?Chapter 1530:


    Brenna met her gaze, gave a resigned shrug, and said nothing about it.


    Just likest time, Brenna bought Sandra new outfits and bags. The spending spree was so generous that even Ellie’s eyebrows shot up.


    While Sandra was distracted by a dress, Ellie asked Brenna in a low voice, “Why are you spoiling her like this? She puts on that sweet-girl act, but I’d bet money she’s not as innocent as she looks. Wait and see—she’ll show you what she’s really after.”


    “You don’t have to bend over backward for her just for the Harper family’s reputation. Keep your guard up around her, Brenna.”


    Brenna shed a quick smile. “I get it. Honestly, I’m just making sure she’s got something decent to wear. If she walks around in cheap clothes, people will talk, and it’ll reflect badly on my mom.”


    Truthfully, Brenna felt stuck in the middle. She saw how Giselle recoiled at Sandra’s presence but also how afraid she was of beingbeled heartless toward her husband’s child from another woman.


    Sandra’s arrival had stirred up a storm at home. Brenna remembered overhearing Giselle rant to Shepard about everyone whispering behind her back about the “illegitimate kid.” With all that in mind, Brenna decided it was easier to smooth things over, saving her mom some stress.


    Suddenly, someone called out, “Sandra?”


    Sandra paused mid–mirror check, holding a pale blue sweater against her chest.


    She spun around and saw a young clerk in a tidy uniform with a fixed smile. The name tag read Lily Haywood.


    Lily, seeing Sandra’s confusion, introduced herself, saying, “It’s Lily—remember me? Middle school? I always ended up behind you, borrowing your homework every other day.”


    Recognition dawned as Sandra recalled the chubby-cheeked girl with a pixie cut.


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    She managed a polite smile, though her eyes betrayed a trace of scorn. “Wow, Lily. So you’re working here now?”


    Lily’s smile stayed in ce. “Yeah. This sweater is over seventy grand. I think it suits you.”


    As Lily took in Sandra’s designer outfit, she couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow. Back in school, Sandra had never been the rich girl. Where did all this luxurye from? The only exnation Lily coulde up with was that Sandra must have found herself a wealthy boyfriend.


    “Go ahead and try it on. It’s designer—really elegant,” Lily said, keeping her voice light, though underneath it all, she still thought Sandra was beneath her. Back in middle school, Sandra had been in and awkward, nothing like the polished version standing here now. People used to whisper that her mom had a gambling problem and owed money all over town. There was no way she’d be living like this now unless some rich guy was footing the bill.


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