Chapter 1

When my biological parents came to take me home, I looked reluctant.

"I've heard that real daughters never win against the fake ones and end up suffering terribly. I'd rather not go back."

Hearing this, they rushed to comfort me.

"Don't be silly, Veronica is so gentle and kind. You're sure to get along wonderfully with her."

I nodded, then pulled out my phone.

"To prevent her from harming me, you need to understand the tricks fake daughters use. Here are a hundred web series about fake daughters causing trouble. Once you've watched them, I'll come home with you."

After watching all hundred episodes, Mom and Dad were astounded.

"Those are just made-up stories. Veronica would never act like that."

I remained noncommittal, pulling out an agreement.

"Then sign this. Every time I'm harmed, you'll have to compensate me. $5,000 for false accusations, $10,000 for minor injuries, and serious injuries we'll negotiate."

Mom and Dad were convinced I was overthinking it and signed without hesitation.

But they were quickly proven wrong.

Less than half an hour after I arrived home, Veronica announced her necklace was missing.

Her eyes were red, as if I had truly wronged her.

"Eleanor, that platinum necklace was a birthday gift from Mom and Dad! Please give it back to me! I know you're their real daughter, you can take anything else you want, just please give me back the necklace..."

Mom and Dad immediately frowned, looking ready to grill me.

I pulled out my phone with a straight face, opened one of the web series, and handed it to them.

"See, the plot where someone frames another for theft is right here."

They froze, swallowing the accusations they were about to make, forcing awkward smiles.

"Veronica, look again. Eleanor wouldn't take your things."

Veronica looked genuinely stunned, probably not expecting Mom and Dad to side with me.

"Are you all saying I'm lying? I get it now. Eleanor is back, so you don't want me anymore. Why should I even stay here?"

She sprang up abruptly and bolted for the door.

I swiped through the clip.

"Pretending to run away from home—that's in here too."

Veronica froze, then burst into even louder sobs, vanishing into the night.

"Veronica! It's dangerous outside, come back!"

Dad panicked and chased after her, even losing a shoe.

Mom's eyes welled up, and she couldn't help but scold me.

"Veronica is... you two are both my darlings, can't you be a little nicer to her?"

I felt confused.

"She's the one not being nice to me. She said I stole her necklace..."

Before I could finish, Mom cut me off.

"Veronica feels insecure right now. As the older one, you need to be more understanding and tolerant."

"Are you implying I should just take the blame for stealing?"

Mom sighed.

"Regardless, when she comes back, just apologize to her. She's never experienced such unfairness growing up; I don't know how upset she must be."

"Plenty of these shows have plots where the innocent one has to apologize to the wrongdoer."

Mom's expression stiffened, and she didn't dare say another word.

I didn't forget the agreement, silently opening my payment app.

"$5,000 for false accusation. Please transfer the payment."