Family Is A Failed Investment

I was the true daughter, found after eighteen years, and the System was telling me to cause a scene.

My birth mother, Penelope, clutched the fake daughter, Brooke: Even though youre my blood, Brooke has been with us for eighteen years. We cant just lose her.

The System shrieked: [Quick! Flip the table! Call them out for blatant favoritism!]

I nodded. Thats perfectly normal. Eighteen years of emotional investment versus eighteen years of biological probability. Id choose the emotional investment, too. Blood is just science; attachment is a sunk cost.

My mother froze.

My ex-fianc, Preston, threw a check in my face: Take the money and disappear. I dont love hillbillies.

The System screamed: [Quick! Shred the check! Tell him hell regret crossing the poor youth!]

I calmly picked up the check. Thats also perfectly normal. You cant force love, and getting a severance package for a canceled engagement is just smart business. Frankly, hes an industry benchmark for conscience.

My ex-fianc was dumbfounded.

The System crashed: [Host, please, Im begging youjust one small meltdown! The plot is stuck!]

Me: Im fine. The drama is just excessive.

1.

The air conditioning in the Shaw Estate living room was running full blast, but I could still smell the thick, cloying scent of forced sweetness and toxic drama.

My biological mother, Penelope Shaw, was tightly hugging the girl whod occupied my life for eighteen years, Brooke Shaw. Brooke was weeping hysterically, her shoulders hitching with dramatic sobs that made her look seconds from collapse.

Penelope patted her back and looked at me with an expression of agonizing complexity.

Kendall, while you are our biological daughter, Brooke has been with us for eighteen years. That bond isnt something we can just break. She paused, her eyes pleading. We cant lose her. I hope you can understand your mothers difficult position.

Richard Shaw, my father, stood nearby, sighing deeply with his hands clasped behind his back, an unspoken endorsement of his wifes stance.

The System in my mind detonated.

[Host! Youre going to tolerate this? Hurry! Rush up and curse these fools! Overturn the coffee table! Tell them blood is thicker than water! You are the ONLY true daughter!]

The incessant noise gave me a headache. I lifted a hand to my temple, and under the three Shaws tense scrutiny, I nodded.

I understand. Completely.

Brookes sobs cut off immediately. Her mascara-stained lashes fluttered; clearly, she hadnt prepared for this response.

Penelope looked stunned. You you dont blame me?

I located a single-seater armchair and sat down, my posture relaxed, as if I were discussing a non-critical project with a client.

Its perfectly normal. Eighteen years of emotional capital versus eighteen years of biological probability. Id choose the emotional capital, too. Blood is just a statistical accident in biology; emotion is actual, quantifiable sunk cost.

I gestured to Brookes couture dress, then to my own Target clearance top.

Youve invested eighteen years of money, time, and energy into her. Youve raised a premium-tier account. To suddenly delete that and start over with a fresh accountno one would want to. Its basic economic principle. I get it.

A heavy silence descended upon the room.

Penelopes expression was an awkward blend of guilt and confusion. She wanted to explain, but my cold, hard logic had blocked every possible emotional exit.

The System was screaming in my head: [Host, what in Gods name are you talking about? You need to fight for affection! You need to make a scene!]

I ignored it and turned to Brooke, my tone genuinely reassuring: Please, continue crying. Dont mind me. Im just the new intern, still familiarizing myself with the companys I mean, the familys environment.

2.

Brooke was clearly a professional-grade player.

After a brief pause, she immediately adjusted her tactic.

She broke free from Penelopes embrace and walked toward me, her eyes red, timidly extending a hand.

Sister, Im so sorry. Its all my fault. I stole your life. If youre unhappy, I can move out

In the original plot, I would have slapped her or launched a vicious verbal attack, only to be chastised by my parents.

The System roared again: [Opportunity! Call her a toxic drama queen! Tell her to get lost!]

I looked at Brookes carefully manicured hand. I didnt take it. Instead, I pulled a packet of antiseptic wipes from my bag and offered it to her.

Dont say that. The deed to this house is in Mr. and Mrs. Shaws names. Legally, we are both merely occupants here.

I paused, continuing with the tone of an academic discussing a thesis.

Furthermore, where would you go? You have no independent assets or income stream. Renting an apartment will expose you to predatory brokers, and hotels are too expensive. As a rational actor, staying here maximizes your self-interest. If I were in your position, Id also stay put.

Brookes hand froze mid-air.

The entire script of Ill sacrifice everything for love shed prepared had been choked by my stark reality check. Her dramatic martyrdom had been ruthlessly reduced to rational, self-serving realism.

My father, Richard, finally spoke up, frowning: Kendall, what kind of talk is that? Brooke is your sister. Whats all this staying put business? This is her home, too.

I immediately nodded, compliant as a top employee taking direction from the CEO.

Understood, Mr. Shaw. Ive noted that Ms. Brooke Shaw has permanent residency. Now, where is my workstation I mean, my room?

Richard winced at my detached use of Mr. Shaw. His face tightened.

The estate manager will take you to a guest room.

3.

The estate manager, a man in his fifties, eyed me with thinly veiled contempt. Clearly, the power structure in this house was non-negotiable.

