Ruby's POV
The shock on Stanley's mother's face was almost comical. Her husband looked like someone had just told him his lottery ticket was worthless.
She blinked rapidly, her mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water. "You... you can't be... Ruby? Ruby Ross?"
My lips curved into a subtle smile. "Hello, Mrs. Mitchell. It's been quite some time."
"Impossible!" The polite mask she'd been wearing cracked instantly. "You're not her. Look at what you're wearing, that jewelry! Ruby couldn't afford a single piece of what you have on. She was nothing but a—"
"A pathetic small-town nobody!" Mr. Mitchell interrupted, his voice dripping with disdain.
I tilted my head, my smile turning ice cold. "Funny how life works out, isn't it? One day you're counting pennies, the next you're swimming in wealth."
"Not Ruby Ross!" Mr. Mitchell barked. "That girl's destiny was written in stone the day she drew her first breath!"
