Stella nodded approvingly . " That's just like you - not interested in anyone without real ability . And if Mr. Dawson actually agreed to take him on as a student , you know he must be talented . " She glanced at Alessia . " So , how's it going between you two ? If things aren't working out , don't force yourself . It's not like you have nowhere else to go . " Alessia shook her head , losing track of how many times she'd already explained this . Still , her tone was patient , never once betraying any irritation at her friend's concern . The conversation paused for a moment . Then , as if struck by a sudden thought , Stella crossed her long legs and leaned in , eyes keenly focused on Alessia . " I just got an invitation from the Tates . It's for some big family reunion dinner - seems like they're planning to officially welcome their long - lost daughter . Any idea what you're going to do ? Or should I go stir up some trouble for you ? " Alessia let out a soft laugh . " You ? Stirring up trouble ? " Stella rubbed her nose , slightly embarrassed . " That last time at the Thornes ' party was honestly an accident . All I did was air out some of Hugo's dirty laundry from school - how could I have guessed he'd lose his cool like that? " She rolled her eyes . " A grown man , can't out - argue me , can't out - fight me - pathetic . " Truth be told , the whole fiasco had started because of Alessia . Hugo Thorne was notorious at their school for being a playboy and a lazy troublemaker , constantly pestering Alessia . The problem was , the Tates and the Thornes did business together , so Alessia couldn't just cut ties openly . That's why Stella always stepped in - and by now , everyone at school knew Stella and Hugo couldn't stand each other . After weeks of tension , the Thornes threw a birthday party for their patriarch . The Tates , hoping to push Alessia and Hugo together , made sure both of them were there . That's when Stella revealed footage of Hugo bullying students from less wealthy families - right there at the party . No one expected Hugo to explode the way he did , hurling insults and even trying to hit Stella in front of all the guests . But Stella wasn't exactly helpless . Even in her evening gown , she flipped him flat on his back . The room fell silent ; Patriarch Thorne's face went nearly purple . 7/2 15-38 The birthday party was a disaster , and Hugo was promptly shipped off overseas by his family , left to fend for himself . On his very first night abroad , he ran into local troublemakers and nearly lost his life . Though they managed to save him , he was left paralyzed from the waist down . When Stella heard the full story , she laughed till she cried . Needless to say , the Tates and Thornes quietly dropped any plans for an engagement between Alessia and Hugo . " He really got what was coming to him , " Stella said , grinning . " Though I can't help but think it was all a little too convenient - if I had to guess , I'd say it reeks of something that crazy eldest Tate son would pull . " At that , Alessia glanced up at her friend . Stella realized she'd said too much and quickly mimed zipping her lips shut . " Speaking of Max ," she continued , " are the Tate siblings coming back for this dinner ? " Alessia answered honestly . " No idea . " " Wait , so since you left the Tates , they haven't tried to contact you at all ? " Alessia shook her head , her expression calm . Stella clicked her tongue in disapproval . " Figures . Cold - blooded , every last one of them . " Alessia just smiled faintly , offering no comment . " And what about that Ilea - wait , what's her name again ? " " Ileana , " Alessia supplied . " Right ! " Stella snapped her fingers . " Heard about that mess too . Doesn't sound like a peach . Rumor is she's transferring into our class . You've met her - should we be worried ? " " Don't stress . She's not worth the trouble . " Stella had no reason to doubt Alessia's confidence . Sensing her friend wasn't interested in discussing it further , she checked the time , then whisked Alessia out for dinner . By the time they returned , the bar was already open for business . 2/2 15.20