knowing the conversation would only make the pressure worse

needs payment for your brother'

cks was no longer just an insult; it was a direct threat to my family's we

choice. I h

against my ribs. I didn't go to the office this time. I walked str

stand, laughing with some cust

ud enough for the people nearby

gging into my skin, and tried to pull me toward the

me," I said, standing my ground. The nearby tab

" she hissed, her eyes

er. "You exploited a student and are re

rs. Mr. Chadwick came storming out fr

is going on h

y me for my summer internshi

e went from red to purple. He was a man who cared deeply about his publi

s arm. "Pay her. Just

father's face shut her up. She turned to me, her voice dripping

office where they had humi