Betty leaned back in the car seat, trying to make herself comfortable. It was going to be a long ride.
"Mom, do I really have to do this?"
Blaire glanced at her daughter, heart aching at the sadness in her voice. She would do anything for Betty to have a good life — even if it meant letting her go.
"Your grandmother asked for this," she said gently. "You're her blood. Part of her company belongs to you. This is for your future."
Betty shook her head. It didn't feel right. Why now? Why not when she was a baby and her mom was barely getting by?
"From what you've told me, she already has three. She doesn't need me."
Blaire sighed. Betty was right. She was dreading this, and Blaire hated herself for not doing it sooner. But Alicia Stone had never shown interest — not until Betty turned eighteen.
"What about my father?" Betty's voice cut through her thoughts.
"You've never talked about him. You just said he wasn't good enough to be my dad."
Blaire nodded slowly. "And that's still the truth, sweetheart. I don't want you thinking I kept you from someone who would've loved you."
Betty nodded, silent. She put in her headphones, retreating into music.
__________________
"We're here." Blaire pulled into the driveway and parked.
Betty stepped out, looking up at the enormous white gates. "I'm nervous."
Blaire smiled softly, patting her head. "It's going to be okay. Remember, she's the one who wanted this."
The gates creaked open. Two suited guards waited on the other side.
"Blaire Watson," Blaire announced, "your boss knows I'm coming."
The men exchanged a look, then stepped aside to let them in.
As Betty took in the grand mansion beyond the gates, something slammed over her face.
"What the heck?!" she heard her mom scream. Panic flared.
"Mom?" she gasped, struggling against the arms grabbing her. "Stop! Let me go!"
"What's going on here, Kai?" a sharp but calm voice called from the front yard.
Betty blinked as the cloth was pulled off her face. In front of her stood a boy about her age and an elegant older woman with commanding presence.
"Grandma, they were trespassing. I don't know how they got past the guards, but—"
"Kai," the woman cut in, her tone iron-clad, "they're with me."
Kai's eyes widened. "But you never let anyone come over. Not even my friends."
"That's because only family is allowed." She turned to Betty, studying her.
"I didn't know I had a cousin," Kai muttered, confused. Why did this girl look so much like him?
The woman ignored him. "This is Elizabeth Stone," she announced. "Your sister."
Kai blinked. "This is a joke, right? Because April Fool's was six months ago."
Alicia didn't flinch. "I don't joke. I speak when necessary." Then, to Blaire: "You can wait here. This is a family business."
Before anyone could protest, she took Betty's hand and led her toward the house.
"Grandma, you can't be serious," Kai exclaimed, trailing after her in disbelief.
Blaire made an attempt to follow as well, but the guards swiftly stepped in front of her, blocking her path.
"I'm not letting my daughter go alone," she insisted, trying to walk past them—but it was futile.
"Please step back, ma'am," one of the guards said firmly. "We'll have to ask you to leave the premises if you persist. I assure you, your daughter is safe with Mrs. Stone."
Blaire clenched her jaw, frustration radiating off her, but she knew resistance would get her nowhere. With a defeated sigh, she took a step back, her eyes locked on her daughter.
"Grandma!" Kai called out again, his voice laced with urgency. He needed answers. How could she drop such a bombshell—a sister—and then just walk away like nothing happened?
Alicia paused and glanced back at him. "Are your brothers in the living room?" she asked calmly.
Kai nodded. "Yeah, they were talking about something. But that's not the point—Grandma, tell me what you said earlier. Is she really my sister?" He motioned to Betty, who stood silently behind Alicia.
"Yes," Alicia replied without hesitation, continuing toward the stairs and pushing open the front door.
Of the boys, only Ronan—the eldest—was aware of Betty's existence. Kai and Andrew had been too young when Blaire disappeared to remember either her or the baby.
Betty followed her grandmother wordlessly. She didn't know what to say; after all, Alicia was the one who brought her here. It felt right to let her speak first.
As they entered the spacious living room, Betty's eyes settled on two young men standing near the refrigerator. One was sipping from a glass while the other spoke animatedly. They both turned at the sound of their grandmother's voice.
