She Is Not Their Biological Daughter

"What evidence do you have?" Nora snapped, her voice full of anger and embarrassment.

She had only planned to get Rachel drunk and take a few photos.

But the people she hired couldn't find Rachel, so they grabbed a random guy instead. That had nothing to do with Rachel!

"I have a video of you helping me up the stairs," Rachel threatened. It had been so long ago, but Nora didn't know that.

"If you don't say anything, I won't either," Nora shot back. "But if you dare say anything in front of Dad, don't blame me for not being polite to you."

Nora was still scared that her father would find out what she had done to Rachel. She had even considered breaking Rachel's legs just to shut her up.

"We're here. Get out," Rachel said coldly.

Rachel wasn't even sure if Nora was the one who really did it. She'd been drunk that night and sometimes wondered if she'd just misheard Nora's name.

But now… Nora had basically admitted it herself.

Rachel felt this tight pressure in her chest, like something was squeezing the air out of her lungs.

As soon as Nora got out of the car, Rachel drove away like she was running for her life.

Nora watched the car disappear and smirked. Then she turned and walked home.

"You're back. Why did you drink so much?" Queenie, Nora's mother, was waiting in the living room. She scolded Nora but also helped her sit on the couch.

"Guess whose car I just came back in?" Nora clung to Queenie's arm and leaned on her, grinning like she was showing off.

Queenie thought maybe it was Nora's boyfriend or something. "Who?" she asked.

"Rachel!" Nora's smile got even wider. She didn't need to go tattling to her dad, Grady, because someone else would do it for her anyway.

----

"The fate brought us together beyond the chaotic world, but destiny wants us to fall in love in times of danger…"

Rachel ringtone blasted out, it was Grady calling. He had already called several times.

She didn't dare to pick up, but the nonstop ringing was seriously messing with her work.

Nora had probably told Grady about her part-time job as a taxi driver, and now she didn't know how to explain it.

Rachel didn't want to face those disappointed eyes of Grady's. But then again, Grady had taken care of her like a father for ten whole years.

Could she really hold a grudge over one mistake?

After hesitating for a bit, Rachel finally answered. "Uncle, you called me earlier. I was just busy," she said, trying to sound calm even though her heart was pounding.

Grady tried to keep his voice steady. "Is it true what Nora said? Are you driving a taxi? You can tell me the truth."

Rachel had never been good at lying, and Grady knew that.

He had always liked her because she was obedient and well-behaved.

He still remembered the accident from five years ago like it was yesterday.

"Uncle, I…" Rachel lowered her head and went silent. She didn't know what to say.

She had lied to him, and if he found out, he'd definitely be angry.

Not only was she driving a taxi, but she also worked at a café during the day.

Back when she was with Cora, things got so bad she even had to pick up trash just to survive.

"I know it's not easy for you. If you're really struggling, just tell me. You don't have to lie," her uncle said gently.

Just yesterday, he had scolded Nora in front of Queenie, telling her to learn from Rachel and try to be better.

But now… he was being proven wrong. And his wife was already mad at him for it.

He really couldn't understand Rachel anymore.

He had hoped that after going through some hardships out there, she would eventually come back home.

But instead, she'd rather suffer outside with her kid than return. And when he called her, she even lied to him.

"I'm sorry, Uncle. I know I was wrong," Rachel apologized. She didn't mean to lie to him, she just didn't want him to worry.

Her uncle had secretly sent her money before, but when his wife found out, they had a huge fight over it.

After all, she wasn't their biological daughter… just a foster kid someone dumped at their door.

Rachel didn't want to cause any more problems for her uncle.

"I'm at work now, Uncle. I'll come see you tomorrow," Rachel said, keeping her voice calm. She figured it'd be better to explain things in person.

After work, Rachel stood there for a while, thinking about how she was going to ask her boss for time off.

She wasn't paying attention and accidentally bumped into someone, quickly apologizing out of habit.

"What's going on with you lately? You're not focused, and you don't even watch where you're walking," said her boss, Barrett.

He was skinny and pale, and kind of looked too delicate for a guy.

Rachel thought to herself, "I was the one who got bumped, but whatever. I'll take the blame."

"Manager, I want to take a day off tomorrow," Rachel said, tugging at the corner of her lips into a small smile.

The store had been crazy busy lately. Aunt Fisher just came back from her own leave, and now Rachel was asking for one too.

"The store's short on staff right now. Unless it's something really urgent, your department shouldn't be taking more leave," Barrett replied.

"It was Aunt Fisher who took leave last time, and she hardly ever does," Rachel said.

"I want to go visit some relatives," she added truthfully. Even if she wanted to lie, she couldn't come up with an excuse fast enough.

"You just make up anything to get out of work. You've been here for a while, and I've never even heard you mention any relatives," Barrett frowned, clearly impatient and ready to walk off.

Most of the other employees only knew Rachel had a daughter.

They didn't know who the father was or how she even got pregnant. He looked down on her for doing tiring, dirty work like this.

"Um, relatives from my hometown," Rachel replied with a small smile.

"Fine. Just one day. You're not taking any more time off this month," Barrett said as he gave her a glance and walked away.

"Okay, okay," Rachel replied, smiling like she didn't mind.

But honestly, she didn't even want the day off that badly.

---

The next day, Rachel took Cora to the supermarket. Cora was in such a good mood, running around and looking at everything with wide eyes.

They passed by a jewelry store, and Rachel noticed a jade bracelet that was on sale.

It used to be 1000 yuan, but now it was 50% off, just 500 yuan.

Rachel hesitated a little.

It was kind of expensive, but since she hadn't gone back to visit in such a long time, she decided to buy it as a gift for her aunt.

Cora stared at the bracelet her mom had picked.

It was really good quality, but it didn't look like something a young woman like her mom would wear.

And her mom had always been really careful with money, especially when it came to buying anything for herself.

"Mommy, who are you gonna give this to?" Cora asked curiously. She was surprised her mom was suddenly spending so much money.