Chapter 12Paxton’s laughter rang out, sharp and cutting, but his eyes glinted with something more venomous. He leaned forward, his tone mocking as he spoke.“How’s that even possible? Did he blackmail you? Threaten you with something? Blink twice if you need help, because honestly, I can’t believe this. It’s not possible for you to actually be his friend. Everyone knows what to do with misfortune you stay far away from it. So why, tell me, would someone like you willingly invite that into your life?”The words cut through the air like a blade, and a silence followed, heavy and suffocating. Alexander’s shoulders stiffened, but he didn’t look up. He had heard this all before. Too many times.Aria, however, was not about to stay quiet. Her eyes flashed with fire as she stepped forward, her voice sharp enough to pierce through Paxton’s arrogance.“Who do you call misfortune?” she snapped, her tone commanding. “Know your place, Mr… what’s that name again? Oh yes Paxton.” She spat his name

Chapter 14Claire’s nails dug into her palms as laughter and whispers rippled through the crowd. Her pride stung like fire under her skin, and she refused to let Aria’s words be the final blow. She straightened her shoulders, forcing her voice steady even though the crack of rage was clear in her tone.“Oh, please,” Claire scoffed, tossing her hair back with a sharp flick. “Do you think you can walk in here with your pretty words and cheap confidence and humiliate me? New money is always the same loud, flashy, desperate to prove something. It doesn’t matter how big your house is or how fat your bank account looks today. Money without heritage is like perfume on trash sweet for a moment, but it never lasts.”A few gasps and nervous chuckles followed. Claire’s eyes glittered with venom as she leaned closer, her voice aimed like a dagger at Aria. “And as for you, Selena…” She shifted her gaze sharply. “I hope you realize how pathetic you look. Choosing a nobody boy and some new-money st

Chapter 16“It’s nothing,” Alexander replied quickly, though his heart gave a small thud. He couldn’t shake the uneasiness creeping into his chest. For a moment, he feared it might be an enemy lurking in the shadows, waiting for the right moment to strike.A figure suddenly stepped out from the corner, and Alexander almost jumped off the floor.“Oh, James!” Selena exclaimed, her tone carrying both surprise and relief.Alexander narrowed his eyes, his brow arching slightly. “So… it wasn’t what I was thinking,” he muttered under his breath, feeling a little foolish for assuming the worst.James gave a polite smile and a small bow of his head. “Miss Selena, I hope you’re enjoying your stay?”Selena returned the smile warmly. “As you can see, we are. Thank you for keeping this place so neat and welcoming. It really feels like home.”James straightened his back, pride flickering in his expression.“He’s the one in charge of maintaining the villa,” Selena explained, turning slightly to Alex

Chapter 18“You’re nothing without your minions, Paxton,” Alexander said coldly, his voice steady though his chest burned with anger. “Without them, you’re just another loudmouth who hides behind power he doesn’t really have.”Paxton’s eyes narrowed, his lips twisting into a cruel smirk. “Big words from someone standing all alone.” He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice to a venomous hiss. “I know exactly where to get you. Don’t forget, I hold the strings. Your useless mother—” he spat the word like poison, “—works at the mercy of people like us. One word from me, and she’ll be sacked before she even knows what hit her. As for Selena and Aria? They won’t be able to save you when the time comes. You think that just because you’ve managed to catch the attention of two rich girls, you’re suddenly on my level?” Paxton sneered, his eyes glittering with malice. “Dream on. You and I are not mates, Alexander, and I won’t rest until I grind you beneath my heel. Consider yourself signed up f

Chapter 20The silence that followed Selena’s warning didn’t last long.From further down the table, Tommy suddenly pushed his chair back with a loud scrape. His smirk was cruel, his voice booming so everyone could hear.“Respect?” he scoffed. “Don’t make me laugh. What does Alexander know about respect when he’s nothing but a thief?”A ripple of gasps went through the students. All eyes turned toward Alexander, the energy in the room shifting into something sharper, uglier.Alexander’s head snapped toward Tommy, shock flashing across his face. “What did you just say?”Tommy folded his arms, leaning lazily against the table as though he owned the room. “You heard me. Isn’t that what you do? Going around stealing from people money, food, whatever you can get your hands on. Like a rat scavenging in a house where he doesn’t belong.”The words hit hard, slicing deeper than Paxton’s earlier taunt. Murmurs rose across the table, whispers flying from mouth to mouth like fire spreading throug