The narrator, Elena, recounts her life story. Born to a single mother who was a con artist, Elena pretended to be mute and helped her mother scam people. However, when Elena was seven, a man discovered their scheme, and Elena suddenly spoke out to defend her mother, revealing she wasn't mute. Her mother was eventually arrested for robbing a bank, and Elena was sent to a foster home.
A woman, Mrs. Miller, claimed to be Elena's birth mother and had been searching for her after discovering Elena was switched with another baby at birth. Elena moved in with Mrs. Miller, who was wealthy and a top lawyer. Elena bonded with her new brother Jeremy and tried to navigate her new life.
However, Elena's new "sister" Stella, who was actually the switched baby, became suspicious of Elena and eventually discovered her past. At a birthday party, Stella revealed the truth about Elena's mother, causing a huge argument. Jeremy intervened, revealing that he knew Elena was his real sister, and Stella was shocked.
Stella ran to her room and later passed out from shock. When she woke up in the hospital, she was angry with Elena, but eventually, Mrs. Miller reassured her that she loved both Elena and Stella equally. The story ends with the family embracing and promising to love and accept each other.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. Elena was born to a single mother who entertained people on the streets.
2. Elena's mother would often dress her up in shabby clothes and pretend to be a beggar to get money from people.
3. Elena was unable to speak until she was seven years old.
4. Elena discovered that her mother was a con artist who made fools out of people and took money from them.
5. Elena refused to be a part of her mother's business and threatened to go to the police if she didn't stop.
6. Elena's mother got her enrolled in a public school, and Elena made many friends.
7. A woman named Mrs. Miller claimed to be Elena's birth mother and told her that she was switched with another girl at birth.
8. Elena took a DNA test, which confirmed that Mrs. Miller was her birth mother.
9. Elena moved in with Mrs. Miller, who was rich and had a large house.
10. Elena met her younger brother Jeremy, who was shy and struggled with his studies.
11. Elena helped Jeremy with his studies, and they bonded over their shared struggles.
12. Stella, who was thought to be Mrs. Miller's daughter, became jealous of Elena and felt threatened by her presence.
13. Stella discovered the truth about Elena's past and revealed it to everyone at a party.
14. Jeremy revealed that Elena was his real sister, and Stella became upset and ran to her room.
15. Stella passed out from shock and was taken to the hospital.
16. Mrs. Miller assured Stella that she loved her just as much as Elena and would never replace her.
17. The family hugged and made amends, with Elena and Stella promising to be there for each other.