***
The next morning, I said to Benjamin, “Dad, I’ve always admired you and Carter Corp. Can I visit your company sometime?”
His expression didn’t change, but I caught the faintest twitch of his brow. He didn’t bother answering, just grabbed his coat and left.
Sitting at the breakfast table, I didn’t rush.
If Carter Corp was going to crash later, there had to be cracks showing already.
Winning Benjamin’s trust wouldn’t be easy, but I knew one thing—if anyone could turn his sinking ship around, it was me.
For days, I played the perfect daughter. Obedient. Thoughtful. Charming. I buried myself in financial reports and business journals, casually dropping insights in conversations with Benjamin whenever I could.
I was even more attentive to Miriam.
Every morning, I brought her milk, taught myself recipes to cook for her, and made every effort to show her I cared.
Maybe it was because I’d never had a real family before, but I craved their approval.
Even though they kept their walls up, I refused to quit.
Then Ruth came over and blew my little fantasy apart with a recording pen.
Benjamin’s cold, cutting voice crackled from the device:
“She’s just an ungrateful brat. I’m not even dead yet, and she’s already scheming to take over my company.
“A kid like her—rambling about Warren Buffett and throwing around financial terms like she’s a Wall Street expert. Half the time, I don’t even understand the books she’s reading. Who does she think she’s fooling?
“In a few years, I’ll find a way to end the adoption. We only took her in to look good anyway.”
Static buzzed for a second, then Miriam’s voice came through, sharp and clear:
“Ruth, your sister is so gloomy, nothing like you— You’re such a breath of fresh air. I wish we’d adopted you instead.
“She makes me food and soups, but I have the maid toss it all. Honestly, I’m scared she’s trying to poison me.”
…
When the recording ended, Ruth leaned back with a smug grin. “Suri, your mom and dad don’t even like you.
“In my last life, they adored me. Even after going broke, they tried their best to pay for my tuition.
“Too bad for you—you’re just not likable!”
So that’s why she’d been keeping such a low profile lately. She’d been busy worming her way into my adoptive parents’ good graces.
As she kept gloating, I glanced at her outfit—brand-new designer clothes. There was no way Jeremy could afford that. The only explanation? She’d sweet-talked Miriam into giving her money.
I stayed cool, casually pulling out my phone and hitting record. “If you like my parents so much, we can trade,” I said, my tone calm and steady.
Ruth shrieked, “That old hag? She’s sharp-faced and nasty—does she really think she’s worthy of me as a daughter?
“And her husband? Making a little cash and acting like he’s a big shot? In our last life, he was nothing more than my current dad’s bootlicker!”
Her rant went on and on, each word dripping with venom.
When she finally ran out of steam, I smiled and tilted my phone to show her the recording screen.
Then, right in front of her shocked and furious eyes, I sent the file straight to Miriam.
Ruth lunged at me, clawing for my phone, but right then, her own phone buzzed.
I watched her freeze, her hand shaking as she glanced at the screen. Her face twisted with fury, and she shot me a look that could kill before jabbing the decline button.
Sure, she could dodge her call, but she couldn’t stop me.
I calmly dialed Miriam and put the phone to my ear.
“Hi, Mom,” I said, keeping my tone light. “Ruth is right here with me. Let me hand the phone to her.”
I pressed the phone into Ruth’s hand.
Her face turned ghostly white as Miriam’s voice came through, sharp and cold.
