The Return of the Dead Billionaire

Today is the tenth anniversary of Henry Judd's death. I'm brewing the tea he loved when he was alive. The tea leaves unfurled in the water, their fragrance drifting out, but they couldn't warm the slightly chilly living room. Henry's parents sat on the sofa, their expressions darker than the gloomy sky outside. The doorbell suddenly rang. I wiped my hands and went to open the door. Standing outside was a woman in an off-white dress, holding a boy in her arms. Her makeup was flawless, her eyes carrying a carefully crafted gentleness. "Excuse me, are you Celia Mendes?" She asked with a smile. I nodded, "Yes, that's me. And you are?" "My name's Wanda Anderson," she said, stepping aside and pushing the boy forward, "This is my son, Leo Judd." Leo Judd? My heart skipped a beat. That name—Henry mentioned it before, saying one of his childhood sweethearts had a name with "Wanda" in it. "Is something wrong?" I blocked the door, not letting them in. Wanda pushed my hand aside and walked into the living room. "Mr. Judd, Mrs. Judd, long time no see." She smiled at my parents-in-law. Mrs. Judd immediately stood up and grabbed her hand. "Wanda, you finally came! Just sit down!" I stood there like an outsider. Wanda took a document out of her bag and placed it on the coffee table. "This is the paternity test report," she said. "Leo is Henry's biological son and the sole heir of the Judd family." I walked over and picked up the report to take a look. The test results were clear as day: Leo and Henry share a biological blood relationship. Mr. Judd cleared his throat. "Celia, now that Wanda and Leo are back, it's time for you to hand over the company affairs." I looked up at him. "Dad, I've been holding this company up by myself for the past ten years. When Henry passed away, it was almost bankrupt." "But it's still the Judd family's property," Mrs. Judd interrupted, "Leo is the Judd family's bloodline; the Company belongs to him." Wanda took my hand, her tone sincere: "Celia, I know you've had a hard time, but Leo is still young—I have to think about him. Don't worry. From now on, I'll take good care of Mr. Judd and Mrs. Judd, and I won't forget all you've done for me." I pulled my hand back, my fingertips turning cold. It's been ten years, and everything I've done for the Judd family means less to them than a simple paternity test. "Fine," I nodded. "I'll hand over the Company. I'll go handle the paperwork tomorrow." Mr. Judd and Mrs. Judd sighed in relief, while Wanda's eyes flickered with a touch of triumph. I turned back to the kitchen and switched off the gas stove. The tea in the pot had gone cold—just like my feelings toward the Judd family.