Reborn Heiress: Taking Back What Is Rightfully Hers!
Chapter 361: Feigning Innocence

Chapter 361: Feigning Innocence

Someone shouted, and the reporters immediately looked toward the entrance, setting off a wave of chatter.

These gossip-hungry reporters clearly remembered the events of years past. Back then, Hannah had gone to extreme lengths to secure a legal certification for Brianna’s dissociative identity disorder, even going so far as to sleep with a well-known doctor.

At a press conference, Robert had publicly played that scandalous footage, exposing the twisted family betrayal for all to see. Who could forget such a rare, soap-opera-like scandal?

It was a spectacle people would remember for a lifetime, even if no one mentioned it.

Ella’s lips curved into a slight smile—she’d guessed it correctly after all!

If Hannah had returned, she’d be sure to make her presence known.

As LXL’s "lady boss," Ella gracefully stepped forward, extending her hand toward Tiffany with a smile. "Welcome to LXL, Ms. Fox, and happy birthday."

Tiffany smiled warmly, shaking her hand lightly. "Mrs. Nelson, it’s wonderful to meet you in person. You’re even more stunning than I’d heard."

"You flatter me, Ms. Fox. You’re the goddess of men and a queen to women," Ella replied with a polite smile.

The two exchanged pleasantries, and Ella was slightly surprised by Tiffany’s friendly and outgoing demeanor. Had she misread that flicker of disdain in Tiffany’s eyes earlier?

Tiffany greeted the other guests graciously, while Ella’s gaze shifted to the end of the red carpet, where the other woman finally appeared.

Hannah.

After three years, she looked fuller, more radiant, and undeniably more beautiful.

She wore a long, striking red gown that accentuated her fair skin, making her appear even more captivating.

Hannah’s hair was elegantly swept up, and she was accompanied by two maids and flanked by two bodyguards on either side.

The man at her side, holding her arm, had a dignified aura and bore a resemblance to Mason. Ella recognized him instantly—it was Logan.

A wave of gasps and murmurs swept through the crowd.

With such an entourage, it was as if royalty were making an entrance.

Ella stood calmly, composed as she watched them approach.

"Look, it’s Hannah! Who would’ve thought she’d return after disappearing for three years?"

"Is her mental illness cured? I heard she was taken in by someone from an aristocratic family."

"Talk about luck! She was infamous in Country S, yet she somehow managed to attract a noble’s attention in Country W!"

"Hannah’s even more gorgeous now. I remember how gaunt and miserable she looked when a reporter secretly photographed her in the psychiatric hospital."

"With Hannah back, Mrs. Nelson has herself a new rival. After all, she holds the Davis Group shares."

"This will be interesting!"

The crowd’s whispers intensified, and Ella raised an elegant eyebrow, smiling calmly but with an unreadable gaze.

Logan, escorting Hannah, came to a stop before Ella. He appraised her briefly, clearly recognizing the impressive presence of the woman standing before him.

Hannah widened her eyes, feigning a look of innocent surprise, as if she barely recognized Ella.

Ella nodded at her coolly. "Hannah, you’re back."

She addressed her simply as "Hannah," not "sister."

The crowd’s breath collectively held, and the room grew silent as everyone strained to hear what would unfold between these sisters, whose past conflict had once rocked S City.

Hannah said nothing, staring at Ella with a hint of terror in her eyes.

Logan quickly patted her hand, murmuring, "Don’t be afraid. I’m here with you!"

Ella raised an eyebrow. "Hannah, don’t you recognize me? It’s been three years—you seem to be doing well."

"It sounds as if you’d prefer she wasn’t," Logan said coldly. "Miss Davis, how harsh of you. It’s been three years, and you can’t even call her your sister."

Ella appeared unfazed by his sharp words, simply gazing at Hannah.

Suddenly, Hannah let out a shriek, her face filled with terror as if she’d seen a demon. She hid behind Logan. "A devil...she’s a devil...she hit me...Logan, I’m so scared!"

The crowd gasped.

No one expected Hannah, who had seemed so composed, to fall apart so dramatically in front of Ella.

"Don’t be afraid. I’m here. You’re safe," Logan reassured her.

Ella’s gaze darkened. Hannah was playing a cunning game, making it appear that Ella had mistreated her in the hospital. This performance would surely fuel the doubts of those already displeased with her.

"She hit me. It hurt so much!" Hannah’s raspy voice grated on the ears, amplifying the crowd’s suspicions as they turned toward Ella.

Ella let out a light laugh. "Is my sister’s condition not fully recovered yet? Such nonsense."

She remained calm, with no one at her side for support until Amanda stepped forward. "Ella, is this the Hannah who’s been missing for three years? What happened to her that she’d be so terrified of you?"

Amanda’s question deepened the crowd’s curiosity. Indeed, no rumors or evidence had ever suggested that Ella had mistreated Hannah during her hospitalization, and past reports had shown Hannah as perfectly stable.

"Keep quiet if you’re not involved," Logan snapped, shooting Amanda a cold look.

Amanda flinched but found unexpected courage simply by standing next to Ella, her role model.

"Her illness is fully cured," Logan said gently. "What she just said is likely the truth. Hannah, I’m here with you. Don’t worry; she can’t harm you."

Reporters’ cameras flashed furiously in Ella’s direction.

Hannah stepped out timidly, her whole body trembling. "S-Sister..."

Her raspy voice and tearful eyes were filled with fear and helplessness—a truly impressive performance.

Ella nodded calmly. "It seems your recovery isn’t as complete as you claim. Just moments ago, you were the picture of a dignified princess, but now you’re cowering at my presence. Did someone suggest something to you?"

She was right: Hannah had adopted a helpless, innocent demeanor—a clever choice to elicit sympathy, despite her unsavory past.

"My...my illness is cured!" Hannah exclaimed, raising her voice. "Sister, stop slandering me!"

Ella’s smile was radiant. "If that’s true, why such emotional swings? I’d never mistreated you, but since this is Ms. Fox’s birthday party, I’d rather not make an issue of it."

Hannah lowered her head, her face somber and tear-streaked. "Sister...please, don’t...don’t hurt me anymore."