ent, I decide to

my voice like ice. "Fine. But on my terms. You w

onfusion, but despe

yth

a high-end designer store and dress him in a Tom Ford suit that costs more than his

he Meatpacking District. It's the kind of place he once d

real estate, and the handsome, but clearly out-of-his-element man

u?" Molly says, her voice dripping with amusement

my father's closest ally, our engagement a strategic merger of two powerful fa

waist, his eyes locking

rling. Who's

s," I sa

enduring the curious stares and whispered comments.

's, a man named Phillip, stu

ity project from Queens. Still c

Before I can interve

Ethan says, his voic

laughs.

lf liquor. "I'll drink every bottle on this table. If I f

a reckless, desperate bet. Ryan lo

e self-destructive pride t

tequila. He doesn't slow down. He's not just drinking; he's punishing

I finally step in. I grab th

's en

Phillip, my voice cutt

for every bottle, and then y

Ryan looks at me, a flicker of surprise in his eyes. I

et. He's barely consci

... I'm

eart cracks. I see the boy who once defend