Daniel looked directly at Vivian and Clara.

“Now let’s talk about who called her ugly.”

Samuel placed the folder on their table.

Vivian saw the first document and dropped her glass.

It was a loan application bearing Elena’s forged signature.

Chapter 2 - THE AUNT WHO CALLED IT GRATITUDE

Elena was fourteen when her parents died in a highway accident.

Vivian, her mother’s older sister, became her guardian.

At first, Elena felt fortunate.

Vivian owned a large home in Connecticut and promised that Elena would never be treated differently from Clara, who was only one year older.

“You are not an orphan,” Vivian told her. “You are a Hart.”

The promise changed quickly.

Clara received a new car at sixteen.

Elena received Vivian’s old sedan and was told to be grateful.