And the price she has to pay is simply sacrificing Charlotte''s identity and marrying someone she doesn''t love. However, given her strained relationship with her family, whom she hasn''t contacted in five years, she doesn''t care about the identity of Charlotte; it is inherently worthless to her. In terms of marriage, Charlotte has even less to say. She grew up in an environment of parental quarrels and alcohol abuse, having no hope for marriage. Marrying anyone feels the same to her. So on the way home, Charlotte''s clear mind had already reviewed all the pros and cons, and she had no reason to refuse. Charlotte gets up and walks to the table, opening the document bag without hesitation. Inside are the details of all the family members, and she has to remember all their information. This isn''t difficult for Charlotte; in law school, she is often the top student in her major. After reviewing all the information, Charlotte throws them into the fire. Watching the flames burn vigorously, it mirrors the desire burning within her. Then, she dials the phone. At seven in the evening, five hours away from the agreed-upon time, Claire and Antoine anxiously await Charlotte''s decision and response. If Charlotte refuses, the likelihood of finding someone else to accept becomes even more elusive. After parting ways last night, they set the deadline for the next day before midnight. If Charlotte accepts, she is to call their number. If Charlotte doesn''t accept, and by the time it''s past midnight without receiving any response from her, they would understand her decision. From then on, the two sides wouldn''t contact each other again. If someone wants to reach Claire and Antoine afterward, it would be impossible, as they would swiftly change their IP addresses and contact details. Claire looks at her daughter sleeping peacefully in the cradle, "She''s really cute, like an angel." Antoine walks up, embracing his wife and holding her hand, "We have to believe in her, she can get through this¡­" "I don''t understand, Antoine, why it''s our daughter¡­" Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original. "Don''t dwell on it, Claire. You need a good night''s sleep now. I''ll wait for her response." "No, I can''t sleep. I''m really, I''m really sad, Antoine," Claire cries in Antoine''s arms. She cries very restrainedly, afraid of waking up her daughter. Looking at her sick daughter, it feels like roasting a mother''s heart on a big fire. Antoine is holding his wife tightly as she quietly sobs in his embrace, he can feel her tears soaking his clothes. The ringing of the phone shatters the sorrow overflowing in the room. Upon hearing the phone ring, Claire quickly wipes away her tears, carrying her daughter into another room. Mothers always seem to transform from vulnerable to strong in an instant. Antoine is holding his phone, waiting for his wife to finish everything, and then both of them answer the call together. "Hello, I''m Charlotte." "Hello, I''m Antoine. Nice to hear from you." "I''ll get straight to the point. I accept your proposal." Claire quickly covers her mouth, almost crying out in excitement. Antoine''s eyes are also welling up with tears, and no one knows how many days and nights they have devoted to this cause. After that phone call, Claire is conducting a series of training sessions for Charlotte. The sitting posture, standing position, walking style and stride distance, as well as cultivating a sense of dressing and adjusting the speaking pace, are all within the training scope. Additionally, maintaining a constant smile is emphasized. Claire also assured Charlotte not to worry too much about her behavior because she hasn''t been home for four years, and some changes in habits are normal. Charlotte and Claire are really alike, they are virtually identical except for the difference in eye color and hair color. At times, both of them joke about never imagining there could be someone so similar to themselves in the world. When Charlotte puts on colored contact lenses to change the color of her pupils and dyes her hair to match Claire''s, mimicking every move Claire makes, the two appear as if copy-pasted. Before leaving, Antoine gives Charlotte a contact method and a bank account. Charlotte glances at it, memorizes the information, and casually tears it into pieces. She spreads the torn fragments in her hand and says to Antoine, "I''ve already memorized it. This is to leave no evidence behind. From now on, we all need to be careful, right?" Antoine looks into her eyes. Although she resembles Claire a lot, their eyes are different. Even though the pupil color is the same now, the difference is still evident. Claire''s eyes are very clear and bright because she grew up in a carefree environment in the first half of her life. She is pure, kind, and always has love and expectations for the world. Charlotte, like him, grew up in an ordinary environment. Family education and society have long told them that only through diligent study and fierce competition can they stand out in society. Life experiences and the harsh realities of society have long worn down all their expectations of the world. Her eyes lack the pure and dazzling light found in Claire''s eyes. "Yes, we all need to be careful," Antoine replies slowly. Watching Charlotte''s departing figure, he wonders if God is still looking out for them. This time, they should have chosen the right