He led me to a small room at the end of the second-floor hallway.

Miss Kendall, space is tight. Miss Brooke requires two rooms for her belongings, so well have to make do with this one for now.

The room was north-facing, with a tiny window, just a bed, and a wardrobenot even a proper desk. I had passed Brookes room on the way; Id glimpsed a walk-in closet, a large private balcony, and a full set of designer furniture.

The System sizzled with fury: [This is an outrage! This is the maids quarters! Host, go smash up Brookes room! Demand your birthright!]

I looked around the small space, nodding with genuine satisfaction.

Perfect. Poor lighting means better sleep, and the small space saves on electricity. Its also far from the main staircase, so its quiet.

All the subtle insults the manager had prepared fell flat, like a bad joke. He stared at me in disbelief.

Miss Kendall, you youre not angry?

I put down my travel bag and pulled out my laptop.

Why would I be angry? Im an air traffic controller, an entry-level addition to the company to the family. No track record, no seniority. Im lucky to have a private office at all. Did you expect me to immediately take the CEOs suite?

I looked at him sincerely. By the way, whats the Wi-Fi password? And is the connection reliable? I have some deep-work deadlines tonight.

The manager opened his mouth, but only a string of numbers came out before he shuffled away, defeated.

I closed the door. The System was still relentlessly nagging: [Are you insane? They are humiliating you!]

I opened my laptop, connected to the Wi-Fi, and checked the stock market.

System, youre too emotional. Will humiliation cost me money? No. But if I smash something because Im angry, Ill have to pay for it. I currently have two hundred dollars to my name. I cant afford that.

4.

At dinner, the atmosphere at the dining table was so fraught it was difficult to digest.

Penelope, determined to demonstrate her motherly love, constantly piled food onto Brookes plate, even peeling shrimp for her.

Brooke, youve lost weight. Eat this.

Brooke shot a triumphant look at me, then simpered, Thank you, Mom. Youre the best.

Richard occasionally topped up Brookes soup. The three of them were a picture of domestic bliss, and I was the anonymous stranger whod been seated with them.

System: [Flip the table! Quick! Pour the soup over Brookes head!]

I kept my head down, eating my meal quickly but politely. Years of working long hours had trained me to finish a meal in five minutes, as lunch breaks were precious.

Penelope eventually seemed to have a pang of conscience and put a piece of spare rib onto my plate.

Kendall, you eat too. Dont just eat the rice.

The rib was covered in bell peppers, which Brooke detested.

I looked at the piece of meat but didnt touch it.

Brooke immediately piped up: Does Sister look down on Moms food? Sister, I guess you didnt get quality spare ribs back in the countryside, did you?

I put down my chopsticks and wiped my mouth with a napkin.

Its not disdain. Im full.

I stood up and offered a slight bow to Richard and Penelope.

Thank you for the meal. The food was very satisfactory. If there are no further instructions, I will return to my room to handle my work.

Richard looked startled. Work? You just got back. Dont you want to spend time with us?

I glanced at the clock on the wall.

Its 7:30 PM, which is private time. Also, you seemed to be enjoying your conversation, and my interjection would disrupt the atmosphere. As a new hire as a newcomer, I need to be considerate.

I turned and walked away, leaving three stunned faces behind me. I faintly heard Penelope complain: That child is like a robot. No warmth at all.

A faint smile touched my lips.

Warmth? Thats something you can only expect from people you care about. In their eyes, I was merely a blood relative who had trespassed. Discussing warmth was a luxury; discussing rules was far easier.

5.

Early the next morning, an uninvited guest arrived at the Shaw Estate.

Preston Rhodes, Brookes fianc, and the man who was originally supposed to be mine.

He certainly looked the parttall, handsome, in a tailored suit, his hair perfectly coiffedbut his judgment was clearly faulty.

The moment he walked in, he spotted me, just preparing to leave for the day (actually heading to the library to use their free A/C and save on my electric bill).

Without a word, Preston pulled a check from his inner pocket and lightly tossed it at me.

It fluttered to the floor.

Five million. Take the money and get lost. Im not marrying some hick.

Preston looked down on me with an attitude of arrogant superiority. Brooke was standing on the staircase, covering her mouth to hide a triumphant smirk.

The Systems voice cracked with excitement: [Tear the check! Quick! Throw it in his face! Tell him not to underestimate a poor man! Thirty years west of the river, thirty years east of the river!]

I bent down and picked up the check.

I meticulously checked the amount, the signature, and the banks seal. It was genuine.

Then, I pulled out a small, pocket-sized notebook and a pen from my bag.

Mr. Rhodes, one moment.

I quickly scribbled a few lines, tore the page off, and handed it to Preston. He instinctively took it, glanced at it, and froze.

What is this?

A receipt, I smiled, professionally and perfectly. Since youve paid the severance fee, we must follow due process to avoid future financial disputes. It clearly states that I, Kendall Shaw, have received five million dollars from Mr. Preston Rhodes, voluntarily relinquishing the engagement. All accounts settled. No refunds or exchanges.

