education, famous for having some of the t

ad never once accepted a transfer student, let alone

through relentless effort, bolstered by her

he watched the girl quietly savor her soup. Did this orphan honest

nts filled those halls, and nearly every gr

ropped out of school? That w

ool wouldn't ri

f concern. "I heard Grace didn't have

he air, eyes glittering wit

"There's nothing to worry about. Rodger donated an entire building to the school. The

ng out for Grace. We had another student once who bought his way in, but he could no

e made Gianna bristle with embarrassment. She would

features grew thoughtful, a

idered the challenge

nd innocent eyes were fixed on him. That

"If you ever feel overwhelmed, we can look into oth

to worry," she replied softly. "If you believe Briskvale High is the right pla

ger's chest. How did he end u

little to him-the family's fortune co

r from disappointment and give

een in him. "All your mom and I wish for is that

side he reserved only for his

rip on her fork tightened so

and Julia were too i

ing in anyone they pleased as if it belonged

ty would come crashing down on Grace th

s life miserable were alr

," Grace replied, a hint o

black card from his pocket. "Here, Grace. There's no

to pause, the air grow

tled on Rodg

ol of privilege so rare that only a handful existed in the enti

nearly shattered her fork in disbelief, h

of status to a newly adop

let her lashes flicker

ely. A nearly identical on

e her accept it without hesitation, her

soft, and she traced the edge

enched tight, believing Gr

rare warmth, added quietly, "Let

orrow, why don't you head out

Grace slipped the

hat simple bag, her jealousy burning