Juliana kept the secret to herself. Not even Scott knew a thing.


    She told herself Layna was just a kid-kids make mistakes. Layna was such a good girl, too. Juliana was sure if Layna ever lied, it had to be because a teacher pushed her into a corner at school.


    Once Layna was back with the Stranz family, she acted like the perfect little angel. No more getting into trouble, no more messes. And when they were alone, Layna would call Juliana "Mom" in that sweet, earnest voice, and Juliana''s heart would just melt.


    That''s when Juliana decided Layna needed a new school. She set her sights on Maplewood Elementary-the most prestigious in all of Riverdale.


    That night, when Scott got home, Juliana brought it up. "I found a school for Layna Maplewood Elementary. It''s the best in Riverdale."


    "No. Pick another one," Scott said, not even pausing to think. "Anywhere but Maplewood."


    Juliana stared at him, confused. "Why? It''s the best school! Layna''s so smart. She deserves the best teachers and the best resources."


    Scott sank onto the couch, rubbing his brow. "Paradise is going there. Herman told me he''s enrolling her at Maplewood. Paradise and Layna don''t get along. It''s better for everyone if they''re kept apart."


    Juliana bristled. “So their daughter can go, but not Layna? She''s your niece, Scott! Why are you siding with them? Layna is brilliant-she should have every opportunity."


    Scott shook his head. "If Layna''s got talent, she''ll do well anywhere. The best school can only take you so far the rest is up to her. Layna''s biggest problem isn''t learning, it''s her attitude. She''s too ruthless. That won''t get her far."


    "She''s eight, Scott! You expect her to be perfect already? I think a little toughness is a good thing," Juliana shot back. "Layna belongs at Maplewood."


    Scott''s patience snapped. "Juliana, you''re being unreasonable. I said no to Maplewood. Any other school, fine. I''m tired. I''m going to shower."


    He left before they could argue anymore.


    Outside the door, Layna had been listening, ear pressed to the wood, catching every word.


    Once again, Paradise was the reason she couldn''t go to the best school.


    Last time, it was because of Paradise that Aunt Anastasia sent her away.


    Now, because of Paradise, her uncle wouldn''t let her go to Maplewood, either. Layna''spetitive fire burned even hotter. Quietly, she promised herself-one day, she''d beat Paradise at everything.


    In the end, Juliana couldn''t win Scott over. Layna ended up enrolled at Riverside Elementary, right across the street from Maplewood.


    The first day of school came quickly. Layna had her paperwork set. Over at the Salstrom house, Paradise-Pattie-was ready too.


    Both families drove to school that morning, ending up on the same street.


    Juliana drove Layna, and their car ended up just behind the Salstroms''.


    Anastasia and Herman dropped Paradise off together. Their shiny SUV stopped at the school gates, Paradise hopped out in her crisp new uniform, backpack bouncing, waving goodbye to her parents.


    The principal and a whole group of teachers came out to wee Paradise— well, Herman had donated a lot to the school.


    From her window, Layna watched the picture-perfect family moment a happy, cozy scene that made her insides twist with envy.


    Juliana tried tofort her. "It''s just a school, Cayna. Don''t worry about it. Work hard, keep your grades up, and you''ll get into any college you want. My Layna is the best-so much better than Paradise."


    Layna nodded. "I''ll be number one, Aunt Juliana."


    The Stranz car had to drive ahead to make a U-turn.


    Layna''s new school-Riverside—was just across the street from Maplewood. The only thing between them was a busy intersection.


    Layna climbed out, shouldered her backpack, and walked into school by herself.


    Compared to Paradise''s big wee, Layna''s arrival was quiet. No teachers, no principal-just the usual morning crowd.


    And after the whole Mr. Simmons


    incident, none of the teachers in Layna''s ss wanted to get close.


    Not too friendly, not too distant-just careful.


    Only teachers could really understand what Mr. Simmons had gone through.


    They were all a little afraid of this "little troublemaker," worried that if they upset her, they might end up like him.


    So even when Layna didn''t do her homework or nodded off in ss, no one said a word.