Our family is planning a ski trip at a luxury resort. However, my mother gives my snow-view room to my adoptive sister and makes me, her biological daughter, stay in the storage room.

I'm about to protest when my father and brother accuse me of being selfish.

"We've always given Madie the best of everything; she won't be able to sleep in any other room."

"Madie is our family—she's the one who's lived with us this whole time. We're a family, so we have to stay together."

I'm the one who shares their blood, yet they consider me an outsider. If that's the case, they can go on vacation without me.

I board a cruise and travel the world for a month without ever going home.

That's when they panic.

Having just finished off a big project, I had some time off. And since it was my birthday, our family decided to go skiing at the Isle of Loui.

I started planning for the trip and picking out ski gear a month in advance.

I had to manage everything myself since my parents and younger brother were not interested in handling the details.

However, this was my first family trip since I got lost over 20 years ago and returned. Although exhausted, I found it worthwhile.

The Isle of Loui was known for its four mountain slopes, stunning scenery, and state-of-the-art facilities.

Their seven-star-ranked accommodations were often fully booked, with reservations hard to come by. As such, I made sure to book rooms for my entire family in advance.

My brother, Fable Lewis, mentioned that his classmates would stay in the top-floor suites, where they could see the snow-capped mountains at first glance.

I ended up using some of my savings to upgrade our rooms.

The night before our departure, I happily shared my travel plans when Mom suddenly said, "Madie heard that we're going skiing and wanted to come along. Since there are only three rooms in the suite, you should stay somewhere else. I've already paid for it."

She then sent me an electronic receipt.

Momentarily stunned, I asked, "What did you say, Mom? You're bringing Madeline along?"

"That's right." She nodded, as if it was obvious. "It's a family trip, of course we're bringing her."

I clenched my fists. "My adoptive mother wanted to come along too when she heard about our skiing trip, yet you refused to let her. You said that you wanted our family to be together and didn't want anyone else there. So why is it okay now that Madeline wanted to join us?"

"How can she compare to Madie?" Mom pursed her lips. "Although you're my biological daughter, Madie has been with us for 23 years. She'll always be family, and will forever be my daughter."

"Since you cherished her so much, why do you still want me back?" I asked.

"What's with your attitude?" Mom frowned and scolded me, displeased with my questioning. "There are no available rooms left on the island, so I had to give yours to Madie. Do you expect her to stay in the storage room?"

I was surprised to hear about the storage room. Then, I realized that what she sent wasn't a proper receipt but a handwritten note.

After receiving the money, an employee on the island agreed to put a bed in the storage room, which housed the ski gear. They allowed me to stay for a few nights there.

I asked, "So you're letting your biological daughter stay in a storage room just so your adoptive daughter can be comfortable?"

"Why are you being picky when you've been wandering outside for years? Sleeping in a storage room is better than sleeping under a bridge!" Mom replied.

I chuckled coldly, turning to look at Dad and Fable, who were sitting on the couch.

Fable looked away and mumbled unhappily, "Madie has been with us all the while. It's only natural for a family to stay together."

Dad adjusted his glasses and coaxed, "We've been providing the best for Madie all these years, she wouldn't be comfortable staying in a storage room.

"You've always been understanding, Heidi, surely you'd get it, right? I know it's unfair to you, but we'll celebrate your birthday properly once we get to the estate."

Why should I be the one backing off when Madeline was clearly the one stealing my identity? Must I suffer just because I was understanding?

I smiled mockingly. "I wonder who here is your actual family? People might've thought Madeline is your biological daughter and sister instead. I shouldn't have returned if I knew this was happening."

"I knew it—a child who wasn't raised by us would never see us as family." Mom started pointing fingers and scolding me as if she finally found a way to attack me.

She continued, "We're just asking for a room change, it's not like we're not bringing you along. And yet, you're saying such things—you really disappoint me, Heidi.

"Back then, Madie chose to go abroad just to let you experience a complete family. Even after she came back, she was worried you'd mind, so she dared not come back home and rented a place herself. But now, you're even refusing her a room? How could you be so selfish?"

At that moment, the doorbell rang. Fable hurried to open the door and smiled affectionately at Madeline Lewis, who was standing outside. "Dad, Mom, Madie is back!"

Fable eagerly helped Madeline to bring in her large suitcase. He then gave her a hug and said, "I missed you so much, Madie! You're finally willing to come back!"

