Chapter 3

My father, who had been furious just moments ago, paused. His tone softened slightly: "What nonsense are you talking about? You're my only daughter! How could I ever abandon you?"

I pouted and pointed at Megan: "What about her? Isn't she here to be your daughter? Isn't she moving into our home?"

My father said without thinking: "She's Victoria's daughter. If you don't like it, she can just call me 'Uncle Richard' instead."

Seeing their chance at the mansion slipping away, Victoria and Megan's faces stiffened.

Megan put on her most pitiful expression: "Uncle Richard, does Emma not like me?"

Victoria immediately jumped in: "Richard, are we making things difficult for you by being here? If Emma really doesn't want us, I won't force it."

"As long as I can be with you, anywhere is home."

My father was instantly moved by this heartfelt declaration.

He took a deep breath. "Emma, from now on, Victoria is like your mother! And Megan is like your sister. You need to treat them well."

My hands clenched tight, my nails digging into my palms.

The flowers on my mother's grave hadn't even wilted yet, and this woman was supposed to be like my mother?

"Dad, it hasn't even been thirty-five days since Mom passed. You two were childhood sweethearts, deeply in love. Is Victoria really in such a hurry?"

At the mention of my mother, guilt flickered in my father's eyes. He finally stopped insisting.

"You're right, I wasn't thinking clearly. Victoria, why don't you and Megan stay at the apartment downtown for a few days?"

Victoria stared at me, a flash of venom in her eyes.

She clutched her injured forehead and said weakly: "Richard, you know I'll do whatever you say..."

Before she could finish, she fainted. Megan nearly burst into tears.

"Mom! What's wrong? Please don't scare me! You know your health isn't good!"

My father went into full CEO-rescue mode, scooping her up and shouting: "Doctor! Where's the doctor?!"

I sat on the couch, smirking coldly. So what if she used this trick to stay?

I had plenty of ways to get rid of them!