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.

The next day, Belinda took me shopping for haute couture at a high-end boutique.

Megan, thrilled, flipped through a stack of fashion magazines, exclaiming, "I want this one, and that one, and all the ones I mentioned before!"

I lounged on a nearby sofa, sipping champagne and waiting for my gown to arrive.

Tonight was a charity gala hosted by some of the top entrepreneurs in the industry. Both my parents, Landon and I, were required to attend. I had commissioned this gown two months ago in preparation for the event.

It was a new fall haute couture design by an exclusive LV designer, and there was only one in the world.

Megan twirled in front of the mirror, trying on the stunning clothes with evident satisfaction.

She glanced over at me and said with a hint of mockery, "Sister, aren't you going to pick out something for yourself? If you don't like anything here, it's fine. Just choose a couple of pieces, and I'll have Mom get them for you."

"No worries, you go ahead. I'm not interested in the clothes," I replied casually.

Megan, full of herself, turned back to admire her reflection. She likely thought that I was walking on eggshells within the Parker family, constantly needing to watch my step while she, as the rightful heir, had everything under her control.

Belinda sighed. "Megan has been away for so long; she's a bit insecure. I know you're the most understanding, so please be patient with her, okay?"

I nodded. "Don't worry, Mom. Everything I do is for the Parker family, and I'll certainly be good to Megan."

Just then, a few sales associates walked in carrying a box. "Ms. Parker, your haute couture gown has arrived. Would you like to try it on now?"

Megan's voice suddenly sharpened. "What gown? Why don't I have one?"

Belinda explained, "This gown is for tonight's charity gala. It was ordered two months ago. Megan, you can also get your measurements taken today. I'll arrange for a designer to create something for you, alright?"

That was a bit of a joke. Belinda didn't have the connections to contact LV's designers. I had developed those ties while working in France and had secured this custom gown as a gesture of goodwill.

Megan's eyes darted around, and she suddenly leaned in with exaggerated enthusiasm. "Sister, why don't you try it on? I'd love to see how you look in it!"

"Sure, how about you help me put it on?" I suggested with a smile.