Chapter 23
Chapter 23
EX B5 vouchers
Kayla was clearly a little surprised. She mused, ‘Davon actually has so much money? And he paid up so decisively? Something doesn’t feel right. But whatever, doesn’t matter where the money came from, as long as I get it back.
Then she glanced at the number on her screen and let out a cold laugh. “You sure this is the right amount?”
Davon’s eyes flickered, a flash of guilt passing through them. He asked, “What do you mean? That’s all the money I have right now. Kayla, don’t make a big deal out of this.”
He had only sent her 15,000 dollars, and it was the money his mom wired him to buy Marianna a gift. He thought, ‘I gave her everything I’ve got on me. What more does she want?‘
As he spoke, he shot Kayla a warning look, trying to signal her to quit while she was ahead.
Kayla caught the look but acted as if she hadn’t seen it. She simply raised her phone and turned to the crowd, holding it high so everyone could see.
She said, “I’m not great at math, but I do know the difference between 15,000 and 1.5 million. You really think you can shortchange me, and I wouldn’t notice? That’s pretty damn shady, Davon.”
She thought bitterly, ‘I knew it. There’s no way he’d cough up 1.5 million without playing tricks. Back then, I trusted him blindly. He could’ve sent whatever amount he wanted, and I wouldn’t have even checked.
‘Thank goodness I’ve seen him through. If I’d missed this today, with all these people as witnesses, no one would believe me when I find the wrong figure. I’d be seen as a scammer and could never get the rest of the debt back.’
The crowd took a closer look at the transfer record. The moment they realized the amount, they exchanged surprised looks, and they turned to Davon with meaningful gazes.
Davon felt a bit embarrassed. He really had thought Kayla would let it slide, and now, being called out in front of everyone, he was irritated.
He snapped, “You don’t even need the money. Why are you being so petty about it?”
Kayla rolled her eyes. “I don’t need it, but that doesn’t mean I’m handing out charity. That’s my money. Why shouldn’t I take it back? Since when is being financially responsible a crime? What? You can’t afford it, so you’re trying to weasel out?”
Kayla thought bitterly, ‘Since he wants to play dirty, I don’t mind showing the crowd who he really is beneath that polished, top–student image!
Davon’s face flushed bright red. He glanced around at the students whispering to each other, their expressions full of judgment.
He scoffed and tried to act unfazed, “Seriously? You think I’d scam you over some pocket change? I only have 15,000 in allowance right now. I’ll pay back the rest later. What’s your rush? You think I’m gonna skip town
over it?”
012 Tue, 0m 14
Chap
Kavla arched him tows th I’m not worried for fored after all‘
Ste werd hm for them th play in the vener eror of Darley promise The earfon nang out
od and clembe verone to hear
Dave’s exprim turned dark incuntly “You recorded the conversation? Are you serious? That’s how Bla
This is insane She’s completely out of control now. If the thinks I’m gonna let this go, the dreaming, Dravon fumed buernally
Kayla flashed him an innocent smile. “I know you’re mad, but come on, don’t take it to heart. I never wid though you’d really skip out. You’re not the kind of guy, right?
“It’s just a lot of money, so I figured, better safe than sorry. I’m sure you get that. Don’t you all agree?
The crowd nodded and murmured in agreement without hesitation.
Davon’s grip on Marianna’s hand tightened, and his knuckles turned white with bottled–up rage. He was clearly trying to keep it together, but his fury had nowhere to go.
Since she couldn’t get the rest of the money today, Kayla had no interest in wasting more time with either of
them.
She simply said. “Alright. Since you’ve promised, I’ll give you three more days. Just don’t forget to pay up. If I accidentally upload the recording to the school forum and everyone finds out you’re a deadbeat, whatever happens to your reputation won’t be my fault.”
“You’re threatening Dav? Don’t be so aggressive,” Marianna suddenly piped up from Davon’s arms, her voice trembling with righteous indignation.
