Against fate : rebirth of the stubborn heiress

The soft afternoon light filtered through the tall crystal windows, illuminating every polished surface of the Bellani estate with a golden sheen. Somewhere in the background, the quiet trickle of the marble fountain mingled with the distant hum of classical music.

"Summer, come here," Vittorio's deep voice echoed, low but firm, the kind of tone that only softened when directed at her.

She lazily set down her tablet, where a familiar green chart signalled the day's profits from her latest stock trades. Liam had updated her watchlist this morning — a subtle reminder that even while living the life of a pampered heiress, her money still worked for her.

"Coming, Grandpa," she replied sweetly, padding across the velvet carpet in bare feet, the silk of her dress swishing softly with every step.

Vittorio stood by the antique drawer near his reading corner. From it, he pulled out a velvet-lined box adorned with the golden Bellani crest. His fingers lingered on it for a second before offering it to her.

Inside lay an intricate jade pendant — pale green, almost translucent, with a blood-red gem at its center.

A pulse of familiar warmth radiated the moment her fingertips grazed it.

> "Host, object identified: High-value legacy artifact. Sentimental importance confirmed. No trade-in value. Useless for upgrades." Sham Sham's voice chimed lazily in her mind.

Summer stifled a smile. 'Thanks for the emotional support, Sham Sham.'

> "As always, Host. Sham Sham delivers facts, not comfort."

---

"This," Vittorio spoke, interrupting her internal banter, "belonged to your mother. I kept it for you until the time was right."

Her throat tightened. She gently traced the curve of the jade, feeling not just the weight of the stone, but everything it symbolized — her mother's love, her stolen childhood, her reclaimed identity.

"Thank you, Grandpa," her voice softened as she pressed it against her palm.

Vittorio reached out, stroking her hair with rare tenderness. "Remember, little star… Bellanis do not bow their heads. No matter what."

---

"Leo!" Vittorio called sharply.

Heavy, purposeful footsteps echoed as Leo entered the room, a suit jacket slung over his shoulder, tie loosened like he'd just walked out of a hostile boardroom takeover.

"Grandfather." His gaze flicked instantly to Summer, eyes softening. "And my baby sister."

He walked over and flicked her forehead gently. "Tsk. Look at you. Our little princess is growing prettier by the day." His hand ruffled her hair as his eyes trailed to the pendant. "...It suits you, princess ."

Summer giggled, leaning into his touch, eyes sparkling. " Of course it does,I always look good."

"Brat," Leo muttered, but there was the tiniest smile tugging at his lips.

---

A quiet presence slipped in behind him. Travis — silent as a shadow, dressed in black, hands tucked in his pockets. His cool, emotionless expression barely shifted... until his gaze landed on her.

For the briefest second — a crack. His eyes softened.

"...It looks... right," he murmured, not meeting her gaze directly, voice so low it was almost self-conscious.

Summer grinned, bouncing over to him. "Travvy you noticed."

"Obviously." His hand rested on her head, stiff but deliberate — the kind of gesture that only ever belonged to her.

> "System Note: Travis Bellani — Highly dangerous. Psychopathic tendencies locked. Emotional functionality: Exclusive to Host."

'As it should be.' Summer chuckled inwardly.

---

At that moment, loud, hurried footsteps echoed down the hallway.

"Princess!" Liam's voice broke through like sunshine, and he skidded into the room, waving a velvet Cartier bag in one hand. "Guess what arrived?"

Summer's eyes sparkled. "My bracelet?"

"Even better." He pulled out a sapphire and moonstone bracelet — one of only three in the world. "Yours. Obviously."

"Obviously," she echoed with a giggle as she held her wrist out. Liam snapped it into place with a grin, dropping a kiss to her knuckles. "Perfection."

---

Leo shook his head, sighing. "All of you are spoiling her rotten."

"And?" Travis deadpanned without looking up.

"Exactly," Liam grinned. "She's our baby."

Vittorio gave a satisfied hum, sipping his espresso. "A Bellani heiress deserves nothing less."

---

The warm atmosphere was shattered by a presence at the door.

"Father..." Simon's voice.

Summer's body stiffened.

Trailing behind him was Ciara, dressed in sickeningly demure lace, her posture carefully folded to appear fragile. Her gaze flicked around the room, pausing on Summer only long enough to communicate thinly veiled irritation.

"I… I was wondering if I could join," Ciara murmured, hands folded perfectly. "Since… well… I'm..."

"No," Leo cut in sharply, straightening. "You're not part of this."

Ciara flinched, eyes widening. "But—"

"We're having a Bellani family day," Travis added coolly, not sparing her a glance. "Not open to outsiders."

Liam didn't even blink. "Who invited you?"

Vittorio didn't lift his gaze from his newspaper. "I didn't."

Simon let out a breath, subtly tugging Ciara back. "Come. Not now."

---

As soon as the door clicked shut behind them, Liam flopped dramatically back onto the couch. "Buzzkill."

Summer stretched her arms, bracelet sparkling under the light, pendant warm against her skin. "Tsk. Whatever. Let's not waste today's mood on garbage."

---

A faint mechanical voice hummed softly in her head:

> "Host is radiating sufficient main character energy today. Jealousy levels in surrounding pests have reached 80%. Mood: Excellent."

Summer chuckled inwardly. 'That's right, Sham Sham. Let's keep it that way.'

She relaxed, nestled between her brothers, basking in the warmth of a family that would never abandon her in this life.