sed her arms. "Evelyn Marie Hayes," she snapped, her voice sharp and full o

It was her favorite move when she was m

is no way to be a mother," I s

keep from saying something worse. "Why are you even

always made when she wasn't getting her way. "If you p

my chest. "I don't care about rich people and

e reached into her purse and pulled out a sleek, ridiculously expensive-looking phone. She

he phone from her hand. The

exander Caldwell Announces Engage

Caldwell, one of the wealthiest men in the country, known for owning multiple companies,

tire existence, he looked every bit the part of a billionaire. His sharp jawline was dusted with sal

smiling brightly

ed. "You've got

s. "I stopped stripping three years ago," she said, her tone quieter now. "I took my time to be

throat tightening.

ed. "Watch your

. "This is insane, even for you. You barely have a grip on your o

aid, her voice rising. "Everyth

s is about you, your selfishness, and your need to chase after s

vering the diamond ring. Her shoulders slumped,

" she said softly,

w clenched. "No, you

g for us. You could finally have the life you deserve. Imagine it-getting into Ravencrest.

ve scholarships, Mom. And even if they did, I don't wan

Evie. It's a chance. A real chance for you to get everything you've ever wanted. You're b

" I said flatly, pu

"Please, Evie. I need your help. Alexander wants to see us as a united fa

or you," I

.. imagine it. Please. Just give this a chance

abandoned me, and now you expect me to play happy families

ing. "I know I've made mistakes. I know I've hurt you. But I'm trying, Evie. I'm tryin

t the familiar pang of guilt in my chest. I hated her for putting me

and through my hair.

out to grab my hands again. But I pulled away, shaking

y room, leaving her alone with h

*

g room, clutching my ph

ked up, her usual ch

miss me alrea

s I'd been holding back since my mother's

, and I pressed the back of my hand agains

ng replaced by concern. "What happened? Are you o

dn't see me. "It's... my mom,"

e do now?" Elara ask

h, burying my face in my free

prised laugh. "Wait, what? Your mom? Married? To who?

ky breath. "To Al

harp and disbelieving. "Alexander Caldwell? As in the billionaire? The owner of Apex Innovati

ered, the word

ve any idea how big of a deal this is? That guy is, like, stupid rich.

m's acting like this is some fairytale dream come true, bu

nd rich people, but this is... different. This is Alexander Caldwell. He'

finished bitterly. "Yeah, I know. Tru

. The rich, they're not like us. They have rules. Expectations. And they don't just let peo

re right,they can be ruthless. But Evie, you're strong. Stronger than

that world, Elara. I just want to get my degree, maybe cheer for a while, and

crest? You've always wanted to go there, and now

d love to have me. The stripper's daughte

be the smartest, most talented person in tha

with the sleeve of my hoo

don't have to forgive your mom for all the shitty things she did. But if this is your chance to get what

. I wanted to argue, to tell her she was

shaky, "what if I can't do it

who could walk into that world and come out stronger. Yo

her words sink in. "Than

w, go get some sleep. You'v

ce barely above a whis