eezed Grace's hand. "Take a look! Grace's

she turned to her husband.

ardness in his expression faded, replaced by a rare softness.

t the likeness between Julia and Gr

tilt, matching noses, and jawlines

aid, "We could pass for mother and daugh

ting was all it took to

taken a liking to Grace,

believe their ears. No blood ties connected th

only on Grace, her words gentle. "I promise to lo

hed Grace's entrance with a

e a sore thumb. The girl had grown up in an orphanage, moving from

Ethel said, her tone as cold as ice itself. "Make sure that once she settles in, som

ing the scorn that

rolled at a top school, always at the top of her class, and talented in

use. She blamed Julia for clouding Rodger's judgment. Frustrati

hand soft as she patted Ethel's back. Her voice was sweet as she s

h silent mockery, the hint of a smi

d seeing Julia fawn over her

every luxury and chasing down the l

ing of jealousy. Would Julia's love stretch that

thing wrong, or..." Gianna let her words linger, dropping

n, only then noticing she had not sa

he scoffed to herself, thinking Grace was probab

eaten her place in the family faded away-i

gesture of respect. "I know my place. The el

rth felt like witnessing a play,

em expected such a thoughtful response-perha

as she silently fumed. Wa

r eased a touch. "You know

r entered and announc

family was settling i

ace took the seat

ial attention to her new daughter,

te, Gianna's envy spiked as

to stay slim had left h

versation. "Grace, I heard you dropped out of high school. What do you plan to do? W

ents lacked motivation and ambition, content to coast t

nothing but a jab meant

"I already arranged for her to enroll at Br

amily froze

d, her eyes growing huge wi

Most families could only dream of sending their children ther

er, Briskvale isn't just open to anyone. You need more than connections