Preston stared at me as if I were an alien. You you just took it?

Why wouldnt I? I carefully folded the check and tucked it into a book. This is perfectly normal. Why force a relationship that doesnt work? And this failed relationship came with a five-million-dollar severance package. Hes an industry benchmark for conscience. Mr. Rhodes, you truly are a generous client.

I even added a helpful suggestion:

Would you like me to send a thank-you note to your company? Or perhaps clarify on social media that I was simply not good enough for you?

Prestons face instantly flushed crimson. All the cruel, insulting words hed prepared were rendered meaningless by my receipt.

6.

With the five million dollars in hand, I instantly felt more secure.

But I didnt waste it as the System had hoped. Instead, I immediately bought into a few stocks Id been watching.

That evening, the atmosphere at the Shaw house was even heavier than before. Richard and Penelope were sitting on the couch, and Brooke was wiping away tears.

When they saw me return, Richard slammed his hand on the table.

Kendall Shaw! Do you have no shame? How could you take Prestons money?

Brooke choked out a sob: Sister, did you only come back for the money? If youre short on cash, I can give you my allowance, but why would you insult Prestons feelings for me?

System: [Curse back! Call them hypocrites!]

I changed into my slippers and walked into the center of the living room, pulling a custom-printed banner from my bag.

I had ordered it that afternoon. Gold lettering on a red background, bearing eight bold characters: [In Gratitude for Filial Service, May You Be Happy Ever After]

I solemnly handed the banner to Brooke.

Sister, I took this money with a clear conscience. Think of it this way: this engagement was originally mine. Its now yours. The five million is the transfer fee for the fianc. These days, taking over a storefront requires a transfer fee. How much more for a premium asset like Mr. Rhodes?

Brooke stared at the banner, unable to accept or refuse it. Her face was pale green.

Richard was shaking with fury. You you treat marriage like a business transaction?

Marriage is essentially an economic contract, I stated matter-of-factly. Since Mr. Rhodes was willing to pay for his true love, if I, the one who facilitated this true love, didnt accept the money, wouldnt it make his genuine affection look cheap?

I looked at Brooke, offering an encouraging smile: Sister, your love is valued at five million dollars. You should be pleased.

Brooke let out a wail and ran upstairs.

Penelope pointed a finger at me. You you are going to be the death of me!

I blinked innocently. Mom, Im just defending my sisters valuation.

7.

Perhaps to compensate for Brookes wounded pride, Penelope decided to take us shopping that weekend. The stated goal was to buy me clothes; in reality, Penelope dragged Brooke straight into the high-end boutiques.

Brooke, this dress would look great on you. Go try it on.

Brooke, this new handbag is stunning. It suits you.

I trailed behind them, little more than a bag carrier.

System: [Grab her card! Max out all their credit cards! Show them who the biological daughter is!]

I calmly watched Penelope swipe her card, feeling completely detached. In fact, when Brooke was trying on a bright yellow dress, I stepped forward.

That color is too bright; it washes you out. I suggest you switch to the muted cobalt blue one. It will complement your skin tone and enhance your figure.

Brooke looked at me suspiciously. Why are you being nice?

Its for the Shaw family image, I said seriously. You are the public face of the Shaws. If you look bad, it reflects poorly on the family brand. As a member of the Shaw family, I have an obligation to protect the familys image.

Brooke, half-believing, switched to the cobalt blue dress. The effect was surprisingly good. Even the sales associate complimented my eye: This young lady has excellent taste.

Penelope, seeing how beautiful Brooke looked, felt a sudden wave of guilt after trying to ice me out. She picked up a clearance-rack t-shirt and handed it to me.

Kendall, you try this on.

It was an outdated, slightly pilled shirt from the discount section.

System: [Throw it on the floor! Stomp on it!]

I took the shirt and checked the tag.

No need to try it on. The high cotton content means its sweat-absorbent and breathable, perfect for work around the house. Thank you, Mom. I love it.

Not only did I not get angry, but I thanked her sincerely.

Penelopes hand froze mid-air, her expression a spectacle of complex emotions. Guilt is like a spring: the more you push back against it, the more the other person feels justified; the more compliant you are, the more they feel like a monster.

In that moment, Penelope clearly felt like a monster.

8.

Back at home, Brooke was clearly still bitter that I had stolen the spotlight (though I certainly didnt feel like I had). She deliberately pulled Penelopes favorite pearl necklace apart in the living room. The pearls scattered everywhere.

Then she shrieked: Sister! How could you push me!

I was at least two yards away from her, drinking water.

Richard and Penelope rushed in, saw the mess, and saw Brooke weeping.

Brooke pointed at me: Sister said she was jealous of Mom buying me things, so she pushed me and broke the necklace

This low-effort setup was an insult to my intelligence.

Richard glared at me. Kendall! You disappoint me greatly!

System: [Explain! Quickly! Tell them you have an alibi!]

I put down my glass and sighed.

Then I pulled out my phone and dialed 911.

Hello, Police Department? I need to report a felony. We have a dispute involving the deliberate destruction of property and assault, with a high estimated value of damages. Please dispatch an officer.

The whole family went silent.