In the Shadow of Wealth

Chapter 10: Boundaries and Breakthroughs

Chapter 10: Boundaries and Breakthroughs

The weeks had slipped by since Elara had firmly established herself at Noblewood College. She had become known not only for her academic prowess but also for her tenacity in standing up to the entitled circles that once intimidated her. With Zane by her side, she felt invincible, buoyed by the supportive friendships she had cultivated. Yet, a shadow lingered in the corners of her mind—her old family.

One drizzly afternoon, as she was reviewing notes for an upcoming exam, her phone buzzed. It was a text from an unknown number. Hesitant, she opened it, only to find a message from Mia.

"Hey sis, we need to talk. It's about Mom. Call me."

Elara's heart raced. The last thing she wanted was to engage with her stepsister, especially after everything that had transpired. Mia had made it clear she felt entitled to Elara's success, and the thought of another confrontation made her stomach churn. Still, she knew she had to respond.

"What do you want?" she typed back, hoping for a straightforward answer.

"Just call. It's important."

After a moment's hesitation, Elara dialed Mia's number, ready to confront whatever scheme Mia was hatching this time.

"What do you want, Mia?" Elara said as soon as Mia picked up.

"Elara, it's about Mom. She's been having health issues. You know how Dad is, and now we're struggling to cover her medical bills," Mia said, her tone shifting from casual to urgent.

Elara bristled. "So, you're calling to ask me for money? After how you treated me?"

"Listen, I know things haven't been great between us, but family helps each other out in tough times," Mia insisted, her voice rising with indignation. "We're desperate here."

Desperate. The word echoed in Elara's mind, reminding her of her own struggles to escape the clutches of that family. "Desperate or not, I won't support you. You've made it abundantly clear that you don't value me or our relationship."

"Come on, Elara. You're doing so well at that fancy school. Surely you can spare a little. It's not like you need all that money," Mia pushed, her irritation becoming palpable.

Elara's anger flared. "You think I'm just swimming in cash? I've worked hard for everything I have. I won't just give you a handout."

"Then you'll just let Mom suffer?" Mia's voice cracked with emotion.

"Maybe if you and Henry actually took care of her instead of relying on me, she wouldn't be in this situation," Elara shot back, frustration spilling over. "You want to take from me, but you've never given anything back."

"Is that how you really feel?" Mia challenged, a dangerous edge creeping into her tone. "Because if you don't help us, you might just regret it."

Elara felt a chill run down her spine. "What does that mean?"

"I'm just saying, some things can be... revealed," Mia threatened, her voice dripping with malice. "Your perfect little life could unravel if I decided to share a few stories about your past."

Fury coursed through Elara, and she gritted her teeth. "You wouldn't dare. And if you try to threaten me, I'll make sure you regret it."

There was a pause, thick with tension, before Mia chuckled darkly. "You think you're so tough now, don't you? But just remember, I know things that could turn your world upside down."

"Goodbye, Mia." Elara ended the call, shaking with anger. She knew she had to set boundaries and protect what she had built. But the thought of Mia using her past against her made her stomach turn.