Chapter 1165
"Yes, it's me, my good sister." Hannah smiled, strolling to the bed and looking down at Heather. "What's wrong? Were you expecting another visitor?"
"How dare you!" Heather snapped coldly. "Without my permission, you have the nerve to—"
"Have the nerve to do what?" Hannah chuckled, cutting her off. "To talk to me this way, or to enter your room without permission, or… to leave that dark, damp, and squalid basement?"
"You…" It was only then that Heather noticed something was amiss. Hannah looked different—no longer the docile girl who obeyed unquestioningly. Her hair was styled differently, pulled back from her forehead, and she wore makeup; a stark contrast to Heather's bare face. Even in Heather's clothes, Hannah carried herself with a newfound confidence, looking nothing like her usual self.
Hearing the mockery and seeing the defiant stare, Heather threw a cold glance at her before looking away and closing her eyes. "You wish to take my place?" she said icily.
"Yes, I am, and I will end your tyranny!" Hannah declared, checking her manicured fingernails. Heather, with her kickboxing training, had never had a manicure, nor did she desire one; a luxury Hannah had been denied.
"You?" Heather's condescending tone betrayed her thoughts: Hannah hasn't even dared to raise her voice or look up in my presence. She doesn't know kickboxing. This is absurd—a tiny rat challenging a cat. Even unwell and bedridden, Heather wouldn't take her seriously.
Hannah, stung by the dismissal, retorted, "Yes, me! Why? Don't you believe it?"
Heather didn't bother to reply. Seeing her sister's closed eyes and blatant disregard, Hannah's rage flared. It's always been this way. Heather has never taken me seriously. Heather had always been the favored child, superior in every way. Hannah had been initially unaware of her parents' decision to keep only one child, and their lack of genuine interest in her. She later learned the harsh truth: she'd only survived because of Heather, and was perpetually indebted to her. Heather had pleaded with their parents to spare Hannah's life, making her a living obligation to her sister.