The Puppet Cuts Her Strings"

Everyone knows that the popular idol, Daisy Bloom, peaked right after her debut, not only bagging Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress awards, but also clinching Best Leading Actress this year. Daisys national popularity soared, yet what intrigued everyone more was her boyfriend outside the entertainment industry, whom she had been dating since her debut.

Rumor had it he was a mysterious figure, wealthy and influential, who had lavished immense sums on Daisys career, all just to see her smile. They said the couple had supported each other from their school days to their wedding, and were destined to reach the pinnacle together.

People were dying of curiosity about this enigmatic tycoon, whom even paparazzi couldnt dig up. Who was this elusive figure who had captured the heart of the nations goddess so completely?

But I knew.

Because the mysterious tycoon was my biological younger brother.

On the screen, the beautiful woman, dressed in an expensive haute couture gown, a limited edition Chanel bag in her left hand, and a dazzling emerald diamond ring on her right, gracefully walked the red carpet, smiling as she accepted an interview.

Daisy, this haute couture youre wearing tonight is priceless. It seems our Daisy is highly favored by the brand.

Oh, not really. These are just everyday gifts from my boyfriend, they just happen to suit tonights theme, you know.

Daisy, with her graceful figure and ample bosom, was in the spotlight, captivating all eyes.

I squinted, noticing that the limited edition haute couture and emerald diamond ring looked somewhat familiar.

I turned to my mother beside me. Why are my things on Daisy?

Mom looked indifferent, admiring her freshly manicured nails with satisfaction.

Oh, I gave them to Daisy. You never wear them anyway; theyd just collect dust. Might as well give them to Daisy, she looks good in them.

But theyre mine.

Mom started to get impatient, annoyed by my stinginess, and even asked if I was angry because I was jealous of Daisys looks.

I smiled. Here we go again.

Ever since I learned I was the tragic female antagonist in a CEO novel, this world suddenly made perfect sense.

The CEO is my biological younger brother, Luke Wayne, and the female lead is, naturally, the universally adored little lotus Daisy Bloom.

As a mere tool in the CEO and the lotuss love story, I am, of course, to be tirelessly exploitedgiving money when needed, offering strength when required, and even sacrificing a kidney if asked.

Daisy became an award-winning actress because I exhausted every resource to promote her.

Luke became a CEO because I willingly transferred all my assets to him.

And that wasn't enough; as a perfect tool, I had to shine in my role.

Their son grew up to be a sociopath, shielded by the excuse hes just a child. He terrorized classmates in high school, verbally abused teachers, and finally, after causing the death of a female student, he pushed me forward to take the blame.

With Mom's beauty and reputation, and Dad's wealth and power, a little manipulation would easily seal my conviction.

As I was beaten and bullied in prison, dying in an forgotten corner, the successful Daisy shyly nestled in Lukes arms, sighing, Penelope is truly a good person, what a shame

Luke cut her off, Dont mention anything so unlucky. Our family is happy and harmonious; thats all that matters.

Oh, I just love being alive. This feeling of being punished for bad karma in my previous lifenow having a kidney removed and ending up in prisonis just irresistible.

Its truly laughable; such petty tricks trying to outwit a master. They want me dead? Fine. But if I don't get to live, then neither do they.

Penelope, darling, whenever you have a moment, could you sign that property transfer document? Your brother is all grown up now; it looks terrible for him to still be stuck in a small company.

Mom placed a thick agreement in front of me. I didn't touch it, but I could clearly see the large words "Property Transfer Agreement" on the cover.

The beneficiary, of course, was Luke.

This agreement, I realized, marked the beginning of my tragic fate. Mom and my brother would conspire to force me to give up my assets, arguing that a woman would eventually marry, and all that money in her hands would only benefit outsiders.

Then, they quickly set me up with a blind date. He appeared cultured and refined before marriage, but behind that facade was an absolute devil. He reveled in beating and tormenting me, often bringing strange women home to engage in public displays of affection, mocking me as a barren hen who couldn't even lay an egg.

