"No regrets. Not a single one."
The shipment from Northside was originally meant for Harborview Medical Center—the same hospital where Michelle's father worked.
But a competitor had swooped in halfway through, and now my boss was stuck with all the inventory.
I negotiated a price.
Twenty thousand dollars for the entire lot.
I was confident I could convince Harborview to take my supply instead.
The only problem was... twenty thousand was a lot of money for me.
When it came down to it, I still had to rely on my parents.
I called them.
At first they thought it was a bad idea, but after I talked myself hoarse, they agreed to let me try.
I waited eagerly for the transfer.
A whole day passed. Nothing.
I called back and found out they'd sent the money to Grayson.
"You're so clumsy with these things. Grayson knows way more about anything medical. At least he'll know how to spend it properly. If you need the money, go ask him—let him give you some advice."
I was furious.
But I didn't have time to stay angry.
I tracked down Grayson's location and took a cab straight to that same karaoke place.
This time, it was Michelle's birthday.
I showed up at the private room door, out of breath.
The same scrutinizing looks landed on me.
I stared straight at Grayson.
"Grayson. Give me twenty thousand dollars."
Someone choked on their drink.
"Holy shit! They're not even married yet and she's already demanding a dowry!"
"If they actually got married, she'd be asking for millions!"
"I mean, Grayson could afford it, but does she really think she's worth it?"
Grayson turned off the music and looked at me from the couch.
"What do you want it for?"
"None of your business. My parents sent you money, right? Give it to me."
"Oh please, like Grayson needs handouts from your parents! Who are you trying to fool?"
"The lies people tell to save face..."
I walked up to him.
"Give it to me."
"Your parents did transfer me some money. But it wasn't twenty thousand."
I froze.
He showed me the transfer record. Less than ten thousand.
And my parents' note:
"We don't know what Teresa wants the money for. You hold onto it. If she's just going to blow it partying, don't give her a cent."
So that's what my parents really thought of me...
My eyes stung.
"But I can give you twenty thousand."
Grayson held out a bank card, pinched between two fingers.
I reached for it.
He pulled back, a teasing smirk tugging at his lips.
"What's this? Not satisfied being an academic fraud—now you want to be a gold digger too?"
Laughter erupted around me.
My hand hung in the air like a punchline.
"Relax, I'm just kidding."
He held out the card again.
Everyone watched me with amusement.
Someone whistled. "Hey! You're actually gonna take it?"
Michelle looked on, clearly enjoying herself.
I snatched the card with a sharp slap.
I locked eyes with Grayson.
"Then thank you, Mr. Henson."
I caught the flicker of surprise on his face as I turned and walked out without looking back.
When Kate heard what happened, she nearly lost her mind.
"Just wait—I'm going to his school to settle this!"
I grabbed her and forced her back into her chair.
Her eyes were red. "Doesn't this make you angry?!"
I flipped the bank card between my fingers, a small smile forming.
"Angry or not... what difference does it make?"
