Getting Rid of Pests

The reporters exploded into excited chatter at these words. Someone asked, "Mr. Holmes Senior? So even if Rissa comes back, she won't affect Nancy's position in the family?"

"Of course not! Even returning to a wealthy family won't change the fact that she's beneath us!" another shouted.

Just then, my phone buzzed violently with a call from my manager, Amy Kensington.

Her shrill voice nearly pierced my eardrum as she screamed, "Rissa! For heaven's sake, come back right now and forget about this family reunion! The livestream has gone viral, and everyone's saying you're pushing your luck! You're going against the richest man in Hemmingville, mind you!"

She continued desperately, "Do you have any idea how much the Holmes family has invested in our company? Are you trying to kill me?"

I couldn't help but laugh at Amy's outburst. "Amy, relax and just watch the livestream. I'll take responsibility for whatever happens."

Amy's voice cracked with emotion as she pleaded, "Listen to me! Jason, the heir of the Holmes family, is infamous for being overprotective of Nancy!

"After how you've treated Nancy, do you think he'll let you off easy? When the Holmes family pulls their investment, you'll be the first one the company blacklists!"

Suddenly, there was a commotion on Amy's end. "Damn it! Holmes Group's business department just messaged us! I've got to go, but please, just come back!"

Blacklist me? I had to laugh at that. My adoptive mother was a three-time award-winning actress, but I had kept that connection private because I didn't want people to say I relied on connections.

The Holmes family was ridiculous to believe that they could end my career with petty moves.

Nancy noticed my silence after hanging up and lowered her voice tauntingly. "Looks like Jason's already made his move... Take my advice and behave yourself. Even with Holmes blood running in your veins, your attitude will keep you out of the family forever!"

Just then, a flashy red sports car drifted to a stop in front of the Holmes residence. Jason Holmes, the supposedly future heir of the Holmes family, stepped out with a cold expression.

Nancy's demeanor instantly changed as she ran to him, clutching his arm with a pouty expression. "Jason, you're finally here..."

Jason walked up to me, looking me up and down. "So you're Clarissa Holmes?"

The paparazzi held their breath, eagerly extending their microphones. "Mr. Holmes, how does it feel to discover that Rissa, one of today's hottest rising stars, is your long-lost sister?"

Jason scoffed. "Yes, Clarissa has the Holmes family's blood, but Nancy has been part of our family for years. So, she's the only sister in my heart," he declared.

"Besides, Nancy is actually a few months older, and Clarissa's behavior today shows her clear lack of proper upbringing!"

My phone rang with my adoptive mother's call, but I didn't answer immediately. Jason continued, staring me down.

"I don't care if you're a celebrity—our family isn't to be used for your publicity stunts! If you cause trouble here, don't blame me for being ruthless!"

The paparazzi buzzed with excitement as all cameras focused on me, waiting for my response. I faced the cameras with a mocking smile.

"This is being live-streamed nationwide right now, and everyone saw that she was trying to pull off my clothes. How did that become me causing trouble?"

Then, I challenged him, saying, "Didn't you just pull your investment from my project? Why are you pretending to be the good guy now? I didn't realize the mighty Holmes family was so skilled at twisting the truth!"

As soon as I finished speaking, the livestream comments exploded with support for me, flooding the entire screen.

Nancy's face stiffened, and she quickly switched to an innocent expression. She argued, "That's not what Jason meant. He's just always been protective of me. The Holmes family is the wealthiest in Hemmingville, and we can certainly provide for one more person."

Her eyes welled up with tears as she continued, "We just followed family protocol today, and Clarissa probably misunderstood.

"After all, she hasn't had much education and started working very young, so it's natural that her life experiences have made her suspicious of people."

I laughed coldly and raised my hand as if to slap her, making her flinch and cower back with closed eyes.

As I lowered my hand and smirked, I asked mockingly, "Do you know who was the first person to request a DNA test with me?

"Here's a reality check for you—whether the Holmes family accepts me or not isn't up to an adopted daughter like you!"