Sophie recovered her composure and accepted the earring from Serena’s outstretched hand. Their fingers briefly touched, sending an electric jolt of recognition through Sophie that Serena clearly didn’t share.
"Thank you," Sophie managed, studying Serena’s face for any flicker of recognition.
Serena rely offered a polite smile before turning back to Rancy. "Co on, sweetheart. Ti to go ho."
As they started toward their car, Sophie’s racing heart suddenly cald. The initial shock gave way to calculating interest. Serena didn’t recognize her—that much was obvious. But how was that even possible?
"Rancy!" A childish voice called from behind them. Vivian ca running across the schoolyard, her black hair bouncing with each step, the Blackwood family’s butler following at a respectful distance.
Rancy turned and bead at her friend. "Vi-vi!"
Vivian approached, pausing to look up at Serena with an endearing smile. "Hello, Mrs. Lancaster. Did Rancy tell you about my birthday party?"
So this was why Vivian had rushed over—she was worried Serena might decline the invitation. The thoughtfulness was surprisingly touching, especially from a child Serena had only recently t.
"Yes, she ntioned it," Serena replied warmly. "Don’t worry, Rancy will definitely be there."
Vivian’s face lit up with delight. "That’s wonderful! Thank you so much."
The little girl straightened her shoulders, suddenly all business. "If you’re too busy with work, you don’t have to bring her yourself. I’ll take good care of Rancy, I promise."
Serena couldn’t help but smile at the child’s maturity. "That’s very thoughtful of you, Vivian. You’re quite the responsible young lady."
"You should head ho now," Serena added gently.
"Yes, Mrs. Lancaster," Vivian nodded, before returning to the butler’s side, completely ignoring Sophie’s presence as if she were invisible.
Sophie stood frozen, her mind racing to process what she’d just witnessed. Vivian—undeniably Serena’s biological daughter—was calling her "Mrs. Lancaster" instead of "Mother." And Rancy... wasn’t that the daughter of the owner of Elegant Realm design studio?
The pieces began falling into place, even as they created more questions. Whatever confusion Sophie felt, she couldn’t let this opportunity slip away. eting Serena Lancaster had been her primary objective today—though she’d never imagined finding her looking exactly like...
Sophie quickly removed her designer sunglasses and stepped forward with practiced charm.
"Mrs. Lancaster! What a delightful surprise," she extended her hand. "I’m Sophie Anderson from ARt Design. I’m sure you’ve heard of ?"
Her eyes scanned Serena’s face intently. Could this really be just an incredible lookalike? The resemblance was beyond uncanny—it was identical.
Serena hesitated montarily before taking Sophie’s hand, her expression betraying slight uncertainty. "Mrs. Anderson, of course. Your reputation precedes you."
"What a coincidence eting you here," Sophie continued smoothly. "I was picking up my niece and had no idea your daughter attended the sa school."
The lie slipped easily from her lips. Serena responded with a polite smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes, clearly seeing through the fabrication but choosing not to challenge it.
"Quite a coincidence indeed."
"Your daughter is absolutely adorable," Sophie’s gaze shifted to Rancy, studying the child’s features with intense interest. "I wish I had a daughter as precious as her."
Rancy, sensing the scrutiny, shifted uncomfortably and moved behind her mother’s legs. "Mommy, go ho." she whispered, tugging at Serena’s skirt.
"Of course, sweetheart," Serena replied before turning back to Sophie with the practiced courtesy of soone accustod to business interactions. "Mrs. Anderson, we should be going. Perhaps we’ll have the opportunity to et again soti."
"I’d count on it," Sophie’s smile didn’t falter, though sothing predatory glead in her eyes. "We simply must continue this conversation another ti."
"Certainly. Good day."
Sophie maintained her friendly facade until Serena’s car disappeared around the corner. Only then did her expression transform into sothing calculating and cold.
"Serena," she whispered, testing the na on her tongue. "Serena Lancaster. How fascinating."
Having been missing for three years, she now reappeared with no mory of who she was. The possibilities made Sophie’s mind race with both curiosity and a sense of opportunity.
"What happened to you?" she murmured to herself. "And how can I use this to my advantage?"
Sophie was absolutely certain that Serena had amnesia. The woman who had once been her fiercest rival would never have greeted her with such polite neutrality. Their history was too fraught with tension for such a civil exchange.
In the car, Serena found herself distracted, replaying the strange encounter in her mind. Sothing about Sophie Anderson had triggered an unsettling feeling of déjà vu.
"Mommy, what are you thinking about?" Rancy asked, noticing her mother’s distant expression.
Serena snapped back to the present, offering her daughter a reassuring smile. "Nothing important, sweetheart. After dinner, shall we ask Sally to help you bake that cake for Vivian’s birthday?"
"Yes!" Rancy clapped her hands excitedly. "I want to decorate it with flowers and a sunshine! I’ll listen to everything Sally teaches ."
"That sounds perfect," Serena stroked her daughter’s soft curls affectionately. "You’re such a thoughtful girl."
As Rancy continued chattering about her baking plans, Serena’s mind drifted again. Why did Sophie Anderson seem so familiar? More importantly, why did that familiarity co with such a strong sense of aversion? The woman had triggered an instinctive wariness that Serena couldn’t explain.
Had they known each other before her accident?
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