Chapter 31Chloe’s smile lingered, faint but deliberate, like the glint of a blade hidden beneath silk. She tilted her head slightly, her eyes never leaving Paxton’s.“What’s funny?” Paxton pressed, his voice edged with irritation. He wasn’t used to anyone laughing in his presence, especially not someone he considered beneath him.Chloe’s tone was calm, but her words cut like glass. “What’s funny is that you speak of your parents as though their success is yours. You wear their name like borrowed clothes, parading in riches you did not earn. You mistake their power for your own.”The students who lingered nearby stilled, their laughter faltering as her words rang sharp and true.Paxton’s smirk twitched, then tightened. “Careful,” he hissed, though he tried to keep his grin in place. “Do you know who you’re talking to?”“I do,” Chloe replied firmly. “I see a boy who hides behind his family’s name because he has nothing else to show. You mock others to feel taller, but in truth, you are

Mr. Donatoes’ jaw worked. “Yes. If you care about creature comforts, if you care about food on your plate, you will behave. If you prefer pride over the roof above your head, then say so now.”For a moment, neither of them moved. The house seemed to hold its breath. Paxton shoulders sagged as though a great weight had been placed upon them; he had always known satire and superiority at school, the quick quips that made other children laugh and sometimes made adults uneasy. He had never expected a joke to topple livelihoods.His mother moved without thinking—shutting her eyes, she stepped toward him and pulled him into a fierce embrace. “My child,” she whispered, and the sound cracked. “I am so sorry. I’ll fix this. I’ll fix it.”Mr. Donatoes watched them with a look that contained both triumph and something unpleasantly like despair. “Good,” he said. “You will leave now. Take the car. First go to Butler Leo House, he will ensure you present yourselves properly. And remember: crawl if

Chapter 34 The bell for morning break had barely rung when Paxton put his plan into motion.He and Tommy had spent the entire first period whispering and exchanging conspiratorial smiles. Tommy had done the dirty work earlier—slipped a small bundle into Alexander’s locker when the corridor had emptied, a bundle Paxton had paid him to plant: a few crumpled receipts, a threadbare note with a handwriting the boys knew how to fake, and a cheap envelope stamped with a charity drive logo. To anyone who didn’t look closely, it would read like proof that Alexander depended on handouts — proof that he was propped up by pity and by Aria’s interference.All it needed was an audience.Paxton found Alexander in the yard, surrounded by his usual cluster of quiet friends. Alexander looked up, mild surprise in his face—there was nothing arrogant in him that morning, only a kind of calm that irritated Paxton more than anything.“Alexander,” Paxton called out loud enough for half the yard to hear. He

Chapter 36 The lesson dragged on, but nobody heard a single word the teacher said. The tension between Paxton, Alexander, and Selena hung heavier than the chalk dust in the air. Students sneaked glances, exchanging silent messages: Did you hear what Paxton said? Did you see how Selena defended him?By the time the bell rang, whispers had already spread beyond the classroom walls.Selena gathered her books quickly, wanting to catch Alexander before Paxton could corner him again. But as she reached the doorway, Paxton blocked her path, his smile polite but his eyes dangerous.“Brave speech earlier,” he said softly, just for her. “But bravery without proof is useless.”Selena didn’t flinch. “You can spin all the lies you want, Paxton. The truth doesn’t change.”He leaned closer, his voice a venomous whisper. “Then maybe I’ll just create the truth.”Selena froze. Before she could respond, Paxton stepped back, the perfect picture of charm as he let her pass. But the weight of his words fo

Chapter 38: The school grounds emptied as the evening bell tolled. Cars lined the curb, parents and drivers waiting to collect students. Selena stood by her own car, but she hadn’t moved to get in.Her driver held the door open expectantly. “Miss Selena?”“Wait,” she murmured, her gaze fixed on the entrance. “Wait for Alexander too. I’m going with him.”The driver blinked, uncertain, but nodded and closed the door. Selena crossed her arms, trying to look calm, but inside her stomach was tight. The whole day had been a whirlwind—rumors, stares, whispers. She wanted to be near Alexander, to make sure he knew she was on his side.Minutes passed.At last, she spotted him. Alexander came down the steps, his bag slung over one shoulder. Relief surged in her chest—until she saw who walked beside him.Aria.Her laugh rang soft and clear as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. Alexander’s face, usually so guarded, seemed lighter around her, his mouth quirking into something close to a