And through all this, the "little lotus" would still comfort me, telling me to just endure it. Men are all like that. All you need to do is serve your husband well and give him a son, and theyll naturally come home.

Dont all women go through this? Just bear with it.

Were doing this for your own good.

Hmph, sign nothing.

I brushed aside the agreement, picked up a piece of fruit from the table, and pointed at Daisy on the TV. Family before career, why dont you find Luke a wife first? Besides, arent you eager for grandchildren? With a daughter-in-law, you wont have to worry about not having grandchildren, will you?

The anger from my refusal to sign vanished instantly. A flicker of surprise and delight appeared in Moms eyes. You, werent you against Daisy before? Why are you agreeing to your brother marrying her now?

I smiled sweetly.

Before, it was because I was blinded by foolishness, thinking Luke was still young and impressionable, while Daisys ambition was too obvious, her desire plain to see. Thats why I stubbornly refused to let Daisy enter the family.

For this, I received countless dirty looks from everyone, and Daisy herself subtly portrayed a pitiful image to the public, of being obstructed by a cruel older relative.

Now, I couldnt care less about meddling.

Daisy was so desperate to marry into the Wayne family, wasnt it just to become a wealthy and powerful lady? If she found out that the Wayne family wasnt as rich as she imagined, would she still be able to smile?

Was I? It was just that the time wasnt right before. Now, seeing how in love they are, I have nothing more to say.

My concession made the whole family breathe a sigh of relief. That evening, Luke, who had been called home, looked at me directly for the first time, saying smugly, You should have agreed sooner. I know, youre just envious and jealous of her.

Daisy is prettier and more beautiful than you, gentler and more sensible. The Wayne family is incredibly lucky to have her, so dont even think about bullying her.

I smiled and nodded.

Indeed, the Wayne family was incredibly lucky to have Daisy.

But what did that have to do with me?

My name is Penelope, not Wayne.

Perhaps fearing Id change my mind, the two married with incredible speed. I had no idea when these ready-made wedding dresses and tiaras had been prepared.

It seemed Daisy was even more eager than Id imagined.

At the family dinner, Daisy was again decked out in designer wear. This time, she wasnt carrying one of my dusty handbags; instead, she was wearing a pair of high heels Id been planning to throw out. She leaned against Luke, radiating blissful bubbles of happiness.

As soon as she saw me, her face first paled, then stretched into a stiff smile. Penelope, youre finally here. Im so glad you approved of my marriage to Luke.

I have to say, Daisys Best Leading Actress award must have been largely undeserved. Her feigned attempt at holding back tears, her forced smileit was clearly fake. The triumph and disdain in her eyes weren't even properly concealed. I felt a strong urge to vomit.

Yes, arent you happy? Five years, and you finally made it through this door.

The audience was right; Luke and Daisy truly went from school uniforms to wedding gowns.

They met in high school. Back then, Luke was a rich kid with more money than sense, a tyrant in school whom no one dared cross.

A pure, unpretentious, beautiful, and elegant little lotus like Daisy, once she entered his sight, he was deeply smitten.

Their love story was extensive, almost endless. In short, it was "you love me, I love you, happily ever after."

Upon hearing my words, Daisy immediately put on a tearful expression.

I know you look down on my background, Penelope, but I have my dignity, and I have the right to pursue love.

But some people just fall for that act. Luke, hearing her, immediately bristled, glaring at me with a warning in his eyes. Penelope, we only notified you about our marriage out of respect. You have no right to put on airs, so show some respect!

Oh, how charming, notified you just out of respect.

Mom chimed in, looking displeased. Yes, Penelope, Daisy will be part of the Wayne family from now on. Its better for everyone to speak nicely. Dont be so thoughtless.

My lips curled. Just as I was about to speak, Daisy cut me off.

The delicate and charming Miss Bloom softly spoke up for me. Luke, Mom, dont talk about Penelope like that. Perhaps shes a little older, and without a boyfriend, so her temper might be a bit short.

Penelopes at a somewhat awkward age, but I know a gentleman. Hes honest and quiet, filial to his parents, and quite handsome. Why dont we introduce him to Penelope first?

