Chapter 4

At eleven o'clock that night, my professor sent an urgent email. I had no choice but to go back to the house one last time to retrieve some academic files.

The living room was dark and empty.

As I walked upstairs, I heard muffled voices coming from the study.

The door was slightly ajar. On the desk lay a printed bank statement next to the family's financial planning spreadsheet.

My name was on the first page.

*Emily’s College Fund: $20,000.*

But the entire line had been crossed out with a thick red pen.

The breakdown of where the money went was listed clearly: *Hailey’s art portfolio prep, private therapy sessions, wellness retreats, professional photography gear, SAT prep courses.*

In the margin, Dad had written in his messy handwriting: *Emily has a full-ride scholarship and is highly independent. We can reduce her financial support. Hailey is mentally unstable and needs priority.*

On the very last page, Mom had added a note: *Emily is stronger than her sister. She won't let this affect her.*

There was also an application alteration form.

My blood ran cold. They had actually tried to secretly change my enrollment status to a local state college.

Dad walked into the room.

When he saw me, his expression shifted instantly. "Who gave you permission to go through my things?"