Author's POV
The next morning, Jennifer slipped into Aria's office before anyone else arrived.
Yesterday, her brother James had called in a panic.
The prestigious academy had suddenly refused his enrollment over vague "background concerns"—despite the deposit she'd already paid.
James had worked so hard to earn that spot; losing it would hurt his future badly.
Then, right on cue, a text from Nathan arrived, asking with unsettling familiarity if she was "having difficulties" and offering his help.
Jennifer knew immediately—this had Nathan's fingerprints all over it. She decided to go straight to Aria and confess everything before it spiraled further.
But Nathan had anticipated her. He cornered her in the elevator lobby, blocking her escape.
"Jennifer, you really th
