The Real Heiress Wins Big

I was born unable to feel pain, yet I was a relentless people-pleaser.

The first time my adoptive parents hit me, they covered my mouth with foul hands.

Stay quiet, or Ill stab you dead!

Worthless girl, I regret ever taking you in.

Since I felt nothing, I didnt make a sound. Instead, I handed them a knife.

If it makes you happy, Ill die.

Thinking I was mocking them, they stabbed me in the stomach.

Blood spread across the floor. They finally smiled. Clutching my wound, I smiled back.

Later, my rich biological parents found me.

The day I arrived, a pale, doll-like girl rushed crying into their arms.

The fake heiress looked at me tearfully. Mom, Dad, now that Olivia is back, you wont want me anymore, will you? Ill just pack and leave.

My parents eyes filled with pity as they turned to scold me for being cold.

Before they could speak, I lifted a vase and smashed it against my own head.

Dont cry, sis. Ill die right now, okay?

The world instantly fell silent.

Scarlett froze, her eyes wide, forgetting to cry. While my parents were contacting a family doctor, she recovered her wits and whispered fiercely in my ear, "You filthy beggar, what are you trying to pull?"

"You're dirty and smelly, not even worth a single one of my fingers. You're completely unfit to be seen."

"If I were you, I would have drowned myself in a well by now, rather than coming back to embarrass Mom and Dad!"

On the way home, my parents had already told me about our family situation. They were in a business marriage, both holding high-powered positions. Scarlett, on the other hand, had always been well-behaved and considerate since childhood, even gentle with the household staff.

But this seemingly obedient sister didn't seem to want me as her older sibling.

A wave of hurt and fear surged through me.

When my parents rushed in with the doctor, they found me sobbing and running out. Just then, a car sped by. I had no time to dodge and crashed directly into it.

The screech of brakes ripped through the air, followed by a chorus of screams. My mother collapsed, terrified, while my father rushed to check on me.

Tears streaming down my face, I whimpered, Mom, Dad, perhaps I shouldnt have come back?

My father helped me up, looking exhausted. Olivia, your mother and I finally found you. How can you say such a thing?

I cried, tears pouring. But Scarlett said Im dirty and smelly, and that living would only embarrass you both.

My fathers brow furrowed, his face instantly darkening. Scarletts face went pale, and she shook her head frantically. No, Dad, I didnt

She gave me a timid glance, her voice tinged with a victimized tone. Sister, I know I took your place all these years, so its natural for you to resent me.

But how could you falsely accuse me? I clearly said I welcomed you home.

She cried, looking utterly heartbroken, her shoulders trembling. Neighbors, drawn by the commotion, couldn't bear it any longer and spoke up:

Scarlett is such a kind child.

The one they brought back seems so unlikable, even risking her life just to vie for attention.

She must have gone bad living outside. So young, yet so manipulative.

Listening to their scolding, I cried even harder. Scarlett, do you really welcome me back? So, I just misunderstood? Im so sorry. Ill confirm again right now!

I choked back tears, pulled my phone from my pocket, and, in front of everyone, pressed play.

The phone screen was shattered, but the audio was still perfectly clear.

The air hung in dead silence. The neighbors, who had just been vocally sympathetic, now lowered their heads awkwardly. On Scarletts face, only terror and panic remained.

I clutched my phone, tears streaming down my face, pretending to be utterly miserable.

Mom, Dad, am I really as awful as Scarlett says?

Of course not, Olivia, my father reassured me gently. Youre our precious child, found after so long, our only biological daughter.

But with so many eyes watching, and given that our neighbors were all wealthy and influential, making a scene would be disastrous. So, my father made a quick decision. This is Scarletts fault. Your mother and I will talk to her properly. Shall we go to the hospital first?

With a single look from him, Scarlett reluctantly offered an apology. The crowd dispersed, and we quickly headed to the hospital.

The doctor performed a thorough examination, confirming only minor scrapes and bruises, at which point my parents finally breathed a sigh of relief. Only Scarletts face was terrifyingly grim.

Not only had my parents attitude towards her cooled, but her meticulously cultivated perfect image had also utterly collapsed.

After my wounds were treated, I returned to the Howard house. Scarlett was summoned to the study, while I went to my room to rest. Because of what had just happened, the servants looked at me with sympathy. They led me to a bright, spacious room, not forgetting to thoughtfully close the door behind them as they left.

The soft sheets carried a sweet scent, and I quickly felt sleepy. Just as my eyes were about to close, my arm was suddenly seized, and I was yanked violently from the bed.

Where did this beggar come from? Who gave you permission to sleep in Scarletts bed?!

My body was already weak. The pull sent me flying, my back slamming hard against the corner of a table, tearing my wounds open again.

Looking up, a handsome young man stared at me with piercing eyes. He saw the blood on me, paused for a moment in surprise, then quickly stepped forward.

But he merely went to straighten the sheets I had wrinkled. Do you know how delicate silk sheets are? Theyre easily ruined if they get dirty.

I was about to apologize when Scarlett walked in, having heard the commotion. Eason, youre here.

Scarlett, whats wrong? Eason frowned, his eyes filled with concern as he saw her reddened eyelids. Have you been upset?

Im fine, Scarlett shook her head. What were you and Olivia talking about?

At her words, Easons gaze shifted to me. Youre Olivia Howard?

Without waiting for my answer, he kicked me again. Were you intentionally putting on an act to embarrass Scarlett?

Do you know her reputation has been ruined because of you? And now youre in her room, are you trying to frame her again? So Mom and Dad will kick her out?!

