It started like every one of my brother Adam’s “brilliant” ideas—loud, confident, and completely detached from reality. He was sprawled across my couch that evening, flipping channels, smug grin in place.
“You’ve got to meet this guy,” he said like he’d just solved my entire life.
I didn’t look up. “That’s what you said last time… and the time before.”
“This one’s different,” he insisted. “Stewart. Works with me. Good job, nice car. Solid guy. You’ll like him.”
I sighed. Adam’s track record was… questionable. But something in his tone made me pause. Maybe he really believed it.
“Fine,” I said. “But if this goes sideways, I’m done listening to you.”
He grinned like he’d already won.
The Setup
Getting ready felt like prepping for war. My apartment became a chaos of clothes, makeup, and abandoned outfit ideas. I told myself I didn’t care—but I did. By the time I stepped out, I looked polished, maybe impressive.
Stewart pulled up in a sleek, spotless car that whispered—not screamed—wealth. He smiled easily. Calm. Relaxed.
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