Chapter 1

My reckless move instantly drew the attention of everyone in the room.

David Muller rushed over and cradled Tina Muller, while Evan Muller stormed up and slapped me twice across the face.

Seeing their precious, pampered girl get kicked across the room nearly broke their hearts. Both of them glared at me and were seething with rage.

"Cindy, have you completely lost it? How dare you hurt Tina?"

Looking at my two brothers bearing down on me, I realized just how naive I'd been in my past life. I actually believed they treated me like family.

I pointed at Tina, who was being held in their arms, and started mocking them loudly.

"Aren't you two just adorable? Defending her like she's royalty. I'm the granddaughter of the richest woman in Asperio, the rightful heiress of Skyrise Group. Am I not qualified to slap her?"

David was visibly upset with my response. He shoved me hard and knocked me to the ground.

"Cindy, Tina was generous enough to sponsor for your education, and this is how you repay her?

"Everyone here, listen up! Tina is Nancy's real granddaughter, the true heiress of Skyrise Group!"

I stared at David in disbelief.

"She's Nancy's biological granddaughter? The heiress of Skyrise Group?

"David, how do you say that with a straight face? You're shameless."

Evan rolled his eyes and gave me a dismissive look.

"Cindy, did you forget to take your meds today or something? You're clearly having one of your episodes."

Tina, meanwhile, had the nerve to start sobbing.

"This is all my fault. I knew Cindy had mental issues, but I still brought her here."

Their twisted lies echoed through the hall loud and clear.

Just like that, the crowd turned on me. Everyone's eyes were full of scorn and judgment.

"So Cindy's just some broke student the heiress sponsored? That explains the outfit."

"The real heiress is so sweet. She even helped someone with a screw loose."

David called over one of the company's assistants, Zachary Lindt.

"Zachary, get some people to throw Cindy out. From now on, without my permission, she's not allowed to enter Skyrise Group."

I turned to face Zachary, who was approaching me with a group of security guards.

"Zachary, you've worked for my father for years. How can you not tell who the real heiress is?"

Zachary froze mid-step. He looked stunned. "I-I–"

Evan gave him a look.

"Zachary, David is the future head of this company. If you defy his orders now, does that mean you're ready to clear out your desk?"

Zachary instantly went pale. He looked at me with hesitation and guilt in his eyes.

"Ms. Cindy, I've got aging parents and kids in school. I need this job. Please don't make this difficult for me. Please just come with me."

He motioned for the security guards to drag me out.

As they approached, I grabbed a vase from the table and hurled it forward with all my strength.

"I'm Skyrise Group's only rightful successor. Go ahead. Touch me, and see what happens."