Chapter 4
Scarlett
As we returned to the Sterling mansion, I was still riding the high of successfully breaking off my engagement. Alexander's hand remained in mine, giving me an overwhelming sense of security.
But the moment we pushed open the front door, I could tell something was off.
Everyone was gathered in the living room, including my adoptive father Harrison, who should have been holed up in his study at this hour. Their expressions were unusually grave, like they were waiting for some big announcement.
"Scarlett, you're back." Emily stood up, her voice noticeably strained. "Come sit down. We have something important to tell you."
Alexander frowned, clearly picking up on the tension too.
"Today I'd like you all to meet someone," Harrison cleared his throat, his tone more serious than I'd ever heard it. "The Sterling family's biological daughter—Victoria. We've finally found her."
My blood ran cold.
Before he could finish, the side door to the living room opened. A familiar figure walked in with graceful poise.
It was her!
The woman from the gala who was screwing around with Blake!
I'd initially thought it was just a coincidence they shared the same name, but now...
Victoria wore an off-white dress, her long hair cascading over her shoulders, makeup flawless. Her steps were light and elegant, her face bearing a gentle smile—completely different from her attitude in the bathroom earlier.
"Dad, Mom," Victoria's voice was sweet and melodious as she approached Harrison and Emily. "I've missed this home so much."
Emily rushed forward to embrace her: "My precious daughter, you're finally home! Mom has been waiting forever for this day!"
I stood there frozen, completely stunned. Though I'd always known I was adopted, the Sterlings had never mentioned bringing their biological daughter back. Even worse—this biological daughter was the woman who'd been hooking up with Blake!
[Holy shit! Blake's side piece is the real daughter]
[This is about to get messy]
[She's here to take your place]
The mysterious comments appeared again, flashing across my vision like lightning, each one confirming my worst fears.
"I've always known I was adopted," I struggled to keep my voice steady, "but I never expected to meet your biological daughter under these circumstances."
Victoria turned to me, something unreadable flickering in those deep eyes. She walked toward me, each step like she was marking her territory.
"Sister," her voice was soft, but I caught the underlying mockery, "about Blake, I'm truly sorry."
"Sorry?" I let out a bitter laugh. "You sleep with my fiancé and say you're sorry?"
Victoria blinked innocently, her expression pure as an angel's: "Blake and I have real love, and..." she paused, her gaze sweeping across the living room, "I am this family's real daughter."
Her words hit me like a punch to the gut. Though I'd always known my status, having Victoria standing before me triggered a wave of panic—the fear of being completely replaced.
[She's declaring war!]
[Watch your back with this one!]
The comment system went crazy, each warning screaming danger.
"Victoria," Harrison's tone softened, "you must have had such a rough time all these years. From today on, this is your home."
Emily held Victoria tightly, tears streaming down her face: "My baby, Mom is so sorry. We let you suffer out there for so many years."
Watching this touching mother-daughter reunion, I felt more like an outsider than ever before.
From within Emily's embrace, Victoria's eyes locked directly with mine over Emily's shoulder, filled with smug satisfaction and pure malice.
Alexander suddenly squeezed my hand tighter: "Regardless, Scarlett is part of this family."
Victoria looked at Alexander, something calculating flashing in her eyes: "That's so sweet of you. But..." her smile grew even sweeter, "family is family, isn't it?"
At dinner, the atmosphere got even more tense.
Throughout the meal, Emily fussed over Victoria: "Sweetheart, you must have been through hell all these years. Mom will make it up to you from now on. What do you want? I'll get you anything."
"It's okay, Mom," Victoria said with practiced grace. "Being home is all I need. I don't want anything material, just being with family is enough."
When Emily turned to me, her tone noticeably cooled: "Scarlett, you should learn from Victoria's maturity. Look how thoughtful she is, unlike you who's always..."
She didn't finish, but her meaning was crystal clear.
I gripped my fork tightly, fighting to control my rage.
Victoria looked at me with fake concern: "Sister, your decision to break off your engagement today was really brave. Now that you're single again, have you thought about getting your own place? Young people should have their independence, don't you think?"
[She's trying to kick you out!]
[Your adoptive parents are already turning]
[Your spot in this family is toast]
The comments flashed like alarm bells.
"Victoria, Scarlett is family," Alexander frowned, clearly annoyed.
Victoria smiled sweetly: "Of course, I'm just making a suggestion. After all, the house is getting a bit... cramped now." She deliberately paused, looking around, "Such a big house needs proper... organization."
When she said "cramped," her eyes bore into me, like I was some unwanted clutter that needed to be thrown out.
Harrison nodded thoughtfully: "Victoria has a point. We should reorganize the living arrangements."
My heart dropped.
Harrison continued: "Victoria has suffered enough. She deserves the best room."
"And my room..." I asked carefully.
"Your room is still yours," Victoria jumped in before anyone else could answer, "but since I'm back, maybe we could... redistribute? After all, I am the real daughter."
She emphasized "real daughter," each word stabbing into me like a knife.
[Shit's about to hit the fan]
[She's going to take everything from you]
[Including Alexander]
The last comment made me snap my head up to look at Alexander. His expression was complicated and unreadable, with a hesitation I'd never seen before.
"Alexander?" I called his name softly.
Alexander avoided my gaze, saying only: "We'll talk about this later."
Victoria caught this exchange, her smile growing more triumphant: "Alexander, have we met before? You seem familiar. And..." she paused deliberately, "I think we're going to get along really well."
"We shouldn't have met before," Alexander's answer was curt, but I noticed his gaze lingering on Victoria longer than it should have.
Something was seriously wrong.
[Watch out, she's not just after your position]
[She wants the whole damn Sterling family]
The warning from the comment system made my pulse race. I was beginning to realize Victoria's ambition was way bigger than I'd imagined.
Victoria stood up gracefully: "Mom, Dad, I'm exhausted. I'd like to go to my room."
"Of course, sweetheart," Emily immediately responded with concern. "Which room would you like?"
Victoria's gaze drifted between Alexander and me: "I'd like to be on the second floor, preferably..." she paused for effect, "the one with the garden view."
That was my fucking room.
"That's Scarlett's room," Alexander finally spoke up.
"Oh," Victoria acted like she just realized, "what a coincidence. But it's fine, we can switch, since..."
She walked up to me and leaned close to my ear, her voice so low only I could hear:
"Since it should have been mine all along."
Then she straightened up and smiled sweetly at everyone: "Goodnight, family."
When she said "family," she deliberately looked at me, her eyes clearly saying: "You don't belong here."
Victoria had definitely won round one.