my mind. The notebook in front of me lost its sharp outlin

letely certain about who was

at me in surprise. Her gaze slid from top to bottom, occasionally wideni

-so-successful exam session, and I had alr

iny little nose. I still couldn't understand why she had dressed up and p

asked, already rummaging through my wardrobe

the best option I had. The things I'd brought with me were definitely not

make do with glasses. When I get a free moment,

laimed, spinning sharply toward me. She looked at

aid firmly as I stood up. "Your clothes won'

nd headed for the door. "Take that horror off. I'

gs for something more feminine, but there was nothi

I could tell immediately-it wouldn't fit. My waist was much slimmer than hers, while my hip

ecent fashion collection. Snatching the soft triangle from her hands, I tied it o

a, I understand it's a funeral, but all our acquain

my purse from the table. "Let's go

th Darvins will be the

l and the wake were over, I'd leave immediately. My studies were finished, exams passed, but I still had an unresolved issue with my economics pr

again about those two. You know Da

go," she said irritably an

he politely offered his hand to each of us, helping us into the car. He was new-I didn't kno

to do today?" Mom asked

't seen each other in ages, so

dinner. We'll have gues

ietly, then loude

ysteriously. "By the way, you

dn't be pleasant. Just please-not my deranged cousin and hi

ad be back f

. He misses you a lot. Y

"Two more years, and then I'll come

esitated, fidgeting with her purse. She was clearly nervous, tryin

eer-no," I said firmly. "I only do it because

t... never mind. W

ed into the parking lot of the

grandfather-just as cheerful and kind. He'd built a massive fortune yet remained human. Business ruins people, but it hadn't broken him.

them. Two spoiled, arrogant heirs who believed th

dge. The funeral procession moved slowly along the path, and I walked near the end. When it stopped and the crowd fo

he tears. Mom arrived just in time, placing her hands on

ty-volt shock. My entire body jolted as I

ere. The Dar

g me with his gaze. Of all times. Their grandfather was being buried, and the

aside," I said, pushing my way backward thro

you want help?" she a

e car. It's too

you feel worse, ask Victor

headed towa

that moment was

rother was

ed under my breath. Maybe he felt u

my pace, weaving between rows of gravestones. At one po

ips when I ran straight into an obstacle

ou think yo