hapter 39

20 vouchers

When Natasha first moved out at eighteen, Madeline had secretly visited her place. To save money, Natasha shared an apartment near the university with a friend.

It was crowded and noisy–right by a commercial street. But Madeline was angry at Natasha’s defiance, hoping hardship would force her home. Though it hurt, she stayed out of it.

Natasha, stubborn as ever, never asked for help. By the time Madeline reconsidered, Olivia said Natasha had moved.

Madeline assumed she’d accepted their money for a better place. Subsequent meetings were either at the Clark mansion or elsewhere.

This was Madeline’s first visit to Natasha’s new home in years. Her first impression upon arriving at Natasha’s place was how tiny the house was.

Accustomed to sprawling estates, the compact space felt stifling for Madeline. Margot’s accusation of favoritism echoed uncomfortably. The smallest property gifted to Olivia dwarfed this

apartment.

Alexei was out. Natasha let Madeline in and poured her a cup of water. The quiet tension between them was thick.

Madeline took a breath. “This place is too cramped. Thomas will arrange a new apartment for you.”

“No need for that. I can’t accept it.” Natasha’s refusal was flat.

Madeline fumed. “Why not? You’re our daughter. A house is nothing—we’d look bad if we shortchanged you.”

Natasha scoffed. “I’m afraid you’ll demand it back someday.”

the Clarks, they’d claimed everything she took was theirs. They cut her money and had maids search her bags, banning valuables. They treated her as if

afternoon. Standing before the grand gates, a single suitcase beside

family, united in outrage, had accused her of ingratitude and spite. Andrew, usually composed,

do you want?

But if you have any spine, repay

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4:35 pm PD

Chapter 39

EX 20 vouchers

Natasha to them. Clutching her suitcase,

didn’t beg to be born. And the law obligates you to support me until

middle school, Thomas, Noel, and Olivia got $170k-$300k monthly. I got $300. If you’re fine with people

restricted you because you wasted money. And we gave extras- must you

them,” Natasha’s voice

out that gate, and not a

scandal of demanding her repayment, and Andrew hadn’t truly wanted the money. The Clarks dropped

away, “if claiming my basic rights is this hard,

support she’d received was her legal due, far less than the Clark

wealth was theirs to give; she expected nothing. Getting less before eighteen meant aking more later

point on, she never once

part–time wages, stretching one bread for two meals

This tiny apartment Madeline scorned was hers, earned by her bare hands. No one could reclaim it, point fingers

memories made Madeline shift uncomfortably, and she touched

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