Chapter 2

Scarlett marched up to the microphone, her voice full of fake emotion. "I've been missing for twenty years, suffering all this time. She stole my life, and now she wants to take my family's business too! Is that fair?"

Basically every big shot and business heavyweight in Astarbrook was here tonight, including some of the Blake family's biggest rivals, like the Clarke family.

Eric Clarke, the head of the Clarke family, couldn't help but throw in a snarky comment. "Mr. Blake, that seems pretty unfair, don't you think?"

A few people started nodding along with Eric, and Matthew's face turned a little red with embarrassment.

These people were practically salivating at the thought of the Blake family falling apart so they could swoop in and grab a piece of the pie.

Meanwhile, the girl —Scarlett Vaughn, as I later found out—wore a grin, like she'd just hit the jackpot.

I walked up to the stage and grabbed the mic. I cleared my throat and smiled. "The Blake family has always believed that the most capable person should inherit the family business. That's why our company has thrived for generations."

"Unlike some families like the Clarkes," I added with a sweet smile, "where they let their emotions dictate who gets the crown, no matter the consequences."

The Clarke family? Talk about chaos. Eric Clarke has a wife, but also a whole bunch of side chicks; his illegitimate kids climb to the top just because Daddy dotes on them.

Just last month, one of those favored brats cost their family hundreds of millions.

Eric forced a smile, his tone dripping with condescension. "You're still young, sweetheart. Family wealth should stay within the family. Letting outsiders in… who knows what could happen."

I pretended to think for a second. "Guess I'm still too green to scheme like you, Mr. Clarke. That's why your daughter doesn't carry your surname, right? She's not even part of the family business, huh?"

Eric's face turned red, and without another word, he stormed out.

Truth be told, Eric was basically a trophy husband—he only made it this far thanks to his wife's influential family. He even had his own daughter take her mother's last name just to lock in more support.

Matthew gave me a look overflowing with pride and gratitude, laid a hand on my shoulder, and I smartly stepped aside, letting him have the floor.

He turned to the crowd, his tone apologetic but firm. "We didn't expect things to go this way tonight. It's true — Nora isn't our biological daughter.

"But after twenty years, she's as close to us as any child could be. As for the heir position, the Blake family will always follow the principle: the capable will inherit. We'll make our decision carefully."

His words not only reaffirmed my place in the family but also reassured everyone in the room. The Blake empire was in good hands.

Just as Matthew finished speaking, Nicholas Blake walked through the door. The moment all eyes landed on him, he looked visibly nervous.

Nicholas shot me a look that was basically begging for backup, then sized up Scarlett, his eyes lingering on her for a few seconds as if piecing things together.

Nicholas was no fool. It only took him a second to figure out what must've gone down.

He greeted Matthew and Emily. "Dad, Mom, sorry I'm late."

Matthew just nodded, not saying anything more.

"Nora, this is the new painting by Mr. Smith you love so much. It took a lot to get it," Nicholas said, carefully handing me a bag.

Inside was a painting—his thoughtful gift, clearly something precious.

"Thank you, Nicholas," I murmured, genuine gratitude in my voice.

"Nicholas, I'm your real sister," Scarlett suddenly cut in, pulling me back a little.

Nicholas didn't deny it, nor did he explain. He just said quietly, "It all happened suddenly. I only prepared a gift for Nora this time. I'll make it up to you later."

Scarlett shot me a smug, triumphant look, then giggled sweetly, "Thanks, Nicholas."

After the party, Matthew and Emily took Scarlett to the hospital.

By the time they came back that night, the tension between the three of them had completely melted away.

In fact, they seemed closer than ever. Looked like Scarlett had managed to charm them just fine.

Nicholas made up for it and handed Scarlett her own gift. "Welcome home, Scarlett."

Watching her surrounded by all of them, laughing like a happy family, I figured I'd better slip away quietly.

"Nora, I'm really sorry about earlier. I was too impulsive earlier today. Mom and Dad already talked to me. Please, just stay here and make yourself at home," she said, her voice dripping with fake sweetness.

She was acting like a totally different person from the one who'd caused a scene at the party, but I could hear the real message behind her words.

Pretending not to notice, I just smiled and said, "No worries, Scarlett. Whatever makes you happy."

Her lips twitched as she forced a smile, then ran over and grabbed my hand.

"Nora, Dad said I can start learning how to manage the company. That means soon I'll be able to handle things alongside you and Nicholas," she announced, all sunshine on the surface.

""Hope you guys don't mind if I'm a bit clumsy," she added.

She even stuck her tongue out playfully.

Nicholas's expression twisted briefly, and he hurriedly spoke up, "I don't know the first thing about running a company. Just help Nora out, okay?"

I nearly laughed. The guy lived for art—asking him to run a company was like asking him to stop breathing.

But Scarlett didn't get any of this; she probably just thought he was backing down because he couldn't win against me.

She walked right up to Nicholas and looped her arm around his, putting on her sweetest, most clingy act.

"I just know you'll do great, Nicholas. If Nora's already so impressive, you must be even more amazing. Everyone knows boys are smarter than girls, so only you can lead the company and take care of both me and Nora!" she said, really playing up the cute little sister routine.