Against fate : rebirth of the stubborn heiress

The warm afternoon sun filtered through the grand Bellani villa, scattering golden flecks onto polished marble floors. Summer was lazily sprawled on the plush sofa in the sunroom, her legs comfortably tossed over Liam's lap while Davis sat cross-legged on the floor, flipping through glossy shopping catalogs.

"Lavender or blush for the auction?" Davis mused, holding up two silk samples against the light.

Summer tilted her head, running a manicured finger over the fabric. "Lavender. It looks expensive without trying too hard. Blush feels too... desperate."

Liam chuckled, brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "Our little star has spoken. Distant, untouchable... just the way it should be."

Summer grinned, tapping his cheek. "Exactly. Pretty things are meant to be admired, not approached."

> "System Notification: Host's Princess Aura +20. Current charm level: 'Ethereal Distraction.'"

Suppressing a laugh, she stirred her chamomile tea with honey as Rosa entered quietly with a silver tray. "Afternoon tea, Young Miss."

"Perfect timing." Summer's eyes sparkled. "Did you add extra honey?"

"As always." Rosa smiled warmly as she set the tray down. "Also... Master Leo asked me to remind you—the private stylist arrives tomorrow for your fittings."

"Oh, right..." Summer nodded lazily. "For the auction. Tell him I remember."

---

Travis, ever the silent shadow, sat near the window in his usual leather chair, laptop open, his fingers flying over keys. His emotionless, cold face was fixed on streams of encrypted code, but his sharp gaze flickered toward Summer every few minutes, as if his subconscious couldn't resist confirming her presence.

"Travvy," Summer called sweetly, "are you ignoring me?"

"No." His reply was deadpan without lifting his head. "I hear you."

"Liar."

His lips quirked—just barely. So small no one else would have noticed... but she always did.

Davis smirked. "I swear, every time she calls, the iceberg melts a little."

---

> "System Observation: Brother No. 2's Emotional Fluctuation—+15 Affection Points. Travis Bond Level: Dangerous Attachment."

---

While Liam and Davis debated whether her shoes should be Hermès or Chanel, a discreet knock echoed at the doorway.

"Young Miss," the butler announced, "the Old Master requests your presence in the study."

Summer sat up, brushing imaginary dust off her lilac silk dress. "Coming."

Liam stood with her. "Want me to come?"

She shook her head, smiling. "No need. If Grandpa were mad, he wouldn't have asked the kitchen to make pumpkin risotto."

"Facts," Davis laughed. "Scream if you need backup."

"I'm the favorite, remember?" Summer winked.

---

Vittorio's study was a world of its own—rich wood shelves lined with dusty tomes, heavy oil paintings of the Bellani ancestors, and the smell of aged leather and incense. Behind the antique desk sat the man who ruled not just the family, but much of Italy's old money circles.

"Grandpa." Summer bounced in, voice sweet as spun sugar.

Vittorio's sharp eyes softened at the sight of her. "Come. Sit."

A velvet box sat on the desk. He pushed it toward her. "Open it."

Summer blinked, lifting the lid. Inside rested a platinum ring, elegantly simple but centered with a deep, ancient sapphire that seemed to glow. A strange warmth pulsed from it—familiar... protective.

"This... This was Mama's..." her voice trembled.

Vittorio nodded. "Your mother entrusted this to me. It's time you have it."

She clutched the box, heart squeezing. "Thank you... Grandpa."

Vittorio's expression remained stern but affectionate. "This is no ordinary ring. It's an heirloom from your mother's bloodline... not the Bellani side. It holds meaning, and perhaps... power."

Summer nodded, but her fingers curled tighter around it, feeling the faint hum against her skin.

> "System Alert: Host has unlocked Artifact—Azure Empress Ring. Hidden Properties: Locked. Condition for activation: Pending."

---

Vittorio stood, moving toward a locked cabinet behind his desk. His fingers grazed the keys, hesitating. For a moment, it seemed like he would retrieve something else—but instead, he closed it again. "The others... you'll receive when you're ready."

> Others? Summer's eyes flashed with curiosity but knew better than to ask.

"Remember this, my little star," Vittorio continued, voice firm. "This world isn't gentle. You must learn how to use both softness and steel. The Bellani name will protect you... but one day, you'll need to protect it."

"I will, Grandpa." Her smile was confident but gentle. "I'll make you proud."

"You already do." He chuckled, motioning toward the door. "Go now. Dinner's nearly ready. Let those idiot brothers worship you a bit longer."

---

As Summer stepped out, clutching the ring box, she didn't notice the pair of eyes watching from the shadows of the corridor.

Ciara stood still, fingernails digging painfully into her palm as her gaze locked onto Summer's retreating figure.

Why... why is it always her?

Her chest heaved with the effort to keep a sweet smile plastered on her face whenever anyone passed, but the fire boiling beneath was harder to contain. Born with everything... the name... the love... even the artifacts?

Her teeth ground together. She doesn't deserve it. None of it. It should've been me. If I were the real daughter... If that old man weren't so biased...

Her hand trembled slightly. But it's fine. Very soon... she'll know what it feels like to lose everything. Just like I did.

Her lips curved upward, cold and thin. They can play their little game for now. Soon... I'll flip the board.

---

Summer, oblivious to the venom brewing in the shadows, skipped back toward the sunroom, swinging the velvet box like it weighed nothing, though her heart felt heavier—and stronger—than ever before.

> "Ding! New Passive Buff Unlocked: Bloodline Legacy—Protection Lv.1. Minor luck boost + family favorability bonus active."

Summer chuckled under her breath. "Heh... Let's see what the world has for me next."