Page 94 of Cold and Broken (The Titans of Founder's Ridge 1)

I turn back to Connor. “I saw the invitation in your room last night. I assume that my dad will be with you guys as well?”

“Yeah, he’ll probably attend the event with us. Most of the attendees will have security with them.” He slides his hand between my knees. “You mad?”

“No. It’s a solid reason to miss. You must be proud of Victor for being recognized. I know you are passionate about this.”

“I’m not proud of Victor.” He scowls. “This is just a circle jerk for a bunch of assholes who think throwing money at the issue is best thing they could do. I could write a list of actions each person there could make both individually and as corporations but they’d still just want to use their money.”

“Isn’t throwing money at something better than doing nothing?” I don’t understand how donating money isn’t at the very least helpful to the cause.

“No.” Griff shakes his head. “Half of these people use charities as a way to avoid paying taxes. Then they end up hoarding their money and not making meaningful changes.”

“Asshole one percenters,” I say that knowing full well that I’m sitting at a table with three of the next generation of ultra-wealthy assholes. Hell, I’m in a school full of them.

“Pretty much.” Ivy concedes. “You and me against the rest of these dickheads.” We both crack up.

“I doubt you and I,” I gesture back and forth between her and myself, “are in the same tax bracket.”

“Do you know how much Michael’s contract is worth, Lilith?” Connor asks with an arched eyebrow.

“No. His income has never been a subject we discuss.” I meet Connor’s eyes. “Why?”

“I won’t go into details but it’s a seven figure contract. You aren’t ‘poor’ anymore.” He puts air quotes around poor.

Holy. Shit.

I had no idea dad’s contract was for that much. I try to keep the surprise off my face.

I’m suddenly way less salty about Dad being gone half the week. That is so much more than anything he ever made before. It makes me wonder what he actually does for VI. It has to go beyond the scope of his usual job description. I make a note to ask Connor, assuming he knows more now that he’s begun to take his place in leadership.

“Enough talk about jobs and money.” Ivy cuts into my inner dialogue. “We need to discuss dresses.”

“Can’t I just wear the dress that I wore out in NYC?” That dress was more expensive than anything I usually buy and I like the idea of wearing it again. Plus I look damn good in it.

“No way,” Connor growls.

“No!” Ivy gasps. “You can’t recycle dresses, Lil.”

“Uh,” I look at Connor, “explain.”

“It’s too sexy. I don’t want Lev pawing your tits all night.” He glares at Levi who blows me a kiss in response.

“I’ll probably do that regardless of what she’s wearing,” Levi smirks when Connor rumbles a threat under his breath.

I ignore the boys as they banter back and forth. “Why can’t I wear the dress again?” I look over at Ivy. “It was just us and Z who went out.”

“I posted it on SnapChat, Instagram, and The Ridge. Everyone has seen the dress. You need a brand new one. We can go out Saturday morning and shop.”

“We’re going with you,” Connor says.

“To make sure no one gets attacked,” Griff adds when he sees Ivy and I getting ready to argue. It works, neither of us want another run in with Margaux.

28

Lilith

The weeks leading up to Homecoming go by uneventfully. My back has healed so I’m back in my regular classes. Margaux has come back to school but has seemingly decided to leave me alone now that she knows I’m not going anywhere. I still hear insults mumbled behind my back and get glares from some of the girls but that is all.

Dad, Victor, and Connor left for the city early this morning. Connor wanted me to video chat him after I’m ready so I’m sitting here in Ivy’s dressing room waiting for her to zip my dress. In a nod to Levi and his Golden God status I picked a gold silk dress with a lace and beaded overlay. It is suspended from my shoulders with thin straps that criss cross my back and the hem hits mid thigh. Ivy thrust a pair of gold heels at me and based on the signature red bottoms they flaunt I know they are ridiculously expensive. When I grumble about it she shoots a glare over her shoulder and reminds me that my date is almost a foot taller than me so I need the extra height. My hair is straightened and pulled into a high, sleek pony tail.

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