Chapter 5

Their footsteps faded down the hall before I finally unclenched my fists. Crescent-shaped marks from my nails burned against my palms.

So that was it. Vivian had already made sure to cut off every path open to me after I won that scholarship.

*****

A month later, the school announced its annual talent competition. The winner would get a trip to Paris sponsored by the Sinclair Corporation.

When the sign-up sheets were handed out, Charlotte strutted over to my desk in front of the whole class.

"Emily, are you signing up?" she asked, her smile all sweet and innocent. "I…