<b>Chapter </b>74
Max shifted ufortably beside me. “Mom, this is Jade.”
Linda’s smile remained frozen as she processed the information, her eyes narrowing slightly. “Jade
who, sweetie?”
“Jade Morgan,” Max sighed. “Your daughter.”
The transformation on Linda’s face was almostical. Her jaw went ck, eyes widening to the
size of quarters as she stared at me. “Jade? My Jade?” Her gaze traveled from my face down to my
toned physique and back up again. “Is that really you?”
“Hello.” I said tly.
<b>80 </b>
“Oh my God!” She squealed, throwing her arms around me in an awkward hug I didn’t return. “Look at you! You’re absolutely gorgeous! Come in,e in!” She grabbed my arm, practically dragging me
toward the house. “Frank! FRANK! You won’t believe who’s home!”
As we entered the newly painted living room, I noticed the fresh furniture and decorations. Max had mentioned Emily’s academic achievement money being used to fix up the ce. Linda couldn’t stop staring at me, circling like a shark scenting blood in the water.
“You look amazing,” she gushed, touching my hair. “What happened in Europe? A special diet? Some kind of treatment? I always told you that losing weight would make such a difference, didn’t I?”
I gently moved out of her reach. “Just exercise and healthy eating.”
“Well, it certainly worked wonders.” She plopped down on the sofa, patting the spot beside her. ‘Come, sit with me. Tell me everything about your trip. Did you meet anyone… special?” Her
emphasis on thest word was about as subtle as a sledgehammer,
“I was on a cultural immersion trip. Not looking for dates.”
“But surely with your new looks, you must have had men falling at your feet!” She leaned forward conspiratorially. “A pretty girl like you in Europe? I bet you met all sorts of wealthy businessmen. Anyone special I should know about?”
Max rolled his eyes. “Mom<b>, </b>seriously<b>?</b><b>” </b>
“What?” Linda feigned innocence. “I’m just saying, you look like a model now. Not that you weren’t
<b>10:20 </b><b>Sat</b>, <b>Sep </b><b>20 </b>
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<b>80 </b>
pretty before, of course, but now… my goodness! You could find yourself a rich husband in no time. A girl with your looks could have her pick of millionaires.”
“I’m going to Princeton<b>, </b>not husband–hunting,” I replied coldly.
“Of course, of course. Education first,” Linda nodded, though her eyes said otherwise. “But there’s nothing wrong with keeping your options open. Not every girl is lucky enough to have your beauty, darling. It would be a shame to waste it.”
The front door opened, and Frank Morgan walked in, still in his work clothes. He stopped dead when
he saw me, his tired eyes widening in surprise.
“Who’s this?” he asked, looking between Linda and Max.
“It’s Jade,” Max exined again.
“Jade?” Frank blinked several times. “Our Jade?”
“Yes, Frank, our daughter,” Linda said impatiently. “Doesn’t she look amazing?”
Frank approached slowly, as if afraid I might disappear. “I almost didn’t recognize you.” He smiled genuinely. “Wee home, kiddo.”
“Thanks,” I said, offering him a small smile.
“You won’t believe what happened,” Frank said, his voice animated for once. “Mayor Huxley gave me a job at the city parks department. Better hours, better pay. Linda doesn’t even have to work at the
factory anymore.”
Linda preened. “Felix has been very generous to our family.”
“Because of you<b>, </b>Jade,” Frank continued.
“<b>Oh</b>, and Emily got into Princeton,” Frank added proudly. “She’s already gone for some pre–freshman
program.”
“Max told me,” I replied.
Linda pped her hands. “Let’s have lunch! I’ve prepared all your favorites.” She hadn’t<b>, </b>of course- she had no idea what my favorites were–but I didn’t bother correcting her.
<b>Sat</b><b>, </b>
<b>80 </b>
During lunch, Linda couldn’t stop talking, filling me in on neighborhood gossip I couldn’t care less about. Then, as if casually changing subjects<b>, </b>she said, “Remember when Dr. Thornton visited us<b>? </b>You know, <b>the </b>Princeton University president?”
I nodded, taking a bite of sd.
“He mentioned something about giving you an apartment in New York as part of your schrship package. Isn’t that generous of him?”
“Very,” I agreed.
“I was thinking,” Linda leaned forward, “it might be best if we put that apartment in my name. For tax purposes, you understand. I’m the adult, after all.”
I met her gaze evenly. “Why would it need to be in your name?”
“Well, you’re still a minor, and these things can getplicated.” Her smile tightened. “Writing it in my name is practically the same as writing it in yours. We’re family.”
“If it’s the same, then it can stay in my name,” I replied.
Linda’s smile faltered. “Jade, dear, you don’t understand how these things work-”
“<b>I </b>understand perfectly.”
Linda nced at Frank for support, but he suddenly became very interested in his mashed potatoes. She quickly shifted tactics.
“Maybe we could put it in Max’s name then,” she suggested brightly. “A young man needs a good start in life, and girls eventually get married anyway, right?”
Max nearly choked on his drink. “Mom, what are you talking about? That’s Jade’s apartment.”
“I’m just thinking of the family,” Linda insisted. “What if Jade drops out? Or decides to transfer? Max could take over-”
“It’s Jade’s,” Frank said firmly, surprising us all. “If Principal Thornton wants to give her an apartment, it belongs to her.”
Linda’s smile turned brittle. “Of course<b>, </b>I’m just trying to be practical.”
10:20 <b>Sat</b><b>, </b>Sep 20
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I took out my phone and scrolled through my contacts. “I should call Principal Thornton back anyway. He’s called me several times.”
Linda perked up. “Yes<b>, </b>good idea!”
I dialed the number, putting it on speaker. When Thornton answered, I said, “Principal Thornton, it’s Jade Morgan. I’m returning your call about the apartment.”
“Jade! Wonderful to hear from you. Yes, the paperwork is almost ready. I just need your approval on
a few details.”
“I want the deed in my name,” I said clearly.
Linda started to speak, but I silenced her with a look that made her physically recoil.
“Of course,” Thornton replied. “That was always the n. It’s your gift, after all.”
“Perfect. Thank you.”
After hanging up, I turned to Linda. “Felix Huxley gave you money for my academic excellence schrship, didn’t he? I want it.”
Linda’s face went pale. “I don’t know what you’re talking about—”
“Mom,” Max warned, “don’t lie to her.”
“I… he…”
“How much?” I asked.
“It wasn’t much, really-”
“<b>I </b>can call Felix and ask him directly,” I said, already scrolling through my phone again,
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