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Chapter 4
Hearing that. Emma cracked up from the couch.]
“Tive hundred grand? Are you INSANE? On your shitty two–grand salary? Get reall“]
“Tell you what, sis–get on your knees and BEG me. When I marry Sterling, maybe I’ll throw you some scraps so you don’t starve!“]
I stood up shaking, my voice deadly cold.[]
“Don’t worry about me. You should be worrying about YOUR ass!“]
“When Sterling finds out what you did, you’re all FUCKED!“]
I grabbed my suitcase and headed out.
Emma suddenly grabbed my arm, eyes like daggers.
“Hold up. You never wanted to leave before–now you’re just walking out? What’s your game?“]
“You better not be running to Sterling
Mom and Dad were thrilled to get rid of me.
But hearing that, they both jumped up.
“Claire, don’t you DARE leave this house!”
“You’re staying put till your sister marries Sterling!]
I was pissed and grabbed my phone to call 911.]
Next second. Dad snatched it and smashed it.]
“Call the cops? I’ll teach you some RESPECT!” ||
Emma saw her chance, pointing at my suitcase.]
“Dad, she doesn’t have that much stuff. Bet she stole our money. Check it.
Dad kicked over my suitcase, clothes everywhere.]
While he searched through my crap, Emma went to her room to mess with those embryos.]
Thirty minutes later, Dad threw my clothes down.
“Thought you had something worth taking. It’s all GARBAGE! I wouldn’t want this shit for free!“]
“Get in your room! Come out and I’ll break your legs!”
Mom just stood there watching. Said nothing.
I went back to my room, counting down their last hours.
Next morning, Emma had stayed up all night and finally got her eggs injected.]
Mom jumped up screaming.
“Sterling’s paying millions for a baby! Emma, if this works, you’re SETI
“We’re gonna be RICHT“]
“God, what did I do to deserve such a smart daughter!]]
They went out celebrating while I got locked up.
Soon as they left, I grabbed my backup phone. News alerts exploded on the screen.[]
Breaking: Sterling Medical Robbery–trending #1.
Sterling had to do a press conference, admitting his secret IVF.]
To protect his girl, he just said he’d pay big for an heir. Whoever had his baby would be his wife.
The internet lost its SHIT.
Families with daughters were lining up at Sterling Tower to sign up.
Sterling family news dominated every trending topic.
[Is this real? I’m not dreaming, right? Sterling’s loaded–how’s he short on women?][]
[My daughter’s only ten and I’m thinking about getting surgery to go myself]]]
[Guys with no daughters are losing their mindst Is it too late to divorce my wife?][]
Comments kept flooding in.
Until Emma’s verified account popped up.]
[Sorry everyone, I’m already pregnant with Sterling’s baby. You can all go home now.
She posted a lab report showing successful IVF implantation
The internet EXPLODED.]
How’d you move so fast? Got inside info?]||
[Watch your mouth–that’s the future Mrs. Sterling!
[Ma’am, need a guard dog? I eat little, understand English, and I’m housebroken!]]
When Mom and Dad got home, they couldn’t stop grinning.]
Soon as they hit the neighborhood, neighbors cornered them in the lobby.[]
“Holy crap. Emma’s made it big! The whole country knows she’s marrying Sterling! Don’t forget us little people when you’re rich–save us some champagner”
“I heard Sterling wives get like two billion in prenups? Jesus, I can’t even dream that big! My cousin’s unemployed–think you could hook him up?”
Mom and Dad promised everything.
Emma snuck back wearing a face mask]
First thing she did was toss her Chanel bag–took her six months to save for it–on the floor like trash.||
“See that, Claire? You’re a fucking IDIOT!“]]
“World belongs to the bold. Know why you’re broke? Being stupid is a sin!”
Mom and Dad followed her in, wouldn’t even look at me. 0
I laughed coldly.
“Emma, if you’re so badass, has Sterling called you yet?”
“This is huge news and the Sterling family’s radio silent. Maybe they don’t want your baby?”
Emma’s smile froze on her face.]
Mom and Dad looked ready to beat iny ass.
I pretended not to notice.
“Don’t say I didn’t warn you. That embryo means everything to Sterling. Just ‘cause you’re idiots doesn’t mean he is. Keep this up and you won’t even know what hit you!“]
Next second, Emma’s phone buzzed.[]
She screamed and covered her mouth.[]
“OH MY GOD! Sterling texted mer“]]
“He wants to meet tonight“]
She shoved the phone in my face, almost poking my eyes out.]
“Ench, what you got to say NOW?”
“Can’t stand seeing me win, huh? Sorry to disappoint–I was born for greatnesst“]
“Get on your knees and apologize while you still can, or when I marry Sterling, killing you’ll be easy as snapping my fingers!”
Then she remembered something and laughed like a maniac.[]
“Oh wait, I forgot–you won’t even get the chance to be murdered! Sterling doesn’t waste time on poor trash like you![]
She bounced into her room to get ready for tonight.
Mom and Dad were strutting around like they already owned the Sterling family.
I saw my chance.
“Well then, I won’t be an eyesore anymore. I’m moving out tonight.”
“That five hundred grand IOU is in the drawer. Already signed it.”
They waved me off without looking up.
“Whatever. Go wherever you want, you worthless drain.“]
Even though I moved fast, I still ran into Emma on my way out.]
Soon as we got downstairs, a Maybach pulled up.
A guy in a sharp suit stepped out.
“Miss Parker? Mr. Sterling wants to see you.“]
Emma touched up her lipstick and started toward the car.
Suddenly an arm blocked her path.
“Sorry, Mr. Sterling asked for Miss Parker, Claire Parker. Your ride’s behind us.”
Sirens wailed in the distance, getting closer.]
Emina’s face went white as a sheet.]