person. Charlotte has been home for two days now, and during these two days, everything has been calm without any unexpected incidents. Apparently, no one has recognized the difference between her and Claire. In fact, when the trained Charlotte stands in front of Antoine, even he finds it challenging to distinguish between Charlotte and his wife based on appearance. At dinner time again, Charlotte doesn''t meet Claire''s parents tonight. After four years of not seeing each other, they don''t seem to have much enthusiasm for their daughter. On the day she returned home, Claire''s mother was showcasing her latest designs in the living room. Several wealthy ladies were scattered on the sofa. Based on previous information, Charlotte quickly identified them as friends of Claire''s mother. Typically, they could get the latest designs from renowned designers, but at the same time, they had to provide valuable business information or engage in intelligence transactions with Claire''s family. On the day Charlotte returned, they were in the living room drinking English tea and coffee, and amidst laughter, they decided on a business deal worth several hundred million euros. The butler approached Claire''s mother and reminded her that Claire had returned. She only glanced at Claire without any expression, responding to her design team with indifference, "I''m not very fond of the fabrics for this batch of designs; get a different batch." The butler didn''t receive a positive response from the mistress, so he, along with the household staff, escorted Charlotte back to the room first. The room had a pristine palace-style decor, more like a suite with a living room, kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom¡ªall facilities included. The most eye-catching feature was one of the walls. Chapter Five An entire wall was dedicated to a sturdy cabinet filled with exquisite afternoon tea china. The fine patterns and gilded details on the china radiated its beauty and opulence. Charlotte quickly tidied up her belongings, primarily to rapidly become familiar with Claire''s living environment and align the information Claire had told her with reality. After touring the bathroom, which was larger than her entire home, the butler came to invite her downstairs for lunch and informed her that her father would be returning home tonight. Charlotte quickly went to the dressing room to change clothes. The entire dressing room was filled with expensive luxury handbags and high-end custom-made clothing. Charlotte chose a white evening gown, quickly tidied her hair, and then went downstairs. On the five-meter-long dining table, delicious food and red wine were already set up. The mother was wearing a red off-shoulder evening gown, adorned with sparkling jewelry, exuding a charming aura. Sitting across the table, dressed in a grey suit with slightly greying hair, the serious-looking man was Claire''s father. When Charlotte approached the dining table, ready to sit down, the butler, carrying a golden box, placed it on the table. "Miss, this is a gift from the master." The box slowly opened, revealing a set of exquisite golden porcelain inside. In fact, for Charlotte, she didn''t like these things. She didn''t understand why one would buy such expensive porcelain for drinking coffee. In her opinion, Ikea''s 8 euro cups were also of good quality. But now she was Claire, the daughter of a wealthy and high-profile designer. She emulated Claire''s expressions and tone, expressing surprise and liking, "Thank you, Dad, I really like it." Noticing her mother nodding in satisfaction, Charlotte took her seat. Claire had mentioned that her mother would smile and nod when in a good mood, maintaining a smile even when in a bad mood but with a slight frown. It seemed her mother was in a good mood today. This dinner was quite relaxed for Charlotte. They talked about their respective jobs, as well as business and investment-related topics at the table, with none of the discussions focusing on her. None of the questions about what she had been doing in these four years, what experiences she had, the reasons for leaving home, and why she suddenly returned were raised. Not a single one of the prepared responses that she and Claire had worked on was used. Just as she was leaving the table with her mother, her mother glanced at her clothes and slightly frowned, showing some dissatisfaction. "Claire, go to my room and wait for me." Charlotte felt a bit uneasy. According to the villa layout she had memorized earlier, she slowly made her way to her mother''s room. The villa was even larger than she had imagined, and after a few wrong turns, she finally aligned the layout of the rooms on this floor with the floor plan and found her mother''s room. A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. This room was even larger than Claire''s, but the style was completely different. The decor of this room followed a modern style, with predominant colors of sophisticated black and grey. "Claire." Shortly after Charlotte entered the room, Claire''s mother pushed the door open and called her name. Upon entering the room, the mother walked straight to Charlotte''s back. "You seem to have gained weight, this figure won''t look good in a wedding dress." Following behind her, Charlotte arrived at a wardrobe even larger than the room itself. It felt like a high-end fashion store, complete with a massive spiral