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Chapter 5 Could They Be Sisters?

Just as Natalie walked through the door, her phone rang. It was her best friend, Bella Swan.

Bella's voice came through the phone, "Natalie, why'd you take so long to answer?"

Natalie took a deep breath and replied softly, "It's late. Why aren't you asleep yet? What's up?"

Bella suggested cheerfully, "Let's hang out for your birthday the day after tomorrow."

Natalie smiled. Bella was such a good friend. She'd been so busy with hospital visits that she forgot her own birthday, but Bella remembered.

"Bella, thank you," Natalie said sincerely.

Bella said, "Don't get too emotional. I got you a gift too!"

A gift? Natalie's heart warmed. Besides her mom, only Bella remembered her birthday.

After hanging up, Natalie rummaged through her bag. She was stunned to find a diamond pendant inside. She picked it up and examined it closely. The pendant had a cloud pattern, looking both understated and luxurious.

When did Bella slip this in? She hadn't noticed at all.

Natalie hesitated for a moment, then texted Bella: [Saw the gift. I love it. Thanks, Bella.]

Putting down her phone, Natalie wore the diamond pendant around her neck, tucking it under her shirt. She really liked it.

The next day, as soon as school ended, Natalie dashed to the bus stop. The Howards were coming over for lunch, and Renee had reminded her multiple times to be home on time.

When she hurried to the villa entrance, Daniel's blue sports car pulled up in front of her. Daniel got out and stared at her.

Daniel preemptively asked, "Why are you running so fast? I waited at the school gate for ages and didn't see you."

"I came straight home after school," Natalie said. Not wanting to chat, she turned to go inside.

A black Bentley pulled up in front of Daniel's car. Daniel waved at the people inside. "Adrian, Rachel, you guys are right on time."

Natalie hadn't expected to see Adrian at the door, let alone that Daniel knew him.

Adrian got out, nodded at Daniel, and glanced at Natalie. She froze.

Oh no, she forgot her mask!

Daniel quickly introduced them to Natalie. "Natalie, this is my cousin Adrian and my cousin Rachel."

Then he turned to Adrian. "Adrian, this is my classmate, Natalie."

"Natalie," Adrian repeated, recalling the trembling maid who served him coffee earlier.

"You two know each other?" Daniel looked surprised, and even Rachel gave Natalie a curious glance.

Adrian walked closer to Natalie, his eyes probing her face. She looked so much like Alice. It was the first time he'd seen two people look so similar.

From the moment he approached, Natalie grew tense, terrified he'd recognize her as the woman from that night.

She stammered, "We don't know each other."

Adrian raised an eyebrow, watching the trembling woman. "What's your relationship with Alice?"

Natalie's palms were sweaty with nerves.

Just then, Alice stepped out of the villa in a light pink dress, her makeup flawless. "Adrian, you're here," she said sweetly.

Daniel glanced at Alice and was shocked at how much she resembled Natalie. He laughed. "Adrian, could Natalie and Alice be sisters?"

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