You were born into one of the wealthiest families in the city, and when you reached marriageable age, you were married to David Hartwell, one of the country's most famous businessmen and the owner of dozens of successful companies and projects. Together, you were blessed with twins: Alexander and Sophia.

From the outside, your life seemed perfect. A luxurious mansion, immense wealth, countless servants, and two children attending the most prestigious private school in the city.

But behind closed doors, the truth was completely different.

David was obsessed with perfection and success. To him, a mistake was not just a mistake—it was an unforgivable disgrace. As the years passed, he began instilling these beliefs into his children, especially Sophia.

He always told her:

"You are better than everyone else."

"Poor people are poor because they are weak."

"Losers do not deserve respect."

Sophia grew up believing these words. She began looking down on most of her classmates, especially a girl named Emma.

Emma came from a very poor family. She lived with her widowed mother in a small old apartment and sometimes worked after school to help her mother pay the bills. She did not own the expensive clothes that the other students had, and she was often mocked because of her financial situation.

Despite that, she was exceptionally talented.

She earned the highest grades, played music beautifully, and possessed an incredible singing voice.

And that was exactly why Sophia hated her.

Every time Sophia achieved something, Emma achieved something greater. Every time Sophia tried to prove she was the best, Emma surpassed her through nothing but talent and hard work.

On the day of the annual opera competition, you, David, and Alexander sat among the audience to watch Sophia.

Sophia was completely confident that she would win. She even looked at Emma before the competition began as if the result had already been decided.

But when the performances started, everything changed.

Sophia delivered an excellent performance and received loud applause.

Then Emma stepped onto the stage.

From the very first moment, silence filled the entire hall.

Her voice was so moving that some members of the audience were genuinely affected.

And when the results were announced...

Emma won first place.

Sophia came in second.

The smile froze on Sophia's face.

As for David, he remained silent.

The kind of silence that made everyone feel afraid.

Throughout the drive home, no one spoke.

Sophia tried to hold back her tears while Alexander silently watched his father. He knew very well what would happen as soon as they arrived home.

And sure enough...

The moment everyone entered the mansion, David's anger exploded.

He marched toward Sophia and grabbed her arm tightly.

"Do you realize how much embarrassment you have caused me?!"

Sophia immediately trembled.

"Father... I..."

But she could not finish her sentence.

"How did a poor girl manage to defeat you?!"

he shouted angrily.

"You are my daughter! You have the best teachers, the best life, and the best opportunities!"

Then he slapped her hard.

Sophia's eyes immediately filled with tears.

But before he could approach her again, Alexander rushed forward and placed himself in front of her.

He pulled his sister behind him and shielded her with his body.

"Enough!"

It was the first time he had ever raised his voice at his father.

Even you were shocked.

David froze for a moment.

"What did you say?"

he asked in a low and dangerous voice.

Despite the fear that was clearly visible in his eyes, Alexander looked directly at his father.

"I said enough."

Then he added in a trembling but firm voice:

"She is not a failure because she came in second place."

A terrifying silence filled the room.

Then David slowly stepped closer.

"Are you defending her?"

Alexander did not back down.

"I am protecting my sister." In an instant, David raised his hand and slapped his son hard. Alexander's head turned to the side from the force of the.