n of the freshly cut lily scent. Dr. Evans-the Sterling family's family doctor fo

ldn't bear any weight at all for at least a week. Apply ice

er face blank. "T

the edge of the velvet sofa. Dr. Evans had already treated her, and her

tting up straight had drained her strength. "Brother," she whispered to Et

y, and said to the doctor, "Thank you,

m. Ethan dragged a heavy armchair across the carpet, placing it facing Callista.

as low, devoid of emot

med in Kalista's mind. Here i

ds. "And the harm you caused Isabelle, I don't think you're in the right

wall that blocks her future. Kalista's heart thr

ctly timed faint sob. "This has no

on Kalista. "Professor Alistair Beaumont's graduat

scholarship was her everything. In her previous life, that was her only beacon of hope, the only path she carved for herself to escape this fami

Callista could see the corners of her mouth curl up in a tr

revealed his true purpose. "Her talent is as outstandin

ful expression. It's like watching a terrible, predictable show. The urge to scream and scrat

e now knew. But this time,

rig

t fell into the silent room,

ocked they couldn't speak. They expec

g about? If you refuse, there will be consequences. "The threat is clear: the

lingly steady. "I agree to withdraw. I als

she met Ethan's gaze directly. Her eyes were clear, n

ve one co

s tightly. Isabel shift

declared. "I will tell him in person that I vol

p with the only professor who truly valued her wor

d at Isabel." She didn't look at the so-called sister, her gaze fixed on

he coffee table. Her fingers were steady, and she found the number in her

he could hear her own b

e answered the call. "Callista?" I am reviewing

ain steady. "Professor Beaumont. Thank you. I called to info

of the line. "Withdraw?" Kalista, what's w

retold the lie with chilling precision. She could feel Eth

leashed her

I will present you with a brand-new portfolio-such a striking piece that you will have no

g up th

el both stared at her, their faces filled

wanted, but turned their