Framed by the Adopted Brother

After the succession ceremony was hastily called to a halt, Susan, my assistant, anxiously approached me holding a phone.

“Miss Lyra, public opinion is getting worse by the minute. What should we do?”

I took the phone from her and patted her shoulder. “Don't worry. Rumors will collapse under their own weight.”

With that, I tapped into the livestream where my brother, Daniel, was currently broadcasting malicious information.

On the screen, he was leaning back leisurely on the sofa.

He was holding my sister-in-law, Maria, while talking with dynamic eloquence.

“Alright, alright, family scandals shouldn’t be aired in public. That's all for today.”

Maria gave him a nudge. “Why don’t you tell them in detail? Didn't your mother suffer a massive grievance back then?”

Daniel flicked his cigarette ash and smiled half-heartedly. “It's not my place to talk about that kind of stuff. Anyway, anyone with eyes can see who my dad dotes on the most.”

The video cut off abruptly.

The comment section exploded afterwards.

“Holy crap! Officially verified by the eldest son of the Fraser family? This gossip is as real as it gets!”

“I knew it! The way Lyra Fraser took over the group so quickly definitely seemed fishy. Turns out she’s an illegitimate daughter?!”

“So disgusting. An illegitimate daughter stealing family property from the legitimate heir.

“She even dared to hold a press conference with such fanfare? How shameless?”

“Fraser Group needs to change its successor. Letting a bastard take over? Won't the shareholders riot?”

I turned off the phone.

Lifting my eyes, I saw my father standing on the stage. He was being interrogated by a flurry of reporters.

His face had already turned ashen.

The reporters shouted all at once, “Chairman Fraser! Is the trending topic true?”

“Is Miss Lyra Fraser really an illegitimate daughter?”

“Will the Fraser Group change its successor?”

My father’s voice rang out with gravity.

“Everyone, please remain calm. The Fraser Group’s legal department will issue a unified response.”

A trace of disappointment welled up in my heart as my father couldn't bring himself to treat his son harshly.

On the way back, my father wanted to speak several times but he hesitated.

I didn't ask him why he didn't clear the air in public. I just pretended as if nothing had happened.

Eventually, he spoke up, “I’ve already made him delete the video. He is just being immature. I’ll make him apologize to you later.”

I lowered my head and gave a faint reply, “Okay.”

Soon, we arrived back at the Fraser family ancestral mansion.

The living room was brightly lit.

My brother and sister-in-law were busy playing video games, enjoying the time of their lives.

My father's face turned pale for a moment.

My father kicked over the coffee table in front of them, sending teacups shattering all over the floor.

“You bastard! Have you lost your mind?! How dare you spread rumors that your sister is an illegitimate daughter!”

Yet, the two of them acted as if it was none of their business. They just kept operating their phones with calmness.

Daniel curled his lip with his tone completely indifferent, “Dad, I was just making a casual joke. Who knew it would go viral?”

My sister-in-law, Maria, chimed in, “Dad, you're blaming Daniel wrongly. He did this to drive traffic to the company.

“Right now, the entire internet is discussing about the Fraser Group. Many brands can’t even buy this level of exposure with money.”

My father became so furious that his chest started heaving violently. “You still have the nerve to say that?

“The Fraser Group's stock price hit the bottom limit, wiping out 1 billion in market value in a single day!”

Standing at the doorway of the living room, I watched as my father was trembling with rage.

However, he still couldn't bear to say a single harsh word to Daniel.

A wave of bitterness washed over me, but I said nothing. I just turned around and headed upstairs.

Maria's voice drifted from behind me.

“Dad, stop being angry. Daniel just has a big mouth.

“Besides, Lyra has not officially taken over yet. Waiting a day or two won't hurt.”

My father roared, “Shut your mouth! This was all your rotten idea!”

“Dad, why are you yelling at her? I posted the video myself,” Daniel’s tone remained casual and reckless.

“I just can't stand you giving the company to her. I am the eldest son of the Fraser family.

“How am I supposed to hold my head up in our social circle in the future?”

“You…”

My father's voice cut off sharply and the rest of his words were forced back, down his throat.

I went back to my room, opened my social media app and saw that Daniel had updated a new status on his personal account.

“Some things aren't convenient to talk about too much. Those who understand will understand.

“Thank you for your concern, everyone. I will stay strong.”

The comments surpassed ten thousand within three minutes.

“Don't be sad, big brother! We support you!”

“Illegitimate daughter, get out of the Fraser family! Only the legitimate son deserves to inherit!”

“Wealthy families are indeed messy. I feel bad for Daniel, being suppressed by a bastard for so many years.”

I smiled. He was really letting it get to his head.

Let's see who would get the last laugh.