Stealing My Genius

In my past life, I worked myself to death, only to discover that Vanessa, the fake heiress, had a cheat system. No matter how hard I studied or practiced, all of my effort was doubled and rewarded straight to her. So, while I bled and sweated, Vanessa only had to party and live in luxury to effortlessly outshine me in everything. On the day I was reborn and brought back to the Hayes family, Vanessa smiled and invited me to practice piano with her. I took the sheet music, tore it to shreds right in front of her, and decided to do absolutely nothing. Let’s see how you dazzle the world without me. "Brooke, you're finally home! I'm so thrilled!" "Starting tomorrow, let's practice piano together, okay?" I looked up and met Vanessa's sweet, affectionate smile. It took me a second to realize I had been reborn. I was back to the very day I returned to the Hayes mansion. Vanessa held out a booklet of sheet music. I looked down. It was Chopin’s Nocturne in D-flat Major. In my past life, desperate to fit into this wealthy family, I stayed up all night memorizing every single note. The next morning, when I showed up at the breakfast table with dark circles under my eyes, my biological father glanced at me and offered a rare nod of approval. I practiced day and night, refusing to stop even when my fingers cramped painfully. Later, when I performed the piece in front of everyone, I thought I had nailed it. Then Vanessa stepped forward with an innocent look, saying she wanted to play a song too. She played better than me—infinitely better. Every note sounded like it had been kissed by an angel. I stood there, pale and humiliated, convinced I simply hadn't worked hard enough. So I pushed myself even harder. Yet every time I achieved something, Vanessa would crush me in that exact same field. My family’s eyes shifted from high expectations to disappointment, and finally to cold indifference. Everyone said Vanessa was the true lady of the Hayes family. They claimed that growing up in the countryside had ruined me, leaving me worthless. Eventually, I was kicked out of the Hayes house and died alone and sick in a cramped, miserable rental. On my deathbed, Vanessa came to see me, holding her chin high like a proud white swan. She sneered, "Brooke, to be honest, it’s not that you didn't work hard. You’re actually quite the genius." "Blame your rotten luck. Unlike you, I have an Effort Cashback System." "Every bit of work you put in is doubled and given to me. You practice for an hour, I get two hours of mastery. You grind for three years, I get six years of skill without lifting a finger." "Hurry up and die! Once you're dead, I'll be the one and only Miss Hayes!" I drew my final, resentful breath. And then, I woke up here. Vanessa stood before me, her smile dripping with fake affection. Snapping out of my daze, I took the sheet music from her hands. Then, right under her expectant gaze, I ripped it in half with a sharp tear, shredding it to pieces. The torn white paper fluttered to the floor. She froze in sheer disbelief. "Brooke, what are you..." Vanessa’s eyes welled with tears instantly. "I know... I know you hate me. You think I stole your place. I'm sorry, I really didn't mean to. If my presence bothers you, I can just leave..." She moved to stand up, her slender frame trembling as if she had suffered the greatest injustice in the world. I watched her dramatic performance with cold detachment. Footsteps echoed from behind, and a pair of well-manicured hands pulled Vanessa into a protective embrace. "Don't be scared, sweetie! Mom is here." Eleanor Hayes, my biological mother, wrapped her arms around Vanessa, gently patting her back to soothe her. Richard Hayes, my biological father, stood beside them, glaring down at me with eyes sharp as daggers. "Brooke! What do you think you're doing? You just walked through the front door and you're already throwing tantrums? Tearing up sheet music like a savage—where are your manners?!""Vanessa has been well-behaved since childhood! Look at you! What on earth have you been doing all these years?!" I stayed completely calm and answered, "Feeding chickens, slopping pigs, cooking every meal, and washing dishes for the whole family." Richard froze. "What did you say?" I offered a faint smile. "Weren't you the one asking what I've been doing all these years?" His expression shifted uncomfortably. "As for manners..." I looked him dead in the eye. "Mr. Hayes, I was switched at birth when I was less than a month old. Vanessa’s biological parents were a violent alcoholic and a gambling addict.” “ I wore cast-off rags from other village kids and went days without knowing where my next meal would come from." "When I wanted to go to school, they refused, saying girls