When I came home during the Chinese New Year, I found my niece carrying my lost designer bag

A few years had passed since I last came home for the holidays. This time, I returned to find my house and car were somehow my niece's. I even spotted a limited-edition handbag I’d lost ages ago. How did this happen without my knowledge?

1

My company's overseas expansion had kept me away from home for four or five years. If not for my sister's memorial, I wouldn't have come back.

Hearing laughter inside the house, I knew my older brother, David Miller, his wife, Susan, and their kids, Sarah and Tom, were home. Only David’s presence brought such cheer.

The laughter stopped abruptly when I knocked. Tom opened the door, didn’t acknowledge me, and walked away. I softly greeted my parents, David, and Susan, then headed to my room with my luggage.

Susan, never fond of me, muttered, "Always so icy, like we owe her something." David, as always, played peacemaker, "Leave it, Susan. She'll be gone soon anyway."

The laughter outside died down, and I went to get some water. As I filled my glass, I glimpsed a familiar handbag on the sofa. It reminded me of David's call six months ago.

"Hey, Anna," he’d said. "Sarah's got a job in Chicago. You've got all those apartments; could she crash at one for a bit?"

I didn't think much of it. I asked where she'd be working and had my assistant set her up in a place nearby. She switched jobs three times after that, each time needing a different location. It was a crucial time for my company’s overseas transition, so I just let my assistant handle it, even when she wanted to stay at my regular condo. She lived there briefly before I had her moved out.

However, upon returning, I realized about fifteen of my limited-edition handbags were missing. I assumed the housekeeper had taken them for cleaning and didn't worry. But now, there was one, in Sarah’s possession. I didn't know if she was being deliberate, but surely, at her age, she recognized a luxury item.

I decided to talk to her, but as I approached her door, I overheard her on the phone.

"Oh, I told you, this apartment is mine. My mom bought it for me. You can stay without worrying."

"Don't be scared. I'll cover the utilities."

"My family has tons of places in Chicago. Your little rent is nothing. Just stay."

After a pause, her phone rang again.

"Got your rent. You're so formal! I told you it's free, but you insisted."

"Oh, it's fine if something breaks. I'll just buy a new one."

"It's just a little money. You can keep anything you like inside when you leave."

Such grand gestures! She was using my property to boost her ego.

I waited until she finished her calls. She'd apparently rented out five of my apartments and given two others away rent-free. I pushed the door open. Sarah stared at me, horrified.

2

"Aunt Anna? How…? Did you hear all that?"

"Hear what? Hear you secretly renting out my apartments or giving away my belongings like they’re worthless?"

"Aunt Anna… Let me explain."

"Go ahead. I'd love to hear your explanation."

"I just thought, ...