Chapter 1

On the day I gave birth, I watched with my own eyes as my nanny swapped my newborn baby with her own.

I pretended not to notice.

For eighteen years, the nanny’s son lived under my roof, eating the finest food, wearing the best clothes, and enjoying every luxury my wealth could buy. He eventually graduated at the top of his class and secured a full-ride scholarship to an Ivy League university.

Meanwhile, I stood by and watched the nanny micro-manage my "son’s" life, constantly beating, verbally abusing, and humiliating him.

On the day of his graduation party, the nanny burst into the ballroom, holding a DNA test report to crash the celebration. "Toby is my biological son!" she screamed. "It’s time we swap them back!"

I curled my lips into a smile. "Sure."

"Mrs. Vance, I bought the cake Toby wanted, and your favorite desserts too. I’ve put them in the fridge."

Brenda, the nanny, had a flattering smile plastered across her face. Whenever she looked at Toby, her eyes practically overflowed with deep, maternal affection.

Ever since I brought the baby home from the hospital, she had poured her heart and soul into him. It was as if she wanted to give him the entire world.

If Toby wanted something, she would make sure he got it instantly.

Whether it was gourmet food or expensive toys.

Even Richard was starting to worry that Toby would end up spoiled and entitled.

But I knew the truth. Brenda just wanted her own son to live the best possible life and enjoy every luxury.

I didn't expose her. I just nodded and watched her put the cake in the fridge.

Behind her stood a small, scrawny boy dressed in patched-up, oversized clothes.

He had a thin, hollow face and sunken eyes. He looked much smaller and weaker than other kids his age.

This was my "son."

Brenda had legally named him Lucas, but she only ever called him "Trash."

As Lucas walked into the kitchen, Brenda slapped him hard across the face. "Where are your manners? Didn't I teach you to greet people when you walk in?"

Just then, Toby ran down the stairs. Before he could even speak, Brenda rushed over to him, her voice dripping with sweetness. "Toby, sweetie, do you want some cake?"

"Thanks, Brenda. Can you plate it for me, please?"

He flashed a bright, sunny smile that could melt anyone's heart.

Brenda's face lit up with joy. She immediately grabbed the cake, plated it, and even set the fork down perfectly for him.

Once she was done, she turned back to her trembling biological son standing in the corner. She kicked him hard in the shin. "Why are you standing there looking like a kicked puppy?

Get back to your room! Just looking at you ruins my day!"

Lucas fell to the floor, his head hitting the hardwood with a dull thud. Tears welled up in his eyes.

But he didn't cry. He scrambled back up immediately, wiping his eyes with his sleeve.

Even Toby looked startled by the violence.

But Lucas just stood in front of Toby, bowing slightly. "I'm sorry, Toby. I'm sorry, Mom."

Clearly, he was used to this treatment. He knew exactly what to do to quiet Brenda’s rage.

I was used to it too.

After all, Brenda lived with us. In the beginning, she only beat Lucas behind closed doors.

But once she did it in front of me and realized I didn't care, she stopped hiding it.

She would find any excuse to hit him right in front of my face.

Even for something as trivial as not saying hello.

And Lucas had learned to apologize instantly.

0