“Let me give you some advice.”

Perla blinked, surprised. “Advice?”

Rylie gently wiped away a tear clinging to Perla’s cheek. “Brad might go through with marrying Zaylee because he feels responsible. But that only happens if you don’t stir up trouble.”

Perla looked lost. “So we just wait?”

“No. You’ve been focused on the wrong person all along. Your attention shouldn’t be on Brad — it should be on Sean.” Rylie stood back up. Her face was unreadable. “Sean’s the one who owes your family. He’s the one who holds say over Brad’s marriage.”

Perla’s brows knit as she turned the thought over. Rylie’s words held weight, yet the kindness behind them confused her. “But why are you telling me this?”

Rylie gave a faint smile. Her voice turned quiet. “Because of blood.”

Perla stayed kneeling, stunned, watching Rylie walk away in silence.

Later, when she returned and shared everything with Zaylee, she was shocked to see her daughter nod in approval.

“Brad probably hates me now because I came on too strong.” After brooding for a moment, Zaylee muttered, “Maybe that witch Rylie was right after all.”

Perla offered a gentle reminder. “Zaylee, you’re still a student. That kind of language doesn’t suit you.”

Zaylee rolled her eyes. “Mom, it’s not just me. Everyone at school calls her that. So what if she’s rich and smart? If I had her money, I’d blow her out of the water.”

Her eyes drifted to the sketches taped all over her bedroom wall. Lifting her chin with pride, she said, “One day, I’m going to be a famous designer. Just watch.”

Perla said nothing more.

Over at Dottie’s farm, the first Snow Mint harvest had finally begun. Pharmacists from Aetheris Pharmacy, badges gleaming under the sun, walked through the rows of herbs. Close by, a group of high-ranking military hospital directors listened as Dottie explained her planting methods. It all felt like a dream.

Just months ago, she was a struggling widow, barely getting by. Now, the plant her late husband left behind had changed everything.

When she checked her bank account and saw all those zeros, she couldn’t hold back. Tears poured as she hugged his black-and-white photo to her chest. He had paved a path for her and their daughter, even after death.

From now on, her daughter could have every pretty dress she wanted, join any class she liked, and live free of worry.

Melany’s life was changing, too. Ever since she got into the Advanced Honors Class and her mom filed a patent, things had been looking up.

The difference was obvious to anyone paying attention.

Still, some classmates whispered, “Isn’t it clear? She clung to some rich woman, and now she’s loaded. Big deal. She’ll never be like Zaylee.”

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