Chad Stern was the last person Max expected to see today, especially after school, on what was supposed to be a normal day.
He had been doing his best to keep his current life separated from the twisted affairs of the Stern family. Even if their paths were forever tangled, Max had tried to draw a line. A clear line. One that was mostly made difficult because of Chad Stern in the first place.
Up until now, Max had only ever encountered Chad at family-related social events, his grandfather's extravagant birthday parties or the over-the-top charity galas hosted by the Curts family. Those brief encounters had always been staged, dressed in forced smiles and luxury suits.
This, however, was different.
This was the first time Max was meeting Chad outside of a curated public setting. And more importantly, it was the first time since he had learned the truth from Dipter, that Chad Stern had lost everything. Every cent. Gone.
