Chapter 1
288 Vouchers
My parents‘ adopted daughter took minors mountain climbing, which got three people killed, and then they made me take the blame.
My dad forced me to get on my knees before the victims‘ families.
“She used these legs to lead your kids into danger. I’ll make sure she never climbs a mountain again!”
My mom erased my name from the family registry.
“Rhea Stevens is destined to break mountaineering records. She can’t have a disgraceful sister like you! She’s given up so much because of you. It’s time you paid her back.”
Even my childhood sweetheart stood by their side.
“Rhea has nothing. She wouldn’t survive this. But you still have me. No matter what happens, I’ll wait for you.
“They just want someone to blame. You won’t go to jail. Once they’ve calmed down, you can come home.”
To protect the adopted daughter’s reputation, he turned around and helped my parents forge evidence to send me to prison.
They lied, saying it was to keep me safe from retaliation.
But they had no idea that I’d already given up on all of them.
***
Harsh lights hit my face as I stared at the empty doorway, then calmly
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10:00
On a giant screen outside the mall, a video played of Rhea breaking a mountaineering record–my parents and Henry Cadwell beamed in the crowd, cheering for her.
It seemed like they forgot it was the day I got released.
I walked for over three hours before Henry finally showed up in a rush.
Noticing something off with my leg, he hurried over and grabbed my arm to steady me.
“Jessica, what happened to your leg? Did someone hurt you in there?”
His concerned gaze only felt like a joke to me.
“Weren’t you and my parents the ones who threw me in prison before my leg had even healed, just so Rhea’s reputation wouldn’t take a hit?”
Because of that untreated injury, I’d never be able to climb a mountain again.
Henry looked away awkwardly, his voice dry as he tried to explain.
“We were just worried the victims‘ families might come after you; that’s why we did it. And even if there’s something wrong with your leg, I’d never turn my back on you. I’ll take care of you from now on.
I didn’t bother arguing. But as I opened the car door to get in, I saw Rhea sitting inside.
“Why is she here?”
Henry quickly shut the door. “Some friends are throwing a party to celebrate Rhea’s win. It wouldn’t be appropriate for you to come.”
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10:00
Chapter 1
“Not appropriate? A killer gets to go, but I, someone who was falsely wronged, don’t?”
288 Vouchers
At my words, Henry glanced nervously at Rhea in the car. When he saw she hadn’t heard, he let out a sigh of relief.
Then he turned to me, unhappy. “Rhea’s already traumatized from what happened. Are you trying to push her over the edge with comments like that?
“You can find your own way home. I’ve already wasted enough time looking for you. I still need to get Rhea to her party.”
Henry left in a hurry after saying that like he’d forgotten I just got out and didn’t have a single cent on me.
After another hour of walking, I finally made it home. My leg was burning with pain.
Just as I reached the door, I heard loud, cheerful voices coming from
inside.
10:00
