Chapter 29 When Tobias opened the bathroom door , it was empty . 12 59 vouchers He frowned . He could've sworn he'd heard a man's voice in Kaia's room earlier . But now he wondered if he'd just been imagining things . " Forget it . I don't need to go anymore . Get some rest , " Tobias said , keeping his voice calm . " Okay . Close the door on your way out , " Kaia answered , acting like nothing was out of the ordinary . " Sure . " Tobias replied with a nod . After he left , Kaia checked the bathroom , trying to figure out where Joel had hidden . The window was sealed shut , except for a small vent - way too small for anyone to fit through . Then she heard a noise , and Joel suddenly dropped down from the ceiling . " Man , that was close ! Good thing I moved fast , or we'd be busted . " " You just got lucky . Don't pull that stunt again ," Kaia scolded . She quickly ushered him toward the door . " Come on , quit wasting time . Get out of here , and stop sneaking into my room . " ' Got it . " Joel muttered , leaving with an awkward smile . The next morning , Kaia got a call from Ruth , telling her to come home for dinner . As soon as Kaia left , Erasmus showed up at Moreno Manor in a hurry . " Mr. Moreno , did you really say someone made better coffee than mine last night ? " Tobias pulled a coffee pot out of the fridge . " It's been sitting overnight , so it's not at its best . But I bet you can still tell the person who made it knows what they're doing . " Erasmus poured himself a cup . One sip and his eyes lit up . " Wow ! Even after sitting all night - when coffer usually tastes awful - it's still this good . The aroma's even better , almost like cold brew . Mr. Moreno , who made this ? I have to meet them ! " She just left . I'll tell you when she's back , Tobias said . Erasmus plopped onto the couch . " Then I'm not going anywhere . Eve got nothing better to do today anyway ? For a man in his sixties , he was acting like a kid refusing to leave without candy 1/4 11:50 pm Chapter 29 55 vouchers Tobias thought it over . If Erasmus was this impressed , it meant Kaia's coffee - making had to be even better than he'd realized . The more he learned about her , the more curious he got . A girl her age , with so many unexpected skills - it didn't add up . Tobias glanced at the coffee pot and smiled like a hunter spotting prey . **** At the Bennett family house , Ruth was trimming her nails when she casually said , " Your SAT is tomorrow . Stay here tonight . I'll have the maid make you something healthy you like . That way you can't say I'm playing favorites or neglecting you . " Kaia gave a cold laugh . " So you're not worried about my test - you're just worried about what people might say . " " What's that supposed to mean ? " Ruth snapped , not liking the accusation . " Exactly what it sounds like . I remember when Andrea took the SAT - you cooked for her yourself and begged her to eat . For me , you have the maid do it , and you act like it's a big favor . " " Kaia , is that how you talk to your mother ? " Lincoln cut in , voice sharp . " She's not feeling well . You expect her to cook for you , huh ? Don't you have a heart ? Is this what we taught you ? " Kaia didn't bother arguing . No matter what she said , they always sided with Andrea . It was like she wasn't even their kid . " If that's all , I'm leaving ," she said , waving dismissively . " You think you're grown now , walking off just because you don't like what we're saying , huh ? Are you trying to give me a heart attack? " Lincoln's face darkened as he grabbed a feather duster the maid had left in the living room , ready to hit her . Andrea stepped in , all concern . " Dad , don't hit her . She didn't mean it . That's just how she talks . Her SAT is tomorrow - if you hit her , it'll mess up her score . This test decides her whole future ." " Mess up her score ? When has she ever scored higher than zero ? What's next - negative points ? " Lincoln barked , getting even angrier . " Dad , please . For my sake ? She's been alone for days . That's so pitiful . She finally comes home , and you want to hit her , huh ? What will people think ? " Andrea's voice trembled , and she started crying . Lincoln's heart softened instantly . He tossed the feather duster aside . " Andrea , you're too kind , Every time Kaia screws up , you beg for her . Look at her - when has she ever been grateful ? " " I don't care . We're family . She's my sister . I have to help her ," Andrea said . 2/4 15 vouchers Ruth bugged her with teary eyes . Andrea , you sweet thing . Why are you so thoughtful ? " " You and Dad are so good to me . Too bad I'm not even your real daughter , Andrea said , sounding all burt Kaia almost rolled her eyes . As a top psychologist , she could spot fake emotions a mile away . Andrea's shifty eyes tight hips , and constant nose - touching gave her away . But Ruth and Lincoln ate it up . In their minds , Andrea was perfect . Sweetie , you may not be our blood , but you're closer to our hearts than that , Ruth said with teary " That's right , Lincoln agreed . " Anyone who says you're not ours will answer to me . Here - take my credit card . Buy whatever you want . Don't cry Kaia snorted , cutting into their little family drama , " And you two swear you don't play favorites , huh ? You just said she's closer to you than your real daughter . Lucky for you I'm tough . Someone else might've been crushed - maybe even depressed enough to kill themselves . " Ruth and Lincoln went pale and shifted uncomfortably . They knew what they'd said was messed Andrea chimed in , " Kaia , don't be mad at them . They didn't mean it like that- " Shut up . " Kaia snapped . Kaia - Andrea kept going . Say one more word , and you won't be leaving this house safe tomorrow , " Kaia warned , fist raised . " Kaia ! Why are you so mean to Andrea ? You- " Ruth yelled . " You dragged me here just to pick a fight so I'd bomb my test , huh ? Fine . But don't complain later if my score is bad ." Kaia said flatly . Ruth glanced at Lincoln , who kept silent , and decided to switch topics . " Your grandparents ' seventieth birthday is coming up . I told you before - buy a good gift . Don't embarrass us and give your uncles a reason to laugh . " With that , she sent Kaia 200 dollars . Kaia almost laughed out loud . That amount was downright insulting . She gave Ruth a cold look . " How much did you give Andrea for her gift ? " " You're always jealous of Andrea . She's more thoughtful than you . I tried to give her money , but she wouldn't take it - said she'd saved enough on her own . See how caring she is ? " Ruth said . 3/4 1:50 pm Chapter 29 Kaia got the picture . She smiled faintly and sent the 200 dollars back . E55 vouchers " What's this ? Not enough for you ? " Ruth was about to snap when another transfer came through- from Kaia again , 20 thousand dollars . " See ? I didn't take your money and gave you 20 thousand dollars instead . You pick the gift for me . How's that ? Am I more caring than Andrea now ? " Kaia asked , eyebrow raised . Ruth's eyes widened in shock . " Where did you get that money ? Kaia , tell me the truth - did you do something shady ? Or are you some man's mistress- 11:50 pm Chapter 30 Chapter 30 Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!