form screamed 'charity case' louder than any whisper. My dad, his back ruined from a construction fall, couldn't work. His disability checks bar

sneer to match, made sure I never forgot my place. Today, it was t

ndra M

essica stood by the principal, a sac

of... considerable hardship," Jessica announ

rdboard, the amount: "$0.00 – For Being Our Charity Case." Laughter echoed in the auditorium. My face burned,

d, my voice steady

wouldn't give her the satisfaction. Inside, a cold resolve solidified. They

oot, orchestrated by the Sterling Circle, Northwood' s elite pack of bored, rich boys. Their ringleader was usual

bly suggested me as the target. The thought didn' t surprise me. What did surprise me was when Ethan Vanderbilt, the golden boy, the one even Jessica seemed to wors