Tammie ]was sketching at his desk when the call came through. "Ann, what happened? Calm down and tell me everything," he said, his voice tight with

concern.

"Tammie," Ann cried, her voice thick with despair, "I... I don't want to live anymore."

Her words sent a jolt of panic through him. "Ann, listen to me. I'm in Crestwood City right now, but I'm booking a flight back to The Capital immediately. Just hang on." He was her brother. If the Gonzales family had turned her out, it was his duty to stand up for her.

Though she hadn't said it, Tammie had a sinking feeling this had something to do with Caitlin. Since she had been welcomed back into the family, Keira had changed. She was no longer the kind great-aunt he had always known.

A few hours later, Tammie arrived in The Capital and made his way to the cheap hotel where Ann was waiting for him in the lobby. Seeing her there, in such a rundown place, made his heart ache. Ann had been pampered her whole life; she had never experienced hardship like this.

"Ann!"

"Tammie!" Ann flew into his arms, burying her face in his neck. "You're here! You finally came back! I thought everyone had abandoned me!"

Thank God for Tammie. Thank God for this fool. Without him, she would truly be finished.

He held her tightly. "Ann, what is going on? Is this because of Caitlin?"

"No," Ann shook her head, her denial immediate and firm. "It's not her fault, Tammie. It's my fault. It's my curse for being born into the wrong family."

Tammie gently wiped her tears with a handkerchief. "Don't cry, Ann. Your brother is here now. I'll take care of you. Just tell me what happened."

Since her mother's arrest was public knowledge, Ann told him a carefully curated version of the truth. She laid all the blame on Amanda, painting herself as an innocent victim caugh in the crossfire.

"Tammie, I never knew my mother was capable of such things," she

sobbed. "Her actions had nothing to

do with me, but I don't know why Grandma hates me so much! Maybe maybe she never really she never really loved me at all. It's not that blame her for kicking me out... after all, we're not related by blood. I'm just so sad. I spent my whole life with her. I miss her so much..."

Hearing the story, Tammie was furious. He couldn't believe how heartless Keira had been. So what f Ann wasn't a true Gonzales, Keira a had raised her. Their bond was real. And before Caitlin had reappeared, Ann was the one who had been by Keira's side, caring for her.

Now, Keira had cast her out without a second thought and cut off all her financial support.