The door clicked shut behind them, and Ileana’s face instantly fell.


    “What’s wrong?” Lucy watched her, a trace of concern in her eyes.


    Ileana’s eyes grew red and watery. She clung to Lucy’s hand, looking utterly aggrieved. Seeing this, Lucy hurried to pull her into a hug, gently patting her back infort.


    “Don’t cry, I’m here, okay? What happened–did someone hurt you? Are you in pain?” After a moment’s constion, Lucy let go, grabbed a tissue, and handed it to her.


    Ileana gripped the tissue tightly. “I… I know I’m not as close to them a but we’re supposed to be a family. All I want is to get along, but he–he pushed me down the stairs! He’s only seven! How could he be so cruel?”


    sia is,


    ally


    “You mean… York? Did Alessia put him up to it?” Lucy caught the implication in Ileana’s tone.


    “I… I don’t know. But he’d juste back from my adoptive parents‘ house that day, and after he got home, he pushed me down the stairs. I was just heading down for dinner, ran into York at thending, said hello–then he not only sed his dog on me, he pushed me down! Just like that!”


    Terror flickered across Ileana’s face. “I was lucky this time–just a broken bone. But what about next time? What if I’m not so lucky?”


    She clutched Lucy’s shoulders, her nails digging in so hard that Lucy’s face twisted in pain. Still, Lucy quicklyposed herself.


    She gently pried Ileana’s hand off, keeping her tone soft and reassuring. “Ileana, try to calm down. Don’t be scared, but we don’t have any proof yet.” Lucy frowned. “Have you told your parents about this?”


    supposed


    “No. The housekeeper won’t let me call my father. I think they all look down on me–they just want Alessia back. The staff barely talk to me. Lucy, this is to be my home! Alessia stole everything from me!”


    Ileana squeezed Lucy’s hand as if it were herst lifeline.


    “It’s not just them–it’s the kids at school, too. Lucy, why is this happening to me?<b>” </b>


    Lucy bit back her first thought–Because you’re gullible and don’t know <b>your </b>own worth.


    Instead, she said, “You’re not alone. Alessia was the Tate family’s <b>golden </b><b>girl </b><b>for </b>


    <b>Chapter </b><b>146 </b>


    seventeen years–of course people are biased. If you suspect her, you’ll <b>need </b><b>proof</b>. Otherwise, even if you speak up, no one’s going to believe you.”


    “So I just have to swallow this?”


    “Don’t rush it. Heal first, then we’ll figure it out. Alessia resents you for taking her ce–if she really told York to hurt you, and it didn’t work this time, she’ll try again.”


    “Next time…” Ileana suddenly went quiet, her expression sharpening.


    Sensing the shift, Lucy changed the subject. “Hey, the school sports festival is next month. Focus on getting better–we’ll take part together.”


    “The sports festival? Even seniors have to join?”


    “Yeah, our school’s not like most. Physical activity’s important here–everyone, even seniors, has to participate. They’ll invite parents to watch, and differentpanies sponsor equipment and uniforms. It’s a big deal–everyone looks forward to it.”


    “You’ve never been, right? Make sure you rest up–you’ll want to be in top shape. It gets pretty wild.”


    That’s it. Proof. If I don’t have evidence, I’ll just have to make some.


    In front of everyone–Alessia, this time I’ll drag you down for good. Frauds belong in the gutter, scurrying like rats where they came from.


    <b>Chapter </b><b>147 </b>