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Both of us freeze

Then Trent grits out, “We’re going back to my house You can eat there”

I shrug, returning s “I didn’t want to eat with you anyway”

We continue to drive, the air in the car thick with tension

This man makes no sense

A conundru

The perfect treatives to Ivy and his mom makes sense They’re his family The one that didn’t abandon him But the center? It’s obvious everyone at Cresthill loves Trent Aldridge It’s a difficult pill to s,reads: HE ONLY HATES YOU, PAYTON

I stare at his profile, not bothering to hide it

Why are you treating me like I’m the one who hurt your family? Yeah, you’re pissed at your dad, but what the hell? Can’t you just yell at et it off your chest, visit one of those expensive Manhattan therapists? Literally anything but this

If my attention bothers him, Trent doesn’t show it

“You don’t even need the money,” I finally say

“You’re right, I don’t”

He changes lanes with ease, then we’re back in his part of the city The part full of ed

Who are you kidding, Payton? Those men are minnows He’s the shark

“Twenty-two e for you,” I state the obvious “So, what is this? A big er to Daddy? Grow up, Trent”

“The money is blood money, princess”

“Well, maybe it doesn’t have to be”

“What is that supposed towhat it is If you have a time machine that can take you back to the moment that bastard made the money, do share Maybe while you’re at it, I can end him before he chooses to sell Ivy”

I s A lue By ry Stewing at Ronnie

So your family is one of them It makes Ronnie just like Erin

Actually, it makes him worse

At least Erin never sold me I mean, I don’t doubt that she’s tried, but she’s not the type to succeed at things

So, there’s that

“That’s not what I meant”

“What are you going to do, donate it all?” He snorts “Doubtful I have seen your bank records Or lack thereof You don’t have two pieces of shit to rub together”