Knowing Sharon Sterling was likely to have done very well on her exams this time, even Mrs. Sterling's face broke into a brilliant smile. For years, she had endured considerable disdain from the rest of the family because of Aurora Sterling's rock-bottom grades.
Now, Sharon Sterling's excellent grades finally gave Mrs. Sterling a sense of vindication.
"Excellent, Sharon. You must keep up these good grades," Mrs. Sterling said kindly. As she spoke, she picked up a pork rib and placed it in Sharon's bowl. "Eat more. You've gotten so thin from studying for your exams."
Joy Dalton's eyes crinkled with a smile, and she was bursting with pride. 'Her daughter is so exceptional, always. How could that idiot Aurora possibly compare?'
"Thank you, Grandma!" Sharon Sterling was pleasantly surprised. Ever since she had joined the Sterling family, this was the first time Mrs. Sterling had ever spoken to her so kindly or put food in her bowl.