"Ronan. Andrew," Alicia addressed them.
"Grandma!" Andrew greeted her with enthusiasm—until his gaze landed on Betty. His expression shifted from excitement to confusion.
"And she is…?" he began, trailing off just as Ronan slammed the refrigerator door shut, the loud noise making Betty flinch slightly.
Without saying a word, Ronan walked past them all, his face unreadable.
"Ronan, get back here," Alicia called after him. "We've talked about this."
He didn't stop or even glance back.
With a sigh, Alicia turned to the remaining grandchildren. "This is Elizabeth Stone. Your sister—and my granddaughter."
"What?" Andrew blinked, his mouth falling open. "A sister? We have a sister?"
"That's what I asked," Kai muttered, still processing everything.
"Why didn't we know about her? Was she with Mom? Is Mom really back? What happened?" Andrew's questions came in rapid succession as he stepped closer to Betty, placing his hands gently on her shoulders. "Was she good to you? Are you okay? Why didn't you try to reach out?"
Sensing Betty's discomfort, Alicia stepped between them, forcing Andrew to lower his arms.
"There's been a misunderstanding," Alicia said softly. "And it's my fault for not explaining clearly. Betty is your half sister."
"Half?" Kai echoed, shaking his head in confusion. "Wait—what? Where has she been all this time?"
"She's been living with her mother," Alicia replied.
"So we share the same father," Andrew murmured, his excitement quickly fading. His gaze flicked to Betty with caution now. The thought of having a sister had always excited him—but something didn't sit right. Why was she only here now? Was it about the money?
"Yes. But that changes today."
Betty's eyes widened as she turned sharply toward her grandmother. "What do you mean?"
"You'll be living with us from now on," Alicia stated firmly. "You're part of this family. And family lives—and stays—together. Always."
"No," Betty objected, shaking her head. "I'm not leaving my mom."
"Your mother is an adult, and so are you now. She can take care of herself—"
"I said, I'm not leaving her," Betty repeated more forcefully.
"Don't interrupt Grandma while she's speaking," Kai interjected, irritated.
"It's alright, Kai," Alicia said, waving a dismissive hand.
Andrew blinked in disbelief. "Did she just say it's okay?" he mouthed. Alicia hated being interrupted.
Alicia turned her attention back to Betty. "You have a lot to learn, Elizabeth. And I'm the only one who can guide you now. You'll stay here. This is your home."
"No," Betty whispered, shaking her head again. "I don't want any part of this. I'm leaving." With that, she turned and stormed out of the room.
"She's leaving, Grandma," Andrew pointed out unnecessarily.
Alicia gave him a look and then turned toward the kitchen. "Pour me a glass of orange juice," she said evenly. "She won't get far."
"Are you sure?" Andrew asked, just as Betty returned, holding an open envelope in her hand.
"What is this?" she demanded, her voice cracking.
"I think you already know," Alicia said coolly, sipping from her glass. She had found her granddaughter—and she wouldn't let her slip away now.
"You're blackmailing me?" Betty's voice trembled, tears brimming in her eyes. She had always been sensitive.
"Of course not," Alicia replied. "I simply want to get to know you. And to ensure you're safe… especially around Ms. Watson."
Betty's breathing grew uneven as panic rose in her chest. She didn't want to leave her mother, to be forced into this house full of strangers. But now, she had no choice.
Her mother had always protected her. Now it was her turn.
"Fine," she whispered bitterly. She didn't understand why her mother couldn't come with her. Surely one more person wouldn't be a burden?
Alicia smiled and finished her drink. "Would you like something?"
Betty shook her head.
"Alright, then. Let me show you to your room."
"I didn't bring anything with me," Betty said as they walked. "I didn't know—"
"No matter. We'll get you new things."
"What about my mom?" she asked quietly, glancing back.
"She's waiting. You can say goodbye after you see your room."
"How long do I have to stay?" Betty asked.
Alicia didn't answer. Because in her mind, there was only one truth:
Elizabeth was home now—and she wasn't going anywhere.
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