Chapter 2

Gloria put on her sweetest, most innocent face. "Mom, Dad, don't be mad at Chelsea. She might eat a little messily, but she grew up in the countryside. She never learned any table manners. It's not really her fault."

I paused mid-chew on my chicken wings, the familiar whiff of her fake innocence hitting me. I sneered inwardly and replied with a shrug, "Yeah, your dear Mom really knew how to pick the worst places to dump me.

"My adoptive parents were kind, but dirt poor. Just having enough to eat was a luxury. Who cared about manners? Back when famine hit, we fought over tree roots, let alone scraps. You, Gloria, grew up pampered and spoiled, never had to struggle, so of course you've never seen someone eat like me."

Gloria went pale, frozen in place, unable to catch her breath.

Mom started wiping her tears again. "Poor thing, just thinking about all you've been through makes my heart ache."

I shrugged and grabbed another chicken wing, the delicious smell making my eyes light up. "It's fine, Mom. Just don't blame me for being a little rough around the edges.

"For people like us, just getting by is tough enough. Table manners and looking proper are things for folks with easier lives. I'll get there eventually."

Mom, feeling sorry for me, placed a big chicken leg on my plate. "How could we ever blame you! We only want to make it up to you, not blame you. If anything feels strange, just take your time. Your happiness is what matters most, sweetheart."

As she spoke, Mom shot Gloria a meaningful look. Though she said nothing, Gloria caught the message. She quickly lowered her eyes, her diamond-studded nails digging deep into her palm under the table.

Toby looked a bit downcast too, quietly placing a big shrimp on my plate.

After dinner, as I got ready to unpack and settle in, the whole family came with me to pick out a room.

The Ward family had some serious clout in Kingsbury, living in a three-story villa. The whole second floor was dedicated to bedrooms, and Mom showed me around, one room at a time.

Honestly, every room was great—fancy decor, spotless clean. I was still trying to decide when Gloria turned on the charm again. She grabbed my hand like we were best friends and said, "Chelsea, why don't you take my room?

"It's the sunniest one on the second floor. Mom says girls should have sunny rooms. I do love it, but..."

As she spoke, her eyes started to well up again. "But you're Mom and Dad's real daughter. I shouldn't be hogging your room. I can just move into the storage room down the hall."

Dad patted her shoulder, looking both proud and a little sorry for her. "Gloria, you're so thoughtful. Seeing you get along with Chelsea really puts my mind at ease."

Gloria nodded, a hint of smugness flashed in her big, clear eyes.

Please, acting all magnanimous and sensible while milking pity. Gloria's got her usual fake act going.

I was as blunt as they came, so I just said it straight, "There are a whole bunch of empty rooms on this floor. Why would I want to take yours?"

Gloria looked at me with those big, pitiful eyes. "I just think you should have the best room since you're the real daughter."

I frowned. "So you're going to move into the storage room? Every room we saw was spotless. Even if you give me your room, why do you have to go live in the storage room?

"Seriously, girl, ever since I walked in, you've been playing the victim—first you want to leave the family, now you're giving up your room to move into the storage room. What's next? Are you auditioning for Kingsbury Film Academy or something?"

Gloria probably never expected me to call her out so directly. She stammered, lost for words. But Toby, who'd been her brother for years, jumped in to defend her. "Gloria's just trying to be nice, Chelsea. Do you have to go at her like that?"

I just raised an eyebrow, not even sure what to say. "So her so-called kindness is just making a gesture I never asked for, fishing for your sympathy, and turning herself into the victim so you end up blaming me?"

Toby looked stunned, his eyes flicking back and forth between me and Gloria, totally bewildered.

Mom's face turned serious as she shot Gloria a stern look. Things got awkward fast.

So I just boldly dragged my few bags into Gloria's room. "Since I'm already stuck with this reputation, I'll take the room. Might as well make it worth all the drama."