Chapter 3: Plans

Sierra glanced at her wrist, her expression indifferent. "Oh. I got hurt," she said. Bradley opened his mouth, then closed it. Such an injury prompted unsettling thoughts. The anger from Sierra's earlier words softened slightly. He cleared his throat. "Even though you're still on parole, we managed to get your student status reinstated. You'll handle the enrollment paperwork tomorrow and resume classes."

Sierra was surprised. She'd been wondering how to return to school, but hadn't expected the Xander family to arrange it. At least that saved her some trouble. First, she'd re-enroll. Then, she'd change her major. She'd always wanted to study biology, but Denise had forced her into literature. The Xander family, unwilling to leave Denise alone in that department, had switched Sierra's major without asking. To fit in, she'd taken a double major. She wouldn't be so foolish again. The sooner she had access to lab equipment, the sooner she could resume pharmaceutical work under her alias, Tano. Someone had once admired her work; they'd exchanged online messages and planned to meet about joining a research team. Then, prison.

As Sierra started to thank Bradley, Denise interrupted. "Sierra, I got into grad school! I'll be staying at the same university, so we can go to class together."

So that was it. For a moment, Sierra had thought—maybe, just maybe—they were finally being considerate. But of course, it was all because of Denise. Denise's acceptance into grad school suddenly prompted Sierra's reinstatement. Before, she'd have been the sidekick, tagging along while the golden child shone. She'd actually believed they remembered she was part of the Xander family.

Eleanor smiled, placing food in Sierra's bowl. "Evan is staying at the university as a professor, but he'll be busy. You should keep an eye on Denny." Sierra stared at the sticky barbecue ribs, feeling nauseous. She disliked sweet, greasy food, yet it was a nightly staple. Because Denise liked it. Sierra put down her fork. "I'm full. Enjoy your meal," she said, leaving for her room. She couldn't openly clash with them; she had to survive three months of parole.

No one expected her reaction. Only after she'd gone upstairs did Sean scoff. "Look at her. What kind of attitude is that?" "Enough, Sean," Eleanor scolded. "Sierra just got back. Give her some time." Denise said gently, "I'll check on Sierra. I should talk to her about school tomorrow." Eleanor's expression softened. "Yes, you two have always been close. Go talk to her. She's been acting stranger and stranger lately." She frowned, suppressing her frustration. Sierra had spent three years in prison—of course, she'd changed.

Upstairs, Sierra planned to visit her grandmother. A knock sounded. Before she could answer, Denise entered. Sierra's expression darkened. "Sierra…" Denise said softly. "I just wanted to see if you needed anything. I can have someone prepare it for you."

Sierra's gaze, full of ridicule, met Denise's. That sentence clarified their positions. How laughable. She was the Xander family's real daughter, yet treated like a guest—worse than a guest. Her voice was ice-cold. "Three years ago, I told you—never come near me again." Because of Denise's mistake, Sierra had spent three years in prison. She didn't need a sister like that.

"Sierra…" Denise's eyes reddened. "I know you blame me. I know I owe you. I really want to make it up to you. I—"

Sierra cut her off. "If you really feel bad, then pay up." Denise froze. The tears in her eyes wavered. Sierra laughed coldly. "Didn't you say you feel guilty and want to make it up to me? Then how about this—one million a year. Three years, three million dollars. Fair deal, right?"

Denise was stunned. She hadn't expected Sierra to ask for money. After a long silence, she stammered, "Th-three million is too much. I… I don't have that kind of money." Denise was spoiled, with ample allowance, but a few million was beyond her reach. A few hundred thousand, maybe. But she had no intention of giving even that.

"Too much?" Sierra's cold gaze locked onto Denise. "I sat in prison for you for three years. You think three million isn't fair?"

"N-no, that's not what I meant…" Denise bit her lip. "I'll… I'll figure something out." She hurriedly left. Soon after, Bradley burst in, his face dark with anger. "You've been back a day and already turned the house upside down. Can't you behave yourself? You know Denny's health isn't good—why are you bullying her?"

Sierra's expression remained blank. So this was her big brother. No questions. No hesitation. Just accusations. "Bradley," Sierra said slowly, "you say I bullied her. But why don't you ask how I bullied her?" She looked past him at Denise, who stood behind him, pitiful and teary-eyed. "Did I insult you? Did I hit you? Or did I frame you and throw you in prison?"

Denise frantically shook her head. "No, no…" Just hearing Sierra mention prison made her tremble. "Bradley, Sierra didn't bully me. Let's just go downstairs."

Bradley looked at Denise, his heart aching. He reassured her, "Don't be scared. I'm here. She won't be able to hurt you."

Sierra crossed her arms, leaning against the wall, watching their sibling act with growing boredom. "If you're not here to give me money, then get out. I want to rest."

"Money? What money?" Bradley demanded. Denise had come to him earlier, red-eyed, but hadn't explained. Seeing her upset, he'd assumed Sierra was the problem. "Denise said she was going to compensate me—three million dollars."

Back when she first joined the family, Franklin had given her a card with one hundred thousand dollars. She'd returned it. Then, she'd thought she'd returned for family, not money. Now, she wouldn't be so naive. Pride didn't feed her. If they were offering, why shouldn't she take it? Besides, that three million was hers. She'd earned it.