Chapter 2The Heartless Sister

When I woke up, my phone was vibrating so hard it nearly fell off the nightstand.

#EvilSister

#HeartlessHarper

#JusticeForChloe

Some relative had filmed me kicking Chloe out and uploaded it to TikTok. It had gone viral. Millions of views.

I tapped on the comments. It was a bloodbath.

"Is this woman Satan? Kicking out her own sick sister? Is she human?"

"Rich people are disgusting. Look at that poor girl crying. How does she sleep at night?"

"Internet, do your thing. Dox her. Ruin her."

The comment section was a war zone. Someone had already posted my personal info.

My full name, phone number, home address. Even my office location.

The phone started ringing. Unknown number.

I picked up.

"Harper, you’re going to rot in hell!"

"I hope you die alone, you piece of trash!"

"Watch your back..."

Click.

I hung up and blocked the number.

My screen kept lighting up.

The relatives were lining up to get on local news, crying crocodile tears, acting like they’d seen a ghost.

Uncle Bob beat his chest on camera as if I’d committed murder.

"I just don't understand! She used to be such a sweet girl. How did she turn into this monster?"

Aunt Linda wiped her dry eyes with a tissue, dramatically tossing it aside.

"That poor child. Kicked out like a dog. How will she survive?"

The camera panned. Chloe appeared.

She looked frail. Head down, tears falling like pearls. Her voice was choked with emotion.

"Does... does Harper really not care about me anymore?"

The reporter, voice soft and sympathetic: "Is there anything you want to say to your sister?"

Chloe sobbed. "Harper, I really need you... please, don't be so cruel."

On camera, she was a broken angel. Weak, helpless, beautiful in her suffering.

The internet exploded.

"I'm literally crying right now."

"Sisters are supposed to protect each other. This is heartbreaking."

"Why hasn't karma hit that witch yet?"

I sat on my sofa, holding a latte, scrolling through the hate with a bored expression.

Chloe was useless. Why should I pity her?

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Someone was pounding on my front door.

I peeked through the curtains. A crowd had gathered outside. They were holding signs.

DO YOU HAVE A CONSCIENCE?

GIVE UP THE INHERITANCE!

JUSTICE FOR CHLOE!

A few angry men rushed up the driveway, kicking my door.

Someone threw eggs at my window. The yellow yolk slid down the glass like slime.

My phone buzzed again. A text from my boss.

Harper, the company is getting too many complaints. Don't come in. Lie low for a while.

Ha. Cowards.

Another call came through. A journalist this time, her voice shaking with self-righteous anger.

"Do you know your sister slept on a park bench last night? She hasn't eaten in 24 hours!"

"You cold-blooded monster, does your heart not hurt?"

I looked out the window at the growing mob.

I yawned, stretching my legs out on the ottoman.

"It would be easier for everyone if she just died."

Silence on the other end.

Then, hysterical screaming.