Trisha looked up through her tears, trembling and pitiful. "Big Sister, it's all my fault... I've stolen your place for so many years and made you suffer. I just wanted to repay you with my life!"
She sobbed harder, gazing at Aunt Laura and Uncle John. "Please don't blame Mom, Dad, or Brother. From now on, take good care of them for me, okay?"
Aunt Laura's eyes reddened as she pulled the girl into her arms.
"Don't be silly, child. In our hearts, you'll always be our daughter too."
"You idiot! This has nothing to do with you." Kian turned to glare daggers at us. "Let's see who dares to blame you?"
Meanwhile, Trisha, nestled in Aunt Laura's embrace, cast me a teary but triumphant look from over her shoulder.
Bingo. A classic manipulative "scheming little flower"—playing the victim while throwing shade.
Too bad she picked the wrong opponent.
I smiled sweetly and unleashed my venom.
"So this is the adopted daughter, Trisha? My apologies! For a moment, I thought someone was actually swinging inside the house."