Chapter One: The daughter Returns

My name was Vera. For as long as I could remember, I'd roamed the streets, capable of smashing someone's skull for half a loaf of bread. Up to today, I was taken to an estate. They said I was the long-lost bloodline of the Villani Family, the biological daughter of Mafia Don Lusiano Villani. Stepping into the Villani family dining hall for the first time, my birth parents and brother sat at the long table. Their gaze upon me felt like scrutinizing a freshly unearthed antique, still caked in mud. The Don, my father, Luciano, spoke in a deep voice: “Welcome home. From this day forward, the Villani name shall be your glory and your sanctuary.” Beside him, an angelically beautiful girl rose timidly. Her name was Bianca, my father's adopted daughter. Everyone called her the family's treasure, for she possessed a God-given gift—an allergy to lies. Any falsehood would send her into hives and leave her gasping for breath. “Sister,” Bianca smiled softly at me, "I'm sorry for taking your place. Now that you're back, I'll return everything to you." Those words shattered all my defenses. I grasped her hand excitedly: “No, we are family. Always.” It was my heartfelt truth. Yet the moment the words left my lips, Bianca began coughing violently. She rubbed her nose incessantly as large patches of red rash rapidly spread across her arms. The dining room atmosphere froze instantly. My brother, the family's Young Master Leo, darkened and immediately ordered someone to fetch medicine. The fleeting warmth in my parents' eyes abruptly cooled, turning into scrutiny and suspicion. I stood frozen in panic, unable to comprehend why my heartfelt kindness could trigger such terrifying consequences. I had long heard that Bianca was the Villani Family's “lie detector.” Once, a “Contest Officer” from another family swore undying loyalty before her, only for Bianca to break out in an allergic reaction so severe she went into shock. Later investigations revealed the man was a mole sent by a rival family, nearly toppling the entire Villani clan. Another time, during a crucial business deal, the other party's representative was mid-sentence when Bianca suddenly began sneezing uncontrollably, interrupting the negotiations. Only later did they discover it was a meticulously planned scam—the goods were counterfeit. Time and again, her “reactions” proved accurate, making Bianca the Don's most trusted weapon. Her “allergies” became the Villani Family's ultimate judgment. So when I, their newly found biological daughter, triggered her allergies the moment I spoke, I became a born liar in their eyes. The dinner atmosphere was awkward and oppressive. Mother Isabella dryly inquired about my experiences over the years. I recall the days when I struggled to survive at the bottom of society, those beatings and bullying, those hunger and cold. I can only say with bitterness, "It's all in the past." To be able to return to my family is already the greatest happiness for me.” Unexpectedly, Bianca, who had just taken the allergy medicine, not only failed to improve her condition but also began to breathe heavily. The red rashes on her arms merged into a large area, swollen to a terrifying extent. Undoubtedly, they all believed I was putting on a show to win sympathy. Father Luciano's face darkened to the color of his coat. “That's enough for today,” he said, tapping the table with a voice devoid of warmth. “Butler, take her to the guest room.” I watched in panic as they all gathered around Bianca, whispering soothing words. I felt like an intruder, so easily despised and rejected by the family I'd longed for.