The bracelet was what the Fitzgerald family had given me when Andreas and I got engaged. Everyone knew this was meant for the future Fitzgerald family daughter-in-law. 

So, in the end, my bond with Mom as her daughter meant less to her than Elaine’s marriage. 

I turned to look directly into Andreas’ eyes and asked sincerely, “Is this what you want, too?” 

The room fell silent. Andreas kept quiet for a long time. I thought I already knew his answer. 

Even though I already knew what it would be, my chest tightened with pain, and I struggled to breathe. In the end, I said softly, “If you want the bracelet, I’ll give it to you.” 

Elaine’s eyes lit up instantly. Even Mom stared at me, as if she couldn’t believe her luck. 

Quentin snapped, “Don’t tell me you’re thinking of asking for shares in the family company. Let me be clear—that’s all going to Elaine. Don’t even think about taking what’s not yours.” 

“I don’t want anything!” I shouted back. 

For the first time in my life, I had lost my temper with Quentin, and he shrank back like a frightened quail. 

Dad said, “As long as you’re willing to give up the bracelet, your mother and I will treat you the same way we treat Elaine, and you can move back home.” 

For the past seven years, I’d dreamed of being treated like Elaine. But now, I no longer wanted it. 

I shook my head. Before I could speak, Mom slapped me hard across the face. 

My ears rang, but I still heard her say, “Enough! Isadora, don’t think you can threaten us just because you have the Fitzgerald family bracelet. Elaine will always be our child, and you’d better not demand that she leave!”