In the face of absolute power, lineage was nothing more than a joke.

The real heiress, Megan Turner, returned to the Parker family and strutted around like a peacock, flaunting her superiority.

She saw me as an enemy, buttering up our parents and older brother while covertly provoking me, trying to stir up trouble and get me cast aside by the family.

Yet, despite her provocations, I chose to respond with grace and patience.

It was laughable. No high society would ever abandon a carefully cultivated heir for the sake of a mere blood relative.

——

Tonight, the Parker family gathered at Parker Villa, and even Dylan Parker was there, sitting at the head of the table in silence.

Dylan, the head of the Parker family, commanded respect, and his silence kept everyone else muted.

Megan, oblivious to the weight of the room, clung to my mother, Belinda Parker, sobbing uncontrollably.

"Mom, I've suffered so much these years. The orphanage was horrible—barely enough for me to eat or wear. Later, I struggled to find part-time jobs and was mistreated. Living alone in a basement was cold and frightening. I dreamed of finding my family every night!"

Belinda's heart softened at Megan's tearful story. Her eyes grew misty as she gently comforted Megan. "Oh, sweetie, you're finally home. I promise I'll make it up to you."

I sat beside my father, Vincent Parker, and my brother, Landon Parker, maintaining a serene smile, seemingly sharing in the joy of this mother-daughter reunion.

My aunt, always one for drama, noticed my calm demeanor and took a jab. "Well, it's good you're back. Your mother has shed so many tears looking for you over the years, hasn't she, Riley?"

Years ago, the Parker family had mistakenly taken me for their heiress, naming me Riley Parker and raising me as such. Now that the real heiress had returned, it was only natural that the high-society family, known for its love of intrigue and backstabbing, was set for an inevitable showdown between the genuine and the imposter.

I offered a gentle smile. "Yes, our family has missed Megan dearly. Now that my sister is back, I'll be sure to take good care of her."

My calm acceptance left my aunt speechless.

Landon leaned in, his voice barely a whisper for my ears alone. "Hypocrite."

I smirked inwardly, thinking, If I'm a hypocrite, then he's some kind of saint? He's only brought his real sister back to suppress me—how touching.

Megan, wiping her tears away, pointed at me with a snarl. "Sister, my foot! Now that I'm back, you need to get out! You've enjoyed my life for long enough. Lucky you, but now it's time to give it back!"

Her words struck the room like a cold silence.

I chuckled inwardly at Megan's naivety.

She didn't understand that no high society would easily cast aside a carefully nurtured heir, nor did she realize the lengths I'd gone to in order to secure my place within the Parker family.

Belinda, hearing this, hurriedly covered Megan's mouth. "Megan, don't say that…"

"Why should she cling to the Parker family like this? Doesn't she have any parents?" Megan's anger escalated. "She's nothing but a thief. It's time she knows what it's like to be out on the streets, getting mistreated!"

Despite the insults, I maintained a gentle smile. I glanced at Megan, my high-fashion gown contrasting sharply with her casual jeans and T-shirt, making her look even more out of place and shabby.

Megan jumped up again, furious. "What are you so smug about? You stole my life…"

Suddenly, Dylan, seated at the head of the table, slammed his cane down with a heavy thud.

The room fell into a deathly silence.

Dylan had single-handedly built the Parker family's empire. Even though he was past his prime, he still exuded a commanding presence. When he was angry, the entire Parker family trembled.

Megan fell silent, clearly intimidated.

"If she's back, then she should be properly cared for. Riley has contributed a lot to the Parker family over the years and is half a Parker now. Of course, she should stay," Dylan declared.

Vincent nodded in agreement. "Yes."

Dylan shifted his tone. "However, this matter should not be made public just yet. With the media constantly watching the Parker family, revealing this now could impact the company's stock prices. Riley's career is just getting on track, and no one should interfere."

Megan shot me a glare as sharp as a blade.

"She's not really a Parker. Why should she inherit our family's business?" Megan pressed aggressively.