didn't need an education. The only reason they let me go was because a truant officer showed up at our shack threatening legal action." "Oh, you probably don't know this, do you? Why my name is Brooke? They actually tried to register me as 'Trash.' The county clerk took pity on me and wrote down 'Brooke' instead." "So tell me, Mr. Hayes, where exactly was someone like me supposed to learn your high-society manners?" Richard's face drained of color, turning a sickly shade of gray. Eleanor's arms around Vanessa went stiff. Vanessa bit her lower lip, a flicker of panic surfacing in her teary eyes. A hint of guilt finally flickered across Eleanor's face. She looked at me hesitantly. "Brooke, your father and I didn't mean to..." "Let me make one thing crystal clear today: I don't care for any of this," I cut her off. "From now on, don't talk to me about studying, elite talents, or test scores. I won't learn, I won't practice, and I won't compete." Vanessa was stunned. Richard frowned deeply. "Brooke, what kind of attitude is that? Vanessa was only trying to bond with you out of the goodness of her heart, and you—" "And I'm rejecting her out of the goodness of mine. Mr. Hayes, if there's nothing else, I'm heading to my room." "You...!" Richard’s face flushed bright red with fury. Eleanor scrambled to smooth things over. "Brooke just got back, she’s still adjusting. Let's take it slow, take it slow..." As I walked up the stairs, I heard Vanessa whisper softly, "Does Brooke still blame me? If she really doesn't want me here, I can pack my bags right now..." Eleanor immediately hugged her tighter. "Silly girl, what nonsense are you talking about? You are my daughter! No one is ever kicking you out!" Richard chimed in harshly, "Ignore her. She doesn't know what's good for her." I didn't turn around, nor did I break my stride. My room on the second floor was just a guest bedroom. It was half the size of Vanessa's suite, but to me, it was more than enough. Floor-to-ceiling windows, private en-suite bathroom. Luxuries I never dared to dream of back in the countryside. I shut the door and collapsed onto the soft mattress, staring at the ceiling. I would never be the naive fool who worked herself to the bone again. Since Vanessa had that Effort Cashback System, she relied on my hard work to steal double the rewards. So, if I completely checked out and slacked off, where would she get her rewards from?The Hayes family had plenty of money anyway. Even if I did nothing, they couldn't just throw me out on the street. I would eat my meals, sleep my fill, and live my life. If Vanessa wanted to be a golden prodigy, she could bust her own ass. She wouldn't get a single drop of sweat out of me! While I was lost in thought, violent banging rattled my bedroom door. "Brooke! Open up! Open this door right now!" The aggressive pounding made my ears ring. Before I could even sit up, the door was shoved wide open. My biological brother, Ethan Hayes, stormed in, his voice freezing cold. "Brooke, you just set foot in this house and you're already causing drama, ripping up sheet music, and humiliating Mom and Dad. Do you think you're special or something?" I sat on the bed and lazily lifted my eyelids. "That's just how we trashy country folk roll." Ethan choked on his words, his face darkening. Vanessa slipped into the room just in time, gently tugging at his sleeve. "Ethan, please don't. It's my fault.” “I shouldn't have shoved the sheet music at her. I just wanted... I just wanted to practice with her and get closer. I had no idea she hated me this much..." By the end of her sentence, her voice cracked into a soft sob. Ethan gently patted her hand, then glared at me with pure venom. "The Davenport family is hosting a gala next month, and our whole family has to attend. Talents will be on display. Starting right now, you're going to practice piano every day. Don't you dare embarrass the Hayes family!" The Davenports were the most powerful old-money dynasty in New York. Old Mrs. Davenport was a legendary concert pianist. To get on her good side, young socialites scrambled to play the piano and showcase their musical gifts. In my previous life, Vanessa made a name for herself at that gala with a single piece, hailed as a once-in-a-generation musical prodigy. Old Mrs. Davenport even praised her on the spot, hinting that a girl like Vanessa was worthy of marrying her grandson. Ethan barked, "Starting tomorrow, you practice alongside Vanessa. At least four hours a day!" I cocked an eyebrow. "And what if I refuse?" Ethan sneered, "Refuse? Then don't expect a single bite of food or a drop of water in this house! Try me, Brooke. I mean what I say!" I gritted my teeth slightly. Looking over at Vanessa, I caught the smug glint flashing