My Sweet Revenge: The Fake Heiress

My husbands sister burst into the company during our annual gala and slapped me hard across the face, right in front of hundreds of employees.

She pointed a finger at my nose and yelled, Scarlett, youre barely good enough to polish my brothers shoes! Stop putting on a show as the VP here!

Arthur, my father-in-law and the Chairman, sat beside me, his face thunderous. He was just about to reprimand me for failing to keep the family in line.

But I calmly smoothed my hair and looked at him.

Dad, havent you ever had your doubts all these years? Her behavior, acting like a crazy womandoes that really resemble anyone in our family?

I suggest you get a DNA test. Wouldn't want you raising someone elses daughter for half a lifetime.

After all, a true heiress from a prominent family wouldn't throw a public scene like that.

Seeing her face instantly drain of color, I knew it. Things were about to change around here.

Arthur froze, his gaze turning instantly chilling.

Three days later, the test results came back. Brittany was thrown out the front door like garbage by the security team.

My cheek burned.

A loud slap.

Brittany stormed into our company's annual gala.

Right in front of hundreds of employees.

She pointed a finger at my nose.

Scarlett, youre barely good enough to polish my brothers shoes!

Stop acting all high and mighty as VP here, putting on a show!

The room instantly fell silent.

Hundreds of eyes stared at me.

Some with pity, some with malicious glee, some just confused.

Brittany. My husband Ethans sister.

The Sterling familys pampered princess.

Beside me sat Arthur Sterling, my father-in-law and the Chairman.

His face was already livid.

His hand gripped the armrest, veins pulsing on his knuckles.

His eyes cut through me like knives.

Reproach.

Rage.

He thought I had poor family upbringing, letting Brittany embarrass the Sterling name in public.

He was about to explode.

To reprimand me.

But I didn't look at Brittany.

I reached up and slowly smoothed my hair, which she had messed up.

My movements were calm.

Then, I turned and looked at Arthur, who was seated at the head table.

I called out to him.

Dad.

My voice wasn't loud, but it was clear.

Everyone in the room could hear me.

Arthurs fury was cut short.

He froze, looking at me.

I continued.

All these years, havent you ever had your doubts?

His brows furrowed deeper.

Doubts about what?

I looked at Brittany, still making a scene on stage, hands on her hips, a triumphant look on her face, waiting for me to be scolded.

A faint smile even touched my lips.

The way she is, always loud and rowdy, like a common street brawler.

Which part of her resembles anyone from our Sterling family?

The moment I said that.

Brittanys triumphant expression froze.

Arthurs gaze also changed.

No longer anger, but a deep, chilling scrutiny.

He began to re-evaluate his own daughter.

I kept twisting the knife into his heart.

I suggest you take her for a DNA test.

Wouldn't want you raising someone elses daughter for half a lifetime, only to have her completely tarnish the Sterling name.

After all, you always say our Sterling family has a long and storied legacy.

A true heiress from a prominent family wouldn't throw a public scene like that.

My words were like a bomb.

Exploding in the dead silent room.

Everyone gasped.

Brittanys face went white as a sheet in an instant.

Completely bloodless.

Herhand started to tremble.

You youre talking nonsense!

Scarlett, you evil witch! Youre trying to ruin me!

She was no longer arrogant, her voice filled with panic.

I knew it.

This family was about to be turned upside down today.

Arthur, my father-in-law, was completely stunned.

He stared at Brittanys pale face.

His gaze shifted from scrutiny to bone-chilling coldness.

That look was like he was staring at a complete stranger.

He didn't look at me again.

Nor did he acknowledge Brittanys screams.

He stood up, said nothing, and turned to leave.

Two bodyguards immediately followed.

The annual gala was interrupted just like that.

An absurd farce.

A secret about to be exposed.

Brittany tried to lunge at me again.

Ethan, my husband, held her back tightly.

Ethan! Let go of me! Im going to tear that bitchs mouth off!

Ethan is my husband, Arthurs son.

His face was also very grim at this moment.

Enough! Brittany! Havent you caused enough embarrassment!

He roared in a low voice.

Brittany was still crying and making a scene.

I ignored them.

I walked to the microphone.

Facing the hundreds of employees below the stage.

I bowed.

My apologies, a private family matter occurred today and affected everyones mood.

The gala ends here. Everyone will receive a double bonus this month.

Thank you all.

With that, I turned off the microphone and stepped off the stage.

Employees began to whisper among themselves.

I didn't listen.

I walked directly backstage.

My hands were trembling slightly.

Not from fear.