staircase. As they ascended the stairs, Charlotte finally understood why the floor plan of the villa was so intricate. Looking down from the staircase, the crystal chandeliers in the hall showcased the beauty and luxury of all the high-end couture dresses. "You''ve got worse at choosing clothes, Claire. This dress you''re wearing is an old model from five or six years ago. Have you forgotten that? Oh, right, is it because you''ve been with a poor boyfriend, so your taste has gone downhill?" On the luxurious facade, Charlotte instantly snapped back to reality, almost forgetting her current situation. She didn''t respond to Claire''s mother''s words, didn''t argue, just lowered her head slightly and followed her to the second floor. The luxury on the second floor far exceeded that of the first floor, as every corner was practically overflowing with diamonds and jewels. Claire''s mother walked up to a set of jewelry, speaking somewhat indifferently to Charlotte behind her, "Put away that look of ignorance. I would expect, after four years of not seeing you, you wouldn''t make such a rude expression, Claire." Her words sent a chill through Charlotte''s heart. As she lifted her head, Charlotte could see herself in the mirror¡ªbeautiful blue eyes, lovely light brown curls, everything was perfect, beautifully perfect. However, it couldn''t conceal her stiff expression and the shock deep within her pupils. Yes, she hadn''t witnessed such a scene before. In Charlotte''s 23 years of life, she never had the courage to step into any jewelry store. She would only glance at the beautiful and dazzling jewelry displayed in the tall cabinets when passing by shop windows after class or finishing her shift at the ice cream shop. She never had any fantasies about them because she was well aware that the price of those jewels was something she couldn''t afford even if she worked her entire life. What she needed to address were the current challenges and difficulties, like next month''s rent. "These sets will be sent to your room by the butler. Since you''ve returned, you need to understand that you represent not only yourself but also the image and status of the entire family. I hope you can be more appropriate in the future. Perhaps you should consider revisiting etiquette courses, Claire." In the darkened room, Charlotte looked at the spacious space filled with new high-end clothing and jewelry. Under the moonlight, they appeared so beautiful. It was her first realization of the power that money brought¡ªthe privilege to indulge in all things beautiful. That night, Charlotte sat among the luxurious clothing and expensive jewelry. She didn''t sleep the entire night, her emotions fluctuating between excitement and calmness. From the second day onwards, she never saw Claire''s parents again. Occasionally, she would encounter Claire''s mother and her friends in the living room during afternoon tea, or Claire''s mother would gather all the designers at home to modify designs. However, the rest of the time, they were almost impossible to find. Claire''s father was even more elusive. His communication with Claire was limited to the constant stream of gifts delivered by the butler, ranging from exquisite porcelain to luxurious cars and yachts. So, Charlotte doesn''t see Claire''s parents during this dinner, and she doesn''t find it surprising. However, what shocks her is that their manipulation of Claire''s life is not subtle; it is constant and pervasive. The day after this dinner, Claire''s breakfast, lunch, and dinner consisted only of eggs. According to the butler, her mother had devised a strict weight loss plan for her, hoping she would adhere to it and expecting her to adjust her condition today and resume social activities from tomorrow. No one knew what was going through Charlotte''s mind as she stripped naked before eating and stood naked at the table while the so-called dietitian and health manager recorded her weight and body fat, wiggled her body, measured her chest and waist, and measured the circumference of her arms, calves and thighs. The sudden reduction in food intake leaves Charlotte feeling intensely hungry throughout the day, but it''s bearable. After enduring a day of hunger, Charlotte fell asleep early that night, perhaps due to the lack of sleep the previous night, as drowsiness overcame her suddenly and intensely. The next day, without any surprise, it is still a diet meal for Charlotte. Chewing on vegetables, she feels like she is going to vomit, a protest initiated by her stomach. Chapter Six Today seems to have a few more scheduled activities. Camille, Claire''s personal assistant, hands the itinerary to Charlotte. Camille, expressionless with neat golden short hair, dressed in a simple black professional suit, looks very understated. However, her ordinary-looking wristwatch is worth three hundred thousand euros. Charlotte always remembers what Claire said: "Don''t trust Camille. Find a suitable opportunity to dismiss her." As for how to dismiss Camille, Charlotte currently has no plan because today is her first meeting with Camille. "Camille, how much do you earn per month?" Charlotte''s sudden question catches Camille off guard, and her arm stiffens for a moment, but she still respectfully answers, "Six thousand euros before tax." Charlotte pushes the iPad back to Camille, indicating that she has finished reviewing the schedule. She stands up. "Nice