Prologue

New York City

"Mr. Thomson, the FBI was looking for you. They went to your mansion in Milton and tried to find you all around. The maids were very scared because no matter how many times they said you were not there, they were forced to admit where you were. What's going on sir?" asked Leo Smith nervously. Darren Carlton's assistant.

Darren sighed. Yeah, what exactly is going on? Why all of a sudden the police are now looking for him as if he were a criminal?

He frowned and took a piece of paper from the table cabinet. It contained an arrest warrant because he was framed in a case that was not committed.

"Sir, what are you going to do? The police may release the case against you to the media. It may damage your family's name, especially since you will inherit your company." Leo said still nervous.

It was as if an idea suddenly came to Darren's mind.

"Leo, you're right."

"Sir?"

"Somebody framed me up just to get all the wealth of Thomson's family. They didn't want me to become the sole heir." Darren promised seriously.

"What are we going to do, sir? I can't think of anything anymore and I can't ask for advice because we don't know who the enemy is." Leo said troubled.

"I will go to Las Vegas for the mean time. I will use my maiden name Carlton and apply as a surgeon. I really need to know who the hell framed me up! I will make sure he will go to hell!" Darren said madly.

Leo nodded and arranged his boss's papers immediately.

***

Marghie

The office hummed with activity as I worked diligently at my desk, striving to prove myself in the family business. Despite my tireless efforts, it always felt like my best was never enough for my parents, especially my father, George.

Just as I was engrossed in my tasks, the office door swung open, and my father appeared with a stern expression on his face. "Marghie, I need to talk to you. In my office, now."

My heart sank, anticipating yet another round of criticism. I followed him, my mind racing with worry and anxiety. I had been working day and night, taking on every task given to me, yet it seemed like my efforts were in vain.

Once inside his office, George wasted no time in voicing his discontent. "Marghie, your performance is still not up to average. I've given you more responsibilities, but I don't see the results I expect!"

"B-But dad, I've been doing everything I can. I've taken on every project and worked late nights to meet deadlines," I pleaded, my voice tinged with desperation.

"It's not enough," he retorted firmly. "Look at your sister Cassie. She's making a name for herself in the fashion industry, and you should be doing the same here."

His words felt like a punch to the gut, further highlighting the stark contrast between Cassie's success and my perceived failures. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't escape the shadow of her achievements.

Carmina, my mother, entered the office at that moment, her expression indifferent as she joined the conversation. "George, why are you shouting? Does she did something wrong?"

George frowned. "I expect more from Marghie to excel in our company, especially as my eldest daughter."

My mother roll her eyes, "You know that she is not good as Cassie. What do you expect?"

I felt a lump forming in my throat as I struggled to hold back tears of frustration. It was as if my efforts were constantly disregarded, and I could never measure up to their expectations.

I tried even harder to prove myself, taking on additional responsibilities and working late hours. But no matter how much I did, it seemed like my parents were always focused on Cassie's accomplishments, leaving me feeling overlooked and unappreciated.

As the evening sun set, casting a warm glow over the dining table, my family gathered for dinner at home. The atmosphere was filled with laughter and chatter, but I couldn't shake the familiar feeling of being overlooked. Our parents doted on Cassie, serving her favorite dishes and hanging onto her every word as she regaled them with stories of her budding modeling career.

Meanwhile, I sat in silence, pushing my food around on my plate, feeling invisible amidst their adoration of Cassie. It seemed like no matter how hard I tried, I could never capture their attention or receive the same affection as my sister.

"Mom, Dad, you won't believe what happened at the photoshoot today," Cassie said, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "The designer loved my look, and they want me to be the face of their new collection!"

Carmina's face lit up with pride. "Oh, Cassie, that's wonderful! I always knew you had the talent to be a successful model."

George chimed in, his admiration evident. "Yes, Cassie. You have a natural charm and grace that captivates everyone around you."

My parents' glowing praise of Cassie's achievements stung, as I remained an afterthought at the table. I tried to focus on my meal, quietly eating and suppressing my feelings of resentment.

I kept my eyes downcast, trying to hide my disappointment. It felt like a familiar scene - Cassie being praised and cherished while I remained unnoticed, as though my efforts were insignificant in comparison.

I stole a glance at her, her radiant smile accentuating her favored status. It wasn't that I didn't love my sister or want her to succeed, but I yearned for an equal measure of love and recognition.

Carmina suddenly turned to me, her gaze dismissive. "Marghie, you've been quiet. Is there something on your mind?"

I hesitated, feeling the weight of their expectations bearing down on me. "No, Mom. I'm just enjoying the meal."

My mother's disinterest was evident as her attention returned to Cassie. "Oh, well, that's good. Now, Cassie, tell us more about the designers you've been working with."

As Cassie launched into another story about her glamorous life, I felt an all too familiar knot in my throat. It seemed like my own achievements were nothing in comparison to her glamorous world.

Throughout the dinner, I continued to eat quietly, my appetite waning as I struggled to find my voice. It was as though every bite I took represented my silent acceptance of their biased treatment.

Cassie, noticing my silence, couldn't resist a dig at my expense. "And what about you, Marghie? How's the family business going?"

I hesitated, feeling the weight of their expectations bearing down on me. "It's... it's going well. I'm working on some new projects."

Cassie smirked, clearly enjoying the attention. "Oh, that's nice. But it must be tough being compared to my fabulous career."

I forced a smile, not wanting to give her the satisfaction of knowing how much her words hurt. It was clear that she relished the knowledge of our parents' favoritism, and it made her revel in my discomfort.

Carmina interjected, trying to smooth over the tension. "Well, let's not compare."

George couldn't resist adding, "Cassie has certainly found her calling in the fashion industry. We expect great things from you too, Marghie. Just keep trying."

The words "keep trying" echoed in my mind, as though my best was never enough for them. I felt like I was in an eternal race, running after their elusive approval, but always falling short.

As dinner continued, Cassie dominated the conversation, eager to share every detail of her glamorous life. It seemed like her every accomplishment was met with a chorus of praise, while my own achievements were met with a lukewarm response.

Feeling increasingly invisible, I retreated into my thoughts, silently eating my meal while they lavished attention on Cassie. It was as though my voice had no value, and my dreams were destined to remain in the shadows.

After dinner, as we dispersed to our respective rooms, I found myself feeling overwhelmed by the burden of their biased treatment. I couldn't escape the feeling that no matter what I did, I could never win their love and approval.

I retreated to my room, feeling a mix of frustration and sadness. I knew I couldn't continue living in the shadow of my sister's success, and I needed to find the strength to stand up for myself.