On $\frac{12}{31}\frac{?}{21},$ Hite Industries reported retained earnings of $$502,500$ on its balance sheet, and it reported that it had $$140,000$ of net income during the year. On its previous balance sheet, at $\frac{12}{31}\frac{?}{20},$ the company had reported $$445,000$ of retained earnings. No shares were repurchased during $2021.$ How much in dividends did the firm pay during $2021?$

a$.$ $$140,000$

b$.$ $$197,500$

c$.$ $$57,500$

d$.$ $$0$

e$.$ $$82,500$