Chapter 3

"Seriously, how does someone like her even get into an elite academy? It's disgusting."

"Driving that heap of scrap metal and claiming to be Luca's sister? Does she think she can just talk her way into being the Godmother?"

The Lincoln behind me was over twenty years old, that was true.

But it was far from cheap.

It was understated by design, and since they didn't make them anymore, most people had no idea what they were looking at.

And somehow, that had become their reason for not believing me.

"Today I'll show you the price of impersonating a Benedetti!"

Before I could explain, Diana grabbed a brick from the garden border and hurled it at my car.

Windows, headlights, hood—nothing was spared.

The other parents joined in, grabbing whatever they could find and smashing away.

After the windows were shattered, some of them climbed inside and went at the seats and dashboard with keys and pocket knives.

In moments, the car was reduced to a pile of scrap.

"Hey—look what's in her trunk!"

A parent popped open the trunk and shouted.

Diana walked over and pulled out a painting, lip curled in contempt.

"A nobody driving a piece of junk, and she's playing art collector? Trying to look cultured?"

She tore the painting in half right in front of me.

Everything in that trunk had been purchased at auction. I hadn't had time to move them to storage yet.

Watching her rip the painting apart without a second thought, I said calmly:

"Those items aren't cheap. I hope you'll be just as eager when the bill comes."

Diana's face twisted with rage.

"You? Own anything valuable? This is a pile of flea-market junk that wouldn't cover my brunch tab!"

"Besides, the Benedetti family runs this city. You could take me to every court on the Eastern Seaboard and no judge would dare rule against me."

She went on destroying the rest of the collection.

With Diana leading the charge, the other parents jumped in eagerly. Tearing, smashing, stomping—nothing was left intact.

I pulled out my phone and dialed.

"Where are you? Three minutes. I need you here in three minutes."

Before the other end could answer, a parent snatched the phone from my hand and smashed it on the ground.

"Calling for backup? A nobody like you, still putting on an act?"

"You really think you're some kind of big shot?"

"She's probably trying to call a bunch of bums to come back her up!"

The parents erupted in laughter again.

I didn't waste another second on them. I only cared about one thing—my daughter.

I turned and walked straight toward the school entrance.

Mr. Caldwell, the headmaster, stepped out and blocked my path, his face full of disdain.

"This school isn't a place for the likes of you."

My voice was ice cold. "I'm here for my daughter."

Caldwell scoffed. "Your daughter's been expelled. A teacher will bring her out shortly."

The words had barely left his mouth when the school door swung open.

A teacher walked out, holding Sophia's backpack in one hand—and shoved my daughter out the door with the other.

Sophia hit the ground hard and burst into tears.

I rushed forward, pulling her into my arms, then turned to glare at Caldwell.