But from excitement.

Ten years of enduring.

I finally waited for this day.

I was driving.

Ethan sat in the passenger seat.

Brittany was in the back seat.

She had stopped crying but was still sobbing.

Muttering curses at me intermittently.

Witch

Bad luck

Just you wait, when Dad gets back, hell definitely take care of you

I ignored her.

Ethan did too.

The atmosphere in the car was so oppressive it felt like it could explode.

Ethan finally couldn't take it anymore.

He turned his head and looked at me.

Scarlett, you were too impulsive today.

His tone carried a hint of blame.

Saying something like that at the gala, where does that leave Dads reputation?

I gripped the steering wheel, looking at the road ahead.

Reputation?

I scoffed.

When she slapped me in front of hundreds of people, why didnt you say anything about reputation?

When she pointed a finger at my nose and told me I was only fit to polish her shoes, why didnt you say anything about reputation?

Ethan, thats your dads reputation, not yours.

You seem to have missed the point.

Ethan was speechless.

He opened his mouth but then closed it.

Brittany in the back seat started screaming again.

Ethan! Listen to what shes saying!

She doesnt care about us Sterlings at all!

She just wants to sow discord in our family!

I slammed on the brakes.

The car screeched to a halt at the side of the road.

The sudden inertia threw Brittany forward, and her head hit the back of the front seat.

Ah! she cried out in pain.

I unbuckled my seatbelt, turned around, and looked at her coldly.

Brittany, try saying one more word.

My eyes were ice-cold.

Cold as frost.

Brittany shivered under my gaze.

Shenecked her neck, not daring to make another sound.

I stared at her.

Speaking word by word.

Youd better start praying now that you are Dads biological daughter.

If not

I paused.

I will make your life a living hell.

Brittanys lips began to tremble.

She looked at me, her eyes filled with terror.

Ethan also stared at me in shock.

He probably had never seen me like this.

In his eyes, I had always been a docile, tolerant wife.

A daughter-in-law who would endlessly compromise for family harmony.

He didnt know.

Even a mouse will bite when cornered.

Besides, I was never a mouse.

I was a wolf.

A wolf disguised in the Sterling family for ten years.

I restarted the car.

The rest of the drive was silent.

The car pulled into the Sterling family mansion.

The mansion was brightly lit.

In the living room, Arthur, my father-in-law, sat on the mahogany sofa at the head of the room.

His fingers were steepled, his gaze distant and unreadable.

Seeing us enter, he didn't even lift an eyelid.

Brittany rushed in and immediately ran to him.

Dad! You have to stand up for me!

She knelt by Arthurs leg, crying piteously.

Scarlett is crazy! Shes talking nonsense outside, saying Im not your biological daughter!

Shes ruining my reputation, shes ruining our Sterling familys reputation!

Arthur finally stopped his stillness.

He opened his eyes, his gaze sharp as a hawks.

He didn't look at Brittany.

Instead, he looked at me.

Scarlett.

He spoke, his voice hoarse and low.

What you said at the company today, are you sure?

I walked to stand opposite him.

Meeting his gaze without humility or arrogance.

Dad, I merely offered a reasonable suggestion.

One that could thoroughly resolve the ongoing disputes in our family.

Arthur scoffed.

Gambling with the reputation of our Sterling family?

You have quite the nerve.

I smiled.

Dad, aren't you curious?

Youve been a formidable figure your whole life, decisive and sharp.

Ethan, while not possessing your drive, is still steady and reliable.

Why is Brittany, of all people, so foolish, so venomous, and completely lacking in self-awareness?

Doesn't that seem like a genetic anomaly?

You!

Arthur slammed his hand on the armrest and stood up abruptly.

A powerful aura pressed down on me.

If it were before, my knees might have buckled.

But today, I stood perfectly straight.

Brittany was still crying.

Dad! Dont believe her! Shes jealous of me! Shes jealous that you love me!

Arthur stared intently at me.

After a long time.

The anger in his eyes slowly receded.

Replaced by a bottomless well of doubt.

My words were like a thorn.

Piercing deeply into his heart.

He wasn't foolish.

On the contrary, he had been sharp his entire life.

Some things, he hadnt thought of, not because he couldnt, but because he didn't want to.

Today, I ripped off the band-aid.

He had no choice but to think.

Alright.

He slowly sat down, picking up his steepled hands again.

Ill give you this chance.

And myself an answer.

He picked up his phone and dialed a number.

Mr. Davis, contact Dr. Lee at St. Judes Hospital.

Arrange for an urgent DNA test.

