Chapter 2
I screeched to a halt in front of Little Sprouts.
Right there, at the entrance, was Brayden’s
mom, surrounded by a gaggle of other
parents.
“Brayden’s mom, you’re so modest! We had
no idea your hubby was Brad Sterling’s
brother!”
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“Totally! I knew you had that ‘old money‘ vibe.
That’s the Sterling aura!”
“We’re here for you! Brayden’s the prince of
this class. We can’t let some nobody mess
with him!”
“You got it! I told my kid to be Brayden’s
right–hand man. Protection is key!”
Even Ashley’s teacher was groveling:
“Brayden’s mom, Ashley’s just…lacking in
social grace. Brayden just speaks his mind,
which is good and strong! I’m making him the
class example.”
“Also, what does Brayden like to eat? We’ll
change the whole cafeteria menu to fit his
tastes.”
Brayden’s mom soaked it all up, like a queen
bee.
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My brother, when he was alive, was humble,
kind, and down–to–earth.
We were a team. We built Sterling Corp
together.
He died way too young from working too
hard.
I followed his wishes, kept the funeral small,
and poured my grief into making his dream a
reality – growing Sterling Corp into a real
giant.
Now, it seems my blood, sweat, and tears
were being used as a backdrop for Brayden’s
mom’s ego trip.
I was pissed, and confused.
Who the heck was this imposter, pretending
to be my brother, giving this woman the right
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to terrorize my kid?
They saw me coming, the smiles vanished,
and they stared at me like I was roadkill.
The teacher marched right up to me,
sneering:
“Expelling your daughter came straight from
the headmaster. You need to control her.”
I stared her down. “My daughter was
assaulted here. You’re not helping her, you’re
sucking up to some wannabe?”
The teacher rolled her eyes.
“This is an elite school. We prioritize status.
The Sterlings are in a different league than
your trashy kind.”
My face hardened. “You better do your
homework. You have NO idea who I am.”
Right then, Brayden’s mom stepped in. She
slapped me. HARD.
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“Who do you think you are, pulling the ‘status‘
card? ”
“You could be the President, and you’re still
nothing compared to my husband!”
