the massive wrought-iron gates of the Conner Estate. It l

eans and an oversized black hoodie. She grabbed a worn-out can

e sprawling mansion

lothes, his nose wrinkling in disgust. He didn't offer t

She stepped past hi

symbolically block the way. "Miss, the main entrance is fo

driveway, her boots crunching loudly on the pristine gravel. Behind her, the butler instantly grabbed the radio clipped to his belt, frantically

mahogany front doors and s

pping tea from a porcelain cup. When she saw Allison, a

er the cheap canvas bag. "Couldn't you have bought

d the heavy duffel bag onto the Persian rug

erling?" All

laying a video game. He snorted loudly. "You don't

ed her head. She lo

Cade like a physical blow. His breath caught in his throat. His hands went numb, and

Conner walked down, his face flushed with irritation

the second you walk

icked up a manila folder and tossed it onto th

his tone dripping with condescension. "With your pathetic grades, it's the only place that w

ake pity. "We pulled a lot of strings to g

m. A slow, dark smirk cur

the edge of the thick paper be

nt motion, she ripped

paper echoed loudly

ple. He slammed his hand o

s, raining down onto the glass table like trash. Sh

said, her voice cutting through the air lik

stwood? The most elite prep school in the coun

ng the boy. "Section four, paragra

blood instantly dr

ing the family's social standing," Allison recited perfectly, her voice

th. That money was the only thing keepin

s knuckles turned white. He glared at his da

issed, his voice trembling with rage, "you are too st

duffel bag. She looked at him like h

e," she

for the dusty, forgotten bedroom at the end of the h