Let me tell you, even if you are the Howard familys biological daughter, the only person Ill ever marry is Scarlett!

So, he was Eason Knight, my fianc. I secretly assessed them, truly believing they were a perfect match. Even if I didnt say anything, I would never try to take him from Scarlett.

What, still scheming against Scarlett?

Eason sneered, his voice full of disdain. Let me tell you, since I dared to hit you, Im not afraid of you tattling!

Scarlett stood by, offering empty words of persuasion, but showing no intention of stopping him.

Wiping away tears, I knelt before them, explaining. Im sorry, I didnt know this was Scarletts room, and I never intended to frame her.

Please dont be angry. Ill go explain everything to everyone right now.

Eason paused, his expression growing complex. Just as he was about to speak, Scarletts tearful sobs suddenly echoed from behind him.

Sister, why do you have to be like this?

Youre Mom and Dads biological daughter. Whatever you ask for, theyll agree to it without a second thought.

Just like this room, you said you wanted it, and they immediately told me to give it to you

These words were like adding fuel to the fire. Eason slapped me hard across the face. "You filthy beggar, why do you have to fight Scarlett for everything? If it weren't for you, she wouldn't be so upset!"

But I felt no pain. I looked up, my sole desire to make them happy, and asked, "Really? If I disappear, will Scarlett be happy?"

Eason frowned, still cursing. "Yes! Without you, everything will be better!"

The instant his words fell, my eyes suddenly lit up. Without hesitation, I turned and lunged towards the nearby railing.

The next second, the sound of a heavy object hitting the ground mingled with screams.

I ended up in the hospital again. In the hospital room, Easons parents, Mr. and Mrs. Knight, looked utterly embarrassed, forcing Eason to kneel and apologize to me.

He resisted, disgruntled. She jumped herself. Why should I apologize?

Mr. Knight rubbed his temples, a headache brewing. If you didnt do anything, would she just randomly jump from a height for no reason?

Eason turned his face away, pursing his lips in silence. Seeing this, Mr. Knight, enraged, grabbed his belt, ready to lash out.

I struggled out of bed and shielded Eason. Mr. Knight, its my fault. Please dont blame him.

I used all my strength. Though I felt no pain, my struck shoulder quickly swelled and bruised. Eason was stunned, but still defiant. Olivia, who told you to block for me?

You claim you dont compete or grab, yet the moment you returned, you took Scarletts room. Now youre playing the good guy!

Scarlett, who had been silent, turned chalk-white. My mother looked at her in disbelief. Scarlett, didnt you suggest it yourself earlier?

Tears instantly welled in Scarletts eyes, and she stammered, Im sorry, Mom, Dad, I was just momentarily misguided. I was afraid that if Olivia came back, you wouldnt want me anymore

My mother shook her head in disappointment. Scarlett Brooks, youve deeply disappointed us!

Insecurity is not an excuse for your mistakes! You say youre afraid, but do you even know what your sister went through before?

When I was five, I was kidnapped by traffickers. They intended to extort a hefty sum, but the police were hot on their heels, so they abandoned me and fled. My adoptive parents picked me up and used me as a punching bag. Because of my congenital insensitivity to pain, I was also emotionally slow. Day after day, year after year, watching the constant new wounds on my body, I mistakenly believed this was how love was expressed. People-pleasing became my only means of survival.

I looked at my parents ashen faces, then glanced at Scarlett, who was on the verge of fainting from crying. Before Eason could rush to her side, I spoke.

Mom, Dad, Scarlett didnt mean it. Please dont blame her.

The hospital room fell silent. Everyone exchanged glances. My mother squeezed my hand tenderly but didn't utter another word.

Scarlett was ultimately grounded for three days. As for Eason, he started avoiding me from that day on.

Perhaps to make amends, or to show how much they valued me, my parents spent a fortune hosting a grand welcome-home banquet. On the day of the banquet, my parents dressed me like an exquisite doll. They held my hands, one on each side, solemnly introducing me to the guests.

I looked back and met Scarletts gaze across the room. Earlier, as a gesture of apology, the Knight family had generously transferred five percent of their companys shares to me. Scarlett, as their future daughter-in-law, hadnt even received a meager one percent. Yet, these past few days, she hadnt caused any trouble, and her hostile attitude towards me had softened. I couldnt help but wonder if she was finally willing to accept me and live in peace.

So, when Scarlett suggested we go outside for some fresh air, I hesitated for a moment, then nodded, drawn by her sweet smile.

But reality often defied expectations. When we reached our destination, I only saw a few young men, street thugs. I looked at Scarlett in confusion, about to speak, when a resounding slap landed hard on my face. Punches and kicks rained down on me. I curled up on the ground, shielding my head with my hands.

Scarlett stood nearby, frowning in dissatisfaction. "Haven't you guys eaten? Why isn't she even screaming?"

But even as they gasped for breath, exhausted, I remained silent. Seeing my battered state, Scarlett merely admired it, her eyes full of triumph. Through my messy hair, I met her gaze. "Scarlett, does this make you happy?"

"Of course!" She strode forward, grabbing my hair. "Olivia Howard, I wish you would just die!"

"I'm supposed to be the only young lady of the Howard family! Why did you come back? Why are you trying to steal Mom and Dad from me?!"

Tears streamed down my face, my eyes filled with pleading. "Scarlett, what do I need to do for you to accept me?"

Scarlett burst into laughter at my words, her face contorted with twisted pleasure. "Accept you? Not unless I'm dead! Otherwise, I'll never accept you in this life!"

The next second, her laughter abruptly ceased. I picked up a brick from the ground and brought it down forcefully.