Reversed Destinies of the Fake Heiress Ch 6

Chapter 6 Changed
Jocelyn stood as a formidable figure in the world of tech—someone whose presence demanded respect. Even the most powerful leaders from across different realms would find themselves acknowledging her authority. Though her face was adorned with heavy makeup, there was an undeniable aura about her—an unapproachable, commanding energy that made it clear she was someone not to be trifled with.
As the curious eyes of those around her watched, Jocelyn raised her hand and knocked on the door, which had been shut tight.
Knock, knock, knock.
After a brief moment, the door slowly creaked open.
The person who greeted her was a woman in her mid-years, frail and pale, giving off the impression of someone who might have stepped out of a tragic story. Her delicate appearance made her seem like someone one would instinctively want to protect.
“Are you … Jocelyn?” Shana asked, her voice filled with disbelief. She froze for a moment, her eyes wide with confusion.
Jocelyn met Shana’s gaze, her voice calm and steady as she replied, “Mom, I’m back.”
Shana’s eyes filled with tears. “Wh-what did you call me?” Her words were thick with emotion.
Just yesterday, Shana had approached Jocelyn, but Jocelyn had harshly rejected her. Not only had she refused to recognize her, but she also humiliated her by saying she couldn’t bear to have a mother like Shana.
Shana had been devastated, powerless in the face of her daughter’s coldness.
Though Jocelyn didn’t want to admit her, the Moores, who had the power, were more than willing to take her in, leaving Shana no choice but to let go.
But now, just one day later, Jocelyn had returned and called her “Mom” without hesitation.
Is this some sort of dream?
Shana had a past filled with pain of her own.
At 19, driven by love, she had become pregnant with twins.
However, during the delivery, the nurse told her one of the babies had passed.
After her daughter was born, her once-loving partner disappeared without a trace. She later learned from the police that everything about him was fabricated—his name, his address, even his background.
He had been nothing more than a smooth-talking con artist.
Back then, it was a scandal for an unmarried girl to have a child, so when Shana’s parents found out, they pressured her to give up the baby and even tried to arrange a marriage for her.
But Shana couldn’t part with her newborn daughter. She defied her parents and left home with her baby in tow.
For years, Shana worked countless odd jobs to support her daughter.
Life as a single mother was difficult, but she never gave up on raising her child, refusing to remarry.
Looking at Shana now, Jocelyn’s heart softened. She gently enveloped her mother in an embrace. “Mom, I’m sorry. I was immature before. Please forgive me. From now on, I’ll be here for you.”
“I-I’m just … so glad you’re back … ” Shana’s tears flowed freely as she pulled Jocelyn inside. “Jocelyn, come in. It’s humble here, don’t mind it.”
In contrast to the Moores’ grand mansion, the Leifs’ dim, underground apartment was far from humble—it was barely even livable.
The living room was no larger than 30 square feet. The yellow wallpaper had peeled off in patches, revealing the cracked cement walls underneath. The floor, rough and uneven, was damp, and the air was thick with a musty smell.
In one corner of the room, a wobbly three-legged table stood, its fourth leg propped up by a broken stick.
An old-fashioned black-and-white television sat on a weathered stand, looking more like a relic than a modern appliance.
Jocelyn had never expected to find something like this in the current age.
Despite the rundown state of the room, everything was surprisingly clean.
There was no unpleasant odor, a testament to Shana’s care in maintaining the space.
“Here, Jocelyn, have some water,” Shana said, bringing over a glass.
“Thank you, Mom,” Jocelyn replied, accepting the glass with both hands and taking a sip.
As Jocelyn drank, Shana’s eyes—the same eyes Jocelyn had inherited—were filled with astonishment.
Jocelyn has changed. She’s no longer the same person.
Just a few days ago, when Jocelyn had visited, Shana had offered her water, only to have Jocelyn turn up her nose in disdain.
“I only use Evian to wash my face. You want me to drink this? Are you trying to poison me?”
At the time, Shana had no idea what Evian was. She had later learned that it was a high-end brand of bottled water.
Today, however, there was no sign of judgment in Jocelyn’s eyes.
Still, Shana felt slightly awkward in front of her. “Jocelyn, dinner will be ready soon. Is there anything you want me to make for you?”
Jocelyn put the glass down and thought for a moment. “Mom, do you have a bathroom? I’d like to take a shower first.”
Her face was still covered in heavy makeup, and there was a lingering smell of alcohol. Right now, Jocelyn just wanted to relax and wash off the remnants of the day to feel like herself again.
…
Upon hearing this, Shana immediately nodded. “Yes, yes! Come with me.”
The bathroom was located at the far end of the apartment. It was cramped, just large enough for one person. Any more than that, and there would be no space to move around.