ise

owing Harrison's imposing figure. I looked down at my phone, at the str

red thousa

nary. A number he had produced

But what kind of "tutoring" and "fake

lowed by a deep, gnawing anxiety. This "help" was

ine couldn't wait. Leo's surgery

alked to the billing offi

re is no outstanding balance, Ms. Combs. The seventy thousand dol

ferred three hundred thousand dollars into my account-he had alr

y a substantial amount toward Dad's future care. Then I set aside enough in a se

y could solve wer

ing more even. I sat beside him, watching his tired

d. A text from a

in the hospital. Such a shame. If you hadn't tr

s turned to ice. Tha

Bennie

iend. Now the person I

ed me for it, all to steal my then-boyfriend, Donal Gibbs. My father, trying to protect me, had exhausted

gain. A second me

having a party next month at the Fairmont Copley Plaza. You'll come and w

nd Donal, smiling, her hand fl

ails digging into my palms. S

fter Bennie had "graciously" stopped by our house to "share her

icious

row my phone a

In the past, I had no defense against Bennie's attac

ed at the balance

and dangerous, s

se Combs anymore. I had money. And I h

f course. But Benn

flew across

had and parade him around like a prize. You didn't win-you took out my trash. I may be busy ne

e

ing rush of victory. It was the first ti

"Fiancé? You? Don't be rid

ll, cold laugh

ed to bring him up to speed. Our contract was about to

to bother you. About our 'contract,' I thi

down. I had been pulled into this strange transaction, a

ood thing, o

I knew I couldn't b