My mother led me back to our room, gazing at me earnestly. "Lily, tell Mom, do you know something? About your father?"
I feigned innocence, shaking my head hastily. "I don't know."
Inside, I thought, "I can't say it. It will disappoint Mom."
"In my previous life, when I discovered Dad's affair and told Mom, she accused me of spreading lies at a young age."
"She said I lacked compassion, blaming my jealousy over Emma's extra attention for causing chaos."
"I was terrified of losing her love..."
Tears welled up in my mother's eyes, her face a mix of heartache and guilt. "Lily, you're my daughter, and I love you more than anything in this world."
"I love you too, Mom," I said, deeply touched, and hugged her tightly.
My mother didn't press me for more information.
However, afterwards, I sensed a clear estrangement from my mother towards both my father and Emma.
Emma's attempts to ingratiate herself with my mother were ignored. My father's attempts to please my mother were similarly met with indifference.
Even my mother, who rarely visited the company, started going more frequently.
I observed growing agitation in my father and Emma, who were seen whispering in a corner after the dinner.
Emma whispered, "Dad, didn't you say that woman is easy to please? But no matter what I do, she's cold to me. Why?"
Dad replied, "I have no idea. It's like she's become a different person. Maybe it's her menopause, making her temperamental. Forget about her."
"Your second eldest brother's winter break starts tomorrow; he's not the brightest. Win him over first."
"Okay," Emma agreed.
"You need to replace Lily's position in this family as soon as possible. Once you're everyone's favorite, getting our hands on the family fortune will be effortless, and we can bring your mother to live a comfortable life."
"Don't worry, Dad. Lily, that naive fool living in her bubble, is no match for me. I'll soon win everyone's affection," Emma assured confidently.
Indeed, in my past life, I was utterly defenseless against Emma and, under my father's influence, regarded her as a true sister. Yet, she plotted against me, framing me, turning the whole family against me until I was isolated and she received all the affection. But not this time!
The next day, my second eldest brother returned from his winter break.
He weighed around 440 pounds, never exercised, and loved junk food. He avoided studying, spending his days playing games, and had only gotten into college through family connections. To outsiders, my second eldest brother was a failure.
My mother never anticipated him turning out this way, having focused most of her energy on my eldest brother's upbringing while my father primarily handled my second brother.
Dad constantly told him that with our eldest brother holding the fort, he could just enjoy a carefree life as a wealthy heir. Gradually, my brother lost all ambition, content with idling away.
"Leo."
Emma was the first to greet him, moving close to whisper in his ear, "I heard from Dad that you love potato chips, fried chicken, spicy sticks, and instant noodles. I've already placed them in your room and bought your favorite soda. Don't tell Mom, okay?"
I saw the spark of delight in my brother's eyes. My mother forbade such items at home and would inspect his luggage upon every return from school, denying him these treats. Previously, it was Dad who secretly bought them for him; now, Emma took over the role.
I could clearly sense my brother's immediate fondness for Emma grow—until he heard my thoughts.
