Unveiling Samantha by Veronica Wright

Chapter 12 

67% 

Adrienne’s voice screeched out first, way harsher than Brennan remembered. He couldn’t believe it-that soft-spoken act was a fake. With the help of an attendant, Brennan got a good look at the screen. He watched, stunned, as Adrienne threw milk on Samantha, who moved to dodge. Then he saw himself smack Samantha, get decked, and end up on the floor. 

She played it again and again. 

Now, the whole room knew Adrienne was no angel. The servant wasn’t surprised-they’d put up with her for the paycheck. but now they saw a chance to speak up. 

After the video, Kathleen stood up, stone silent, and went over to Brennan. He saw her coming and started babbling excuses. “Mom! Let me explain!” 

She slapped him, the sound ringing out in the hall. The impact sent a clear message-Brennan realized he’d messed up big time, and by smacking Samantha, he might’ve just wrecked their chances at being siblings forever. 

“Brennan, how many times have I told you? Don’t rush to judge. Look where that got you,” Kathleen said, her voice filled. with letdown. “What a mess. Sammie’s only been back two days and you’ve both treated her like dirt! You’re grounded today -I want you both to think about what you’ve done!” Kathleen said. She pointed at Adrienne, “And you, Adrienne Vanderbilt. you’re no daughter of mine. Stir up trouble again, and I’ll deal with you personally,” she warned with an icy edge. 

The more Kathleen thought about it, the angrier she got. Brennan’s blunder was a tough pill to swallow. Kathleen couldn’t help but think. If Samantha hadn’t hidden that tiny camera, would the truth ever have come out? Samantha sure showed everyone how easy it was to point fingers without the facts Kathleen looked over at Brennan, feeling none of the sympathy she thought she should have. She figured he had it coming for jumping to conclusions 

Brennan couldn’t even face Samantha. He dropped his gaze, whispering, “Mom, I was way off. I shouldn’t have blamed Samantha. 

“Well, it’s time for Tm sorry. And keep your distance from Adrienne,” Kathleen told him, arms folded. Shaking her head, she wondered why she had to deal with a son like Brennon and blamed herself for not seeing through Adrienne sooner. She promised herself she’d spoil Samantha rotten from here on, treating her like Angevin’s prized princess. If Brennan didn’t shape up, Kathleen was ready to cut him off for good. 

Taking a deep breath, Brennan looked up into Samantha’s cold eyes. He said, “Sammie, I should’ve known better than to accuse you. I’m really sorry. It won’t happen again. Can you forgive me?” 

Standing off to the side. Adrienne’s hands were clenched tight. She felt boiling jealousy as she watched Brennan making amends. “Why does everything fall into Samantha’s lap the minute she shows up? Is it because I’m not the real deal?” she thought. A wicked idea sparked in Adrienne’s eyes, thinking of getting rid of Samantha somehow to worm her way back into the family’s good graces. 

Then Conrad piped up, catching Adrienne’s mean mug. “Adrienne, why the stink-eye at Sammie?” 

Heads turned with Conrad’s holler, but Adrienne looked away quick, hoping nobody caught on to her actual thoughts. In her mind, she was plotting to send Samantha to hell. “You got it all wrong. Conrad. My bad-I wasn’t being fair to Ms. Vanderbilt. Won’t happen again, I swear,” Adrienne said, trying to look sorry She hung her head, makeup a mess from the milk, pretending to be sorry, but her dry eyes told a different story. 

Samantha wasn’t buying it. “Really, Ms. Adrienne Vanderbilt? You call that an apology?” 

Just then, a servant called out Adrienne’s fake-crying act, saying. You’re not even crying while you sob. 

Kathleen saw through the act too, and in a sharp tone ordered, “Adrienne, off to the cellar! Think about what you’ve done. 

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Chapter 12 

Stay there till dinner!” Adricone had crossed the line with her deceit, and Kathleen wasn’t about to let it slide. 

Deciding to freshen up and grab breakfast elsewhere, Samantha glanced between her worn clothes and the uneaten food on the table. I’m gonna go change. Eat up without me,” she told her still-seething ‘Mom.” 

Kathleen’s frown faded as she replied, “Sure thing. I’ll give you some cash later. Conrad can drive you around.” 

“No need, I’ve got some money,” Samantha insisted, always playing it cool. 

Kathleen, misreading Samantha’s comment as shyness, said, “How about you shop for me too, Sammie? Conrad knows the stores. It’ll be a big help. Conrad just nodded, looking like there was no arguing with Kathleen… 

At that moment, Samantha had no choice but to comply. After all, it was a favor she could help with. She quickly checked the time and hurried upstairs to change. With no other outfit handy, she chose to wear the clothes from the previous day, planning to buy some later. When she said goodbye to Kathleen, Enzo happened to arrive at the Vanderbilt residence. 

His arrival caught Dawson’s attention, and he noticed the closeness between Enzo and Samantha, which angered him. 

By that time, Dawson had forgotten about Samantha’s identity as Harley. 

In the car with Enzo, Samantha got an update. “Got the hair from the jailbird. What about Adrienne’s? Enzo asked. 

Things had escalated quickly, and both knew Adrienne’s comeuppance was just around the corner. 

Tve got it. Don’t worry. I had a dream last night about Granny’s car accident. I remember seeing the van driver, whose license plate I didn’t get a clear look at, throwing money out the window as he hit Granny. I guess it wasn’t just a hit-and-run. 

also remember planning to go into town with Granny. However, I went out with friends that day because I had received. payment from the organization. I’ve never expected this to happen to Granny. If I had gone with her. I might have died too, Samantha explained. 

Enzo, driving, felt a pang of sorrow for her. “Cheer up Ms. Vanderbilt. We’re on track to bust this thing wide open.” 

“Get a shrink to hypnotize the jailbird, and tell me what they say Samantha ordered. She wasn’t about to let anyone else on this; she was determined to nail the killer herself, for Maeve’s sake. She felt she should let them handle it in fear that sl would lose control and harme someone when the truth was exposed. 

Soon, they arrived at Meadows High School, the place was bustling with students and the smell of food. 

Samantha put on her mask and shades, hopped out of the car, and strolled toward a food stand. Then she saw Boa. “What are you doing here?” she asked, surprised. 

Samantha was taken aback, as he typically spent his days mostly with his computer or ordering takeout deliveries. She had not expected him to own a food stand. She asked for a waffle, pulling out some cash. 

Boa, wearing a cap and mask that let his silver hair peek through looked up when he heard the familiar voice. He flashed a grin. “Ms. Vanderbilt, you get the VIP treatment. How about some banana and chocolate on top?” He then added, “I heard a rumor, so I came to confirm it myself and make some money. By the way, how did you become the daughter of the Vanderbilt family?” 

Boa had been busy the day before and missed the discussion in the group chat. When he checked the messages the following day, he was confused. 

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