Chapter 10: Chapter 10

took a quick glance Alexa, who was all puppy dog eyes and hope, saying, “I’ll think about it.”

That made Macy so mad she threw her fork down on the table. “Think about what? You think a fancy school like that would even look at you if it wasn’t for me? They should be begging not the other way around ”

Lily snorted, her voice dripping with sarcasm, “Oh, how the tables have turned. You’re suddenly too good for regular schools now? Can just glide into Blueden Girls‘ School without an issue.” She’d begged Macy to make Clare enter the door at Blueden Girls‘ School before, and got shut down every time, That humble pie had a nasty aftertaste, and she wasn’t about to forget it.

Dexter shot Lily a glare that basically said ‘shut it without a word, then looked at Fiona all kindly. “Why the second thoughts? Blueden Girls‘ School’s ke the Harvard for girls around here. Your folks are giving you solid advice. Here, consider it a head start–800 thousand dollars for whatever you need.” He a bank card across the table to her.

The whole Harrell family’s eyes lit up Christmas trees at the sight of that .

Fiona just gave it a side–eye, “Living at home’s not really my vibe. And if I’m hitting the books, that cash won’t even cover crib at Summerlyn Garden, let alone stuff Hke clothes!”

When Carter heard Fiona about needing more money, she couldn’t keep her mouth shut, “Renting? Why blow 800 thousand dollars on that? Girls just cost a fortune and then they marry out. Why bother spending that much? Hasn’t earned a dime and still has her hand out!”

Dexter’s face took a turn for the grim. “Didn’t you just score a few days back?” Macy had filled him in–Fiona had strong–armed Charlotte out of a cool 10 million dollars and it was a whole thing. He’d tossed that 800 thousand dollars at her just for show, like some kind of big–shot dad moves. What he really wanted was for her to say no, but here she was acting like it was chump change. How greedy she was!

Fiona cocked an eyebrow, “That cash was for calling off the engagement. This school thing is your idea, so why should i foot the bill? Besides, isn’t this whole thing supposed to make up for lost time? This little bit you’re offering doesn’t seem like much of an effort.”

xter’s face turned dark, but he choked back his anger, “Let’s chat in the study after we eat, I’ll hook you up with more then.”

Fiona just hummed a ‘sure thing and pocketed the bank card.

Post–dinner, Dexter led Fiona to his study. After a whole song and dance about caring and stuff, he tossed her another credit card, “This one’s got 400 thousand dollars credit limit, with a 200 thousand dollars monthly cap. If it doesn’t cut it, just give me the word and I’ll top it . Fiona, let me make things right by you.”

Fiona eyed Dexter, playing the touched and silent type, her lips sealed. She didn’t take the card or say a peep.

Dexter let out a big sigh and asked, “So, you know Sebastian Quinn?”

Fiona got the picture. It clicked why Dexter, after years of not caring, was suddenly all daddy–daddy–giving her cash, playing it cool even when she dissed him. It was because of Sebastian.

“I heard about the drama at the Quinn residence. Ever meet Sebastian before?” Dexter eyed Fiona hard, trying to look slick but really just eager. Sebastian was the top dog of the Quinn family, and Nathan was likely to be the future head of it. Being in with them meant power. If Fiona got with Sebastian and Alexa with Nathan, Dexter would be rolling in it and wouldn’t need the Lopez family anymore.

“

, Fiona said flat out. She caught Sebastian’s eye, and that her ace card – no way she’d spill that.

Dexter wasn’t convinced. “Why would he help a stranger, ”

“Beats me.”

1/3

Chapter 10

Dexter frowned, “Maybe he’s just into you. Look, if you got an in, work it. And abbut your engagement with Nathan… your mom’s got no filter but she’s got a point. Alexa’s more his speed than you. Think about dumping that engagement; don’t be hardheaded.”

“I never said I’d stick with the engagement.”

Dexter’s face got all serious. “Then drop it. Why do you need all that dough? Don’t you see this could tick off the Quinns family

Fiona quipped, “Who complains about too much money?”

That zipped Dexter’s lip.

She stepped up, snatching the credit card. “Sebastian was there when the engagement got called off. If I bail on it now, that might rub him wrong. What’s the ”

Dexter tried one last time, “You sure you don’t know Sebastian?” He heaved sigh of defeat, and his nice–dad act vanished, leaving a sharp edge. “My birthday’s the PIN for both cards. You’re on your own with that cash. And I’ll throw in 20 thousand dollars a month. But mess up at school, and I cut off” Dexter had lured Fiona back, thinking she was tight with Sebastian, throwing cash at her hoping it’d pay off. But now, he was bummed, his plan crumbling. “You’re my kid. If you ever hit it big, don’t forget it were me and the Harrells who helped Remember where you came from.”

Fiona watched Dexter switch from fake happy to bummed and just snorted, “Keep getting played if you want, but count me out. I ain’t one of you. should head out. It’s late.” She was so done with his pointless nagging. Fiona pocketed the credit card and walked out without a backward glance.

Dexter was left standing there, clutching his chest like someone had punched him in the gut. His look said it all–he felt like he just flushed money down the toilet. Fiona was one tough nut to crack. And if she weren’t such a knockout–which actually mattered in their scheming world–Dexter might’ve regretted shelling out that 800 thousand dollars on her.

Fiona had barely stepped off the Harrell residence’s porch when she ran into Alexa. With a sly smile, Fiona walked up to her and greeted, “What’s up, Miss Perfect?”

Alexa almost called her ‘sister‘ but caught herself, hor face twisting like she’d accidentally eaten a bug. Holding back her anger, Alexa clipped out, “What’s

deal with you and Sebastian?”

Fiona raised an eyebrow. She wondered why everyone was so hung up on her connection to Sebastian, Sure, he’d given her permission to drop his name, but she wasn’t about to all her cards out on the table. “It’s none of business.”

“You’re just a nobody to Sebastian. Don’t start thinking you’re special!” Alexa fired back.

Fiona just shrugged. “Well, it’s still better than being completely invisible, don’t you think?”

Alexa forced a tight smile. “See at school. Don’t chicken out.” It was Alexa who suggested that Fiona should enroll in Blueden Girl’s School. She did this because she wanted to show everyone in school that Fiona was nothing and nobody. In that case, even if their true identities were disclosed in public, Alexa was sure that she was still better than Fiona in any way.

Fiona smirked, “Looking forward to it. I’ll bring the kind of shock you love. Just be careful, Alexa. It would be a pity if everyone realized you’re a fake.”

“You-“Alexa’s finger was trembling as she pointed at Fiona, boiling mad

But Fiona brushed her hand aside with a steely look, her eyes cutting like daggers. “Make sure you impress me too. Use those cutthroat moves from when we were little. I remember them well I’ll be watching.” Fiona laughed and left with her head held high.

Alexa’s eyes burned with rage and calculation as she watched Fiona go. Just y you wait, Fiona. Once you get to in Blueden Girl’s School, we’ll see who’s laughing. Thinking about a billion–dollar dream? Let’s see you try. I’ll sure you regret it and pay back every dime of that 10 million dollars.”

18:19 Mon, 3 Jun (@)