Part 3The Unwanted Heiress: Dancing on Their Graves

Before I got into the Sterlings' car, Bev shoved a shopping bag into my arms. She said it was the new "team uniform."

Inside was a high-end, trendy athletic set.

I knew the aunties were worried I’d have nothing "classy" to wear at the Sterling estate, so they had pooled their money to buy it for me.

I whispered a thank you and handed over the discounted eggs I’d fought for at the supermarket earlier.

I locked up my new oil and rice.

Marcus reminded me I didn't need to lock them up—I wasn't coming back.

I tilted my head, glanced at the parents and the younger brother who were currently whispering comforts to Serena, and smiled at Marcus without saying a word.

Marcus looked back, unable to help himself. "Maya, Serena didn't do it on purpose. She feels truly guilty. She’s cried about this multiple times at home..."

"Sure, sure. Whatever you say."

I brushed him off, clutched my new clothes and my backpack, and slid into the car.

During the drive, I looked at my phone. The family looked at me.

Auntie Sarah sent $500 to the group chat: [A little something from the squad. Don't you dare refuse it!]

Bev messaged me privately: [Maya, if it’s not comfortable over there, just come home.]

The others echoed her.

We lived in a rough neighborhood. Most of these women were retired on tiny pensions.

Bev and Mrs. Higgins still worked stalls at the flea market to make ends meet.

Every cent they had spent on me over the years was money they had saved by skipping meals.

They were sending me this money now because they saw my "real" parents were biased. They were terrified I’d be mistreated in that mansion.

"Maya, that outfit..."

Eleanor Sterling, my mother, looked at my bedazzled tracksuit with a furrowed brow. She finally couldn't help herself. "From now on, you are a Sterling. Your clothes and behavior must be appropriate."

"And at your age, you should be making friends your own age. Expand your horizons, socialize. Don't spend all your time with... those community center ladies."

"Serena can help you with that. It’ll be a good way for you two to bond."

Eleanor spoke with such "sincerity" that Serena immediately played along.

She reached for my hand, her intimacy making my skin crawl.

"Mom’s right. I’ll teach you everything, Maya."

"Sister, when we get home, I’ll pick out some things from my closet for you. As for what you’re wearing... we’ll just have the maid throw it out."

"Exactly," said Leo, the younger brother. "I don't even know what that trashy set is. It’s hideous. If you keep dressing like that, don't tell people you're a Sterling. It’s embarrassing."

I paused my typing—I was in the middle of thanking my dear aunties—and looked at them with a bright smile.

"Do you know why I always wear these 'auntie' clothes?"