Chapter 2

Early the next morning, I used the black card to renew my subions to three academic databases. Then, I placed an order for a batch of imported textbooks and lab equipment.

Juliet approached me with a glass of milk. "Josephine, did you make more than a dozen purchases in one night?" Her voice carried just far enough for James, Julian, and Jack to hear.

James set his coffee down. "What did I tell you yesterday?"

I handed him the receipts. I didn't buy any designer jewelry or luxury bags, only specialized textbooks and equipment. His reprimand died in his throat.

Julian frowned. "How can a few books cost this much money?"

"They're out-of-print textbooks." I casually paid for the spectrometer in my shopping cart.

His phone chimed, announcing a six-figure charge.

James' expression darkened. "Did I give you permission to buy that?"

"Well, you didn't say I couldn't. Silence means consent. That's a tacit understanding among adults."

Jack jeered. "You sure are accustomed to spending other people's money."

"Of course. It would hurt if I spent my own money."

Julian's assistant, William Hunter, turned on the projector and began presenting the brand's plans for the new season. The photo of the young lady beneath the pear blossom tree appeared on the screen again.

"We still haven't been able to locate her, Mr. Julian. Several A-list actresses are willing to lower their endorsement fees."

James rejected the idea outright. "The new collection is inspired by her. If we can't find her, we'll postpone the launch."

Julian stared at the photo. "No one can replace her. This photo doesn't even capture a tenth of her beauty."

Jack sent the photo to his fan group. "I'll add another million dollars to the reward. I'll give whoever finds her two cars."

He sighed wistfully. "If I had a sister as beautiful as her, I'd give her my entire garage."

I sat beside them, sipping my oatmeal, listening to them discuss all the ways they'd spoil me. It was certainly a unique experience.

Jack turned around, spotted me, and immediately frowned. "I can't believe you're still wearing a mask while you eat. It's ruining my appetite."

I packed up the remaining half of my sandwich. "Thanks for the reminder. Now, this solves my lunch problem."

Juliet gently took my hand. "James, Julian, and Jack just adore the girl in that photo, Josephine. Looks are innate, so you don't need to be jealous."

I glanced at the photograph. "I'm not jealous."

Why would I be jealous of a face I see every time I look in the mirror?

Julian impatiently turned off the projector. "There's no harm in recognizing the gap between you and her. Don't let jealousy drive you to imitate her, though."

I nodded. "That would be a waste of money. It won't be worth it."

Just then, William brought over a document. "Mr. Julian, the list of recipients for the education fund awards is out. Ms. Josephine has won the Rising Star Award, which includes a 500,000-dollar prize, four years of research funding, and an internship at the research institute."

I immediately set my cutlery down. "When will the 500,000 dollars hit my account?"

James frowned. "Is there anything you care about besides money?"

"The four years of research funding. That's worth more than 500,000 dollars."

Juliet gently bit her lip. "Josephine's already the top science student in the province. She won't be short of opportunities in the future. I want to participate in the National Young Artists Exhibition. If I could exhibit my work as a Rising Star…"

She caught herself and hurriedly shook her head. "I was just thinking out loud. I can't steal Josephine's spotlight."

James, however, interjected. "Double Josephine's prize money and give Julie the honorary title and promotional opportunities."

The smile on my face faded. "On what grounds?"

"Don't you like money? I'm giving you a million dollars. What more could you possibly be unhappy about?"

I pulled up the foundation's selection guidelines on my phone. "The award is evaluated based on academic performance, competition achievements, and professional potential. Which of these criteria does Juliet meet?"

"This is our family's foundation. I decide who gets the slot," James spat out.

I slid the public announcement page in front of him. "The evaluation materials have already been published. You can create a separate award for Juliet if you want, but you can't take my achievements and slap her name on them."

James stared at me. "I've already doubled your prize money."

"I like money, but I want recognition, too. I'm not giving up a single thing that belongs to me."

Tears welled up in her eyes as she said, "I'm not trying to steal anything from you, Josephine."

I snatched the application document out of her hand. "In that case, keep your hands off it."

The list had already been made public.

No matter how biased James was in Juliet's favor, he couldn't risk the entire foundation's reputation.

In the end, I received every last thing I was entitled to—the prize money, research funding, and internship opportunity.

Perhaps he felt I'd embarrassed him by talking back; he tossed me a set of keys. "The apartment near Silvermont College is yours. You can also pick any car you want from the garage."

I caught them steadily. "Will the apartment be transferred to my name? What about the parking space, insurance, and gas money?"

James' temple throbbed. "They're all yours!"

My attitude instantly turned pleasant. "Thank you, James."

18 years of belated sibling affection was utterly worthless. However, the feeling of having it converted into cash was quite nice.