The Unwanted Heir's Takeover
At the dinner table, my adoptive mother slid the only steak onto my brothers plate.
A growing boy needs his protein or hell get stupid, shed said. A girl can make do with bread and scraps.
In that instant, my brothers eyes glazed over. Hes been babbling like a toddler ever since.
When I was eighteen, they started a vicious rumor to scrape together cash for my brother. My adoptive father swore an oath to the whole town. "I saw it with my own two eyes! Old Man Hemlock dragging my daughter into the cornfields. I'd have to be blind to mistake my own kid!"
The next second, my father's world went black. He hasn't seen the light of day since.
Later, when the Quinnsthe obscenely wealthy family who were my real parentsfinally found me, my adoptive mother pulled my new mother aside, her voice a conspiratorial whisper.
Be careful what you say around this one. Dont ever, ever lie to her.
My birth mother, Eleanor, didn't understand. Not yet.
She would.
Back at the Quinn estate, she wrapped an arm around the weeping girl theyd raised as their own, a girl named Natalie, and smiled at me. Natalie has always been so delicate. The room with the morning sun its better for her health if she keeps it.
1
My father, Richard Quinn, nodded instantly. His gaze softened as he looked at the fragile, perfect Natalie. Shes right. Natalies constitution is weak; she needs the sun. The third-floor suite with the terrace is hers. You can take the room on the second floor.
I looked at Natalie. Her cheeks were flushed with color, her skin as flawless as porcelain. She looked about as delicate as a diamond.
Then I thought of my own reflection: hair like straw from years of malnutrition, skin sallow and stretched thin over my bones.
I tilted my head, my voice flat. What about her is weak?
The question seemed to throw Eleanor. She stammered, searching for an answer. Well shes just
Natalies eyes immediately welled with tears. She sagged against Eleanor like a wilted flower. Mom, does she hate me? I I can give her the room. I dont mind I should be the one to leave anyway. Yes, you should just let me go! She made a show of wiping her eyes and turning toward the door.
Natalie, dont be ridiculous! Eleanor pulled her back, cradling her protectively before turning to glower at me. Zoe, we arent playing favorites. The fact is, Natalie is fragile. She has to be looked after carefully.
Thats when my brother, Leo, who had been sizing me up with a critical stare, finally spoke. Why are you asking so many questions? You might share my blood, but Natalie is the only sister Ill ever claim. Youre the older one now, so you need to learn to give way to her.
A cold smile touched my lips, one they couldn't see. In my last life, I was ground down to nothing by that cruel couple who raised me. I did the hardest chores, ate the worst food, and finally froze to death on the street one winter when I was fifteen. I used to wonder why. I thought it was just because I was unlovable. It never occurred to me that I wasnt theirs at all.
But looking at this new family, I realized that even if I had survived long enough to be found, my life wouldnt have been much better.
But the powers that be gave me a second chance. And they included a little party favor.
This time, to hell with family. Anyone who owes me a debt will pay it. In full.
I asked again, my voice deceptively soft. Are you sure? Is she really that weak?
My little gift would be the judge of that. I was practically vibrating with anticipation, eager to see how it worked on the Quinns.
My father waved a dismissive hand. Thats enough. Dont be so difficult. Are you saying were lying to you?
Eleanor nodded, her voice edged with urgency. Its true, Zoe. Natalies health is a serious matter. Her doctor said if shes not cared for properly, she could she could collapse, even cough up blood.
She hadnt even finished the sentence.
Splat.
The girl in her arms, Natalie, gave a violent shudder. A spray of crimson erupted from her lips, painting the pristine white rug. The silence in the grand living room was absolute, broken only by the drip of blood onto the marble floor. Then, Natalies eyes rolled back, and she slumped to the ground, her face paling to a ghostly white before our eyes.
Natalie!
My baby!
The three of them scrambled, their panic a chaotic symphony around her limp body.
I remained where I stood, a silent, satisfied smile playing on my lips.
See? Lies have a way of coming true.
They rushed Natalie to the hospital. The moment their car was gone, I told the housekeeper to prepare the third-floor suite. I moved in that afternoon.
A few days of peace passed. That weekend, Natalie, apparently recovered, invited me on a shopping trip. As we were about to get in the car to go home, she clutched her stomach, feigning a sudden pain. She told me to wait while she and the driver went to a nearby pharmacy.
The second she was out of sight, a couple of creeps materialized, rubbing their hands together as they closed in on me.
I almost laughed. You could have had a peaceful life, Natalie. Instead, you chose to play with fire.
Fine. Id let her feel the burn.
I flexed my knuckles and met them head-on. A few sharp, well-placed strikes, and the thugs were groaning on the pavement.
When I got home, I put on the performance of a lifetime. Mom, Dad! I cried, forcing tears. Some men tried to attack me! If I didn't know how to defend myself, God knows what would have happened! We have to call the police!
Just as I finished, Natalie burst in. Dont call the police! Her eyes darted to me, a flash of pure hatred in them when she saw I was unharmed. She quickly masked it. Sister, lets not rush into things. Calling the police could be bad for the familys reputation
My fathers brow furrowed. Natalie has a point. This isnt a game.
