The story revolves around a high school girl, Grace, who stands up to a group of wealthy and influential students, known as the R3, who bully and intimidate others. The leader of the R3, Benny, is impressed by Grace's courage and offers her a deal: pretend to be his girlfriend in exchange for $155,000 to help pay for her brother's medical treatment. Grace agrees, but things become complicated when Benny's friends try to hurt her, and she must navigate her feelings for Benny while staying true to herself.
Meanwhile, Benny is struggling with his own identity and the pressure to live up to his father's expectations. He begins to question his actions and the values he has been taught, and eventually, he stands up to his friends and defends Grace.
The story takes a turn when Benny's father, who is impressed by his son's newfound leadership, offers to pay for Grayson's medical treatment and provides a new wheelchair. The story concludes with Grace and Benny rekindling their relationship, and Grace landing a new job at a manufacturing company that will help her support her family.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The main character, Grace, wears second-hand shoes to school.
2. The shoes were previously owned by someone who threw them away four years ago.
3. The R3 are the three richest boys in school, including Benny, Ron, and Kyle.
4. Benny's dad is the richest man in the school district.
5. The auditorium is named after Kyle's dad.
6. Grace is on a scholarship at the school.
7. Benny's dad did not like how weak Benny looked in a video of a fight.
8. Benny's dad wants Benny to take over the family company when he graduates.
9. Benny started the "red card" system to gain respect from his peers.
10. Benny asks Grace to be his fake girlfriend to improve his image.
11. Benny offers to pay Grace $10,000 to be his girlfriend.
12. Benny later offers to pay Grace $155,000 to be his girlfriend.
13. Grace's brother, Grayson, has health issues and is in the hospital.
14. Benny's dad is impressed with Benny for standing up for what is right.
15. A grant from the Long Foundation pays for Grayson's hospital bill.
16. Grace gets a new job at Long Manufacturing with a higher salary.
17. Benny's dad is proud of Benny for showing leadership and standing up for what is right.