I want the results first thing tomorrow morning.

He hung up the phone.

In the living room, there was a deathly silence.

Brittanys crying also stopped.

She collapsed on the floor, her face ashen.

Mr. Davis was very efficient.

Half an hour later, the forensic team from St. Judes Hospital arrived.

Two doctors in white coats, carrying professional sampling kits.

The atmosphere in the living room was colder than freezing point.

Arthur, my father-in-law, sat on the sofa, silent.

Ethan and I stood to one side.

Brittany lay slumped on the floor, as if all her strength had been drained.

The doctors were professional, with no unnecessary words.

Mr. Sterling, we need hair follicle or blood samples from you and Ms. Brittany.

Arthur extended his hand.

Blood.

His voice was devoid of warmth.

The doctor took out the blood collection needle.

Brittany suddenly screamed like she was insane.

No! I wont do it!

She scrambled up from the floor, stumbling as she ran towards the door.

I dont want a DNA test! Im my dads daughter! I am!

Her reaction was a dead giveaway.

Arthurs face darkened even further.

Two bodyguards immediately stepped forward, one on each side, restraining Brittany.

She struggled desperately like a captured bird.

Let go of me! Let me go!

Dad! Save me! Im your daughter!

Arthur closed his eyes.

He seemed unable to bear watching.

Or perhaps, the answer in his heart was becoming increasingly clear.

He waved his hand.

The bodyguards understood, forcibly holding Brittany down.

The doctor stepped forward and quickly took a blood sample from her finger.

Then it was Arthur.

Throughout the entire process, he didn't open his eyes.

The samples were collected.

The doctors sealed the samples and placed them in a secured case.

Mr. Sterling, the results will be ready by ten tomorrow morning at the earliest.

We will deliver the report directly to you.

Arthur nodded.

Thank you for your trouble.

The doctors and bodyguards left, taking the struggling Brittany with them.

Brittany was taken to a guest room and temporarily locked in.

In the living room, only Ethan, my father-in-law, and I remained.

A long silence.

Arthur finally opened his eyes.

He looked at me, his gaze complex.

There was anger, scrutiny, and something else I couldn't decipher.

Scarlett.

Yes, Dad.

If the results come back and Brittany is my daughter.

He spoke slowly, word by word.

What do you intend to do?

It was a test.

And a threat.

If I was wrong, I would be utterly ruined.

Swept out of the Sterling family, my reputation destroyed.

Ethan looked at me nervously, his palms sweating.

He wanted to speak for me, but I stopped him with a look.

I met my father-in-laws gaze and smiled.

Very calmly.

Dad, if she is.

Then I will willingly leave the Sterling family, walking away penniless.

And, I will apologize on my knees to Brittany in front of all the employees.

To compensate for the damage I caused to the Sterling familys reputation tonight.

My answer was flawless.

It also cut off all my retreat routes.

All or nothing.

Arthur stared at me for a long time.

He seemed to want to find a trace of guilt or panic on my face.

But he failed.

I was too composed.

Too composed for someone who was gambling everything.

More like a winner who already knew the outcome.

He finally looked away.

Alright.

Ill remember your words.

He stood up, looking somewhat weary.

Everyone go back and rest.

With that, he turned and went upstairs.

His back looked a bit desolate.

In the living room, only Ethan and I remained.

Ethan quickly walked over and took my hand.

Scarlett, are you crazy?

His voice was very low, but filled with anxiety.

How could you make such a bet with Dad?

What if what if Brittany really is his biological daughter?

Then youll be completely ruined, wont you?

I looked at him.

My husband.

We had been married for ten years.

He had always been like this: gentle, kind, but lacking drive.

Accustomed to living in the shadow of his father and sister.

I squeezed his hand back.

His hand was cold and still trembling.

Ethan.

I looked into his eyes.

Do you trust me?

He froze.

You just need to answer, yes or no.

He looked at my firm gaze and was silent for a long time.

Finally, as if having made a decision, he nodded forcefully.

I trust you.

I trust you, Scarlett.

I smiled.

Thats enough.

Lets go to bed.

Tomorrow, everything will be clear.

I led him back to our room.

That night, Ethan tossed and turned all night, unable to sleep.

But I slept soundly.

Ten years of planning.

Ten years of enduring.

It was finally time to reap the rewards.

How could I not be excited?

Tomorrow would be a good day.

I woke up the next morning.

The sky was bright.

But the Sterling mansion was quieter than deep night.

When I went downstairs, I saw the butler directing the maids.

