“Didn’t you say you didn’t like chocolate? Said it was too bitter?”

“I don’t care, I want it! But it has to be the kind imported from Europe–not the cheap

stuff.”

Zachary let out a sigh, but nodded anyway. Thinking back, scenes like this had happened more times than he could count. But Ileana was the only girl in the Morton family, and following the idea that daughters should be raised with a generous hand, the Mortons had always given her whatever she wanted.

At the time, no one thought there was anything wrong with that. Sometimes they’d remind Ileana not to compare herself with others, but whenever she pouted and pleaded, the lectures would dissolve into indulgence.

Up through elementary school, Ileana’s demands were mostly harmless–just a bit of pouting or wheedling for small things. It wasn’t until she started high school that everything seemed to change.

She grew tired of taking the bus to school every day.

“I don’t care, I want a driver! The bus smells so gross, a hundred sweaty people crammed together–I feel sick! Please, Mom, Dad, you love me the most. Just hire a driver for me, please?”

weren’t exactly short on money, but they were never extravagant either. From the start, they believed their kids should get themselves to

girl–how is it the same?” Ileana clung to Karen’s arm, her voice coaxing

Ileana,” Zachary chimed in from the side. “High school means more running around, and it’s getting hot out. Those buses are packed and stuffy–Ileana’s not used to it, that’s all. We boys can handle it, but

It’s not like we can’t afford it–just hire someone for her,” Liam added, giving his basketball a couple of bounces before tossing it

let’s get her a driver,” Brendan said,

still doing well. Hiring

16:43

Chapter Bo

their daughter uncomfortable. But once Ileana had her

a few thousand dollars. Just buy it for me,

dollars, Ileana? I know girls your age like to

Mom?” Ileana wheedled, just as she always did. But this time, Karen didn’t cave

time was five thousand, your shoes were over a thousand, and with everything else, you’ve spent nearly ten thousand dollars in

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