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.

In the fitting room, Megan held my gown, her silence speaking volumes.

The deep blue chiffon sparkled faintly, inspired by Van Gogh's "Starry Night." The layers of the skirt cascaded dramatically, creating a breathtaking effect.

I unfastened my clothes and slipped into the gown.

Megan, gazing at my back, suddenly exclaimed, "Your back…"

My back was crisscrossed with scars, a disturbing sight.

I calmly tied the sash of the gown and asked, "Curious about where these scars come from?"

The fitting room was spacious and soundproof, so there was no worry about eavesdroppers.

I let go of any pretense of gentleness, my demeanor turning icy. The click of my heels on the floor was sharp and imposing.

"A few years ago, Grandpa and I were out when we were involved in a car accident. I shielded him from the impact, and the shattered glass cut through my back.

"I was in critical condition and spent over a week in the ICU. Grandpa had only a few scratches—so few that even the doctors called it a miracle.

"There was no miracle. Someone took the hit for him," I said, stepping closer to Megan and savoring the disbelief on her face. "Do you think saving a life is less significant than being of his bloodline?"

Megan's voice was raw with rage. "Are you threatening me?! Do you think Grandpa's support makes you untouchable? He's going to die someday, and then all the inheritance will go to my dad!"

I shrugged. "We'll see about that."

I actually welcomed Megan's return.

The Parker family's intrigues and dangers were like a pit of vipers, and I needed a foolish yet useful scapegoat to help me reach the top.

Megan was perfect for the role.

In the end, the heir to the Parker family could only ever be me.