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.