She Plotted Against Me, I Won My Life

Chapter 3

The air conditioning in the hall made me shiver. When I came out, Liora saw me looking pale and worn out.

She thought her plan had worked, and dropped her pretense of kindness, looking openly pleased.

She feigned concern, her voice thick with sympathy. "Linnea, are you alright?"

I waved her off weakly, keeping my expression guarded. "I'm fine."

My adoptive father walked over, his tone serious but gentle. "Your birth parents are waiting for you at home."

*****

When we arrived, a gentle, refined couple was waiting in the living room.

They glanced first at Liora, then turned their gaze toward me.

Liora ignored them completely and went straight to her room.

My adoptive mother frowned slightly at her rudeness, then led the two couples into the study to talk privately.

I went quietly to my room to pack my things, ready to leave with my birth parents.

Before I could finish, Liora leaned lazily against my door frame, arms crossed, looking down at me with cold, triumphant eyes.

"Linnea Hatherley. Does it hurt, knowing how this feels?" A cruel smirk spread across her face as she stepped closer. "Failing your exam, then being cast out by my parents, leaving with your tail between your legs," her voice rose, sharp and resentful. "You stole eighteen years of my life!"

I said nothing, just kept packing.

When I picked up the necklace my adoptive mother had given me, Liora lunged and snatched it away.

"It is mine now."

"Keep it," I said, and hurried to finish.