Chapter 30 "The Archer's Pride"

• The confrontation came the next evening, during what should have been a routine family dinner in the Archer mansion's formal dining room. The conversation started civilly enough—updates on Ben's packing progress, logistics for his departure to Moonrise Academy, final instructions about maintaining family dignity while at the elite institution.
• Then Ben made the mistake of asking a question that revealed just how much his parents' conversation at the country club had affected him.
• "When I fail at Moonrise Academy," he said, cutting into his perfectly prepared steak with more force than necessary, "will that finally prove to you that I'm as mediocre as you think I am?"