“Yes,” Thomas answered. “After this ridiculous graduation on Friday, we’ll give her the eviction notice. She’s eighteen now. She has no claim to her mother’s estate anymore. Haley needs that basement cleared out for her content studio.”
The morning of the ceremony, rain hammered University Hall in freezing sheets.
I stood in the stone courtyard, my black graduation gown soaked and clinging to my ankles. Then a sleek black taxi stopped at the VIP curb.
My family stepped out.
Haley came first, protected by a huge umbrella, clutching my stolen VIP ticket like a trophy. Victoria complained about her hair. Thomas adjusted his silk tie and scanned the crowd for rich people he could impress.
I moved toward the security checkpoint to explain that I didn’t need a guest ticket because I was part of the graduating doctoral class. Graduationannouncement templates
Before I could speak, Thomas grabbed my arm and yanked me out of line.
“What do you think you’re doing?” he hissed. “You’ll ruin Haley’s photos looking like that. You’re only an assistant. Go wait in the car. Do not embarrass us in front of wealthy doctors.”
Victoria looked me over with disgust.
“Listen to your father, Clara. Let your sister have her moment.”
