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It’s still not sending. Worry gnaws at my insides until I glance at the top of the screen and notice the tiny airplane icon. I forgot to turn off flight mode. Rookie mistake. I deactivate it, and my phone immediately buzzes with a flurry of notifications.

Three missed calls from Jason. One from Ju.

Two from Levi. Four from Landon.

And one from Uncle Marc.

Messages over messages.

Did something happen?

I hit the callback button next to Uncle Marc’s name.

The line rings once. Twice.

On the third ring, he answers in a clipped tone. “Lilian, I’ve been trying to reach you. Why didn’t you answer?”

“I’m sorry I was on the plane and forgot to turn off the flight mode. Is everything okay?” The words tumble out of my mouth as my anxiety builds.

“Nothing is okay. Were you with the Barron’s this weekend?”

“Uh, yes. Why?” Is it because of the party? That I didn’t inform them? How did he know about that? I clench the phone so tight my knuckles blanch. “I can explain.”

“Explain what?” His voice hardens. “That you betrayed your family to cavort with the enemy?”

Enemy? What the hell is he talking about? “What?”

“The Barrons, Lil. Our families have been at odds for years. It started with your father and John Barron.”

“What—No. Sloan said they were best friends. She asked about you and…”

“John Barron has it out for us and Sloan… That woman is a liar. They’re no good. Why were you there?”

“G-Gemma. She’s a good friend of mine.”

“Not anymore.”

“What?! No.”

“You will end this friendship.”

“But—”

Gemma and Mary are my best friends.

“Lilian?” His tone brokers no argument.

“Why?” I hold back a sob.

“John Barron’s shady business practices have sabotaged our companies for years. He’s ruthless and corrupt. He’s the reason your… There are things you don’t know. Things about your parents. About the Barrons’ role in… everything. They will only use you.”

“Gem would never do that.” Sebastian wouldn’t.

“She’s not your friend, and whatever she and that Barron boy told you are lies.”

“I—”

“How did you meet?”

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