watch, Camille." Watching Charlotte''s departing figure, Camille covers the watch on her wrist. She walked too hastily today, forgetting to take off the watch on her wrist. After four years, Claire''s eyes are still so sharp, just like her mother''s. Camille quickly catches up with Charlotte and quietly removes the watch. The difference between the rich and the poor, Charlotte has been contemplating this question these days. She has attended many gatherings of wealthy young ladies where they discuss luxury goods, plastic surgery, and men. They seem to have no worries, and their only concern is not being attractive enough or fearing that the men they marry may not be wealthy or powerful enough. "Claire, you''re daydreaming again. Are you even listening to me?" L¨¦a, Claire''s best friend from before, has a father who is the chairman of an oil conglomerate with a global business presence. Despite her family''s wealth, L¨¦a herself is lively, cheerful, and genuinely kind. "Claire, you''re daydreaming again. Are you even listening to me?" L¨¦a, Claire''s best friend from before, has a father who is the chairman of an oil conglomerate with a global business presence. Despite her family''s wealth, L¨¦a herself is lively, cheerful, and genuinely kind. At every gathering, she is almost idolized by everyone, not only because of her family''s prominent status but also due to her considerable personal achievements. But compared to other wealthy heiresses, L¨¦a likes Claire the most, so they have the best relationship. "Disappearing without a word for four years, and now you don''t even want to listen to me. It seems I''m no longer your very, very, very, very best friend, Claire. I''m really mad," pouts L¨¦a, sitting on the sofa with crossed arms, pretending to be a little angry as she speaks to Charlotte. Charlotte mimics Claire''s tone and coaxes, "Got it, got it. I''ll talk to my mom tonight and reserve the latest collection for you. I''ll make sure you show up gorgeously at the party the day after tomorrow." This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience. "Really! That''s fantastic! Your mom is the greatest designer, and trying on her new collection in advance is my dream! I''m so happy, Claire! You''re my very best sister. But if it''s not possible, don''t force it. I was just saying, I''d love to try your mom''s new collection." Charlotte lets L¨¦a hug her excitedly, then dials her mom''s number. Claire had mentioned to her before that moms usually wouldn''t refuse her requests made for the sake of social connections. Moreover, when she promised L¨¦a just now, she had already considered it from Claire''s mom''s perspective. Building a good relationship with L¨¦a, given her family''s status and influence, would be beneficial for both Claire and the family. After connecting the call, Charlotte explains the situation to Claire''s mom, who, as expected, readily agrees. She even offers to provide specific outfits for L¨¦a''s self-established company, catering to her roster of celebrities and online influencers. L¨¦a delighted with the confirmed news, jumps up. "Since you''ve given me this big gift, I want to give you a big gift too! After all, we''re the best of sisters." After saying that, L¨¦a pulls her towards the exit of the mall. Charlotte glances at the store employees, who are standing there, unsure of what to do. "L¨¦a, what about the clothes you just picked?" L¨¦a turns around, realizing that she is about to have exclusive, yet-to-be-released pieces from a world-renowned designer. She instantly loses interest in the clothes she had just selected. "No need! I''ll be able to wear the new collection soon. I don''t want these anymore!" But after turning around, she hesitates for a moment, "Well¡­ Pack up the ones I just liked, boost your performance a bit. Butler, take these clothes back home for now. I''ll take Claire to visit my company." On the way, L¨¦a tells her about the four years Claire has been away, how saddened and upset she is. She describes her own efforts to work hard and eventually establish the company. Charlotte listens to her vivid description, and she has no doubt that L¨¦a truly loves Claire. Claire has also mentioned that during the four years she was away, she felt most sorry for L¨¦a. They lost contact after she left, and they haven''t communicated until now. Claire hopes that Charlotte can help make amends with L¨¦a. Soon, they arrive at L¨¦a''s company. It''s a high-rise office building located in the city center. Standing at the ground floor and looking up, you can''t see the end of it. L¨¦a has two companies, an entertainment company and an online marketing company. The entertainment company is one of the family''s inherited industries, already a mature company before she took over. She doesn''t need to worry about it, she just earns money effortlessly from it. This online marketing company is completely different. L¨¦a established it from scratch and has managed to make it the industry''s top player. When Charlotte and L¨¦a arrive at the company, all the employees are busy. L¨¦a warmly greets them, without a hint of a manager''s demeanor, very approachable, friendly, and easy to get along with. Charlotte can also see that the employees respect and admire her. "Here is the core office area, and that office is having a meeting. Let''s go over there and keep our voices down." "What class?" L¨¦a walks to the side of the table