Leo looked me up and down, his contempt undisguised. Zoe, take a look in the mirror. Youre a mess. What kind of creep would be desperate enough to go after you?
Eleanor hesitated. Perhaps there was a misunderstanding?
I stood my ground. It was no misunderstanding. I want justice. Why else would they come straight for me? I was standing right next to Natalies car. I let my gaze drift to Natalie. If they werent after me, then maybe
Leo jumped in immediately. That car is always for Natalie. They must have mistaken you for her. Who else would they be after? Its not like anyone would want to get near you, he sneered. And call the police? Dont be ridiculous. Youre wasting their time.
Eleanor hugged Natalie, nodding in agreement. Hes right, it must have been a simple case of mistaken identity. Lets not make a big deal out of it.
I pretended to protest. But what if they really were after me?
Richard waved his hand impatiently. Stop making trouble, Zoe! Its obvious, isnt it? Those men were after Natalie. You just had the bad luck to be in the way. Consider it taking one for the teamfor your sister.
I suppressed a surge of manic glee. Mom, do you really think so too?
Of course, she said firmly. They were clearly after Natalie. Since youre not hurt, and the Quinn familys reputation is at stake, its best to let this go.
I drew out my next words, my tone shifting completely. Ooooh. So the creeps were after Natalie.
I turned, whistling a cheerful tune as I went upstairs, leaving the three of them staring after me, a flicker of confusion on their faces.
That evening, Natalie came downstairs dressed to kill. Mom, Dad, Leo, I have a party tonight. I wont be home for dinner.
Eleanor beamed, turning Natalie around by the hands. Just look at you! My beautiful girl. Youre going to break so many hearts tonight!
From the second-floor landing, I watched the happy family scene.
Perfect.
I wondered if theyd still be smiling by the end of the night.
At dinner, my mood was unusually bright. I ate three bowls of rice. Just as I was about to head out for a walk, I heard my fathers voice roar from the living room, laced with a tremor of fear.
What?! Natalie attacked by thugs?! Where?! When did this happen?!
I turned to see Richard clutching the phone, his face ashen. Eleanor had already fainted on the sofa.
Once again, the Quinns scrambled off to the hospital. This time, I followed at a leisurely pace.
In the hospital room, Natalies face was swathed in bandages. The skin that was visible was a patchwork of angry purple and blue bruises. Her eyes were hollow, vacant. Lifeless.
Eleanor was clinging to her, her sobs echoing in the sterile room. Richard, his face like thunder, was barking orders into his phone, telling his men to find the attackers and deal with themquietly.
I leaned against the doorframe. Well, well. You dont think these are the same guys who almost got me by mistake, do you? They work fast. Found their real target in no time.
Leo spun around, his eyes blazing with fury. Zoe! Do you have any humanity at all? Natalie is lying there like that, and youre making jokes?
Natalies head snapped toward me, her eyes filled with a poison so potent I could almost feel it.
Richard took a deep breath, looking at his battered daughter. Natalie has been through a terrible ordeal. We have to make it up to her. Im transferring ten percent of my shares in Quinn Corp to her name. As a comfort, and for her future security.
Eleanor and Leo nodded in solemn agreement, as if this was the most natural thing in the world.
I let out a soft laugh. Id been wondering how to get my hands on the Quinn family fortune, and here my dear father was, serving it up on a silver platter.
I put on a wounded expression. Dad, Mom have you forgotten something? Your actual daughter comes home, and youve given me nothing.
Leo pointed a trembling finger at me. Zoe, dont push your luck! Do you have to grab everything thats Natalies?
My parents faces hardened.
I wiped away a non-existent tear. So thats how it is. I suffered for eighteen years out in the world, thinking that when I came home, Id finally be loved. But I see now my place is still lower than an adopted girls.
Eleanors expression softened for a moment, but Natalie, ever the actress, started crying again. Mom, Dad, I think shes right. Im just the adopted daughter. I dont deserve the shares. You should give them to her. Once Im better, Ill move out. I wont take up her space anymore.
Her performance sent Richard and Eleanor into a fresh wave of pity.
Richards brow furrowed, his gaze on me filled with disapproval. Zoe, look what youve done to her. Ive told you, you are our daughter, but so is Natalie. Its just ten percent of the shares. Why must you fight over everything? Cant you just yield to her for once?
Just as Eleanor was about to scold me, I heard a couple of nurses whispering nearby.
Wow, the classic long-lost daughter story. You have to feel for the real one. Eighteen years of hell, and she comes home to be treated worse than the imposter.
And the parents are clueless. The fake one has been living her life for years. They should be showering the real daughter with compensation, not pushing her aside.
The Quinns heard them. Their faces flushed with shame.
Eleanors tone shifted. She took my hand. Zoe, we know youve suffered. But Natalie was just attacked. We have to compensate her. Dont worry, we wont favor one of you over the other.
I nodded slowly. Oh. So not favoring one over the other means I get ten percent too?
Leo exploded. Zoe! Have you no shame? Still thinking about money at a time like this! Youre just some hick from the countryside. How can you even compare to Natalie? Ten percent? You dont deserve a thing!
