She and Ryan had both taken their mother's surname.
Back then, the Linton Family was one of the most prominent and wealthy families in the city. Her maternal grandmother had passed away early on, and her maternal grandfather never remarried. With her mother being his only daughter, she was the one to inherit the family business.
Later, her mother met their now scum-of-a-father, William Chapman, and married him against her grandfather's wishes.
Her mother died from complications while giving birth to Ryan. Unexpectedly, just half a month later, William Chapman brazenly moved in with Yvonne Miller and her daughter, who was even older than Ryan.
Her grandfather died of anger, and the Linton family business naturally fell under William Chapman's management. After seventeen years of mismanagement, the Linton Group finally collapsed.
In her previous life, she didn't know how to fight back. No matter how much it pained her, she left things to fate and allowed the Linton Group to be preyed upon by others. But in this life, she wouldn't make the same mistake.
The acquisition was now irreversible, but she felt she had to do something.
After a simple meal, Annabelle Linton dressed up and headed to the Linton residence.
Sitting in the car and looking at the familiar streetscape, she found herself dazedly recalling bits and pieces of her past life.
But every memory was heartbreaking. 'It seems all that's left is pain and regret.'
In this life, she didn't want to repeat her past mistakes, nor did she want to waste her life again.
She followed the familiar route to the current Linton family villa, feeling none of the joy of a daughter returning home.
Annabelle Linton rang the doorbell. The one who opened the door was Yvonne Miller.
Yvonne Miller came to the door all smiles, but when she saw no sign of Leona Grant beside Annabelle, her face instantly reverted to its usual sharp, mean expression. Without even glancing at Annabelle Linton, she turned and walked back inside.
"Well, well, I was wondering who it was. If it isn't the great Miss Linton, back home. What wind blew you here? Here all by yourself?"
From the day Yvonne Miller moved in, the two of them had been like fire and water—sworn enemies.
In the past, the woman had bullied her and Ryan endlessly. Annabelle Linton hated her to the very bone.
Annabelle Linton curled her lip nonchalantly. "What's so strange about me coming back to my own home? Or could it be that Auntie doesn't want me back?"
"How would I dare? This is your family's world, after all!" Yvonne Miller said with contempt.
"Then shut up."
Yvonne Miller choked, then belatedly realized something.
'Is this the same timid, weak-willed Annabelle Linton from before?'
Annabelle Linton set down her bag, sat on the sofa, and glanced around casually. "Where's Ryan?"
"Oh, please. I wouldn't dare meddle in the young master's affairs. All he knows how to do is take money and go drinking and carousing. He hasn't been home for days. If I'd given birth to a son like that, I'd be too ashamed to show my face in public."
Annabelle Linton's brow furrowed.
She knew that while Ryan Linton might seem wild and rebellious, he was actually more ambitious than anyone. Yvonne Miller was just slandering him.
'The only reason Ryan doesn't come back is because he hates this house, isn't it?'
Annabelle Linton gave an indifferent smile. Seeing the household staff ignoring her as if she weren't there, her gaze darkened slightly.
'The staff here all fawn over the powerful and trample on the weak. They must treat Ryan the same way. If I don't straighten them out, his life here will only get harder.'
Annabelle Linton crossed her arms, a sharp glint in her eyes. She shouted sternly, "I've been here for this long! Are you all dead?"
The maids standing by were shocked. 'Is this the same good-tempered young miss from before?'
"Oh, taking your anger out on the servants, are we? A daughter married off is like water splashed out the door. If you're so tough, go discipline the servants at the Grant Family's estate. Why are you throwing a tantrum here? Utterly shameless!" Yvonne Miller sneered, leaning against a table with her arms crossed.