Eleanor had seen Andrew’s bias time and again. Her face went cold. “Ste has no reason to do that, either.”

“Of course, she has. You heard her. She said we prefer Anna. How are we biased? We treat them both the same. Sure, we spoil Anna because she’s always sick. We look after her more. But we don’t forget Ste. Why’s she so ungrateful?”

Eleanor wasn’t that mad at first, but his words made her shake with anger.

Andrew got scared. He quickly grabbed Eleanor. “Mom, don’t do this. You can’t be in danger, or I’ll regret it forever.”

“Don’t touch me!” Eleanor snapped, agitated.

Thest time she got this worked up was during Christmas. They had no sign of Ste then. Eleanor thought they weren’t trying hard enough and gave them a piece of her mind.

Actually, every Christmas without Ste was a disaster. Eleanor’s emotions went wild. Then she’d end up in the hospital, wearing everyone out.

Seeing this, Andrew freaked out. “Okay, Mom, I won’t touch you. Did you take your pills? Let me get them for you.”

Eleanor thought about refusing the pills, but if she died, no one at home would love Ste, take care of her, or watch out for her.

Andrew brought the pills, and Eleanor took them. After a while, she calmed down. “Andrew, I’m upset that you act without knowing the full story. Why not start paying attention now to how you treat Ste versus Anna?

“I wish you hadn’t been so biased all along, then we wouldn’t be in this mess today. I know you’re here about your wife. I smacked her-no regrets. Over the years, I’ve been good to her, and she’s been good to me.

“But she treats Ste badly. I don’t regret hitting her. If it happens again, I’ll do it again. Let her think about that. Get out. I’m tired and need to rest.”

Andrew had a lot to say but kept quiet. Seeing how tired Eleanor looked, he walked out and shut the door.

Fiona was worried and asked, “So, what did she say?”

Andrew sighed, “You know Mom. Ste has always been good at winning her over. Mom spoils her. I can’t change that. Be more careful from now on. It’s been three years; Anna still hasn’t won Mom over. Tell her to stay away from Mom and not cause trouble.”

Fiona snapped back angrily, “What? Ste is her granddaughter, but Anna isn’t? After Ste left, Anna helped wash her feet, but she was cold.

“When she got sick, Anna took care of her day and night. Anna’s own health is shaky, and it almost made her sick. But she didn’t care at all!”

“Her voice got louder. Afraid Eleanor might hear, Andrew quickly hushed Fiona and nudged her away. “Stop, Mom just got

upset. We can’t let her get sick. She contacted awyer, remember? If she gives all her shares to Ste, we’re done for.”

Fiona was still mad but spoke quietly. “Didn’t you promise to go find thatwyer?”

“Yeah, I did, but thewyer is abroad on a case. I’m worried, but he’s not back yet.”

Fiona really felt wronged.

Andrewforted her, “Mom is old and weak. She can only help Ste for a few years. Just be patient.”

Fiona red at him. Andrew kept gesturing for her to calm down, and Fiona settled a bit.

+38)

In the room, Ste found her old bank card. Lionel reminded her that her old phone was dead; she couldn’t turn it on no matter what. But she still had money in the bank.

Back in high school, she had worked on an online project. Now, she heard it was up and running and doing great. The money had been deposited. She wanted to check how much she had left.

Her life seemed ruined, but as long as she was alive, she couldn’t give up.

While everyone was napping, Ste slowly snuck out. Every step hurt a lot. The road was long. To get a cab, she had to walk the whole way.

Ste was super determined. When she spotted a cab, she realized she had no cash. So she headed straight to the ATM.

Ste checked her bnce and was shocked to see only about ten bucks left. Back in Dusty Pines, she’d asked around. Her project was solid, and they had a contract; they should’ve paid.

Ste saw a sanitation worker walking by. “Hey, Ste here. Can I borrow your phone? I won’t run off, promise. Look at me, I can’t even outrun you.”

The worker didn’t think twice and handed her phone over.

Ste took it gratefully, and dialed the bank number from the ATM. After a few taps, she spoke to a rep. “Hi, can you help me check my ount statement?”

The other end asked, “Ma’am, do you have your ID? You can go to a nearby bank for that.”

“Okay, thanks.” Ste gave the phone back to the worker. She walked to the bank with a funny stride. Earlier, when she ran away, she forgot her ID. But this time, she brought it just in case. She hadn’t nned to go far; just a walk and back.

After talking to the bank clerk, they printed her statement. Ste took it and stared, eyes wide.

The clerk asked, “Anything else?”

“No, thanks.” As Ste turned to leave, she remembered something and came back. “Can I borrow your phone?”

“Sure,” the clerk said, handing it over.

Ste wasn’t sure if the number still worked. She dialed nervously. Someone answered with a familiar voice. Ste was thrilled. “Hello, is this Mr. Jordan Erwin?”

The man replied, “Yes, it’s me. Who’s this?”

The man’s voice sounded cold, but she knew it well. “I’m Ste-no, I am Vivian.” Ste wanted to say more, but she was too excited.

After no sound from the other end, she remembered that three years had passed. It made sense that he didn’t remember

her.

Jordan said, “I remember you. Where’ve you been for three years? I couldn’t reach you.”

Ste felt bitter. “Can’t talk now. Let’s meet face-to-face. This isn’t my number. I got the money you sent, but stop sending it here.

‘Need a new card?”

“Yes, I’ll text you the detailster.”

“Okay.”

Ste hung up, said goodbye to the clerk, and walked out.

As she stepped outside, sports cars surrounded her. A man got out. It was Troy, whom she’d seen at the hospital yesterday.