I never let my family know that I make a million dollars a year. In their eyes, I was still the daughter who dropped out, forever living in the shadow of my flawless older sister. When my daughter was lying in the ICU after a serious accident, clinging to life, not one of them showed up.I never let my family know that I make a million dollars a year. In their eyes, I was still the daughter who dropped out, forever living in the shadow of my flawless older sister. When my daughter was lying in the ICU after a serious accident, clinging to life, not one of them showed up.I never let my family know that I make a million dollars a year. In their eyes, I was still the daughter who dropped out, forever living in the shadow of my flawless older sister. When my daughter was lying in the ICU after a serious accident, clinging to life, not one of them showed up.I never let my family know that I make a million dollars a year. In their eyes, I was still the daughter who dropped out, forever living in the shadow of my flawless older sister. When my daughter was lying in the ICU after a serious accident, clinging to life, not one of them showed up.I never let my family know that I make a million dollars a year. In their eyes, I was still the daughter who dropped out, forever living in the shadow of my flawless older sister. When my daughter was lying in the ICU after a serious accident, clinging to life, not one of them showed up.I never let my family know that I make a million dollars a year. In their eyes, I was still the daughter who dropped out, forever living in the shadow of my flawless older sister. When my daughter was lying in the ICU after a serious accident, clinging to life, not one of them showed up.I never let my family know that I make a million dollars a year. In their eyes, I was still the daughter who dropped out, forever living in the shadow of my flawless older sister. When my daughter was lying in the ICU after a serious accident, clinging to life, not one of them showed up.I never let my family know that I make a million dollars a year. In their eyes, I was still the daughter who dropped out, forever living in the shadow of my flawless older sister. When my daughter was lying in the ICU after a serious accident, clinging to life, not one of them showed up.I never let my family know that I make a million dollars a year. In their eyes, I was still the daughter who dropped out, forever living in the shadow of my flawless older sister. When my daughter was lying in the ICU after a serious accident, clinging to life, not one of them showed up.I never let my family know that I make a million dollars a year. In their eyes, I was still the daughter who dropped out, forever living in the shadow of my flawless older sister. When my daughter was lying in the ICU after a serious accident, clinging to life, not one of them showed up.I never let my family know that I make a million dollars a year. In their eyes, I was still the daughter who dropped out, forever living in the shadow of my flawless older sister. When my daughter was lying in the ICU after a serious accident, clinging to life, not one of them showed up.I never let my family know that I make a million dollars a year. In their eyes, I was still the daughter who dropped out, forever living in the shadow of my flawless older sister. When my daughter was lying in the ICU after a serious accident, clinging to life, not one of them showed up.
I was stunned. I tried once more to explain that Lily was still unconscious, that I couldn’t leave her side, that she might not survive.
Before I could finish, Victoria snatched the phone. She was yelling. “Stop hiding behind your kid! You always make excuses. Everything has to be about you. If you actually cared about this family, you’d show up for once.”
The call ended abruptly.
I stood there staring at my phone, my hands trembling, my pulse racing—not from fear anymore, but from something far colder. That was the instant they went too far.
I turned my gaze to Lily, so small and still beneath the harsh ICU lights, and made up my mind.
I would attend the party.
And they would regret forcing me to.
The following evening, I stepped into my parents’ house dressed in a plain black dress, my expression composed, every emotion sealed tight. The living room buzzed with guests—friends, colleagues, neighbors—all gathered to celebrate Victoria. She stood at the center of it all, radiant, laughing loudly, thriving on the spotlight.
When she noticed me, her smile stiffened.
“Well, if it isn’t you,” she said for everyone to hear. “I assumed you’d come up with another excuse.”
I didn’t respond. I simply handed my mother a gift bag. She barely looked at it.
You could have put more effort into your outfit,” she murmured. “People might assume you’re not doing well.”
I smiled politely. “I’m fine. Really.”
The night dragged on, filled with quiet jabs disguised as humor. Victoria went on and on about her husband’s career, her new car, her upcoming trip. Eventually, she lifted her glass and announced, “I’m thankful I never gave up when things got difficult. Some people choose shortcuts and still don’t get anywhere.”
Laughter rippled through the room, and several gazes slid toward me.
That was when my phone rang.
The chatter faded as I answered. “This is Olivia.”
The doctor’s voice was firm and urgent—and loud enough for those nearby to catch every word. “Ms. Carter, your daughter’s condition has stabilized. She’s breathing independently now. She just woke up and is asking for you.”
For the first time that evening, my calm broke. I shut my eyes as relief flooded through me. “Thank you,” I breathed.
Victoria rolled her eyes. “There you go again—making a scene for attention.”
I turned to face her, slow and steady.
“No,” I said evenly. “That was Lily’s ICU doctor—the one none of you ever came to see.”
A ripple of whispers spread across the room.
Before anyone could react, a man in a perfectly tailored suit approached me. “Ms. Carter,” he said with polite confidence, “I didn’t realize you were Victoria’s sister. I’m Daniel Wright, with the investor group. We’ve been trying to reach you about the acquisition.”
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