Chapter 5

She wished she could stomp those scumbags into the ground, but right now, she was way too powerless. She didn't even fully understand the past tied to her new identity-so what revenge could she even talk about? Now that she'd left Uncle's place, she suddenly had no clue where to go. Vanessa wandered aimlessly along the street. The moment she stepped out of the park gate, she spotted an elderly man-fit and full of energy-dressed in a traditional outfit, with a sword strapped on his back. Looked like he'd just finished his morning exercises. But the second he neared the crosswalk, a horrifying image flashed through Vanessa's mind: she saw that same old man getting mowed down by a runaway truck coming from the side. Blood everywhere. Gone in an instant. She shook her head hard, blinking rapidly. When she looked again, the old man was still there, alive and well, just waiting to cross the street. But the image she'd seen... Rubbing her eyes, thinking maybe she was seeing things, she turned around-and suddenly spotted a huge truck racing toward them. Her heart nearly stopped right there. Without a second thought, she dashed forward and gave the old man a hard shove to the side. She threw so much of herself into it that she lost balance and tumbled to the ground just as the truck crashed into a nearby streetlight with a deafening bang. The old man was safe. Vanessa slammed into the edge of a flowerbed on the sidewalk, pretty sure her arm wasn't in one piece anymore. Jaw clenched, she gritted through it and dragged herself upright, limping over in panic. "Sir, are you okay?" she asked, her voice tight with worry. He looked to be in his seventies at least, but clearly still strong. That shove from Vanessa was just enough to get him out of harm's way without throwing him into something else. After a quick check of his limbs, the old man gave her a big smile. "I'm good. Just help me up, will ya?" Vanessa nodded, started to reach out, then paused. Her hands were filthy-after running all night, falling god knows how many times, her usually neat fingers were a mess. She quickly wiped them on her shirt, then carefully helped the man up. He noticed her thoughtful little gesture, and a warm smile spread in his eyes. Vanessa helped the elderly man walk a short distance, and after making sure he wasn't seriously hurt, she said, "Sir, you should be fine heading home on your own now, right? I..." The old man suddenly seemed to remember something amusing. His eyes lit up, and he immediately feigned weakness as he said, "missy, I'm getting on in years. That little scare just now threw my back out. I can barely stand! You're really gonna leave me here to make it back alone?" "Sir, I..." Vanessa hesitated. She had her own plans - revenge wasn't going to wait. Standing outside that private room earlier, she'd overheard her aunt and uncle talking about an inheritance meant for her and Xander. They never said how much, but judging by how greedy that family looked, it had to be a sizable fortune. That money could help her get started with her revenge. She needed to figure out the secrets surrounding Vanessa' life. That was the priority. "I've got a grandson, you know. Good-looking kid - works at Prosperity Group..." The old man sensed her confusion and quickly tried to explain. Vanessa couldn't help but let out a small laugh. Was this man really so eager to set up his grandson that he'd reel in the first stray he found on the street? She might've left in a hurry, but she hadn't forgotten her phone. As she chatted with the old man, it suddenly rang - the caller ID showed: Xander. That trio of relatives had spammed her phone relentlessly last night. She'd been so annoyed that she turned it off. Only turned it back on this morning. If it were them calling again, she wouldn't have even thought about answering. But Xander... The moment she saw his name, a strange tightness clenched at her chest. It wasn't her own emotion - must've been the original Vanessa's. Still, it said a lot. Clearly, Xander had meant the world to her. Now that she'd taken over Vanessa's body, looking after that little brother was the least she could do - maybe a way of paying back what she owed. Vanessa let out a quiet sigh and picked up. On the other end, everything sounded chaotic. Then, a rough, impatient male voice barked, "You Xander's sister?"