Lu Min was subjected to inhuman torment in the basement, and my adoptive parents knew nothing of it.
Because they were locked in yet another violent argument.
This time, it was because my biological parents had come to the door, demanding to take back their real daughter—me.
My adoptive mother had lost her son. Naturally, she now clung to the hope that her biological daughter could reclaim her place in the family and one day inherit the estate.
My adoptive father, however, flatly refused. He even suggested sending Lu Min back, tossing her some money to silence the matter.
"You're nothing but a beast!" my adoptive mother screamed. "You won't even acknowledge your own son or daughter!"
"A beast?" he sneered. "I'm doing this for the good of this family. Otherwise, where do you think the money you squander at the gambling table comes from—does it fall from the sky?"
Seeing that the argument was on the verge of turning physical, I hurried forward.
"Dad, Mom, please don't fight. Why don't I go back with my biological parents instead? My sister has suffered all these years—she shouldn't have to take my place again."
My adoptive mother let out a cold laugh. "At least you have some self-awareness."
I lowered my head obediently. "You've already lost your son, Mom. I can't bear to let you lose your daughter too."
At the mention of "son," her expression darkened.
"Xiao Ruan, stay out of this," my adoptive father said coolly. "Just focus on the company."
My adoptive mother glared at him. "You really want to send Xiao Min away?"
Perhaps truly afraid he would do so, her tone softened. She compromised, retreating a step.
"How about this—let Xiao Min stay as an adopted daughter. Xiao Ruan doesn't leave either. I promise I'll keep a close eye on her and make sure she doesn't disgrace the company."
"Mom, you're mistaken about one thing," I said gently. "Xiao Min isn't qualified to represent the company anymore. So she won't disgrace it."
"You—"
My adoptive mother's finger trembled as she pointed at me.
"Fine. Let's do it this way," my adoptive father said at last, unwilling to escalate things further.
I beamed. "That's wonderful! Butler, please go release my sister from the basement."
My adoptive mother finally exhaled in relief.
But when Lu Min reappeared before us, freshly changed, a sudden surge of brute strength seized her. She tore free from the butler's grip and slammed straight into my adoptive parents, sending them both tumbling down the stairs.
A deafening crash rang out.
The second-floor railing snapped.
My adoptive parents fell like kites with severed strings, hitting the ground hard as blood slowly seeped from the backs of their heads.
Lu Min stood frozen, her eyes vacant.
The butler leaned close and whispered, "Second Miss acted out of hatred toward Sir and Madam's unfairness. That's why she struck so viciously. It has nothing to do with you. Everyone in the villa saw it."
Indeed. It had nothing to do with me.
After all, I had done nothing.
I smiled and nodded. "Then lock Second Miss back in the basement. Release her only when she learns to repent."
The butler dragged Lu Min away.
I, meanwhile, ran downstairs in a panic.
"Quick—call an ambulance!"