Chapter 1

So, my new, ultra-rich family can hear my every thought.

On my first day living in their mansion, they transfer their precious adopted daughter 100,000 dollars for "pocket money." My phone pings a moment later. They've sent me a grand total of fifty bucks.

I scoff.

Fifty bucks? Seriously? My last part-time gig on the assembly line paid better.

They all look down at me, their expressions dripping with condescension, waiting for me to grovel and scrape.

But then, their expressions freeze as my next thought echoes in their minds.

[Wait, a top family's combined monthly allowance for their daughters is only 100,050 dollars? You couldn't even buy a square foot of aerospace-grade thermal shielding with that.]

[Why would I even bother fighting over this chump change?]

[I have a production quota of thirty spacecraft to meet by the end of the year. I have real problems to solve, like planetary defense systems. I don't have time to play "who's the favorite child."]

*****

The moment my birth parents and I stepped through the ridiculously ornate gates of Sterling Manor, a girl threw herself at my feet.

I jolted and sidestepped on instinct.

Stubborn, she shuffled forward on her knees, wailing.

She choked out, tears streaming down her cheeks. "It's all my fault. I'm the one who stole the life that should have been yours, Samantha.

"I'm on my knees begging for your forgiveness. If you can't forgive me, I'll go back to the slums myself!

"Whatever it takes to make you happy, I'll do it!"

In the gilded living room, my parents and three older brothers immediately swarmed around her, forming a protective wall that left me on the outside looking in.

My mother, Eleanor Sterling, rushed to help Emily Sterling up, her voice tight with annoyance aimed at me.

"Samantha Sterling, that's enough. How can you be so cruel to your sister?"

My father, Richard Sterling, just leveled me with a disapproving stare.

David Sterling, my eldest brother, sneered.

"What do you expect from a girl raised in the boonies? All she knows is dirt and factory grease. Now she's pulling these cheap stunts for attention."

I was too busy gawking at the room's interior to register their little drama. My eyes were practically glowing.

[Wow. No wonder the Sterling family are leaders in the advanced materials industry. Even their house is decked out with top-of-the-line composites.]

Their collective anger vanished, replaced by stunned confusion. They exchanged glances and stared at me in shock.

[I'm so glad I listened to the director and took the time off to do this whole 'long-lost daughter' thing. With me as the connection, my factory won't have to stress about material supply.]

Richard's brow furrowed, his gaze turning sharp and suspicious.

David just snorted in disgust.

Ryan Sterling, my third brother, shot me a lethal glare.

He said coldly, "Let me be clear. Emily is the only sister we'll ever acknowledge. Don't even think about competing with her for a place in this family or in the company."

Richard cleared his throat, shifting into a fatherly tone.

"Samantha, dear. You've been working in a factory your whole life. Adjusting to the high society must be hard."

He pulled out his phone and tapped the screen a few times.

A second later, the ancient burner phone in my pocket blared in its robotic voice. "Fifty dollars received."

"Hold onto that for now," he said softly. "Once you've settled in a bit, we can discuss a real allowance."

He then turned to the still-sniffling Emily, his expression melting into pure adoration.

"Emily, we raised you. You are my daughter, and nothing will ever change that.

"In fact, I'll bump your allowance to 100,000 dollars. Consider it a little something to make up for all this."

He held up his phone again, beginning the transfer immediately.

Emily's tears vanished, replaced by a radiant smile.

But she still had to play the part, shooting a smug, sidelong glance at me as she feigned protest.

"Oh, Dad, you shouldn't. You should give the money to Samantha."

Her voice was sickly sweet. "After all, she's had such a hard life, struggling in the countryside or grinding away at that factory. She needs the money so much more than I do."

The gloating was obvious, but I just frowned.

[Is the Sterling family really this broke? One hundred grand bucks is all they give their daughter?]

Richard's thumb, hovering over the confirmation button, froze.

Emily stared at him, confused by the pause.

David broke the silence with a mocking laugh.

"Come on. I bet you've never even seen ten grand in your life. Do you even understand how much money that is?"

I felt a genuine pang of disappointment.

[Is 100,000 dollars supposed to be a lot? That won't even cover a square meter of our new thermal insulation tiles. My workshop's weekly budget for coffee and donuts is more than that.]

David's smile froze.

[Well, I guess I can live with them being a little poor. At least the family business is in advanced materials.]

[I'll ask Dad later if he can pull some strings to get Sterling Industries to partner with the lab.]

[They are my blood relatives, after all.]

[I should help them out. Their product line is probably gathering dust.]

An awkward silence fell over the room. Aside from the clueless Emily, every member of my new family had a strange look on their face.

Richard finally completed the transfer to Emily and stormed out of the living room with a livid face.

After dinner, Eleanor led me to a small suite next to the dining room on the first floor.

"Samantha," she said flatly. "The upstairs bedrooms aren't ready yet. You'll have to make do with this for now."

Emily, clinging to her arm, whispered with feigned concern, "Mom, this is the maid's quarters. Is it really right for Samantha to stay here?

"Maybe I should give her my bedroom?"

Before I could say a word, Eleanor jumped in, already getting worked up.

"Absolutely not! These tiny, cramped rooms are for the staff. How could I possibly let you, my precious daughter, stay in a place like this?"

I almost laughed out loud.

[This family is hilarious. The maid's room is too degrading for their precious adopted daughter, but it's perfectly fine for their actual flesh and blood?]

A flash of embarrassment crossed Eleanor's face before she shot an irritated glare in my direction. She turned back to coddle Emily.

"Samantha grew up in the country. She's used to mud huts with no running water or sleeping in cramped factory dorms. Frankly, this is a huge step up for her.

"But you, darling? You've only ever known luxury. You wouldn't last a night in here."

She was so worked up that she actually started to tear up.

Emily put on an understanding smile.

"It's okay, Mom. My room should have been hers all along."

Her face fell again into a mask of self-reproach.

"I've occupied her place for over twenty years. It's time to give it back."

Eleanor sniffed. "Emily, don't say such things! No matter what, you will always be my baby girl."

The two of them went back and forth before collapsing into a dramatic, tear-filled hug.