through her eyes. The corners of my lips curved into a subtle smirk. "Piano practice, huh? Fine." Ethan gave me one last warning glare, took Vanessa's hand, and walked out. Early the next morning, the sound of piano music drifted from the music room. When I strolled in, Vanessa was already seated gracefully at the grand piano, her slender fingers dancing across the keys. Sunlight poured through the arched window, casting a warm glow over her profile like an oil painting. Richard and Eleanor stood by the door, beamed with pride and relief. Ethan leaned against the doorframe. Seeing me arrive, he gave an impassioned nod toward the bench. "Brooke, you're here!" Vanessa stopped playing, stood up with a radiant smile, and offered me her seat. "This is Chopin's Nocturne in D-flat Major that we talked about yesterday. I've basically mastered it, so I can guide you through it."She gently set the sheet music on the stand, playing the part of the devoted, angelic sister to perfection. Richard and Eleanor watched me with complicated gazes. Eleanor parted her lips before finally saying, "Brooke, it's fine if you aren't good at it yet; you've never touched a piano before.” “Vanessa has a month's head start, so let her teach you. When the Davenport gala comes, the two of you can play a duet." I shrugged. "Sure." I sat down and randomly slammed a key. A harsh, discordant screech echoed through the room, making everyone wince and cover their ears. "Brooke, you need to play this part softly. Banging on it like that is too..." Vanessa struggled to keep her composure, forcing a gentle tone to correct me. "Too heavy-handed, right?" I cut her off, smashing down two more abrasive chords. "Well, I've got farmer strength. Years of heavy manual labor build muscle, you know. Might as well put it to use." Vanessa’s lips twitched visibly. Five minutes later, I abruptly stopped mid-key, turned around, and looked at Eleanor. "I'm starving. Can I get a snack?" Eleanor was utterly bewildered. Vanessa’s expression soured, but she took a deep breath and tried to coax me sweetly. "Brooke, just a little longer. It's not a hard piece, as long as you put your heart into it..." "I am putting my heart into it," I said, throwing my hands up. "Guess I'm just too stupid. I grew up in a shack where I never even saw an instrument, let alone knew how many keys a piano has. How am I supposed to learn a classical masterpiece in two days?" I stood up and stretched lazily. "That's enough for today. My fingers are swollen." Ethan frowned heavily, stepping forward. "Brooke, don't think you can slack off your way out of this!” “Keep this up, and I'll send you straight back to the countryside! If I remember correctly, your adoptive parents were looking to marry you off to an old bachelor for cash!" I froze, and my eyes welled with sudden, panicked tears. As if terrified by Ethan’s threat, my voice trembled. "B-but... I'm really trying..." Seeing me cower, a flash of smug satisfaction crossed Vanessa’s face before she masked it with concern. "Ethan, stop scaring her! Brooke really hasn't had the chance to learn before. We need to give her time." Vanessa turned to me with a sweet, comforting smile. "Don't be afraid, Brooke. If this piece is too difficult, we can switch to an easier one, like—" "No," I shook my head stubbornly. "I'll stick with this one. I refuse to believe I can't learn it." Vanessa paused, then beamed even wider. "Great! That's the spirit. I'll practice right beside you." From that day on, I showed up in the music room on time every single morning. It looked like I had abandoned my slacking ways and was practicing with all my might. Richard, Eleanor, and Ethan had their own busy schedules, so they rarely checked in. Vanessa stayed with me for the first two days, but soon lost her patience. In my previous life, she loved shopping, clubbing, and living it up. Unable to resist, she started sneaking out during our practice hours, claiming she was attending private masterclasses, when in reality, she was out partying with her rich friends. Whenever she returned, she would hear the gorgeous, flawless melody of the piano echoing throughout the Hayes mansion. The maids would whisper to her, "Miss Brooke practices twelve hours a day without stopping." Vanessa let her guard down completely. One afternoon, I overheard her talking on the phone in the hallway. "Don't worry, that country bumpkin is practicing like a maniac every day. I don't have to lift a finger..." She hung up, humming a cheerful tune as she skipped away. I stood in the shadows of the corner, watching her back with an unreadable expression. In my last life, you made sure I died with open eyes and an agonizing soul. In this life, I'll teach you what true despair feels like.