At eighteen, my father paid for my twin sister’s expensive university, apartment, laptop and car. He handed me $200 and said there would be no more because she was the better investment. I worked my way through college and built a life without him. Eight years later, his company desperately needed $40 million to survive. He entered the investment meeting, looked toward the person deciding his future—and dropped every folder in his hands.

Dad announced that he would pay Brooke’s full tuition, housing and living expenses at Oakwood University. Mom cried with happiness while Brooke hugged them both, although none of them appeared surprised.

Then Dad turned toward me. The warmth left his face with such efficiency that I understood his decision had been made long before that conversation.

“We won’t be funding River Valley State,” he said.

River Valley was a respected public university, and its total cost was less than half of Oakwood’s tuition. I asked why the daughter choosing the more affordable school was the one receiving nothing.

“Brooke possesses social intelligence,” Dad explained. “She knows how to form valuable relationships, and Oakwood will multiply that talent.”

“And me?”

“You are intelligent, Maya, but intelligence alone doesn’t guarantee a return. We have to place our resources where they have the greatest potential.”

Mom lowered her eyes while Brooke adjusted the university bracelet already circling her wrist. Neither of them challenged him.