Chapter 1

In my past life, after being recognized and brought back to the Williams family, I chose to study medicine to care for Wilson, the frail and sickly adopted heir.

But he pretended his condition was worsening, accused me of refusing to save him, and tried to steal everything that was mine.

My fiancée Patterson believed him and joined forces with Wilson to throw me out.

Not long after, I contracted tuberculosis and died on the streets.

When I woke again, I had returned to the day I was brought back to the Williams family at age five.

Patterson blocked my parents' path, pointing at me and saying:

"You've got the wrong person. This boy isn't your biological son at all."

After my parents left in disappointment, she handed me a piece of candy.

"One heir is enough for the Williams family. Don't even think about taking Wilson's place."

Looking at the disgust on her face, I knew she had been reborn too.

I clenched the candy tightly, its hard edges almost piercing my palm.

Yes, in her eyes from my past life, I was nothing but a malicious, jealous person—a useless failure who couldn't cure Wilson.

Since Wilson's condition still deteriorated because of me in the past life.

Then in this new life, someone as calculating as me naturally had no need to be brought back to the Williams family.

I smiled and held back my tears.

I wiped my eyes hard, telling myself that Howard was dead.

The one alive now was just me.

I turned and walked back to my corner of the orphanage.

Before long, a black sedan stopped at the entrance.

The director led in an elderly man with white hair.

All the children in the orphanage erupted with excitement, chattering like a flock of sparrows as they crowded around him, eagerly trying to show off.

"Hello, sir!"

"Sir, let me sing for you!"

"Sir, look at my drawing!"

Only I remained quietly in my inconspicuous corner, like an outsider.

Mr. Johnson noticed me.

He parted the crowd and walked toward me step by step, leaning on his cane.

"Little one, why are you here all alone? Don't they like you?"

I shook my head and lifted my small face, holding out the candy that had grown warm in my grip.

"Sir, have some candy."

I tried to display a composure and maturity beyond my years.

He paused, clearly surprised.

He took the candy, unwrapped it, and put it in his mouth, a contented smile spreading across his face.

"Mm, very sweet."

He looked at me deeply, then asked, "What's your name?"

"My name is Holmes."

"Holmes..."

He repeated it, nodding. "Would you like to come home with me? To be my grandson."

The room instantly fell silent.

All the children's eyes focused on me, filled with envy.

I didn't hesitate for a moment and nodded firmly.

"I would."

He burst into hearty laughter, his voice booming.

"Good! Good! From today on, you'll be called Holmes Johnson."

He took my hand, his palm warm and dry.

"Holmes is a good name."

"Child, I hope you will become a priceless treasure."

I understood the value he placed on me and his expectations.

In that moment, I gripped his hand tightly.

I became the golden child of the Johnson family.

Mr. Johnson treasured me like a precious jewel, personally teaching me to read and write and how to conduct myself in the world.

Although his children were busy with work, they brought me various novel gifts every time they came home and genuinely cared about me.

The one who doted on me most was my sister Jones, who was ten years older than me.

When she first met me, her cool face broke into a gentle smile.

"Nobody touches the Johnson family heir."

That was her constant refrain.

Surrounded by such love, I almost forgot the pain of my past life.

I studied diligently. From elementary school through high school, I was always first in my class.

Competition trophies and certificates filled my room.

In college, I chose medicine without hesitation.

Because I knew Wilson's illness was the eternal pain in the Williams family's and Patterson's hearts, and also a blade hanging over my head.