Part 3The Long-Lost Daughter Comes Home

Riddled with guilt, my parents spent the next three days doting on me.

Vivian, too, did a complete one-eighty. It was “Sophia this” and “Sophia that,” acting as if I were her favorite person in the world.

My parents were thrilled. “See? Vivian is so mature. That’s our good girl.”

As a reward for her excellent behavior, they bought her a mountain of luxury goods.

On the fourth day, my new little brother, Aiden, returned from a school trip, eagerly showing off the gifts he’d brought back.

“A lighter for Dad, perfume for Mom, and a silk scarf for my sister! I remembered all your favorites!”

Everyone received an exquisitely wrapped present. Except for me.

Seeing the four of them looking like a perfect, happy family, I quietly started to head back to my room.

My mother finally noticed my retreating figure. “Aiden!” she gasped. “Didn’t you get a gift for your sister Sophia?”

Aiden pouted. “I only have one sister, and her name is Vivian.”

Just then, my grandfather walked in and overheard him. His temper flared instantly. The old man placed a premium on bloodlines, and Aiden’s ear was about to pay the price.

“You little brat!” my grandfather roared, twisting Aiden’s ear. “Who taught you to talk like that? Sophia is your real sister! Vivian is just a girl we happened to raise. An outsider! Don’t you know the difference between family and a guest? I ought to thrash you!”

The word “outsider” struck Vivian like a dagger. She didn’t dare talk back to our grandfather, so she just glared at me, her eyes burning with resentment.

Aiden howled in pain. “I don’t know what an outsider is! Vivian is my only sister!”

Grandfather twisted harder.

Hearing their son’s pig-like squeals, my parents’ hearts broke. They begged Grandfather to let go.

“Dad, please, calm down! We’ll talk to Aiden, we’ll teach him…”

“Hmph!” Grandfather couldn’t stand to see his grandson cry either. He let go and pulled me over to the sofa. Surveying the scene, he quickly understood.

“My granddaughter is the only one without a gift? Unbelievable. The nerve of you people. Sophia, don’t you worry. Grandpa’s got your back! The Lockwood family heirlooms are for you and you alone. No one else gets a thing!”

Vivian’s face crumpled, tears welling in her eyes.

My mother spoke up cautiously. “Shouldn’t Vivian also get…”

Grandfather cut her off. “My possessions are for Lockwoods only. Some people have impure hearts. The sooner they’re sent away, the better.”

Even with her thick skin, Vivian couldn’t take it. She fled to her room, sobbing.

My father grumbled at Grandfather. “You were too harsh. I watched Vivian grow up. I know what kind of person she is better than you do.”

“You brainless fool,” Grandfather sneered. “How did I ever raise such an idiot?”