Chapter 23 Chapter 23 EX B5 vouchers Kayla was clearly a little surprised . She mused , ' Davon actually has so much money ? And he paid up so decisively ? Something doesn't feel right . But whatever , doesn't matter where the money came from , as long as I get it back . Then she glanced at the number on her screen and let out a cold laugh . " You sure this is the right amount ? " Davon's eyes flickered , a flash of guilt passing through them . He asked , " What do you mean ? That's all the money I have right now . Kayla , don't make a big deal out of this . " He had only sent her 15,000 dollars , and it was the money his mom wired him to buy Marianna a gift . He thought , ' I gave her everything I've got on me . What more does she want ? ' As he spoke , he shot Kayla a warning look , trying to signal her to quit while she was ahead . Kayla caught the look but acted as if she hadn't seen it . She simply raised her phone and turned to the crowd , holding it high so everyone could see . She said , " I'm not great at math , but I do know the difference between 15,000 and 1.5 million . You really think you can shortchange me , and I wouldn't notice ? That's pretty damn shady , Davon ." She thought bitterly , ' I knew it . There's no way he'd cough up 1.5 million without playing tricks . Back then , I trusted him blindly . He could've sent whatever amount he wanted , and I wouldn't have even checked . ' Thank goodness I've seen him through . If I'd missed this today , with all these people as witnesses , no one would believe me when I find the wrong figure . I'd be seen as a scammer and could never get the rest of the debt back .' The crowd took a closer look at the transfer record . The moment they realized the amount , they exchanged surprised looks , and they turned to Davon with meaningful gazes . Davon felt a bit embarrassed . He really had thought Kayla would let it slide , and now , being called out in front of everyone , he was irritated . He snapped , " You don't even need the money . Why are you being so petty about it ? " Kayla rolled her eyes . " I don't need it , but that doesn't mean I'm handing out charity . That's my money . Why shouldn't I take it back ? Since when is being financially responsible a crime ? What ? You can't afford it , so you're trying to weasel out ? " Kayla thought bitterly , ' Since he wants to play dirty , I don't mind showing the crowd who he really is beneath that polished , top - student image ! Davon's face flushed bright red . He glanced around at the students whispering to each other , their expressions full of judgment . He scoffed and tried to act unfazed , " Seriously ? You think I'd scam you over some pocket change ? I only have 15,000 in allowance right now . I'll pay back the rest later . What's your rush ? You think I'm gonna skip town over it ? " 012 Tue , 0m 14 Chap Kavla arched him tows th I'm not worried for fored after all ' Ste werd hm for them th play in the vener eror of Darley promise The earfon nang out od and clembe verone to hear Dave's exprim turned dark incuntly " You recorded the conversation ? Are you serious ? That's how Bla This is insane She's completely out of control now . If the thinks I'm gonna let this go , the dreaming , Dravon fumed buernally Kayla flashed him an innocent smile . " I know you're mad , but come on , don't take it to heart . I never wid though you'd really skip out . You're not the kind of guy , right ? " It's just a lot of money , so I figured , better safe than sorry . I'm sure you get that . Don't you all agree ? The crowd nodded and murmured in agreement without hesitation . Davon's grip on Marianna's hand tightened , and his knuckles turned white with bottled - up rage . He was clearly trying to keep it together , but his fury had nowhere to go . Since she couldn't get the rest of the money today , Kayla had no interest in wasting more time with either of them . She simply said . " Alright . Since you've promised , I'll give you three more days . Just don't forget to pay up . If I accidentally upload the recording to the school forum and everyone finds out you're a deadbeat , whatever happens to your reputation won't be my fault . " " You're threatening Dav ? Don't be so aggressive , " Marianna suddenly piped up from Davon's arms , her voice trembling with righteous indignation . Kayla raised her eyebrows and gave Marianna a look full of mockery . " I can be nice . How about you cover the rest of the debt ? I'll delete the recording now . " Marianna instantly choked on her words , her expression turning pitiful in a heartbeat . She complained. You know I can't afford it ..." Before she could wind up for a full pity monologue , Kayla cut her off with a sharp voice . " Then shut up . " Davon immediately stepped in , shielding Marianna with a glare . ' Maria's just standing up for me . Don't be cruel , okay ? I'll pay you back in three days with interest . Happy now ? " Kayla looked at Davon , mildly surprised , then raised her brows with amusement . " Alright then . Remember what you say She wasn't about to argue - if he was dumb enough to offer extra , she'd happily collect Kayla shot a glance at Marianna , who was practically melted into Davon's arms like she had no spine , and warned . And tell your mutt to stop yapping in my direction It's disgusting " A self - righteous drama queen living off someone else's wallet really disgusts me , Kayla thought . But they do 012 Tue Oct 14 Chapter PA make a great poh One Take sim , one two - faced scumbag . They are soulmates Without another word , Kayla turned on her heel and walked away . Her back was straight despite the pain rabbing through her shoulder . Dave and Marianna stood frozen , watching Kayla go , their eyes dark with resentment and spite Kayla didn't stop until she reached the rooftop , far from the noise and judging stares . The wind was sharp up there , tugging at her hair and clothes , scattering the last bits of frustration still clinging to her chest . Finally , she let her shoulders relax . Her muscles ached , her head was spinning , and her whole body felt like it was burning up . She was swaying on her feet . Unzipping her jacket , she glanced down at the torn skin over her shoulder . The wound had split open again . Blood seeped through the fabric and soaked her collar . Her lips had lost all color . " Goddamn it , she muttered under her breath . If it weren't for Davon jerking her around , her injury wouldn't have reopened , and she wouldn't have wasted all that time on him and Marianna . She checked the time , remembering that she had somewhere important to go . There was no time to hit the hospital . With no better option . Kayla grabbed some tissues and dabbed around the wound , trying to slow the bleeding . The pain was worse now - deeper and more persistent . Her body felt like it was burning from the inside out . Her limbs were trembling , and her forehead was damp with sweat . Even standing still was a challenge . Her vision began to blur , her head heavy and wrapped in fog . She gripped the railing for balance . Then a low , steady voice came from behind . " Can I help you ? " Kayla snapped out of the haze and turned her head . She saw Payton Lynch standing there and watching her . 田 AD Comment Send gift No Ads 9:13 Tue , Oct 14 Chapter 24 86 55 vouchers Inside the school clinic , a harsh voice rang out . " Her wound is badly infected . She's running a high fever . We need to clean out the pus and reduce the inflammation immediately . Why was she only brought here now ? Do you want her dead ? " The doctor barked out the diagnosis while prepping supplies with practiced hands . Her voice was full of irritation and disbelief . Payton stood nearby , silent , his eyes fixed on Kayla with a storm of emotions swirling beneath the surface . He didn't offer excuses . As the doctor began disinfecting the wound for Kayla , she looked up and said to Payton , " Hey , help me out . Pull down her collar and fully reveal her wound . " Payton hesitated , his lips pressed into a tight line . He didn't move . The doctor flared with frustration . " What are you waiting for ? You want her to get worse ? If the infection spreads and complications kick in , don't blame me . " Payton didn't hesitate any longer . He reached out , unfastened Kayla's collar button by button , and gently pulled the fabric aside , revealing the full extent of the wound and the pale skin around her neck and shoulder . When his eyes landed on the deep , bloody gash at her shoulder , he froze , completely stunned . He hadn't expected it to be that bad . ' The wound is so deep ? And she's just been walking around with this ? How tough she is , he thought in disbelief . AD