Chapter 4The Outcast Is Actually The Boss

The four of them stood there, staring at each other in a daze.

I broke the silence. "Nothing to say? I thought I hadn't been to school? Did I hire the Ivy League to act in a play for you guys? And I thought you said you loved me regardless of my education? Why don't you look happy for me?"

It was true that I didn't go to the local county school. But my "uncles" and "aunts" back in the village were some of the most brilliant, albeit eccentric, minds in the country who had retired from the grid. If I didn't study, Uncle Silas would chase me across three hills with a switch.

If Silas found out I missed a perfect 1600, he’d probably still give me a lecture.

Serena’s eyes were filled with a loathing so deep it looked like venom. Harrison was the first to snap out of it.

"Happy? Of course, we’re happy! We had no idea you were so... talented."

I turned to Serena. "Well, little sister. My turn is over. Let’s see yours."

Serena hissed at me, tears of frustration welling up, and bolted from the room. Parker pointed a trembling finger at me, sputtered for a few seconds, and then chased after her.

I turned back to the "parents." Victoria was glaring at me, speechless. Harrison cleared his throat, putting a hand on his wife’s shoulder and steering her toward the stairs.

"Right. Your mother and I need to go to the study. We have calls to make. This is... big news."

I waved them off, smiling. Ten minutes after they went upstairs, I crept up and stood outside the study door.

Victoria was nearly hysterical. "You have to fix this! A score like that, a school like that—it belongs to Serena. We can't let that brat have it. Look at Serena! She’s been crying since the moment that girl arrived. Doesn't that break your heart?"

Harrison sounded conflicted. "But she’s our biological daughter. Serena... as much as we love her, she isn't. If the girl were just some country bumpkin, fine. But she’s smart. She could be an asset to the Montgomery name—"

The sound of shattering porcelain cut him off.

"Stop acting like a devoted father!" Victoria screamed. "Have you forgotten who has been by our side for eighteen years? Blood means nothing! If anything happens to Serena, you’ll regret it. And that other matter... it’s only a matter of time before the truth comes out. Do you really want Serena to be the one they take away?"

There was a long, heavy silence. Finally, Harrison spoke.

"I know. I’ll handle it."

The next morning, the house was empty except for Parker, who was sitting on the sofa. The moment he saw me, he stood up.

"Don't think you’re special, June. You think a high score makes you better than us? Typical. You people from the mud think a little book-learning makes you king of the world. But so what? You get a degree, you get a job... so what? You’ll spend your whole life working just to reach the starting line where people like us begin."

"The Montgomerys will only ever recognize Serena. My family will only ever recognize Serena. You’re nothing."

I picked at my ear, looking bored. "Stop, stop. Did I mention my name isn't June? It's The Boss."

Parker blinked, momentarily stunned by the sheer absurdity of it. I laughed at his confusion.

"Oh, I get it. You’re here because you’re afraid I’m going to steal Serena’s 'prize'—which is you, I assume? Sorry, honey. You should visit my village sometime. Even our local farmhands have more personality than you. To me, you’re just a generic Ken doll with a bad attitude."

Parker’s face twisted. "Keep telling yourself that. You’re the outcast here. Even if you are their biological child, you’re just a country girl with the right DNA. Nobody in our circle will ever accept you. I wouldn't marry you if you were the last woman on Earth."

I held up a hand. "Shut up. Seriously. I might actually throw up. Parker, let me tell you something. Not only do I not want the Montgomerys, but your family is nothing to me either."

I pulled out my phone and dialed a number.

"Pop? Someone’s bothering me."

"Can you send him to East Africa? Permanently?"

On the other end, Pop’s voice was as loud and boisterous as ever. "Sure thing, kiddo! I'll get Butch on it right away!"

Then, his voice softened. "If you're not having fun there, just come home. I’ve got enough tucked away to keep you in silk and steak for three lifetimes. But if you want the city life, I’ve got you covered there too. Houses, cars, a couple of tech firms—I’ve had them ready for you since you were ten!"