Kayla raised her eyebrows and gave Marianna a look full of mockery. “I can be nice. How about you cover the rest of the debt? I’ll delete the recording now.”
Marianna instantly choked on her words, her expression turning pitiful in a heartbeat. She complained. You know I can’t afford it…”
Before she could wind up for a full pity monologue, Kayla cut her off with a sharp voice. “Then shut up.”
Davon immediately stepped in, shielding Marianna with a glare. ‘Maria’s just standing up for me. Don’t be cruel, okay? I’ll pay you back in three days with interest. Happy now?”
Kayla looked at Davon, mildly surprised, then raised her brows with amusement. “Alright then. Remember what you say
She wasn’t about to argue–if he was dumb enough to offer extra, she’d happily collect
Kayla shot a glance at Marianna, who was practically melted into Davon’s arms like she had no spine, and warned. And tell your mutt to stop yapping in my direction It’s disgusting”
A self–righteous drama queen living off someone else’s wallet really disgusts me, Kayla thought. But they do
012 Tue Oct 14
Chapter PA
make a great poh One Take sim, one two–faced scumbag. They are soulmates
Without another word, Kayla turned on her heel and walked away. Her back was straight despite the pain
rabbing through her shoulder.
Dave and Marianna stood frozen, watching Kayla go, their eyes dark with resentment and spite
Kayla didn’t stop until she reached the rooftop, far from the noise and judging stares. The wind was sharp up there, tugging at her hair and clothes, scattering the last bits of frustration still clinging to her chest.
Finally, she let her shoulders relax. Her muscles ached, her head was spinning, and her whole body felt like it was burning up. She was swaying on her feet.
Unzipping her jacket, she glanced down at the torn skin over her shoulder. The wound had split open again. Blood seeped through the fabric and soaked her collar. Her lips had lost all color.
“Goddamn it, she muttered under her breath.
If it weren’t for Davon jerking her around, her injury wouldn’t have reopened, and she wouldn’t have wasted all that time on him and Marianna.
She checked the time, remembering that she had somewhere important to go. There was no time to hit the hospital.
With no better option. Kayla grabbed some tissues and dabbed around the wound, trying to slow the bleeding.
The pain was worse now–deeper and more persistent. Her body felt like it was burning from the inside out.
Her limbs were trembling, and her forehead was damp with sweat. Even standing still was a challenge.
Her vision began to blur, her head heavy and wrapped in fog. She gripped the railing for balance.
Then a low, steady voice came from behind. “Can I help you?”
Kayla snapped out of the haze and turned her head. She saw Payton Lynch standing there and watching her.
田
AD
Comment
Send gift
No Ads
9:13 Tue, Oct 14
Chapter 24
86
55 vouchers
Inside the school clinic, a harsh voice rang out. “Her wound is badly infected. She’s running a high fever. We need to clean out the pus and reduce the inflammation immediately. Why was she only brought here now? Do you want her dead?”
The doctor barked out the diagnosis while prepping supplies with practiced hands. Her voice was full of irritation and disbelief.
Payton stood nearby, silent, his eyes fixed on Kayla with a storm of emotions swirling beneath the surface. He didn’t offer excuses.
As the doctor began disinfecting the wound for Kayla, she looked up and said to Payton, “Hey, help me out. Pull down her collar and fully reveal her wound.”
Payton hesitated, his lips pressed into a tight line. He didn’t move.
The doctor flared with frustration. “What are you waiting for? You want her to get worse? If the infection spreads and complications kick in, don’t blame me.”
Payton didn’t hesitate any longer. He reached out, unfastened Kayla’s collar button by button, and gently pulled the fabric aside, revealing the full extent of the wound and the pale skin around her neck and shoulder.
When his eyes landed on the deep, bloody gash at her shoulder, he froze, completely stunned. He hadn’t expected it to be that bad.
‘The wound is so deep? And she’s just been walking around with this? How tough she is, he thought in disbelief.
AD
