Chapter 5

By the time we got home, the sun was already setting. The moment I stepped inside, I spotted George on the couch, his face stormy.

"You're finally home," George said coldly. "Do you even know what time it is?"

I glanced at my watch. "It's 6:10 p.m. Dinner time. What's the problem with that?" I asked.

"You took Giselle to that sort of place—" George began.

"Central Mall is 'that sort of place'?" I cut him off. "So tell me, what's good enough for you then?"

George faltered, and then shifted his attack. "Those pictures you took... If they spread around, it'll be humiliating!" he snapped.

I narrowed my eyes. "And how exactly do you know we took pictures?"

His expression froze. Giselle whispered, "I-I posted them on my social media..."

That explained it. I patted her shoulder. "Go upstairs and change. Dinner will be ready soon."

After she left, I turned back to George, my voice firm. "Listen. I don't care how you used to boss Giselle around, but now that I'm here, you'd better back off."

"Boss her around?" George scoffed. "I was protecting her! What do someone from the slums like you know about high society?"

"Oh, so high society means spying, stalking, and controlling people?" I shot back. "That's news to me."

George jumped to his feet. "You—"

"Kids, dinner's ready," Mom called from the dining room, cutting him short.

George leaned closer, glaring. "Stay away from Giselle. She doesn't need someone like you playing big sister."

I flashed him a taunting smile. "Say that to your reflection. Because..." I drawled, "you're the real outsider here."

His face twisted instantly. The words hit harder than any punch I could land.

Later that night, I got a message from Nathan: [Are we still meeting tomorrow to go over the questions?]

I typed back: [Of course. 10 a.m. at the library?]

He replied: [Sounds good. Also, be careful around George. He had someone following you today.]

My heart lurched as I typed back: [Are you sure?]

He texted: [Yeah. My buddy saw him at Central Mall and sent me a photo. I can show you if you need proof.]

A chill crept up my spine as I stared at the screen. George's obsession with Giselle ran deeper than I'd imagined.

George's birthday party was Saturday night. The Larson residence was decked out with lights, packed with half the school and a fair share of the city's business crowd.

"Melanie, do I look okay in this dress?" Giselle spun in my room, her light pink dress making her skin glow.

"You look gorgeous," I said, smoothing her hair. "But that necklace's too plain." I pulled out a silver chain studded with small diamonds. "Try this one."

Giselle's eyes lit up in surprise. "Is this the Tiffany necklace Dad gave you?"

"Yeah, and it matches your dress perfectly." I fastened it around her neck. "It's yours now."

"I can't take it. It's too expensive," she said.

"We don't draw lines between sisters." I stopped her as she reached for the clasp. "Besides, I like simpler jewelry anyway."

She suddenly hugged me. "You're the best, Melanie!"

I laughed and patted her back. "Come on. If we don't head down now, the birthday boy's going to sulk."

We went downstairs hand in hand, stepping into the bustling party. George, sharp in a tailored suit, was busy greeting guests. But when his eyes landed on Giselle's necklace, his smile faltered.

"Giselle," George said in a low voice, striding over, "didn't I tell you to wear the blue dress?"

Giselle shrank behind me. "I-I thought the pink one looked nicer..."

"Nonsense!" George snapped, grabbing her wrist. "Go change right now."

"Back off," I said, stepping between them. "She can wear whatever she wants. Why does it matter to you?"

"It's my birthday," George sneered. "I planned everything. She was supposed to wear blue, you in white, so it all matches."

"Matches?" I almost laughed. "What is this, a family photoshoot?"

"What's going on here?" Dad's voice came from behind us. He walked over, a glass of champagne in hand, his brow furrowed.

George instantly looked wounded. "Dad, I just wanted my sisters to look coordinated. You know, we have so many guests tonight..."

"Giselle looks beautiful in that dress," Dad said after a glance. His gaze then caught on the necklace. "That necklace..."

"Melanie gave it to me!" Giselle blurted out quickly.

Dad's expression softened. "That's sweet of you two. Sisters should stick together." He patted George's shoulder. "Don't be so uptight. It's your birthday. Enjoy it."

George forced a smile. "Got it, Dad."

But once Dad turned away, George shot us a look that promised trouble, and then went back to entertaining guests.

"Melanie..." Giselle whispered, trembling. "I'm kind of scared..."

"Don't be," I said, squeezing her hand. "I'm right here. Let's grab some food."

Later, Dad stepped onto the stage. He praised George, then added, "Today's extra special because we've reunited with our long-lost daughter, Melanie." He gestured to me. "Melanie, come say hello."

Applause filled the room. I kept my greeting short, but as I stepped down, I caught George glaring, his face twisted with fury.

"Now," Dad said warmly, "let's all head to the garden. We've prepared a little surprise."

As the guests moved outside, Giselle tugged my arm. "Melanie, I think there's a loose thread on my dress. I'll run upstairs and change. Be right back."

"Do you want me to come with you?" I asked.

"No, it'll be quick," she said, rushing upstairs.

In the garden, there was a towering three-tier cake surrounded by lavish desserts. Cameras flashed everywhere. But ten minutes passed, and Giselle hadn't returned.

"How long does it take to change?" I muttered, just about to go find her, when Dad's furious voice rang out from upstairs.

"Giselle! What on earth is this?" he thundered.

All eyes turned upward. Giselle stood in the hall, pale and trembling, wearing ripped jeans and a baggy T-shirt, like she'd stumbled into the wrong party.

"I-I don't know..." Giselle stammered. "My dress just vanished..."

"Unbelievable!" Dad's face darkened. "Do you have any idea what kind of occasion this is? How could you show up looking like that?"

George played the part of the caring brother. "Dad, don't be so hard on her. She probably just got mixed up..."

I narrowed my eyes. My gut screamed this wasn't an accident. While everyone focused on Giselle, I slipped away and headed upstairs.