Chapter 5

"Huh. At least you know what you are."

Lucas's fists closed and unclenched around the folder. Then, abruptly, a dry laugh broke out of him.

"But when did I ever say I was letting you go?"

"You made this bed, Ivy. You're sleeping in it. Whether you like it or not."

"And from now on, don't let me see another mark on you. Ever."

He looked away with something close to revulsion, like he couldn't stand to say more. He took the folder and walked out with long, quick strides. From the back, it honestly looked a little like he was running.

I couldn't figure out what game he was playing now. I didn't want to. I went upstairs and crawled back into bed.

When I woke up, there were a few unread messages waiting on my phone. From the Ashfords. They wanted me at the house. Something to discuss.

That was novel. Since when was I, the outsider, invited to weigh in on Ashford business?

I arrived at the estate at dusk, timed down to the minute. The moment I stepped into the foyer, the Ashfords' faces settled into disgust.

"Taking your time, aren't you? Making your own parents wait. Real gracious of you."

I ignored her and walked into the drawing room, cutting straight to the point. "If there's something to discuss, say it. I have places to be."

Catherine's brow snapped together. She jabbed a finger at my face. "Watch the tone, Ivy! No upbringing at all. Not worth one hair on Seraphina's head!"

I didn't even look at her. I just nodded along. "You're right. I had no mother or father worth the name. Of course I can't compare to your precious Seraphina."

Catherine went pale with rage, mouth already open for another round. Richard caught her arm and pulled her back.

He smoothed his face into something resembling a smile. "Ivy. I know you have reason to resent your mother and me. But however you feel about it, we're still family."

I raised an eyebrow. For him to actually say that out loud, there had to be something he wanted badly. I was curious enough to wait.

When I didn't bite, he continued on his own.

"Seraphina was diagnosed during her trip home. Acute liver failure. The doctors say she needs a transplant immediately. They're looking for a matching donor."

"And?" I said.

Catherine couldn't wait for him to get there. "And what do you think? You donate part of your liver to Seraphina. For God's sake, Ivy, we raised you. It's time you paid some of it back. It's half a liver. It grows back. And Seraphina doesn't have time to wait on your attitude!"

"Don't be selfish, Ivy!"

So that was it. All of this was still, always, for Seraphina. I should have known these two didn't have a single decent intention.

I rolled my eyes at both of them. "Why should I? If it's so easy, why don't you donate?"

"You. You see? I knew it! An ingrate to the bone! A little favor and you can't even do that. Heart of stone!"

When I still didn't cave, Richard's voice dropped.

"Ivy. Agree to save Seraphina, and we'll have your name changed back. We'll acknowledge you as our daughter. Publicly."

He said it like he was handing down a gift from on high. Like I should drop to my knees in gratitude.

I'd seen enough of how shameless these two could be. I didn't even bother laughing. I stood up and walked out.

And at the door I ran straight into two people coming in. Lucas, and the Seraphina I hadn't seen in three years.