Chapter 116
“Sorry, but I’m just telling the truth. Amber really is dead last in the whole school. Sis, people say one has to focus and block out all distractions if one wants to do well. I think she should just stay at school and have her phone taken away. The SATs are right around the corner—if she keeps slacking off like this, there’s no way she’ll get into college.”
Amber’s eyes went wide with anger at the mention of staying at school. “No way! If you want to live there, go ahead, but leave me out of it. Vivian, stay out of my business—just get lost!”
Vivian’s arms, which had been crossed over her chest, suddenly dropped to her sides. Her eyes went wide with innocent confusion.
“Sis, I’m just trying to help her with her studies. See? She’s always telling me to get lost. I’m just trying to look out for her since she’s younger, but she never appreciates it.”
Amber shot back, her voice brimming with frustration, “I don’t need your phony concern, Vivian! How I do in school is none of your damn business!”
“No bad words,” Sienna said, squeezing Amber’s cheeks. The feel was so soft and bouncy.
Amber pouted, giving Sienna a silent, aggrieved look, her eyes full of accusation at Sienna’s obvious favoritism.
Sienna sighed helplessly and patted Amber’s head. “Alright, that’s enough from both of you. No one’s making you stay at school. Now go grab some breakfast before you’re late.”
Amber glanced at the time, sprang to her feet, and rushed toward the dining room. She was going to be late after what she promised Claire yesterday.
“Vivian, there’s a business symposium tonight. Come with me,” Sienna turned to her.
Vivian’s annoyance evaporated. She perked up immediately, nodding with sudden enthusiasm. “Sure!”
As Vivian bounced away, Sienna tracked her with a measured gaze. ‘Let’s see if you’ve actually grown these past few months,’ she mused silently.
Anya believed in Vivian’s potential, and Sienna had the means to ensure both sisters could live lavishly—no financial limits, no compromises. But money alone wasn’t enough.
They needed to stand on their own, to protect what was theirs. Not to become warriors, but never to be vulnerable.
Because if anything ever happened to her, she refused to let them become targets. The wealth, the lifestyle—it would mean nothing if they couldn’t defend it.
“Sienna, I’m off to work. Bye,” Vivian called out.
“Bye,” Sienna nodded.
Amber skidded to a stop at the school gates, chest heaving. Claire—who’d clearly been waiting against the wall for some time—took one look at her disheveled hair and labored breathing before pushing off with an amused clap of her hands.
“Just ten more minutes and you would’ve been late,” Claire said.
Amber slung her backpack over her shoulder. “But I’m not late, am I?”
At noon, the two set out to hunt for something delicious. Since the driver could only drop them off at the corner, they had to walk a good distance on foot. But even after ages of walking, they still hadn’t reached the place Claire had promised. Amber started grumbling in a low voice, “We’ve been walking for almost half an hour! If we don’t get there soon, I’m gonna melt into a puddle. Claire, you’re not tricking me, are you? There’s no way there’s some secret foodie spot hidden in these alleys. You’re totally making this up!”
Claire couldn’t resist giving Amber’s pouting cheek a playful pinch—dropping into a crouch, she patted her shoulders. “It’s really just up ahead—I promise. Here, jump on my back. I’ll carry you the rest of the way.”
Amber brushed past her with a huff. “No way! I can walk by myself. Thank you very much.”
Claire stepped forward and grabbed her backpack. “Alright, then let me carry your bag—just hang in there for ten more minutes—we’re almost there.”
Amber shot her a blank, unimpressed look. “You said ten minutes half an hour ago!”
Chire scratched her head awkwardly. “I swear, this time I mean it.”
Suddenly, they heard someone screaming for help. Instinctively, both of them were drawn toward the sound and found themselves peeking into the mouth of an alley.