A classic maneuver, a trap within a trap.

My moms eyes lit up, but seeing the disapproval in my brothers eyes, she remained silent. After all, she hadnt gotten the property inheritance from me yet.

My silence made Daisy even bolder.

Penelope, dont be like those women online. A woman still needs a man to rely on to live a stable life.

Luke found this comment very satisfying and kissed her right there.

I was speechless. She wasnt just talking to me, she was talking about my internet family members! Who gave her such audacity?

Miss Bloom, why do you just spout nonsense? Please understand that this family is currently supported by the very woman youre talking about. You probably didnt even know that, did you?

My father founded the Bloom Group, but unfortunately passed away in an accident a few years ago. After his death, his will was revealed: I was his sole heir. Even Mom and Luke only received regular trust fund payments.

Mr. Wayne, Luke's father, was an employee under my father. I dont know when he and Mom got involved, but two years after my fathers death, she took me and Luke and remarried into the Wayne family. She even wanted to change both our surnames to Wayne. I stubbornly refused, and in the end, only Luke, originally Bloom, changed his name to Luke Wayne.

After turning eighteen, I had fully inherited these assets, and Ive been secretly managing the Bloom Group all these years.

A few years ago, my mother forcefully demanded that Luke join the Bloom Group, but I refused. She didnt give up, pointing her finger and calling me heartless, saying I only cared about myself and not my brothers well-being.

In the end, I only agreed to give him a manager position in a small subsidiary company; the real power remained with me, Penelope Bloom.

Daisy, of course, didnt know any of this, because in the novel, I had already signed the property transfer documents before she married into the Wayne family.

She looked a little confused but quickly recomposed herself, her eyes glistening with starry tears, looking at Luke with a mixture of beauty and defiance.

Mr. Wayne, who had been silent all this time, suddenly looked grim, his posture condescending, his tone filled with condescension. Penelope, who taught you to speak to people like that? You have no manners!

Yes, yes, Mom stammered, grabbing me anxiously. Whats with the Bloom Group and the Wayne family? Were all one family, no need to distinguish so clearly.

I shook off her hand, stood up expressionlessly, and scanned the room. Since all the important players had made their entrance, I had no time to play games with them.

Did I say anything wrong? Everyone knows how the Wayne family made their fortune these past few years. Dont give me that self-made nonsense. And you.

I pointed at Luke.

Now that youre married, you wont need my help anymore. Starting tomorrow, you dont need to come to work. Go start your own business and conquer the world.

I will sever all collaborations with the Wayne family. From now on, everything related to the Wayne family will be irrelevant to the Bloom Group.

My surname is Bloom, as in Bloom Group, which the Wayne family is unworthy of reaching. Go ahead and enjoy your pumpkin.

Luke couldnt sit still anymore. He abruptly stood up, his face full of menace. Penelope! Are you sick? Do you really have to be so ruthless?! You just cant stand to see me do well!

Daisy also stood up, twisting her body and reaching out to link arms with me, but I dodged her. She froze, tears immediately welling up.

Penelope, please dont be so angry. I only suggested you find a boyfriend. Is there something I did wrong? Ill kneel and apologize, okay?

I crossed my arms and nodded.

Your mere presence here is quite annoying.

She choked, probably not expecting me to be so blunt, but an act needs to be complete. She gritted her teeth, swayed, and was about to kneel, not forgetting to cast a significant glance at Luke.

The next second, Luke, who had caught her eye, pulled her up, his face filled with concern. Daisy, dont listen to her nonsense. Everything will be ours. Theres no need to bow down to petty people.

Mom and Mr. Wayne also offered words of comfort, their voices filled with confidence. They were convinced I wouldn't dare do such a thing; a woman inheriting a family fortune was useless and would definitely leave it to Luke.

The family continued their blissful and harmonious sweet talk.

I watched the drama unfold, feeling an urge to laugh.

If I didn't know the end of all these events, I might have even shed a few tears at this moment, attempting to blend into this "pumpkin" family.

Now?

I just wanted to scoff.

I was curious to see whose money was hardermine or Daisys head.