An Outsider in My Own Family

Fable eagerly helped Madeline to bring in her large suitcase. He then gave her a hug and said, "I missed you so much, Madie! You're finally willing to come back!"

Mom's anger completely vanished as she lovingly took Madeline's hand. "My dear girl, why must you make yourself suffer by staying outside? Just stay here from now onward. You're my daughter—no one can ever take away your place."

Dad quickly nodded as he handed Madeline a glass of water. He then patted her shoulders, comforting her.

They played out the scene of a perfect family of four before me, while I completely gave up on them.

Madeline had enjoyed her 23 years as the Lewis family's adoptive daughter. However, when the Lewis family went bankrupt, she chose to go abroad without hesitation.

For the past few years, everything they ate, wore, lived in, and spent came from my hard-earned money.

Fable was only 13 when I returned. My parents didn't have the time or energy to look after him, and his grades were disastrous. I spent a fortune hiring the best tutors and even donated two million dollars to the school just so he could continue his studies.

I treated them as family, giving my all to each and ensuring they had a good life. But no matter how much I tried, to them, I was never better than their adoptive daughter.

Madeline blinked innocently and leaned into Mom's embrace. "I'm sorry, Heidi. You wouldn't have to stay in a storage room if it wasn't for me deciding to join in suddenly. I only want to stay together with Mom, Dad, and Fable, just like I used to. Surely you wouldn't blame me for it, right?"

Fable made some oatmeal for Madeline. While feeding her, he smiled nonchalantly and said, "You're just too kind-hearted, Madie.

"How could you stay in a storage room when you've always been the princess of our family? What if you ran into bad guys? Unlike her—even the bad guys wouldn't spare her a look when she's such a tomboy."

They continued to laugh and chatter, looking beyond close.

Mom eventually noticed how dark my expression was. Only then, she casually coaxed, "Alright, I know it's unfair to you this time, but there's no going around this. Didn't you mention wanting to change cars a few days ago? I'll agree to it."

Was I a charity case?

"You can just transfer me the 1.36 million dollars." I replied, without hesitation.

"You should consider yourself lucky. I'm willing to allow you to get such an expensive car, yet you're still asking me for money? You're asking for too much, Heidi."

I smiled sarcastically. "Oh, I forgot that you don't have any money left, and you're currently using my supplementary card. That's strange—why are you making a fuss when you're not paying for it? Why do I still need your permission when I'm using my own money?"

Five years was a long time—long enough for them to forget how they were barely surviving when they were bankrupt. They have all forgotten that I was the one in charge of Lewis Corporation, and they were all relying on me to support them.

"How could you say such a thing to Mom, Heidi?" Madeline stood up with reddening eyes just as Mom and the others remembered my importance and were about to soften their attitude.

She continued, "How could you be so particular when we're all family? We wouldn't be here if it weren't for Mom and Dad. Of course we'd need to get their permission in whatever we do! Buying a car is a big decision—we'll definitely need their approval."

"As expected, Madie is so thoughtful." Dad glared at me and said, "Hurry up, apologize to your mother, and prepare dinner. Are you trying to starve us?"

I gave the housekeeper a few days off because we were about to go on a ski trip. I wasn't expecting them to boss me around.

I pursed my lips and asked Madeline, "Since you've been staying with the Lewis family for so long, you must know how good Dad's cooking is."

She replied, "Of course! Dad even took cooking classes just to ensure I eat well. My favorite dish of his is—"

"You've heard her, Dad. Your beloved daughter wants to eat your cooking. So, go on and prepare our dinner." I then started scrolling my phone leisurely.

Mom was displeased with my actions. "How could you ask your father to cook when he's getting older? What if he falls? You should hurry instead."

"Are you getting older now, Dad?" I feigned surprise as I looked up. "Surely you can't go skiing then? How about you stay at home instead?"

Dad loved skiing but hadn't been able to go for the past few years due to their bankruptcy. He wasn't about to be left behind.

He snapped, "Who said I'm getting older? I'm in great shape!"

"What are you waiting for? Hurry up and go cook for your beloved daughter then!" I said.