Chapter 16 RUBBING IT IN HER FACE

It was utterly degrading for Xina to inherit a cat when everyone else in the family received valuable items along with thoughtful letters from their grandfather, expressing the love he had for each of them. The irony, however, was not lost on Xina. She wasn’t actually a part of the family by blood. Only a few people knew this, even when her grandfather was alive. His disdain for Xina was palpable, and although the real reason for her mistreatment remained a mystery, the family followed his example without question. Xina laughed along with them as they made fun of her and the cat, which caught them off guard, and they eventually stopped. Yet, Xina’s laughter continued. Soon, it was only her laughing in the room, until her mother nudged her shoulder and Gaia made a snide remark. “Have you lost your mind because grandfather only left you a cat?” Gaia clung to Stefan’s arm as if afraid someone else in the room might take him away. “No, of course not.” Xina wiped away her tears, still