Stripped of her medical credentials and forced to return to school, Lena felt a profound sense of misery. She slumped on the living room couch, reaching for her phone to call her big brother Dorian. "Dorian, when are you heading back? Without you, I'm like a fish out of water in this house."

"Are Mom and Dad giving you a hard time?" came Dorian's deep, indulgent voice from the other end.

Lena huffed. Her voice was brimming with grievance. "Mom and Dad are all about my sisters now. She's the golden girl, and I'm... just the runner-up. What if they kick me out? Dorian, I'm freaking out over here."

"Lena, what are you afraid of? You're the little sister I grew up with. Who's gonna throw you out? As long as I'm around, no one's gonna mess with you, not even our parents. I'll be back in a few days, and I'll bring you a present. What's on your wishlist?"

Her mood instantly lifted. Lena blurted out, "Dorian, my sister has these gorgeous gemstone necklaces, but I don't have any..."

"I'll get you one."

A wave of relief washed over Lena. "Thank you, Dorian. You're always the best to me."

After this shot of emotional medicine, Lena made another call, this time to her second brother Reid. "Reid, when are you coming back?"

Her voice was pitiful and tinged with sorrow, as if she had just been bullied, a little damsel in distress.

Reid, concerned, asked, "Did she bully you again?"

"Reid, even if she picks on me, I won't fight back. She's my big sister, the real daughter of the family. Even if she hits or yells at me, I won't hold a grudge. Who am I but the spare? When Calix came back, he brought her so many gifts. Calix isn't just mine anymore."

Reid felt a pang of sympathy for his sister's plight. "You are the real deal to me. So what if she's my blood sister? Is blood really that important?"

"Reid, thank you. You've always been so good to me."

"Don't be silly, kiddo. You're my sister. If I'm not spoiling you, who am I going to spoil? That usurper?"

Feeling much better, Lena knew that with her brothers back, she wouldn't be alone. She'd show Josefina who the brothers truly adored.

Bored at home and looking for something to do, Lena was at a loss. Unbeknownst to her, Annika had recorded her conversation and sent it to Josefina. "Ms. Josefina, can you believe it? Lena's playing the innocent victim with your brothers, and they're buying it!"

After listening to the recording, Josefina responded calmly, "Annika, those words don't matter. Let her play her games. Time will reveal the truth. I haven't wronged Lena, and I doubt anyone can pin that accusation on me."

With a covert glance in Lena's direction, Annika spoke with affection and respect, "Ms. Josefina, what would you like for dinner? I'll cook."

"I won't be home tonight. I have to do a check-up for Grandpa Brandon."

"Alright, Ms. Josefina. I'll go deal with that Lena. Don't worry. I won't do anything rash."

Annika hung up and grabbed a cloth to wipe the tables. Unintentionally, she approached Lena.

"Whoops!" Annika suddenly shouted, startling Lena enough to tumble to the floor.

Even Annika jumped. "Goodness gracious, didn't expect a living, breathing soul here!"

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