Chapter 44

Their bet became the most debated topic at the distillery over the next few days. Even the county's decision to increase penalties against the distillery barely drew any attention anymore. Everyone was much more focused on the outcome of the bet and which side would ultimately prevail. Oliver and Ava were beyond frustrated. They couldn't understand what was going on with Josh and were convinced that his accident had clouded his judgment. Otherwise, there was no way he would have caused such an absurd scene. Becoming the top student in the nation was so far out of reach that they hadn't even dared to dream about it. In truth, it wasn't just about being the top student. Their original dream had been for Josh to simply graduate high school and return home to work the land. They had hoped for him to become a humble, hardworking farmer. But Josh didn't see it that way. In his mind, becoming the top student in the nation was already a certainty, a done deal. No matter how many people do