As soon as she saw me from a distance, Brenda’s face twisted with hatred. She stormed over, shouting, “Claire Sinclair! Bet you didn’t think I’d get out so fast, huh?
“Not only am I free, but my father is coming to personally support me at the donation
ceremony today. You? You’re just a pathetic wannabe, trying to steal my identity. Go to hell!
11
I pretended to shrink back, my hands flying up like I was scared.
“Brenda, how did you get out so fast? The cops found dozens of gold bars hidden in your room! You had to have stolen those from my family!”
Her laugh rang out.
“Claire, you still think you’re some big–shot heiress? Please.
“Let me spell it out for you–the Sinclair family’s world is mine now. From this moment on, there’s no Claire Sinclair. There’s only Brenda Sinclair.”
I gasped.
“Are you delusional? You’re Brenda Bart. You’re nothing but a maid’s daughter. Stop dreaming about things that will never belong to you!”
Her laughter grew louder. “Fool. There’s so much you don’t know, and honestly, I don’t feel like spelling it out for you. Just know this–your days are numbered.
“My donation ceremony is about to begin. By tonight, David Sinclair- Sinclair Corp CEO- will only have one daughter: me.”
With a sharp turn, she strode off, her little entourage trailing behind her.
I stood there for a beat, weighing my options. Then, without hesitation, I decided to follow.
The auditorium was packed to the brim, cameras flashing like fireworks as Brenda made her grand entrance. She glanced back at me with a smug smile that screamed, ‘I’ve already
won.‘
Taking the mic, she started her speech.
“It’s an honor to stand here today and donate a new building to my alma mater. First and foremost, I want to thank my father, David Sinclair.”
Right on cue, David walked onto the stage, looking every bit the polished businessman in his tailored suit. His gaze scanned the crowd, sharp and deliberate, until it landed on me.
“I’ve heard there have been… rumors circulating about my daughter,” he began smoothly.‘ Let me take a moment to clear things up for my beloved Brenda.
