“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?”

bus too, you know.” The Mortons weren’t exactly short on money, but they were never extravagant either.

are boys. I’m a girl–how is it the same?” Ileana clung to Karen’s arm, her voice coaxing

school means more running around, and it’s getting hot out. Those buses are packed and stuffy–Ileana’s not

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

a driver,” Brendan

family business was still doing well. Hiring a driver wasn’t a

16:43

Chapter Bo

they couldn’t bear to see their daughter uncomfortable. But once Ileana had her way, her requests quickly escalated: brand–name clothes, designer

dollars. Just buy it for

thousand dollars, Ileana? I know girls your age like to

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

the money. But think about it. That purse you begged for last time was five thousand, your shoes were over a thousand, and with

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