and hands Charlotte a brochure, "The Elegance Cultivation Course." So, L¨¦a''s company specializes in managing celebrities on social media platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and more. Her company has a roster of numerous influencers with millions and even tens of millions of followers. These influencers appear across various platforms on the internet, portraying images and scripts crafted by the company. They accumulate waves of fans, and then monetize their popularity through these followers. "The Transformation into an Aristocratic Lady Course" is just one category among them. The target audience of these influencers is ordinary girls who aspire to lead a luxurious lifestyle. The company prepares luxury handbags, designer clothing, expensive jewelry, watches, high-end cars, as well as invitations to villas and exclusive venues for these influencers. They use these items to create a prestigious identity and image through photos or videos. At the same time, the company regularly provides training courses to cultivate their demeanor, making them more in line with the identity of socialites. It''s currently the training session. Charlotte, passing by the training room, even recognized a few celebrities she follows on Instagram. Upon careful recollection, it does seem to be true. They were photographed in luxurious cruises wearing bikinis, appearing in several celebrities'' photos. There were also shots of lavish afternoon teas and designer handbags that are hard to buy even if you''re wealthy, it seems. Chapter Seven "Claire, look over there. That''s the parenting channel." Charlotte follows L¨¦a''s gaze and sees a stylish dad taking photos with a child around five years old. The mom beside them is looking at them with a happy expression. "Do they look like a couple to you?" L¨¦a mischievously asks this question before Charlotte can respond. She smiles and then pulls Charlotte toward the filming area. "Their channel has six million followers, but they are not a real couple, and the baby is not theirs; it''s one of our child stars. However, they have a strong fan base, and the channel is growing rapidly. It''s one of the celebrities we''ve created at our company." L¨¦a, sensing a change in Charlotte''s expression, quickly speaks, "I know, I know, I know what you''re thinking, Claire. You want to say that we''re deceiving, misleading fans, cheating consumers. We know, but we don''t see it as deception. We prefer to call it dream-building. It''s the internet era, and we''re weaving a dream for everyone. They open their phones and see someone living the life they want, having everything they desire. We''re just showcasing another side of the real world on the internet, making their dreams more complete and real." L¨¦a''s words completely struck a chord with Charlotte. Before becoming Claire, she was immersed in this online dream. She had also benefited from the dream they crafted. Despite life''s hardships, she persevered, hoping that her efforts would lead to the life she dreamed of. How ironic it all seemed now. A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. L¨¦a continued with the tour and presentation, but Charlotte no longer had the mood to listen. Even when L¨¦a offered her half of the company''s shares and decision-making power as a gift, Charlotte didn''t show much excitement. Luckily, L¨¦a didn''t notice, as she was deeply immersed in the satisfaction of showcasing her professional achievements to her good friend. She remained absorbed in the pride she felt for her accomplishments. Back at home in the evening, it is the routine weight and body management session again. Unconsciously, Charlotte has been in this house for two weeks. In these two weeks, the worldview and values shaped over her 23 years of life are crumbling every day, as the perspectives and values of the wealthy class are being vividly constructed before her. She gazes at the myriad stars in the depths of the night, as if searching for answers within her soul, contemplating where she should go and what path she should take in the future. In fact, in the future, Charlotte will adapt quite well. She will gradually assimilate into this social class, accepting and embracing their values. She will marry the husband praised by Claire''s parents, and after this wedding, the family business will become even more extensive, solidifying the family''s status and influence. With L¨¦a''s trust, she will take over the management of the company and, within a short span of two years, will expand the company''s scale threefold. During this period, she will finally catch evidence of Camille stealing business secrets and hand her over to the police. Camille will spend the rest of her life in prison. Meanwhile, she will fulfill her promise to Claire and Antoine by transferring two million euros to an account that cannot be traced via IP every month. One Christmas, with heavy snowfall outside, she once again received a letter from Claire and Antoine. Inside the envelope were pictures of the child. The child was very resilient, enduring all the pain and torment of illness and treatment, and now she can go to school in good health. The letter mentioned that she is very intelligent and liked by teachers and classmates. Charlotte tossed the letter and photos into the bonfire, gazing at the white snow outside. Her heart had never felt as calm and peaceful as it did in this moment.