Carefully wiping the furniture.

Even walking on tiptoes, afraid to make a sound.

The air was thick with tension.

In the dining room, at the long dining table.

Ethan was already sitting there.

His breakfast untouched.

He had heavy dark circles under his eyes, clearly having not slept all night.

Seeing me, he managed a smile that was worse than a grimace.

Morning.

Morning.

I pulled out a chair and sat down.

I poured myself a glass of milk and picked up a slice of toast.

Eating quietly.

Ethan looked at me, wanting to speak but hesitating.

He finally couldn't hold it in.

Leaning forward, he whispered in a voice only we two could hear.

Scarlett, how much how much certainty do you have?

I bit into the toast, chewing slowly.

Then swallowed.

Only then did I look up at him.

One hundred percent.

My tone was calm.

So calm it seemed I wasn't talking about a major event that could overturn an entire family.

Ethan froze.

He was shaken by my confidence.

How how could you

I didn't answer him.

I just continued eating my breakfast.

Some things, it wasn't time to tell him yet.

A sharp shouting sound came from upstairs.

It was Brittany.

She was locked in her room, but her energy was surprisingly high.

Let me out!

You bunch of dog servants! Who gave you the guts to lock me up!

Scarlett! You bitch! You just wait!

The maids trembled in fear.

A flicker of unbearable pity crossed Ethans face.

After all, that was the sister he had called for over twenty years.

I put down my toast.

Wiped my mouth with a napkin.

Im done eating.

Im going to the company.

I stood up.

Ethan also stood up.

Still going to the company today?

He was surprised.

The familys such a mess

I turned to look at him.

Even if the sky falls, the company must operate normally.

Sterling Enterprises isnt our familys playground.

Im the VP, drawing a salary, and Im responsible for thousands of employees.

I hope you, the future heir, understand that.

With that, I turned and left.

Leaving Ethan alone, frozen in place.

I drove to the company.

Along the way, my mood was calm.

Even joyous, one might say.

Ten years ago, I married Ethan.

Everyone said it was a Cinderella story, a commoner marrying into a top-tier wealthy family.

No one knew.

The very first day I moved into the Sterling mansion.

Brittany gave me a show of force.

She called me into her walk-in closet.

Pointing at a pile of designer shoes on the floor.

Scarlett, from now on, my shoes are yours to clean.

Remember, use your hands, kneel on the floor to clean them.

This is your first lesson as a Sterling daughter-in-law.

Back then, I chose to endure.

Because I loved Ethan.

And because I needed the Sterling familys resources to complete my plan.

This endurance lasted ten years.

For ten years, Brittanys provocations and humiliations never stopped.

I went from a fiercely independent woman with an edge.

To a docile and proper socialite wife in the eyes of outsiders.

Everyone thought I had been tamed.

Including Brittany, including my father-in-law, Arthur.

They didnt know.

A wolf will never be tamed into a dog.

It will only sharpen its claws in the shadows.

Waiting for a fatal strike.

Now, the opportunity had arrived.

At the company.

Sure enough, rumors were flying.

What happened at the gala last night had spread everywhere.

Everyone looked at me with complex emotions.

I ignored them.

Walked directly into my office.

Called a meeting with all department directors.

Assigned new projects for the quarter.

I handled company affairs with the utmost efficiency and professionalism.

As if everything from last night was just a dream.

My composure, instead, made those who wanted to watch the drama feel uneasy.

They began to suspect that things might not be as simple as they imagined.

In the afternoon.

I was reviewing financial reports.

Ethans phone call came in.

His voice was very tired.

Scarlett, where are you?

Company.

Can you can you come back?

Whats wrong?

Brittany shes on a hunger strike.

Shes locked herself in her room, not eating or drinking, saying shell die to spite us.

I listened, silent for a few seconds.

Then, I smiled.

Ethan, shes not a three-year-old anymore.

Do you think her usual dramatic antics of crying, making a scene, and threatening suicide will work on Dad?

But

No buts. I cut him off.

If she wants to die, let her.

Anyway, the test results will be out tomorrow.

If shes biological, Dad will naturally find a way to save her.

If shes not

I paused, my voice chilling.

Then what does her life or death have to do with our Sterling family?

On the other end of the phone, Ethan gasped.

He was probably scared by the coldness in my words.

Scarlett how did you become like this

I havent changed.

I said.

Im just not pretending anymore.

I hung up the phone.

I looked out at the city through the window.

The sun was slowly setting.

Coating the city in a golden glow.

Tomorrow.

Tomorrow, everything would be settled.