When Mei Xing returned to the mansion, something felt different—off, like a chill in the air that didn't belong.
The staff greeted her as usual, but there was a strange tension in their eyes, hushed murmurs in the hallways, and a heavy silence that settled over the home she had once found comfort in. Even her mother's embrace felt stiff, rehearsed.
As she stepped into the living room, her eyes landed on the unexpected guest.
A young woman sat elegantly on the cream-colored sofa, sipping tea and chatting with Madam Lin. She had striking features—long, flowing hair, fair skin, and eyes that glinted with something between confidence and pride. There was an undeniable air of familiarity about her, like a reflection Mei Xing wasn't prepared to see.
Madam Lin stood quickly. "Ah, Xing'er, welcome home. There's someone I'd like you to meet."
The woman stood as well, flashing a polite but distant smile. "Hello," she said softly.
"This is Mei Li," Madam Lin announced, her voice laced with emotion. "She's… she's our biological daughter."
Mei Xing's heart stopped.
The words dropped like thunder in her ears.
Biological daughter.
The truth she had fought to uncover was now being handed to her on a silver platter—wrapped in silk and smiles.
Mei Li stepped forward. "It's nice to finally meet you," she said smoothly, but her tone carried an undertone—one Mei Xing didn't miss.
There was no warmth in her gaze. Only curiosity… and something else. Competition.
The room felt like it was closing in around her.
"Why didn't you tell me she was here?" Mei Xing asked, her voice low, barely able to hide the hurt.
Mr. Lin entered just then, looking slightly uncomfortable. "We didn't want to overwhelm you, Xing'er. Mei Li only arrived a few days ago… We were waiting for the right time."
"And now was the right time?" she snapped.
Madam Lin sighed. "Please try to understand. This is new for all of us. Mei Li has suffered so much growing up in poverty. We owe her everything we couldn't give before."
Mei Xing swallowed the bitter taste rising in her throat. "And what about me? What do you owe me?"
"You're still our daughter," Mr. Lin said hastily. "You always will be."
But Mei Xing wasn't so sure anymore.
She glanced at Mei Li again—her poised stance, her designer clothes, her familiarity with the house already. It was clear she hadn't come just to reunite. She was here to claim her place.
And deep down, Mei Xing felt it—this was only the beginning of a deeper battle. One not just for love or attention, but for identity, legacy… and everything she had ever called her own.
She had been raised as the golden daughter. But now, the real daughter had returned.
And the throne was shaking beneath her.