Unveiling Samantha by Veronica Wright
Chapter 21

Chapter 21

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Kathleen led Samantha to her new room, and Samantha braced herself to dish out some obligatory praise. Last time Joanna had decked everything out in pink for her. But as Samantha walked in, she was blown away. The room was nothing like she’d expected.

Kathleen was enthusiastically showing her around, eager to see if everything was to her liking. The room was the perfect mix of comfy and fancy, and Kathleen was being super careful with her explanations, worried Samantha might replace something

off.

Conrad and Emerson hung back, watching. They, too, were on their toes, ready to jump in if Samantha seemed the least bit unhappy.

Samantha stayed quiet, which made Kathleen nervous. She gently grabbed Samantha’s arm, “Sammie, do you like it here? If you don’t…

Before she could finish, Samantha grabbed Kathleen’s arm back. “Mom, I love it. No need to change anything. I’m staying right here. Tears welled up in Samantha’s eyes as she gave Kathleen a small, heartfelt smile.

Kathleen was overcome, her voice shaky. “Sammie, you- you’re really staying? I didn’t hear you wrong?

Samantha didn’t say a word. She just pulled out a legal document from her backpack, ripping it in half, then in half again, until it was nothing more than strips of paper. “I’m sticking around. I’m staying here with you all at the Vanderbilt residence.” She chucked the shredded paper into the trash bin, spread her arms, and pulled Kathleen in for a big hug. Her voice was a little scratchy, like she was holding back tears.

Conrad and Emerson couldn’t believe their eyes. They hadn’t expected Samantha to embrace the family and change her tune so fast. Still, they were stoked. Emerson stepped up first, grinning but trying to keep cool. “Hey, Sammie, I’m Emerson.

Samantha gave him a weak smile. “Hi, Emerson.”

Emerson was over the moon and blurted out, “Ok, here’s my welcome gift for you! It ain’t much, but I’ll save up and get you something better down the line!” He handed her a debit card stuffed with over 300 thousand dollars.

Thanks, Emerson. Really. But I can’t take this,” Samantha tried to say. o her, that kind of dough was a headache, not help. She didn’t even feel right about giving it away.

When Samantha tried to give the card back, Emerson backed up. “Nah, Sammie, Vanderbilt rule is once a gift’s given, it’s a no-go to take it back. Plus, you’re my sis! It’s only right for me to spot you some cash. Don’t sweat it, ok? Right, Conrad?”

Emerson nudged Conrad, who whipped out a few more cards from his wallet and offered them to Samantha. “Use this for now. If you need more, just holler.”

Samantha was like, ‘Is this how the Vanderbilts roll, throwing money around? She glanced at the stash of plastic in her hand and told Conrad, “Keep it for the company. I’m good, seriously.”

But Conrad stayed quiet and pulled yet another card.

Samantha took them, thinking maybe Conrad needed her to hang onto it for a bit. She’d heard there was some trouble with Vanderbilt Corp. and they might need cash soon. Conrad acting all generous reminded her of someone else, Jasmine.

Seeing Samantha finally take the cards, Conrad chilled out. He checked the time-it was pushing 10 p.m.-and an idea popped into his head. “Hey, Sammie, where you hitting up school these days? Want me to get you into Meadows High School?” he asked.

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Chapter 21

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Samantha, who had ditched her school uniform earlier, answered straight up. “No sweat, Conrad. Mr. Youngston sorted me out with an exam yesterday. I’m already in at Meadows”

Conrad did a double-take, but then it clicked. Samantha was a Vanderbilt, so of course she was smart. The memory of Adrienne having to pay her way into Meadows High School gave him a good laugh on the inside.

Kathleen, still buzzing, was all. “Sammie, you’re a rock star! Ill back off now. You want Conrad to drop you tomorrow?”

Samantha barely knew what to say with all the praise. It was like the Vanderbilt family had totally spaced that she was Harley. Which was all for the best, considering the mess that could stir t

After everyone cleared out. Samantha hit up her phone and jumped into her group chat.

Sam (Staying at the Vanderbilts residence. Decided.]

McVanderbilt’sFutureGF: [Say what, Ms. Vanderbilt? You ditching me?]

Ms Vanderbilt’sFutureGF. [I got whatever the Vanderbilts have, ya know!]

Sammie’sMinion: (Chill with the weird stuff. You’re giving me the creeps.]

Ms Vanderbilt’sFutureGF: [Buzz off! None of your beeswax.]

Broke Employee: Thought you said you wouldn’t camp at the Vanderbilts too long? What gives?]

Samp [Yeah. Feels good to call a place home, you know?]

BrokeEmployee: [Never thought our tough Sammie would go so

BrokeEmployee: [Guess it’s kinda like weather in Angevin, always changing.]

Sam: [Not that dramatic, y’all. But yeah, you might be seeing more of the Vanderbilts from now on.]

Sammie’sTopFan: [No sweat, Sam! We got your back. Let anyone mess with your fam, and I’ll set my

TopFan: [Your crew’s a joke next to what Sammie’s got!]

No.2 Fan: [Hey, we can hold our own. We’ll keep the Vanderbilts safe, no problem.]

crew on ’em!]]

Sam Appreciate it. BTW, hit some bumps with the family biz. Round out who’s behind it. Dropping details in the chat later. Jas, can you handle it? I’m sitting this one out.]

1. Vanderbilt’s FutureGF: You got it! I’ll take care of it. Just lay low online, Sam. Don’t let that creep bug you again.]

Sam [Let him try to hack me. I dare him.]

SayNoToFood: [Like anyone could break Sam’s security. Last dude that tried got a virus nuked his system in seconds!]

Samantha’sAdmirer: [That’s just…wow.]

Sam: [Enough with the hype. It wasn’t that big a deal. I’ll leave things in your hands. Busy these days.]

Samantha’sAdmirer: [Huh? Some big breakthrough at the research institute?]

Sam: [Nah, got a class. It’s chill time for me. Gotta bounce. Need sleep for school tomorrow.]

Young’s

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III

Chapter 21

The crew was puzzled by Saqiantha’s messages. Like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle not quite fitting together, they couldn’t piece it out clearly. Then, the chat with hundreds of members blew up with question marks.

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