Chapter 1

I returned home for the holidays after being away for years.

Suddenly, I discovered that my house and my car had somehow become my niece's property.

I even spotted my limited-edition designer bags, which had been missing for a long time, sitting in her room.

How was I the only one who didn't know about this?

1

Because my company had been expanding overseas, I hadn't been home for the holidays in nearly five years.

If it weren't for the anniversary of my younger sister's passing, I wouldn't have wanted to come back at all.

As I approached the front door, I heard loud laughter and chatter coming from inside.

I knew immediately that my older brother, Arthur, his wife, Linda, and their children, Sienna and Silas, were all there.

This house only seemed to have any life in it when my brother was around.

I knocked on the door, and the laughter inside stopped abruptly.

My nephew, Silas, opened the door for me. He didn't even bother to say hello before turning around and walking away.

I softly greeted my parents, Arthur, and Linda, then dragged my suitcase straight to my old room.

Linda had never liked me from the very beginning.

"She always looks so cold and miserable, like everyone in the world owes her money," I heard her mutter.

Arthur did what he always did―he tried to play both sides. "Alright, let it go. She won't be staying for more than a few days anyway."

I waited until the chatter outside died down before I ventured out to get some water.

On my way back to my room, something caught my eye on the sofa. It was a very familiar designer bag.

Suddenly, a memory from six months ago flashed through my mind.

Arthur had called me back then, sounding very casual.

"Avery, your niece Sienna is moving to New York for work. You have so many properties there, why not let her stay in one for a while?"

I didn't think much of it. I asked where her office was and gave her the keys to my closest apartment.

Later, she changed jobs three times and demanded a new place each time. I was in the middle of a massive overseas merger and didn't have time to argue.

I simply told my assistant to let her pick from my portfolio.

She eventually moved into the luxury villa where I usually stay. After a few weeks, I had my assistant move her out to a smaller condo.

But when I checked my inventory later, I realized about a dozen of my limited-edition bags were missing.

I assumed the housekeeper had taken them for professional cleaning and maintenance, so I didn't worry.

But here they were, in my niece's possession.

I didn't know if she had taken them by mistake or on purpose, but at her age, she definitely knew these were high-end luxury goods.

I decided to have a word with her. As I reached her door, I overheard her on the phone.

"Oh, I told you already, this house is mine. My mom bought it for me, so don't worry, just move in."

"What are you afraid of? I'll handle the utilities and the HOA fees."

"Our family owns so many properties in New York. You think I care about your little rent? Just stay there."

She paused for a second, and then her phone rang again.

"I got the rent money. You're way too polite! I told you that you could stay for free, but you insist on paying."

"It's fine! If it's broken, it's broken. I'll just buy a new one."

"This is pocket change to me. Anything in the house you like, just take it with you when you move out."

The sheer arrogance of it left me stunned. She was using my hard-earned properties to build her own social status.

I waited patiently until she finished her calls. From what I gathered, she had rented out five of my apartments.

There were two more units where people were staying for free, but I had no idea who they were.

I pushed the door open. She jumped, looking at me with pure terror.

"Aunt Avery? How... how long have you been standing there?"

"Long enough to hear you renting out my apartments. Long enough to hear you giving away my belongings like they're trash."

"Auntie... let me explain."

"Go ahead. I'm dying to hear this explanation."

"I just thought you have so many houses you never use. It's a waste to let them sit empty. I thought I'd rent them out to make some extra cash."

"Oh, I see. And where exactly is that rent money now?"

"Auntie, you know how it is. Girls need to look good. You're so rich, you wouldn't care about this small change. I spent it on makeup and clothes."

"So, you rented out all my properties and spent every cent of the income yourself?"

"I never knew such a convenient business model existed in this world."

My voice turned ice-cold, making Sienna tremble.

For years, I had built a corporate empire from nothing. I wasn't known for being soft or easy to push around.

I stared her down. "And the bags you took from my closet? Was that also to fund your lifestyle?"

Her face turned a deep, shameful red. She had been caught red-handed.

At that moment, Linda walked in. She immediately assumed I was bullying her precious daughter.

"Avery! What are you doing? Sienna is just a child. Whatever it is, you don't have to use that tone with her."

"Fine. Then let me ask you, Linda. Did you know what Sienna was doing?"

"What... what are you talking about? Don't you dare try to frame her for something!"

I let out a cold, sharp laugh. "Oh, Linda. I don't need to frame her."

"So you're telling me you knew she was renting out my houses and giving away my property to strangers?"

Linda rolled her eyes, looking completely unbothered. "Oh, please. You have so many houses. Losing a few pennies won't kill you."

"So you did know. You all knew, and you kept it from me on purpose."

"Is that it? Because I have money, I'm just a target for your little schemes?"

"I was kind enough to let you stay, and you treated me like a personal ATM?"

Linda's eyes widened, as if I were the one saying something offensive.

"Avery, how can you be so petty with a child? Besides, it's not like you actually need the money!"