“You finally came home, and now you’re grown up and leaving. What am I supposed to do?”

Mom clutched at me, her voice breaking.

“You’re my flesh and blood. How could I not love you? It’s impossible to treat everyone the same, but I’ve done my best. And you’re still not satisfied. Fine—take my life if that’s what you want!”

I froze, then exhaled, utterly drained.

“Why would I want your life? You don’t owe me anything. I don’t owe you anything. Our family’s just fine as it is.”

Her eyes rolled back, and suddenly she dropped to her knees in front of me.

“You’re blaming me for introducing Nick to Verena, aren’t you? Fine, I was wrong—your mother was wrong!” She slammed her forehead against the floor, blood instantly welling up. “Forgive me this once. I’ll take a hundred thousand from my retirement tomorrow, give it to a matchmaker, and find you a rich husband. I won’t hesitate!”

Dad shot up, glaring.

“Do you see this? You’ll drive your own mother to her death! If nothing else, we’ll kneel too. It’s all our fault you were even born!”

And with that, he dropped down beside her.

Verena let out a choked sob.

“Sister, I know you hate me. After I get married, I’ll move out. I’ll never fight you for our parents’ affection again. Just don’t leave. You don’t know how much they missed you during those eight years…”

I numbly pulled a photo album from the drawer. Before I left, I wanted to at least take some of my own pictures. But when I opened it, every page was filled with smiling photos of the three of them. Not one of me.

I pointed at a snapshot of them on the beach.

“Is this the eight years you’re talking about?”

I flipped to another, the three of them laughing at a claw machine.

“Or this one?”

My voice was steady, but bitter. “Truly touching. The joy really does come from my sorrow.”

Their faces tightened with guilt, but none of them could speak. Looking at their expressions—identical in selfishness—I felt a sudden, icy smile stretch across my face. Truly a family. Even their cruelty matches.

Then Dad’s phone rang. I answered, and a cheery voice rang out.

“Mr. Locke! Congratulations, I heard your daughter just got engaged. Why didn’t you tell me? I would’ve sent a cash gift to my goddaughter! If it weren’t for your Instagram post, I wouldn’t have known. After all, you only have one daughter—Verena!”

My blood ran cold. Ten years I’d been back, and for ten years they’d hidden me. To the outside world, I didn’t exist. He even blocked me from his IG story.

I sneered into the receiver.

“Yes, my sister’s getting married. Don’t forget to send the money—for my parents’ cash gift.”

Snapping the phone shut, I grabbed my suitcase. Verena lunged forward, clutching the handle.

“Sister, you can’t leave! Mom and Dad won’t survive without you. Please—if someone has to go, I’ll go instead!”

I turned on her, voice like ice.

“You’re not trying to stop me—you just can’t bear to lose the 1,500 dollars a month.”

I leaned close.

“Remember this, Verena: everything you have now came from me. And one day, I’ll take back every penny.”

I pulled the suitcase from her grip and headed for the door.

At the stairwell, footsteps pounded behind me. Verena lunged again—but in her haste, she misstepped. With a sharp gasp, she tumbled down the stairs.

A scream split the hallway.

Mom rushed forward, cradling Verena in her arms, her face twisted with anguish.

“Si Si, my dear girl, are you hurt? Hold on, I’ll take you to the hospital!”

Dad stormed over and slapped me across the face.

“Miranda, when will you stop making trouble? Verena is your own sister! If you hadn’t run off years ago, none of this would’ve happened. She stayed with us for eight years—what right do you have to raise a hand against her?”

His voice thundered.

“I’m telling you now, Verena is my only daughter. If you dare touch her again, you’ll be the death of me! And don’t even think about leaving without five hundred thousand!”

So that was it. All about money.

Verena lay limp in Mom’s arms. Fury consumed her as she abandoned her daughter and lunged at me, clawing and striking.

“You lunatic! How could I have birthed a monster like you? No wonder you were kidnapped—you deserved it! Eight years of torture wasn’t enough. You’re nothing but a parasite, a debt collector, a bloodsucking demon!”

Her blows split my skin; I fought back so hard my fingernails tore from their beds, blood soaking my sleeves. My screams echoed, rattling the building.

I saw a neighbor’s door crack open—just as my father kicked me down the stairs. Then he bowed low, his voice suddenly contrite.

“Sorry, everyone. Our daughter’s unstable. She’s lost control again. We’ll take her home right away.”

Murmurs rose in the hall.

“I knew the Locke family had a lunatic. Turns out it’s true—an adopted girl, no less. How ungrateful.”

“Poor Verena. Beaten by her own sister for no reason.”

Despite Father’s excuses, the police still arrived. Verena was rushed to the hospital. My parents, without hesitation, dragged me in front of the officers.

“She pushed Verena down the stairs!” Mom cried.

Dad added grimly, “Her injuries are severe. The wedding might be delayed. She must pay compensation! Half a million—or we’ll see her in court.”

Blood and tears stung my face as I trembled.

“Fine. Then we’ll go to court. Let’s settle this once and for all. Since you don’t want me, we’ll cut ties here.”