Chapter 29
When Tobias opened the bathroom door, it was empty.
12 59 vouchers
He frowned. He could’ve sworn he’d heard a man’s voice in Kaia’s room earlier. But now he wondered if he’d just been imagining things.
“Forget it. I don’t need to go anymore. Get some rest,” Tobias said, keeping his voice calm.
“Okay. Close the door on your way out,” Kaia answered, acting like nothing was out of the ordinary.
“Sure.” Tobias replied with a nod.
After he left, Kaia checked the bathroom, trying to figure out where Joel had hidden.
The window was sealed shut, except for a small vent–way too small for anyone to fit through.
Then she heard a noise, and Joel suddenly dropped down from the ceiling. “Man, that was close! Good thing I moved fast, or we’d be busted.”
“You just got lucky. Don’t pull that stunt again,” Kaia scolded.
She quickly ushered him toward the door. “Come on, quit wasting time. Get out of here, and stop sneaking into my room.”
‘Got it.” Joel muttered, leaving with an awkward smile.
The next morning, Kaia got a call from Ruth, telling her to come home for dinner.
As soon as Kaia left, Erasmus showed up at Moreno Manor in a hurry. “Mr. Moreno, did you really say someone made better coffee than mine last night?”
Tobias pulled a coffee pot out of the fridge. “It’s been sitting overnight, so it’s not at its best. But I bet you can still tell the person who made it knows what they’re doing.”
Erasmus poured himself a cup. One sip and his eyes lit up. “Wow! Even after sitting all night–when coffer usually tastes awful–it’s still this good. The aroma’s even better, almost like cold brew. Mr. Moreno, who made this? I have to meet them!
“She just left. I’ll tell you when she’s back, Tobias said.
Erasmus plopped onto the couch. “Then I’m not going anywhere. Eve got nothing better to do today anyway?
For a man in his sixties, he was acting like a kid refusing to leave without candy
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Tobias thought it over. If Erasmus was this impressed, it meant Kaia’s coffee–making had to be even better than he’d realized.
The more he learned about her, the more curious he got. A girl her age, with so many unexpected skills–it didn’t add up.
Tobias glanced at the coffee pot and smiled like a hunter spotting prey.
****
At the Bennett family house, Ruth was trimming her nails when she casually said, “Your SAT is tomorrow. Stay here tonight. I’ll have the maid make you something healthy you like. That way you can’t say I’m playing favorites or neglecting you.”
Kaia gave a cold laugh. “So you’re not worried about my test–you’re just worried about what people might say.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Ruth snapped, not liking the accusation.
“Exactly what it sounds like. I remember when Andrea took the SAT–you cooked for her yourself and begged her to eat. For me, you have the maid do it, and you act like it’s a big favor.”
“Kaia, is that how you talk to your mother?” Lincoln cut in, voice sharp. “She’s not feeling well. You expect her to cook for you, huh? Don’t you have a heart? Is this what we taught you?”
Kaia didn’t bother arguing. No matter what she said, they always sided with Andrea. It was like she wasn’t even their kid.
“If that’s all, I’m leaving,” she said, waving dismissively.
“You think you’re grown now, walking off just because you don’t like what we’re saying, huh? Are you trying to give me a heart attack?” Lincoln’s face darkened as he grabbed a feather duster the maid had left in the living room, ready to hit her.
Andrea stepped in, all concern. “Dad, don’t hit her. She didn’t mean it. That’s just how she talks. Her SAT is tomorrow–if you hit her, it’ll mess up her score. This test decides her whole future.”
“Mess up
her score? When has she ever scored higher than zero? What’s next–negative points?” Lincoln barked, getting even angrier.
“Dad, please. For my sake? She’s been alone for days. That’s so pitiful. She finally comes home, and you want to hit her, huh? What will people think?” Andrea’s voice trembled, and she started crying.
Lincoln’s heart softened instantly. He tossed the feather duster aside. “Andrea, you’re too kind, Every time Kaia screws up, you beg for her. Look at her–when has she ever been grateful?”
“I don’t care. We’re family. She’s my sister. I have to help her,” Andrea said.
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Ruth bugged her with teary eyes. Andrea, you sweet thing. Why are you so thoughtful?”
“You and Dad are so good to me. Too bad I’m not even your real daughter, Andrea said, sounding
all burt
Kaia almost rolled her eyes. As a top psychologist, she could spot fake emotions a mile away. Andrea’s shifty eyes tight hips, and constant nose–touching gave her away.
But Ruth and Lincoln ate it up. In their minds, Andrea was perfect.
Sweetie, you may not be our blood, but you’re closer to our hearts than that, Ruth said with teary
“That’s right, Lincoln agreed. “Anyone who says you’re not ours will answer to me. Here–take my credit card. Buy whatever you want. Don’t cry
Kaia snorted, cutting into their little family drama, “And you two swear you don’t play favorites, huh? You just said she’s closer to you than your real daughter. Lucky for you I’m tough. Someone else might’ve been crushed–maybe even depressed enough to kill themselves.”
Ruth and Lincoln went pale and shifted uncomfortably. They knew what they’d said was messed
Andrea chimed in, “Kaia, don’t be mad at them. They didn’t mean it like that—”
Shut up.” Kaia snapped.
Kaia–Andrea kept going.
Say one more word, and you won’t be leaving this house safe tomorrow,” Kaia warned, fist raised.
“Kaia! Why are you so mean to Andrea? You-” Ruth yelled.
“You dragged me here just to pick a fight so I’d bomb my test, huh? Fine. But don’t complain later if my score is bad.” Kaia said flatly.
Ruth glanced at Lincoln, who kept silent, and decided to switch topics. “Your grandparents‘ seventieth birthday is coming up. I told you before–buy a good gift. Don’t embarrass us and give your uncles a reason to laugh.”
With that, she sent Kaia 200 dollars.
Kaia almost laughed out loud. That amount was downright insulting.
She gave Ruth a cold look. “How much did you give Andrea for her gift?”
“You’re always jealous of Andrea. She’s more thoughtful than you. I tried to give her money, but she wouldn’t take it–said she’d saved enough on her own. See how caring she is?” Ruth said.
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Kaia got the picture. She smiled faintly and sent the 200 dollars back.
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“What’s this? Not enough for you?” Ruth was about to snap when another transfer came through- from Kaia again, 20 thousand dollars.
“See? I didn’t take your money and gave you 20 thousand dollars instead. You pick the gift for me. How’s that? Am I more caring than Andrea now?” Kaia asked, eyebrow raised.
Ruth’s eyes widened in shock. “Where did you get that money? Kaia, tell me the truth–did you do something shady? Or are you some man’s mistress-
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Chapter 30
Chapter 30