Mom's anger completely vanished as she lovingly took Madeline's hand. "My dear girl, why must you make yourself suffer by staying outside? Just stay here from now onward. You're my daughter—no one can ever take away your place."

Dad quickly nodded as he handed Madeline a glass of water. He then patted her shoulders, comforting her.

They played out the scene of a perfect family of four before me, while I completely gave up on them.

Madeline had enjoyed her 23 years as the Lewis family's adoptive daughter. However, when the Lewis family went bankrupt, she chose to go abroad without hesitation.

For the past few years, everything they ate, wore, lived in, and spent came from my hard-earned money.

Fable was only 13 when I returned. My parents didn't have the time or energy to look after him, and his grades were disastrous. I spent a fortune hiring the best tutors and even donated two million dollars to the school just so he could continue his studies.

I treated them as family, giving my all to each and ensuring they had a good life. But no matter how much I tried, to them, I was never better than their adoptive daughter.

Madeline blinked innocently and leaned into Mom's embrace. "I'm sorry, Heidi. You wouldn't have to stay in a storage room if it wasn't for me deciding to join in suddenly. I only want to stay together with Mom, Dad, and Fable, just like I used to. Surely you wouldn't blame me for it, right?"

Fable made some oatmeal for Madeline. While feeding her, he smiled nonchalantly and said, "You're just too kind-hearted, Madie.

"How could you stay in a storage room when you've always been the princess of our family? What if you ran into bad guys? Unlike her—even the bad guys wouldn't spare her a look when she's such a tomboy."

They continued to laugh and chatter, looking beyond close.

Mom eventually noticed how dark my expression was. Only then, she casually coaxed, "Alright, I know it's unfair to you this time, but there's no going around this. Didn't you mention wanting to change cars a few days ago? I'll agree to it."

Was I a charity case?

"You can just transfer me the 1.36 million dollars." I replied, without hesitation.

"You should consider yourself lucky. I'm willing to allow you to get such an expensive car, yet you're still asking me for money? You're asking for too much, Heidi."

I smiled sarcastically. "Oh, I forgot that you don't have any money left, and you're currently using my supplementary card. That's strange—why are you making a fuss when you're not paying for it? Why do I still need your permission when I'm using my own money?"

Five years was a long time—long enough for them to forget how they were barely surviving when they were bankrupt. They have all forgotten that I was the one in charge of Lewis Corporation, and they were all relying on me to support them.

"How could you say such a thing to Mom, Heidi?" Madeline stood up with reddening eyes just as Mom and the others remembered my importance and were about to soften their attitude.

She continued, "How could you be so particular when we're all family? We wouldn't be here if it weren't for Mom and Dad. Of course we'd need to get their permission in whatever we do! Buying a car is a big decision—we'll definitely need their approval."

"As expected, Madie is so thoughtful." Dad glared at me and said, "Hurry up, apologize to your mother, and prepare dinner. Are you trying to starve us?"

I gave the housekeeper a few days off because we were about to go on a ski trip. I wasn't expecting them to boss me around.

I pursed my lips and asked Madeline, "Since you've been staying with the Lewis family for so long, you must know how good Dad's cooking is."

She replied, "Of course! Dad even took cooking classes just to ensure I eat well. My favorite dish of his is—"

"You've heard her, Dad. Your beloved daughter wants to eat your cooking. So, go on and prepare our dinner." I then started scrolling my phone leisurely.

Mom was displeased with my actions. "How could you ask your father to cook when he's getting older? What if he falls? You should hurry instead."

"Are you getting older now, Dad?" I feigned surprise as I looked up. "Surely you can't go skiing then? How about you stay at home instead?"

Dad loved skiing but hadn't been able to go for the past few years due to their bankruptcy. He wasn't about to be left behind.

He snapped, "Who said I'm getting older? I'm in great shape!"

"What are you waiting for? Hurry up and go cook for your beloved daughter then!" I said.

Dad pulled a long face as he busied himself in the kitchen.

By the time dinner was ready, Fable set up four sets of cutlery and sat Madeline down at my usual seat.

"There's none prepared for you," Dad said as he served her some spaghetti. "I only cook for my family. Someone who's petty and particular doesn't deserve to eat."

