Layna''s words hit Juliana right in the heart, leaving her aching with sympathy and even softening up Scott''s usually irond resolve.


    After all, histe sister''s only child stood before him. No matter how hard-edged he liked to be, Scott couldn''t bring himself to be truly cold to his niece-not with the memory of his sister so fresh in her eyes.


    Layna was sharp, no question. With just a few heartfelt words, she''d blown away Scott''s anger and left him feeling a little guilty, too.


    Juliana rushed over, wrapping Layna in a tight hug and breaking down in tears. "Oh, my poor Layna. You may not have a mom, but you have me. I''m your aunt, and I''ll be your mom from now on."


    "Mom!" Layna sobbed, flinging herself into Juliana''s arms.


    The two of them cried loudly, putting on a show that left Scott standing there, caught off guard and torn.


    Catching a glimpse of Scott''s wavering, Juliana and Layna exchanged a quick, knowing look. Realizing their act was working, they ramped up the waterworks— even though it was mostly just for show.


    Scott, growing more frustrated, was about to lose his patience when the butler he''d summoned finally arrived. Any hint of softness vanished from his face as he told the butler, "Take Layna to Windsor Academy. Right now."


    Juliana''s grip on Layna tightened as her tears became real. "No way! I don''t agree to this. If you want to take Layna, you''ll have to get through me first!"


    Scott was taken aback, but her words only made him more determined to send Layna away.


    He stepped forward and pulled Juliana away from Layna. "You''re being unreasonable. Sending her to Windsor is for her own good. Spoiling her is just making things worse. If Layna''s turned out like this, you''re partly to me."


    Juliana shot back, voice shaking, "You call that education? Everyone knows the kind of kids who end up at Windsor. Layna won''t survive their rules. That ce crushes kids."


    This was the fiercest argument she and Scott had ever had. Meanwhile, Layna had gone quiet, wiping away her tears.


    She knew that if she wanted to stay part of the Stranz family, she had no choice but to go to Windsor.


    "I''ll go, Uncle," Layna said, wiping her face and forcing a small smile for Juliana. "Don''t worry about me, Aunt Julie. Uncle''s just looking out for me. I''ll be back before you know it. I''ll be okay."


    She looked so mature on the outside, but inside, Layna was stewing. She med Pattie for everything that happened today, and she wasn''t about to forget it.


    Seeing Layna''s brave front made Juliana love her even more. Everyone else said Layna was a troublemaker, but to Juliana, she was the sweetest kid.


    Of course, Layna was just putting on an act for Juliana-she knew how to y the part.


    Scott sighed. "Alright. Go with the butler. Work hard at Windsor, and if you do well, I''lle get you early."


    Layna gave him a deep bow and said, "Sorry for making trouble tonight, Uncle. Thank you for caring about me."


    The words eased something in Scott''s heart. Maybe she wasn''t a lost cause after all.


    Layna got into the car with the butler and headed off to Windsor Academy.


    Windsor was ast-chance school for kids nobody else could handle. Most of the students were dumped there by parents who''d given up, teft to fend for themselves. If they turned things around, great. If


    not—well, nobody really expected them to.


    Layna was the youngest student


    they''d ever taken. Most were at least


    twelve, boys and girls alike, every one of them tough, wild, and


    impossible for even the teachers to control.


    From the moment Layna stepped through those gates, her world changed forever.


    Back at the hotel, the birthday party was already underway.


    Herman stood on stage, giving a formal introduction about Pattie''s past. He didn''t spell out every detail just told the guests Pattie was his long-lost daughter, now


    finally back with her family


    After his speech, Pattie appeared in a beautiful dress, escorted onto the stage by Anastasia, looking every bit like a princess surrounded by family and friends.


    For Pattie, who''d suffered so much, tonight was like a dreame true.


    In the audience, Autumn watched the happy family on stage, her heart twisting with jealousy and sorrow.


    Noticing her pale face, Mr. Walker leaned over, worry etched into his features. "Sweetheart, are you alright? You don''t look so well."


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!