Chapter 35

Just as I started to speak, someone called out to Sam on the other end of the line. "Ari, let's talk later, okay? I've got to handle something right now," Sam said hurriedly before the call abruptly cut off with a beep. The words "Can you come pick me up?" were stuck in my throat. I hugged my arms tightly around myself, staring into the darkness. For the first time, I felt the full weight of being utterly alone. I sank onto the steps, unsure of where to go. Should I go to my friend, Teagan Wilk's place? No, she wasn't even in Jorvane. She texted earlier to say she was visiting her mother in the countryside and wouldn't be back for a few days. The cold wind cut through me, but my heart felt even colder. Sam was busy, probably trying to scrape together the seven million dollars to cover Dad's gambling debt. And after everything I went through today, I still came up with nothing. The thought of losing that prize money made my chest tighten, and I wanted to cry. Hugging my knees, I