Chapter 4

The temperature in the study seemed to plummet below freezing.

My parents exchanged a look, both visibly exhaling in relief.

So this was what they truly thought.

All that talk about "you'll always be my sister" was nothing but my own foolish fantasy.

Faced with the cold, hard fact of bloodlines, eighteen years of sibling bond meant nothing.

I caught the smug grin playing on Chloe's lips, then watched the fleeting guilt across my parents' faces.

Finally, I let out a soft laugh.

"Sure."

My casual tone caught everyone off guard.

I stood up, glancing around at the three people who called themselves my family, my voice completely devoid of emotion.

"Since Brandon suggested it, what else can I say? I'll take the fall. Consider my ruined future the payment for whatever debt you owe her."

Without waiting for their reactions, I turned and walked out of the study.

As the heavy oak door clicked shut, I caught Helen's choked sob from inside.

"Nora is so sensible... it breaks my heart even more..."

Heartbroken?

Back in my room, I leaned against the cold door, a silent smirk spreading across my face.

In my last life, I died because I was too "sensible," swallowing every injustice until it killed me.

In this life, I know better: nobody steals from me ever again.

Did they really think I rolled over and gave up?

Me? Lose?