The two "problem girls" had transformed into confident, admired young women by sixteen.
Even the Lambert couple grew fond of us and began planning a public announcement to introduce us to the world.
"It's time to give Carmela her rightful shares at the coming-of-age ceremony," Aunt Laura said.
"She's our real daughter after all. The company has been under pressure from the Geron family—a marriage alliance could stabilize things. Thankfully, their son doesn't object to meeting her. We'll see which girl's fate favors..."
Outside the study door, Trisha clenched her fists so hard her knuckles went white.
A cruel smile tugged at her lips.
It seemed she'd already made up her mind—whatever she was planning next, it wouldn't be pretty.
Over the next two years, Trisha and Kian changed in ways that made my skin crawl.
They stopped provoking us.
They even began to act friendly.
Kian often chatted warmly with Carmela, saying that once she got into university, he'd personally teach her how to manage the family's business.
Trisha became the picture of a dutiful younger sister—obedient, polite, full of flattery.
On our eighteenth birthday they were unusually generous with gifts and congratulations. Before the banquet began, they suggested a "surprise"—a trip to the mountaintop to watch fireworks. My best friend and I, still naive enough to be curious, climbed into the car and followed them.
But when we arrived at that desolate mountain peak, the night turned cold—and deadly.
The moment we stepped out of the car, several burly men burst out of the tall grass, eyes gleaming with malice.
Carmela reacted first—throwing two punches, taking two men down—but before she could handle the rest, Trisha clung to her leg, screaming for help.
"Help! Don't hurt my sister!"
I moved to help, but a rough hand slammed a drugged handkerchief over my mouth and nose. My vision blurred; my knees went soft.
"Yanna!" Carmela screamed, rushing toward me—and the next thing I knew, the same damp cloth covered her face as well.
Everything went dark. In less than a minute, we both went limp on the ground.
Kian and Trisha, who were crying in panic and fighting with the criminal just a second ago, laughed out loud.
"Take them somewhere out of sight. Remember, don't kill them, just take clear footage."