Chapter 32
Chapter 32
Larry said that with complete confidence.
The Hill family was ridiculously wealthy—not just locally, but nationally. They’d been around since the days of the nation’s founding, with deep roots and strong connections.
Even if Larry spent his whole life burning through money, he’d probably never run out of it.
But being born into a family like that had its downside: unavoidable business marriages.
Larry’s parents were victims of one such marriage, completely devoid of affection. After he was born, they went their separate ways, each having an affair and illegitimate children.
He hung out with Stanley because they both felt like life had abandoned them. But lately, Larry had noticed something. Stanley had started to change.
And that change really bothered him.
“Larry, I’m serious,” Stanley said, ignoring the teasing. He still wanted to help his friend. I’ve learned a lot from Quinlyn lately. No one’s life should be wasted. We can’t give up on ourselves. Think about it.”
Just then, the curtain in the room was pulled back, and the designer came out, leading Quinlyn.
Stanley gave Larry’s shoulder a reassuring pat, stood up, and walked over.
Quinlyn wore a greenish, puffed dress, with two transparent ribbons hanging from her waist and a cute little purse. The dark, simple pattern on her dress really brought out her youthful energy and natural charm.
“Hmm? You look healthier now… and taller, too, Stanley said, circling around her and noticing how her skin had gotten smoother and lighter.
Quinlyn glanced at herself in the full–length mirror, Her skin, once dark, had turned a golden tan, and her face had filled. out, no longer looking so thin.
As for her height, there hadn’t been much of a change.
“I haven’t gotten taller. I’m just wearing shoes, Quinlyn said, shaking her head with a hint of honesty in her voice.
Seeing the subtle frustration in her eyes, Stanley couldn’t help but laugh, ruffling her hair. “Don’t worry. You’ll grow taller eventually. It takes time. Trust me. Growing up too fast can cause all sorts of adult problems. You’ll regret it.”
One of his wealthy friends, who had gathered around, teased, “Wow, I didn’t expect Stanley to suddenly turn all philosophical. And now he’s teaching his little sister, too? Like bringing her out to hang with us and all?”
Stanley rolled his eyes at him. “Go away. Stop filling my sister’s head with nonsense.”
He glanced over at the designer and said, “Let’s go with this one.”
“Okay, do you have a membership?” a salesgirl asked.
Just then, a long, clean hand slid a credit card onto the counter in front of her.
“Tll buy this set for Stanley’s cute little sister,” Larry said.
He didn’t care about the price, nor did he ask about it. As he spoke, he looked down and flashed Quinlyn a grin. “I’m wondering if I get you a gift, can I get a friend in return?”
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Chapter 32
His tone made it sound like a business deal
“Larry” Stanley’s face tighteneil, clearly annoyed now.
“What’s wrong? I just want one more friend to spoil, just like how you spoil her, Stanley. Is that a problem?” Larry asked.
He stepped forward slowly, standing his ground. He didn’t stop smiling at Quinlyn. “Sweet little girl, all you have to do is be my friend, and I’ll buy you whatever you want. I’m pretty loaded, a lot more than you guys.
The tension in the air was thick. Everyone around could sense that something was off, but nobody dared intervene.
If Stanley had always been a little rebellious, Larry was on a whole other level. When he lost his temper, no one could stop
him
Stanley’s expression turned cold, his fists clenching at his sides.
They were both privileged rich kids, born with silver spoons in their mouths. Even though they shared a history, Stanley couldn’t let such a thing slide.
Just as Stanley took a step forward, ready to throw a punch, a small hand grabbed his arm.
Quinlyn stood beside him, looking up at Larry. Her voice was clear and sincere as she said crisply, “Larry, we’re friends now.”
Larry’s gaze locked with hers, and when he saw her eyes–shiny, calm, and steady–he froze for a moment.
Her eyes told him she meant it. She wasn’t being pressured, and there were no hidden motives. She just wanted to be his
friend.
For a second, the playful feeling Larry had been enjoying slipped away, and a sense of discomfort settled in. His smile faded. and frustration began to replace it.
“Ugh, this is so boring. I shouldn’t have come to buy kids‘ clothes so early. Larry sighed, stretching lazily, and then he turned to head for the door. The weather’s perfect. Let’s hit the racetrack instead,” he said, waving at the group.
Seeing the situation didn’t escalate, the others quickly agreed and followed him out. “Sure, sounds good! Stanley, you should come, too, one of them urged.
“I’m not going.” Stanley’s refusal was instant, his face cold. His mood had shifted from bad to worse.
He crouched down and looked Quinlyn in the eyes, his voice tinged with frustration as he demanded. “Why are you so quick to agree to him, but you never listen to me like that?”
This time, it seemed nothing could calm him down.
Just as Larry was about to step out of the store, he heard voices from behind him. He stopped dead in his tracks and then turned around with a curious look on his face to see what was going on.
Quinlyn, who was the target of Stanley’s complaints, couldn’t quite figure out what had gotten into her older brother. Seeing how puffed up Stanley was, she decided to handle things the way he normally would. She raised her hand and patted him on
the head.
“Because you act more like a kid than I do,” she said, deadpan.
Stanley blinked, completely speechless, but he didn’t have a response.
Just then, a loud burst of laughter came from the doorway. Everyone was laughing, holding their stomachs–Larry included.
After Quinlyn spoke, she glanced at the doorway again, her eyes landing on Larry. She met his gaze with clear, bright eyes and added, “Larry’s your friend, so he’s my friend, too. What’s wrong with that?”
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She figured she should also listen to Larry since he was her friend.
For a split second, both Stanley and Larry were caught off guard by her words.
The rich kids in their circle mostly just hung out, drinking and partying, not caring much about real friendship.
But Stanley actually saw Larry as a true friend.
Hearing that from Quinlyn, though, threw him off. Suddenly, he felt a little embarrassed.
“Fine, do whatever you want,” Stanley said with a sigh. He stood up, messing up Quinlyn’s hair with a playful shove. Then he turned toward Larry, giving him a look that said everything.
Larry quickly looked away, but then a small chuckle escaped him. He was starting to see why Stanley was so protective of his
sister.
“Hey, Stanley!” Larry called out, this time with a more sincere tone. “You wanna go racing later?”
“Sure, let’s go! I’m gonna crush you on the track later!” Stanley shouted to rectify the awkward situation, his competitive spirit coming back in full force.
The tension eased, and soon after, Quinlyn changed into her clothes. Then they all hit the road, speeding down the winding paths on the outskirts of the city.
There was a natural racetrack out there. A few years ago, Larry had come by, liked what he saw, and bought the place on a whim. Now it was his personal playground, and he spent most of his free time there.
It was Quinlyn’s first time seeing so many cars lined up and parked neatly along the side of the road. The hills on both sides. were turned into makeshift stands for spectators. From up there, she could see the cars speeding by at insane speeds.
The race was crazy–faster than the cars used by criminals to flee across the border.
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