I couldn't believe my ears. I was only defending myself, yet I somehow became the petty one.

Perhaps what they wanted wasn't a daughter, but a scapegoat.

I wasn't about to indulge him.

I quickly helped myself to a plate of pasta and finished it off. Under their shocked gazes, I then gracefully wiped my mouth, took my keys, and headed for the door. "I've got things to do. Enjoy your meal, everyone."

It would be foolish for me not to eat anything when I was the one who paid for everything.

Just as I was about to reach the door, Mom came back to her senses. "Where are you going? We're departing tomorrow. How are we supposed to leave when you haven't packed up for us?"

"Do you have no hands, or are you just useless? Even a three-year-old would know to take care of their own business—don't you understand it?" I replied.

Mom choked. By the time she wanted to reply, I had already put on my shoes and walked out of the house.

Since they liked Madeline so much, I'll let her have the role of the daughter of the Lewis family.

They could deceive my emotions, but not my money. I would be a fool to let them take my money to support someone else.

…

When I returned home after meeting with the bank president, it was already 11:00 pm.

The house was completely dark, and no one bothered to check on me even when I came back so late. They were all fast asleep.

I stumbled in the dark while heading back to my room. As soon as I opened the door and tossed my handbag onto the chair, I heard a piercing scream.

Surprised, I hurriedly turned on the lights. I then saw Madeline crouched by the cabinet where I stored my jewelry and watches, her arms thrown up to protect her head. She was wearing my jewelry around her neck, ears, and wrists.

"What a shameless woman!" My anger flared up upon seeing what was happening.

I then pulled her up and gave her a slap. Tugging on her hair, I roughly yanked away all my jewelry from her.

"What are you doing? Why are you hitting Madie?" Madeline's screams woke up everyone. Mom pulled her into her embrace and scolded me with a frown.

I threw the stolen jewelry onto her. "Look at what your beloved daughter is doing—breaking into someone's room without permission and stealing things!"

"Stop accusing her! She wouldn't have entered your room if she wasn't trying to help you pack for the trip. Not only did you stay out all night, you even accused her without cause—have you got no shame, Heidi?" Mom said.

I replied, "You said she's packing for me, but why was she doing it in the dark? Does she have night vision?"

Mom refused to admit what was actually happening. She snapped, "This is Madie's house—she can go wherever she wants! Stop creating trouble out of nothing!"

I couldn't be bothered to waste my time with them and pulled my phone out. "Why aren't you leaving yet? Are you waiting for me to call the police on you?"

Frightened, Madeline tugged on Mom's arm as she sobbed quietly. "It hurts, Mom."

Mom felt beyond heartbroken. "Come, I'll tend to your injuries. Let's not bother dealing with a crazy woman."

As soon as they stepped out, I immediately locked the door. I then sold off the jewelry worn by Madeline on a resale platform and donated the money.

After that, I put on earplugs and slept through until noon the next day.

However, my good mood only lasted until I stepped out of my room.

Mom stood in front of my door, her expression dark as she demanded, "Are you deaf? I've been calling for you! We're set to depart at 10:00 am, but look at the time now!"

"Just leave on time then. You're a family of four anyway, why wait for me?" I replied.

"What's your problem now? Today's your birthday—who are we supposed to celebrate with if you're not going?" Mom asked.

"Oh, I almost forgot that this trip happened because of my birthday. I thought you were the one paying for the entire trip instead."

Mom couldn't stand me reminding her that she was broke. She got so angry she was about to hit me.

Madeline quickly stopped her and said, "I'm sure Heidi didn't mean to be late, Mom. Please don't be mad. It's rare for us to have a family trip together—let's just enjoy it and be happy."

"As expected, Madie is so thoughtful," Dad praised her. He then turned around to scold me, "You've been working for many years, yet you still have no sense of time. While we might tolerate you, your company workers and clients might not!"

Beside him, Fable pursed his lips. "You're such a lazy person. It's so embarrassing to have a sister like you!"

The smug look on Madeline's face was barely concealable when she received approval.

Mom pointed at the suitcases downstairs. "Alright, now that you're up, we'll head out first. The suitcases downstairs are all for the trip, don't forget to put them in your car later."

I couldn't believe they actually left eight large suitcases—each weighing at least 50 pounds—all to me.

I raised my brows and smiled. "Sure, just leave them all to me."