My aunt, relishing the drama, added fuel to the fire. "Riley has done a lot for the Parker family over the years. It's only right she inherits the business!"

Megan's face turned a mottled shade of red and purple, like a flashing light. Despite Belinda's attempts to calm her, she only shook with rage, her frustration almost comical.

Dylan, in a rare display of fury, shattered a cup on the floor. The sharp crack echoed through the hall as he said coldly, "I'm about to lose my patience with all of you!"

Vincent, ever decisive, slapped Megan hard across the face. The force of the blow sent her head sideways, leaving her face red and swollen, looking like a bruised mess.

"Dad, she just came back. We'll make sure to discipline her properly," Vincent said, trying to appease Dylan with a sheepish grin.

Dylan snorted in disdain and got up to leave. "This farce is over. You all need to get out. I don't want this Parker Villa tainted with your nonsense."

As everyone rose to see Dylan off, I stood as well. Dylan gave me one last penetrating look before striding out without another word.

Megan finally reacted to the sudden slap, crying and protesting, "Why did Dad hit me? In TV dramas, parents are always happy to find their lost daughters. But Dad—he's so heartless! Mom, you need to stand up for me!"

Belinda sighed in frustration, rubbing her temples. "Alright, alright. Let's just go home and sort this out."

I watched from the back seat as Megan clung to Belinda, coaxing and cajoling her. All the while, I couldn't help but smirk inwardly.

Megan had Belinda wrapped around her finger, using Belinda's softer side to her advantage. But Belinda was the least powerful in the Parker family, unknown to Megan.

Belinda had been a famous star during her time, chasing after the wealthy heir Vincent with relentless persistence until she managed to worm her way into the Parker family. But how long could one survive on mere beauty? As her looks faded, so did her standing in the Parker family.

Landon, noticing my calm demeanor, remarked, "You don't seem scared at all."

I smiled wryly at Landon, "It should be you who's afraid. I'm just a pawn in the Parker family business, doing what Grandpa says. But Megan, with her blood ties, will be dividing the inheritance with you. Hmm..."

Despite his polished appearance, Landon was greedy. He was determined to maintain control of the Parker family's empire, unwilling to share, not even with his siblings.

At my words, Landon's face darkened. "So where do you stand? I'm the most suitable heir, while Megan is just a country bumpkin. Grandpa might spare her a few crumbs."

I maintained a poker face. "Brother, you jest. I'll naturally stand by Grandpa. He's the one who decides about the inheritance."

Landon sneered. "You've gotten a bit too big for your britches, haven't you? Just a pawn, not a legitimate Parker, you have no right to inherit. No matter how well you manage the business, it's just you doing the Parker family's bidding. You're nothing but a pet to us!"

We had arrived home by then. I ignored Landon and exited the car alone.

The mansion, located in the heart of the city, was opulent and prime real estate, commanding a high price per square foot.

Megan, having led a lonely life, was awestruck by the luxury. She scrutinized everything like a country bumpkin, then burst into a wild laughter. "Hahaha! This place will be my home!"

I chuckled. "Yes, I've had your room prepared. Want to take a look?"

Megan scowled haughtily. "I don't want your maid's setup. I want yours! Everything that's yours is mine to inherit!"

I spoke gently, "Your room is the grandest of all, with its own little garden. Really, you don't want to see it?"

"I don't want it! I want yours! I'm the Parker family's heiress!"

Vincent intervened, scolding her, "Megan, your sister's room has a study. She needs it for her work. Don't be so unreasonable!"

Megan wept and whined, saying, "It's all because I arrived too late. Dad, you don't dote on me. You even hit me in front of everyone, and now you're yelling at me!"

Vincent, with a headache, rubbed his forehead. I, understanding the situation, offered, "It's fine. I'll have the butler send some people to move my files and books tomorrow."

Megan moved into my room as she pleased. Everything in the house was new to her, and suddenly possessing vast wealth and finding her parents and brother had her jumping with joy.

Landon, unimpressed, muttered, "Disgraceful," before retreating to his own room, never to emerge again.