Chapter 1 The Reunion

Just above the rooftop of Moore Group's Riversdale subsidiary, a helicopter hovered, descending with deliberate slowness. As it approached the landing, the door slid open, and a tall, striking woman sprang lightly onto the roof. Close behind her came Hannah Hawking, her assistant. A man in a suit hurried forward, his voice taut with nervousness. "Welcome, Ms. Moore. It's been a long journey. Would you like something to eat before we move on?" "No. Take me straight to the office," Nancy Moore replied with a detached calm. Her sculpted, striking face held no expression. Her eyes seemed distant, but the effortless poise of a high-born lady remained, impossible to hide. The man immediately nodded and took the lead. As they walked, he couldn't resist asking, "Ms. Moore, are you truly starting as a manager? With your background and talent, you could step into the CEO role without effort." Nancy's reply was cool and measured. "I'm here to take things step by step. Becoming CEO right away would only invite too many questions." The moment Nancy stepped into the office, a video call request popped up. She answered, and immediately her parents, Ian Moore and Freya Lindt, filled the screen. Freya's voice came, heavy and hesitant. "You've finally arrived, Nance. Are you truly planning to return to your birth family, the Lidells? They're just a minor family. What if you don't belong? Or worse, what if you're hurt?" Her head sank low as she wiped the tears away. Ian's brow furrowed, his tone firm and unwavering. "That's nonsense! The Lidells are Nance's blood. Though they lost her by accident, they've surely searched for her all these years. Nance must visit them. "Should they treat her well, she'll find twice the love. If not, then such a family isn't worth the pain. We will remain her strongest support as always!" A warmth blossomed in Nancy's chest. Her lashes fell, shielding tears that gleamed at the edges of her eyes. She murmured, "Thank you, Mom and Dad. But after all these years apart, I honestly don't know if the Lidells will accept me." Ian shot that down without hesitation. "How could you even think that? We invested everything in raising you, and you graduated from top schools with dual degrees at such a young age. "The tutors we hired couldn't stop singing your praises, claiming they'd never seen anyone learn so quickly or master so many skills. You shine in every realm—arts, academics, and beyond. "Your talents stretch across medicine, finance, and a wide array of fields. Influential figures are lining up to take you under their wing. You're so lovable, so how could the Lidells possibly fail to welcome you?" Freya's voice flared with anger. "Exactly. Nance, you're remarkable, and the Lidells are fortunate beyond measure to have you as their daughter. "If they weren't your blood, we wouldn't have been quietly funneling resources their way. That's how they rose from an insignificant family to one of Riversdale's five great families in such a short time!" Overwhelmed by Ian and Freya's unwavering pampering and support, Nancy felt a helplessness wash over her. Her eyes shimmered with a gentle redness, and she nodded slightly. "I understand. Thank you, Mom and Dad. No matter what happens, you will always be my parents." Freya and Ian smiled, the weight of relief softening their faces. "You've just arrived, and it's already late. You should get settled. We won't keep you any longer," said Ian. After a few final words, the call ended. Nancy's eyes drifted to the window. Riversdale, ranked just below Boraska in importance, was home to her birth parents. It had been only a year since she learned she wasn't truly a Moore. Soon after, the Moores had quietly helped her track down her birth family. Her journey to Riversdale was about more than just nurturing the subsidiary. She had come to meet her birth parents. As that thought took hold, a sudden, unexpected nervousness began to stir. "Is everything ready?" Nancy asked. Hannah answered promptly, "Don't worry, Ms. Moore. Everything is prepared. When would you like us to leave?" After hesitating for a moment, Nancy said, "We'll set off after I freshen up." "Understood," Hannah replied. Once showered and changed into fresh clothes, Nancy emerged to find the company's files and project documents already laid out on the desk. Her eyes caught a familiar name, and she murmured, "Lidell Group..." It was a project from her birth parents' company, seeking to form a partnership with Moore Group's subsidiary. Nancy leafed through the documents swiftly. Lidell Group didn't meet the criteria for partnership by any usual standard. Yet after some thought, she approved the project and handed it to the executive manager. Soon, she was ready to set off toward the Lidell household. When it came to choosing a car, she paused and weighed her options before deciding on the plainest one. The Lidells were a relatively insignificant family next to the Moores, and Nancy feared that arriving in a flashy vehicle might make her birth parents uneasy. … As one of the five great families of Riversdale, the Lidell residence was undeniably grand. Today, it was adorned with sumptuous decorations, honoring Raine Lidell, the family's heiress. She'd been crowned first in Riversdale Piano Competition and was now preparing to compete nationally. Warmth lingered in the living room, soft and inviting. Regina Olcott, Raine's adoptive mother, spoke with admiration, her eyes bright with love. "You're amazing, Raine." Raine's lips curled into a faint smile, but it vanished almost at once, her brows drawing together as a shadow of worry darkened her features. Regina's voice softened with genuine concern. "Raine, what's troubling you?" Fergus Lidell, Raine's adoptive brother, said nothing. But his gaze was heavy, laden with silent worry as he watched her intently. Raine bit her lip, caught in a hesitation before she finally spoke. "I'm worried about Nancy's return. What if we can't get along? I've held her place for so many years. What if she ends up hating me?" Her eyes glistened with tears, the weight of her fear plain to see, and both Regina and Fergus were struck by a poignant wave of sympathy. With a calm and tender tone, Regina reassured her. "Don't let your worries take hold, Raine. The years have stretched far behind us, and you have long been part of this family, as much as our daughter. "We haven't laid eyes on Nancy in ages. I give you my word. Should she ever return, it won't change your place here, not one bit!" A faint glow of gratitude stirred in Raine's eyes, though the shadow of unease lingered still. She was about to speak when her adoptive father, Andrew Lidell, came bounding down the stairs, his excitement unmistakable. Eagerly, he announced, "Duran Corporation has agreed to partner with us!" A spark of surprise and delight lit Regina's features. "Really?" Andrew nodded. "I just got the news. They've invited me for negotiations tomorrow, and there's an 80% chance the deal will be sealed." "That's wonderful! It actually worked!" Raine said, a smile breaking free despite herself. Andrew regarded her with a curious frown. "Raine, what do you mean by that?" She scanned everyone around her, then pursed her lips. After a pause, she finally spoke. "The truth is, I met with the CEO of Duran, asking him to give Dad a chance. I never imagined it would actually happen."