An Heiress on My Dime

The moment Tammy, my adoptive parents’ biological daughter, was found, she began to stage the scene of a ‘real vs fake heiress’ drama.

Tammy had cameras installed all over the house. Nowhere was safe, not even in the privacy of the bathroom.

When one shorted out during her shower, Tammy landed herself in the hospital. Through tears, she told my parents that I was trying to get rid of her and demanded to call the cops.

During a dinner out at the hotel restaurant, Tammy lost her footing and fell into the pool, all the while dragging me down.

She cried and accused me of pushing her into the water. Apparently, had she not been smart enough to pull me along the ride, I would’ve gotten her killed.

While our parents were away taking care of our hospital bills, Tammy snapped me an intimidating look.

“I’m warning you. I’m different from the other heiresses in my position. I won’t put up with your antics. You can’t hide who you really are from Mom and Dad!

“I’m going to get you kicked out of this house!”

I smirked to myself.

The silly girl had no idea that the wealth of the family came from me.

She was no heiress once I took my riches away with me.

On Tammy Smyth’s first day back, she turned the family dynamics into something straight out of a spy thriller.

Exercising caution, John and Catherine Smyth led her into the house and pointed at the high-end furniture and décor while rubbing their hands together nervously.

“Tammy, this is our home. I know it hasn’t been easy for you.”

Dressed in a faded, washed-out denim, Tammy scanned every inch of the space.

Finally, her gaze fell on me.

“So this is the girl you adopted?” Tammy lifted her chin, her tone reflecting no hint of courtesy.

I set the financial papers down and extended my arm with a smile. “Hi, I’m Scarlett Smyth.”

Not returning the handshake, Tammy simply let out a scoff and turned to John and Catherine. “Mom, Dad, now that I’m back, it’s time to establish some rules. I’m not comfortable with strangers being around.”

John and Catherine gave me an awkward look.

Catherine, always the people-pleaser, jumped to mediate. “Tammy, Scarlett is your sister. She’s been keeping the family afloat for the last decade—”

“Keeping the family afloat?” Tammy cut Catherine off.

“I’m sure she’s been doing it with resources that should’ve been mine. She has occupied my place for long enough. Time to hand it back.”

Resignation washed over me.

Tammy had probably read one too many heiress stories and developed a victim mentality.

Nevertheless, I didn’t hold the whole thing against her.

She must have had it rough, being separated from her real family for twenty years and all.

Besides, I didn’t want to put my adoptive parents in a tough spot since they had done so much for me.

I chose to show some grace. “Tammy might need time to take everything in. She just got back after all. Mom, Dad, I have business at the office. I won’t be home for dinner tonight.”

By taking the high road, I hoped to keep the peace in the family.

Little did I know, it was just the beginning of a nightmare.