Chapter 2

The room erupted in chaos. My mother rushed over, giving me a hard shove. Yet, I stood my ground, unfazed.

"Lucy, how have you become so savage after five years? Hitting your sister like this?" Mother yelled, her eyes blazing with anger. "You really are an uncultured child. Apologize to Amy immediately, or don't even think about coming back home!"

I picked up the scissors from the ground, sneering, "Mom, what are you saying? Dad only had me when he started the business. Is this sister of mine someone else's child?"

Mother turned red with rage, about to explode, but Amy held her back.

"Mom, please don't be angry with my sister on my account. If she likes the scissors, let her have them. After all, she suffered on my behalf in the Midwest. I owe her." Amy said, feigning innocence. "If it weren't for my poor health, Dad wouldn't have adopted her, as a charity for me. In the end, I should thank her."

As Amy finished speaking, guests around us gave me disdainful looks.

"So, she's just an adopted stray, acting so arrogantly, she really doesn't know her place!"

"Exactly, I would have kicked her out long ago."

Mother pointed at the scissors in my hand and instructed Dad's secretary, "Give the scissors to Miss Amy."

The secretary rushed over, snatching the scissors from me and handing them obsequiously to Amy. "Miss Amy, please continue with the ribbon-cutting. I'll handle this crazy woman for you."

I couldn't believe my eyes, looking at Uncle Leo, who had watched me grow up, acting as if he didn't know me at all. But I quickly regained my composure, sneering, "Uncle Leo, if you want to give her the scissors, fine. When Dad returns, I'll tell him you've lost your mind and should retire."

Uncle Leo's face turned pale, eyes flickering with uncertainty. "Miss, just because I call you Miss, don't think you're really the heiress. This house has always been run by Madam and Miss Amy. I've worked diligently for over twenty years and have never been humiliated like this. Madam, you must speak for me!"

I glared at him, "You've been by my dad's side for years and can't even tell who his daughter is?"

Uncle Leo was at a loss for words, looking to Mother for help.

In my previous life, I never understood why Mother treated me this way for a stray. It wasn't until my dying moment that I learned the truth behind it. Now, given another chance, I want to see who really gets kicked out.

Mother was about to speak when Amy intervened, "Mom, today's the brand launch and sister's back. It's a joyous day. Let's not argue over this little thing. How about letting sister cut the ribbon?"

Mother's face darkened even more, "This brand was specially created for you by your dad. How can she cut the ribbon? Your dad will be here soon with the Mayor to give you an award and be photographed for the paper!"

Looking at the woman who once doted on me, I felt nothing but unfamiliarity.

When I was young, we went on vacation to the suburbs and met Amy begging by the roadside. Mother insisted on adopting her at first sight.

Dad thought it would be good for me to have a companion, but once Amy was in the house, Mother had no room for me. She only saw Amy as her daughter.