The nurses shot him looks of disgust. What is wrong with that brother? Defending the fake one over his own flesh and blood. Is he an idiot?
Leo opened his mouth to retort, but Richard stopped him. My father cared deeply about appearances. His face was a mask of strained composure. He cleared his throat. Zoe, you are our daughter. Rest assured, we would never be biased. But youre still young, inexperienced. Shares are not a toy. You are my flesh and blood. Naturally, half of this company will be yours one day.
It was a beautiful, empty promise.
But it was exactly what I needed to hear.
I widened my eyes, looking at my mother. Mom, is that true? Will half of the company really be mine?
Feeling the nurses eyes on her, she nodded quickly. Of course, dear. Why would we lie to you? I carried you for ten months. Of course half of everything we have belongs to you!
A satisfied smile spread across my face. I turned and walked out of the room.
Thanks, Mom and Dad!
Behind me, I heard Leo scoff. Idiot
I raised an eyebrow. Soon enough, youll see who the real idiot is.
The day Natalie was discharged from the hospital, my father took a phone call. His face went white.
No thats impossible how could it
Just moments before, through a series of untraceable but completely legal and binding maneuvers, the fifty percent of Quinn Corp stock held in his nameincluding shares he held in trusthad been instantaneously transferred to me.
The paperwork was flawless. The transfer was effective immediately.
Just like that, I became the absolute majority shareholder of Quinn Corp, holding fifty percent of the company. My word was now law.
In the living room, a vein pulsed on my fathers forehead. He roared, his voice low and furious. Impossible! This has to be a clerical error! Zoe, youre coming with me to the office right now to transfer it back!
I smiled, slow and deliberate. Why would I do that?
Leo lunged toward me. Why? Because its not yours! This is the Quinn familys company! Transfer it back, and maybe well still let you eat at our table!
I met his gaze. You need to understand the new reality, Leo. From now on, youll be begging me to let you eat at my table. And Id watch your tone. With fifty percent of the stock, I can call a board meeting tomorrow and have all of you thrown out on the street.
The threat landed. Their faces went rigid with fury, but they didn't dare say another word.
Now that I had the company, it was time to get rid of the parasite who had stolen my life.
The next day, Richard tried again, his approach softer. Zoe, you cant hold fifty percent of the shares alone. It should be split evenly between you three children. No matter what, you have to give some to your brother and to Natalie.
I nodded thoughtfully. Youre right. Leo and I are your biological children. The shares should be split between us. But Natalie? Shes just an adopted daughter. Ten percent is more than generous. I paused, then added casually, Of course, if Natalie were your biological daughter too, then it would make sense for the three of us to share equally. But shes not. What a shame.
Richard started to speak, then stopped, a strange look crossing his face. He forced a smile and left without another word.
Watching his retreating back, I smirked.
The fish has taken the bait.
A week later, an emergency shareholders' meeting was called at Quinn Corp.
Richard stood at the head of the table and cleared his throat. Everyone, there is a family matter I must clarify today regarding the recent shift in stock. It was all, in fact, a misunderstanding. Zoe, the time has come for the truth. Natalie is your biological sister. I kept it from you because I didn't want to upset you when you had just returned home.
A murmur went through the room.
I sat among the shareholders and started to applaud softly. Bravo.
Seeing my calm reaction, Richard pressed on. Now that you know you are all three my biological children, you must be willing to part with some of those shares, right? To divide them fairly? If you don't believe me, I have a DNA test right here from a reputable lab.
I ignored the report he offered. My voice was solemn. Dad, are you certain? Is Natalie your biological daughter?
Without a moments hesitation, he slapped his chest. I swear on it. Natalie is my daughter, Richard Quinns flesh and blood!
I fought to contain my joy. Thats wonderful news! But just to be fair to everyone here, I request we conduct another test. Right now.
Absurd! Leo objected instantly.
Panic flickered across the faces of my parents and Natalie.
I raised an eyebrow. Whats the matter? Scared? If its the truth, what is there to fear?
The other shareholders began to look at them with suspicion. Trapped, Richard had no choice but to agree.
The results came back quickly.
In front of the entire board, the sealed envelope was opened. Richards fists were clenched. Leo looked like a cornered animal. Natalie hid behind Eleanor, unable to look up.
The lab technicians voice was clear and professional. The results confirm that Richard Quinn is the biological father of Natalie Quinn.
The Quinns froze, then exchanged shocked glances.
How is that possible they whispered.
While they were reeling, I took another sealed envelope from the technician. So Dad wasn't lying. Natalie really is my sister.
Richard, though confused, breathed a sigh of relief. See? I told you I wouldnt lie. Natalie is my daughter.
Eleanor snatched the report. Her eyes scanned to the bottom line confirming the paternal link. She swayed on her feet, about to confront her husband, when I held up the second envelope with a bright smile. Dont get too excited. Theres one more test result for Natalie.
Another one?
The room filled with confused murmurs.
I tore open the envelope and held the final page up for everyone to see.
As the conclusion on the report came into focus, the blood drained from every Quinn family members face. Their eyes widened in horror.
The entire boardroom fell into a dead, chilling silence.
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