Chapter 2

After hearing the notification ding on my phone, I shook my head like a rattle.

"Then what is it?" Dad asked, thinking for a moment. "Did you fall for some guy? Let me tell you, sweetheart, you can't just judge a man by his looks. A guy as handsome, wealthy, and decent as your dad is one in a million!"

As he spoke, he leaned in closer, his face practically glowing with curiosity.

He glanced around, made sure our housekeeper, Mrs. Miller, was busy cleaning up in the kitchen, and lowered his voice to a whisper:

"Spill it to your dad. I swear I won't tell your mother!"

I shook my head again.

With a solemn, probing expression, I stared into his face, looking for the slightest crack in his facade.

Dad looked completely baffled.

"Sweetheart, why that look? I swear I haven't been stashing secret cash or secretly gaming lately..."

"Dad," I said, eyeing him with suspicion. "You haven't done anything behind Mom's back, have you?"

Dad threw his hands up instantly, swearing to the heavens with the most righteous expression possible.

"How could I ever do something to hurt your mother! I am entirely devoted to the queen of this house! I have only ever loved Helen Vance my entire life!"

I looked down, absently pushing a fork into my dinner.

Then a sudden, wild thought hit me. I looked up at him in disbelief.

"Dad... don't tell me I have a secret long-lost sister out there!"

"Was I born first or second? Dad, please don't secretly sneak her into the house. I'm not petty, I swear. I'm very understanding, and I can totally get along with an older sister..."

Before I could finish, I got a sharp flick on the forehead that literally brought a tear to my eye.

"What is that little head of yours imagining all day? If you have this much free time, go back to school, or come help out at the family firm. Stop sitting around inventing ridiculous drama."

"So you really don't? Swear it, Dad. If you're lying, you're Lucky!"

Lucky gave a confused whine from the floor, as if wondering what he did to deserve that.

Later that evening, while browsing social media, I ran across Miss Berry Tips again.

Caption: "Had another fight with the fiancé. That jerk really thinks this little treat can buy me off? Keep dreaming!"

Attached image: an exquisite traditional afternoon tea set placed beside a delicate indoor water fountain. Geotag: The Reserve.

I stared at the photo. The more I looked, the more familiar it became.

Wait. Wasn't this the exact photo my best friend posted on her private feed yesterday?!

Well, that explained a lot.

My bestie, Chloe Stone, came from a family that had been close with mine for generations. When our families bought houses, they deliberately purchased neighboring villas here in The Reserve so we could visit easily.

With that in mind, I shot Chloe a text on SnapChat.

“Babe, remember the little people when you make it big!”

“Lily, have you lost your mind?”

“Babe, you’re a massive influencer now and you didn't even tell me? Wow. So cold. I guess I'm not your favorite person anymore!”

“What influencer? What are you even talking about?”