Chapter 3

The sky outside darkened, and the voices downstairs faded away.

I rested my chin on the desk, staring blankly at the torn paper scraps.

Suddenly, my phone buzzed.

Maya, sweetheart, it's me.

It was Grandma Vance, the director of the shelter who had taken me in when I was abandoned. She gave me her last name, Vance.

My grip tightened around the phone.

Grandma Vance, I choked out, my voice tight.

Hey, sweetheart. School started, right How are things with your real parents Are they treating you well

Her voice was gentle, full of careful concern.

My throat burned. I wanted to tell her they stuck me in a storage closet. I wanted to tell her they called me uncultured, and that Chloe wouldn't let me take their name.

But the words caught in my throat. Grandma Vance was over seventy years old; I couldn't bear to break her heart.

They're treating me well, I lied, forcing a light tone. They bought me a new backpack, new school supplies, and new clothes.

That was technically true.

Except the backpack and supplies were styles Chloe had rejected.

And the clothes were completely the wrong size—Helen had simply bought items tailored to Chloe's measurements.

That's wonderful, so wonderful, Grandma Vance sighed in relief. I was so worried you wouldn't adjust. You lived with us for so long, and dropping into a whole new world takes time. Be patient, honey. Bonds take time to grow. Once they get to know you, they'll love you like their own.

Yeah, I whispered, biting down hard on my lower lip.

Senior year is crucial, so focus on your studies and don't stress over little things. I know you're brilliant, but don't burn yourself out, okay Your health comes first.

I know, Grandma Vance, I said. As soon as senior year wraps up, I'm coming back to visit you.

After hanging up, I stared at the dark screen for a long time.

I wanted to go back to the shelter.

Not yet, though. Right now, I needed to conquer my exams and secure my future.

The day after the college rally, the moment I stepped into homeroom, the air felt strange.

Every head turned toward me, then snapped back toward the front row by the window.

Chloe was sitting there.

A circle of girls surrounded her desk while she smiled, radiating pure, angelic humility.

Chloe, is it true Is Maya really a charity case your family is sponsoring

It was Brooke, our class representative, speaking loud enough for the whole room to hear.

Chloe gave a modest nod. It's nothing special, really. My parents just have big hearts. They saw she had good grades and wanted to help her out.

And she lives with you

Yeah, temporarily, Chloe smiled. Our house is huge. One extra person doesn't hurt.

Brooke glanced back at me, her eyes dripping with condescension.

Someone whispered, No wonder! Transferring into an elite prep school senior year I thought she was a genius, but turns out it was just the Millers' money talking.

Before Chloe’s triumphant smile could fully bloom, I spoke up, cool and steady.

Every transfer student is required to pass the district entrance exam. If you think the administration took Miller bribe money to let me in, I can give you the school board's hotline so you can report them.