1. Prologue-Lingering Gazes

Sixteen, an orphan, and filthy rich. Not that many would be able to tell.
Hermione didn't flaunt it, in fact, she didn't want it. She made her own life, built her wealth, and was doing just fine on her own.
So it's easy to give her aunt the money. To send the checks and forget all about the betrayal and guilt that she feels inside.

It doesn't become a problem until her aunt starts asking for more. A lot more.

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Set in a small coastal town where everybody knows everybody, and nobody's business remains their own.