The Framed Heiress Strikes Back

Chapter 2 I Can Heal Her

Davina was the true heiress of the Zlanta-based Summer family.

But in a plot twist straight out of a soap opera, she'd been switched at birth.

Three years ago, the truth came to light, and she was brought home, but not a single person in the family welcomed her.

Even her four biological brothers hated her.

The reason? Stella-the fake daughter who had grown up in Davina's place was the family's

darling.

The brothers were notorious for spoiling their little sister; they saw Davina as a threat to Stella's place in the spotlight.

From day one, they made it their mission to shut Davina out-with cold shoulders, harsh words, and calculated cruelty.

And their parents? They spoke of making things right, but their actions always favored Stella and never let Davina steal her limelight. Stella was their priority-always.

Then came the incident two years ago. Stella had pushed a classmate down a staircase, leaving the girl in a coma.

The incident escalated, and to protect their Stella, the entire family banded together to cover it up. They tampered with evidence and manipulated the system to frame Davina and send her to jail.

They even convinced her to take the fall in court-promising they'd help clear her name. Davina, naive and desperate to belong, believed them. But what she got was a pair of cold metal cuffs and a prison life.

"You have my word," Davina vowed silently. "If I've been given a second chance in your body, I'll get justice for both of us."

Just like in prison-where every bully who crossed her paid a price-they'd all get what they deserved.

"Ms. Summer, should I take you to Ms. Barlow's villa to wait for her?" the driver asked politely. Davina opened her eyes and asked, "How far is the Barlow Estate?"

"Not far, about the same distance as to Ms. Barlow's villa."

"Take me to the estate," she said calmly.

The driver hesitated for a second. "Uh... alright."

He wasn't sure why, but he instinctively obeyed her.

There was something about this young woman, fresh out of prison. Why would this young woman have such a powerful presence?

He turned the wheel, heading toward the Barlow Estate.

At the Summer Mansion.

The entire family had gathered in the living room. After Lewis came home, tension filled the air; everyone's expressions were grim.

"Does she refuse to come home?" Thomas Summer snapped. "Seriously? Who does she think she is?"

Blair Summer, the oldest son, frowned at the untouched cake on the table. He frowned and said, "Fine. Let her be. That's Stella's kindness going to waste."

Cassia Summer, the third son, rolled his eyes. He said, "Relax. She'll be back sooner or later. There's nowhere else for her to go."

They all knew the truth-Davina had nowhere to go but home.

Stella dabbed at her eyes, putting on a pitiful face. She said, "It's my fault. She's probably avoiding us because of me."

Ashen Summer, the fourth son, scowled. "Quit blaming yourself. Don't take on guilt that isn't yours."

Then Stella suddenly remembered something and asked, "Wait-Lewis, you said a luxury car picked her up? What kind of car was it? Davina just got out of prison-who would possibly come get her? She doesn't have those kinds of connections."noveldrama

At first, they hadn't thought much of Lewis's words, but now that he brought it up, it did seem odd.

Someone actually picked up Davina? Who would do that?

Suspicion flickered across every face in the room.

"I don't know who it was," Lewis voiced his doubt in a low voice. "But she's ... different now. It's not just how she looks. There's something in her eyes."

Stella drew her brows together and said, "Probably hired the car herself just to put on a show." Everyone nodded in agreement with her speculation.

Davina's adoptive parents had been poor, and she'd spent the last two years behind bars. There was no way she had high-level connections.

"Yeah, nowadays, anyone can rent a car like that with a few taps on an app. She probably put

on a show," Cassia said with a sneer. "Let's see how long she keeps up the act." Meanwhile, the Barlow Estate was just as lively-though for different reasons. "This illness is torture for Mom," someone said grimly. "Maybe it's time we ...

"No way!" another snapped. "She's only 70, and she hasn't even written her will. Who gets the inheritance if she goes now?"

"Enough fighting!" Sacha Barlow slammed her hand on the table and roared, "Instead of arguing, try thinking about how we're going to get her better!"

She had taken good care of herself and looked barely over 30, though she was actually in her 40s.

As the youngest and only-daughter of the Barlows, Sacha held the purse strings. In fact, she ran the entire family.

When she spoke, even her two older brothers shut their mouths.

"Easier said than done. How are we going to do that?" The eldest brother, George Barlow,

muttered. "We've spent years and fortunes on this mystery illness. No expert has been able to name it, let alone cure it."

"Who says it can't be cured?" Sacha said firmly. "We wait. A miracle might still happen." Today, she'll be released from prison. When she gets here, there will be hope.

"You actually believe that?" Margaret Barlow, George's wife, snorted. "Even world-class doctors are stumped. If it could've been cured, it would've happened by now." The mood in the room grew somber again.

Five years ago, Grace Barlow had fallen ill with a rare condition. Half her day was spent unconscious, and the other half was pure agony-her body wracked with pain, as if ants were eating her from the inside out. She would convulse, scream, and eventually pass out again. The only way to ease her suffering was through heavy sedation, keeping her in a near- constant sleep.

But that was no way for a person to live.

Grace had had another episode today, which was why everyone had rushed back to the estate.

Just when it seemed hopeless-

A calm voice rang out from the doorway. It was quiet but powerful. "I can heal her."