Seven years ago, the Hawley Group faced a severe financial crisis. Ethan Hawley was pressured by his father to marry Bianca Kingsley in exchange for a crucial investment. Ethan refused, declaring he would marry no one but Sophia Judd. Unbeknownst to him, Sophia learned of the situation and, not wanting to hinder his future, left him despite being pregnant.
Enraged by the rejection, Bianca attempted to kill Sophia with her car. Believing she had succeeded, Bianca didn't know that Sophia had survived with a severe head injury that left her with cognitive impairments. Rescued by a kind stranger, Sophia returned to her hometown and, with the help of neighbors, gave birth to her daughter, Lily Judd.
Seven years later, Sophia's old injury resurfaced, requiring a surgery costing 500,000. To raise the money, Lily scavenged for recyclables in an upscale neighborhood, where she accidentally crossed paths with Bianca.