When I got to school, I discovered he’d even donated a building just so my teachers would look out for me.
But I, in turn, went straight to the papers and publicly announced that I was cutting ties with him.
Mirabelle's POV
My classmates were stunned.
“Man, the world of rich people is just too complicated,” one of them said, shaking his head. “I don’t get it at all.”
Another leaned closer, curious. “Mirabelle, why would you want to cut ties with your dad? Your mom practically changed your whole fate when she married that rich stepfather. And now you’re throwing it away? I don’t get it. If I had a stepdad that rich, I wouldn’t even bother going to college. I’d be living the high life already.”
I didn’t answer them. I just gave a faint, bitter smile.
My best friend, Pansy Bowen, looked more worried than judgmental. She pulled me aside and lowered her voice. “Mirabelle, I’ve heard that some rich guys have unusual hobbies. Your stepdad’s never had any other kids, only you. Did he ever do anything bad to you? You can tell me. My dad’s a cop. If you’ve been hurt, I can get him involved.”
I blinked, taken aback. “What? No. You’ve got it all wrong. He’s always treated me well.”