"The spot at the elite middle school, the study abroad opportunity—you gave them all to Wilfred. There was even a time he hit someone with his car, and I was the one who took the fall."

"In college, you kept me on a tight leash to 'avoid favoritism.' Three hundred dollars a month for living expenses, while Wilfred got thirty thousand in pocket money."

"Did I ever talk back?"

"How much more obedient did I need to be?"

Mom had no answer. For once, she didn't know what to say.

I didn't wait around. I went back to my room, threw some clothes into a bag, and headed for the door.

"What do you think you're doing? Running away from home?"

She'd found her voice again.

No apology.

Just anger.

I didn't respond. Just kept my head down and walked out.

Her voice followed me through the door: "Grace! All this drama over not being made CEO?"

"You ungrateful child—if you walk out tonight, don't ever come back!"

"I'll pretend I never had a daughter!"

I'd heard it all before. My whole life, these same words.

But she was still my mother. My own flesh and blood.

Part of me always believed that someday, somehow, I could earn their approval.

That's why I could never go through with it before. But this time, I slammed the door behind me.

The wind outside cut right through me.

Still warmer than that house.

I didn't have a car.

Dad said it would "look bad"—he didn't want people thinking he spoiled me.

Mom said Wilfred didn't have a license yet, hadn't gotten a car, and she didn't want to hurt his feelings.

I'd barely reached the curb when a car pulled up beside me. The window slid down, revealing a handsome face.

Paul Farley. My junior from university.

I got in and frowned at him. "What are you doing here? I thought we were meeting at the usual place."

"The whole city knows you had a blowout with your family."

I froze, then pulled out my phone. The headlines were everywhere.

Galloway Group cuts out biological daughter, names niece as successor—lavish gala planned for tomorrow with A-list guests!

BREAKING: Grace Galloway disowns parents, now homeless!

Word traveled fast.

My parents had texted too.

Without the Galloway name, who's going to give you the time of day? Think carefully.

Stop being so selfish. Come home right now and apologize to your father and Wilfred. Say something nice and they'll forgive you. Otherwise you can starve on the streets—no one will even claim your body.

I didn't reply. Just smiled.

Starve?

Nobody will recognize my face?

We'll see about that.

I followed Paul into a quiet lounge bar. The moment I looked up, I spotted a familiar figure.

My heart stopped.

Louis Sullivan. My childhood sweetheart. My ex-boyfriend.

He was wrapped in Wilfred's arms, a sweet smile playing on his lips.

"There's your answer."

Paul's voice cut through. "You really are dense sometimes. Those two have been together since they were studying abroad."

What?

My mind went blank. I felt like a complete fool.

Years ago, my parents had actually suggested I "give" Paul to Wilfred.

Their reasoning was absurd: they were worried people would say they'd used their influence to pressure Louis into marrying me.

I refused. Dad beat me with a cane—a hundred strikes—and I still wouldn't budge.

Then Louis went overseas. Four years of long distance. I paid for everything—tuition, rent, all of it.

The day he came back, he broke up with me.

His eyes were red when he said it: "Grace, your parents put too much pressure on me. They'll never accept us being together. So let's just end it here—I don't want to hold you back."

I tried everything to make him stay.

The money I'd saved wasn't a fortune, but it was enough to start over somewhere else—enough to make sure he'd never have to struggle.

He blocked me without a word.

For months after, I walked through life in a fog, guilt eating me alive.

I hadn't given Louis the security he needed.

I hadn't been enough to keep him.

But the scene in front of me now? It was a slap across the face.

When Louis spotted me, surprise flickered in his eyes. He dropped his head fast, trying to avoid my stare.

Wilfred wasn't having it. He grabbed Louis by the arm and dragged him right up to me.

"Cousin."

"I've been meaning to tell you about this for a while, but I didn't know how to bring it up. Please don't be mad."

"Louis and I are in love. Real love."

Rage surged through me. My fist was already swinging toward Wilfred's face—

But Louis stepped between us.

"That's enough, Grace!"

"Is this how a big sister acts? You can't just hit him!"

I stood frozen, my voice shaking. "Why... why would you..."

Louis was quiet for a few seconds before he answered. "Because you're the daughter they threw away. Wilfred is the one your parents are proud of. He's the future of this family."

The words hit like a blade, carving out a piece of my heart.

I laughed through the pain.

Love. Family.

None of it meant a damn thing when money was on the table.

Paul started to say something in my defense, but I stopped him. I grabbed his arm and turned to leave.

Words were useless now.

The only thing that mattered was proving them wrong. Whoever climbed higher, shone brighter—that's who'd have the last laugh.

"Cousin."

"Tomorrow's my inauguration banquet. You have to come."

Wilfred caught up to me, holding out an invitation with a smug little smile.

It clicked.

Running into them today wasn't coincidence. Wilfred had planned this. Why else would he have an invitation on him?

"Sure."

"I'll be there."

I took the envelope.

I walked away without looking back, a cold smile forming on my lips. Once we were in the car, I turned to Paul. "I need a favor."

"Relax. Tomorrow's already handled."

He tapped his chest confidently.

We shared a look.

No need to say more. We both knew exactly what the other was thinking.

The next day.

I arrived right on time at the hotel where my father was hosting Wilfred's inauguration banquet.

The guests hadn't shown up yet.

My parents, Wilfred, and Louis all turned to look at me. Their faces went cold in unison.

"Hmph."

"Look at how thoughtful Wilfred is. He actually considers your feelings—even invited you to this banquet."

"And you? All you know how to do is throw jealous fits."

My father's voice was ice.

"Apologize to your father and Wilfred. Do that, and we'll put the past behind us."

"This is your last chance. Don't blow it."

My mother chimed in.

Neither of them seemed the least bit surprised that Louis and Wilfred were together.

So that was it. They'd sabotaged my chance to study abroad on purpose—just so they could push Louis toward Wilfred behind my back.

"Come on, cousin. Family doesn't hold grudges overnight. Just swallow your pride already."

Wilfred's smile dripped with mockery.

Louis was quick to pile on. "Being made VP should've been enough for you. Your parents were acknowledging your abilities. You should be grateful."

I listened to their self-righteous little speeches.

Then I smiled. "Who said I came here for the banquet?"

My parents froze. Then they let out sharp laughs, like I'd lost my mind.

Right on cue, the rumble of cars filled the air outside.

"Let's go."

"Forget that ungrateful girl. Let's greet our guests."

Dad snorted heavily, then led the family toward the entrance.

The city's elite had all arrived.

But they just stood at the door, not stepping inside.

Dad was confused. "What's everyone waiting for? Please, come in!"

No one moved.

"They're waiting for my permission."

I walked slowly to the entrance.