Chapter 60 The sun dipped low over the city, casting an amber glow on the streets as students streamed out of the school gates. Aria walked briskly, her jaw tight, fury burning inside her chest. Every step she took back toward the modest Morello home deepened her resolve.She couldn’t let this go. She couldn’t stay silent while Alexander was humiliated in front of the entire class. She replayed the image in her mind: Selena, standing there, calling him pathetic, pretending to despise him, and the others laughing as if Alexander was nothing.By the time she reached the Morello house, her hands were shaking. She knocked urgently.The door opened, and Mrs. Morello, radiant despite her simple dress, smiled warmly. “Aria, dear, what brings you here so late?”Aria’s eyes immediately watered with anger. “Mrs. Morello… I can’t stay quiet anymore. I need to tell you what happened today.”The smile faded from Mrs. Morello’s face. Her expression sharpened, and she led Aria inside. “Come in, chi

Chapter 62The morning sun hadn’t fully risen when the gates of the academy were already alive with an unusual energy. Mondays were usually slow, filled with groggy students dragging themselves into class. But today, the air buzzed with whispers.Clusters of students huddled together in corners, their voices low but urgent, their eyes darting around as though they were sharing forbidden secrets. The story spread quickly, weaving its way through the courtyard, up the staircases, and into the classrooms like a poison no one could contain.“Did you hear? Alexander’s mother… with the dean!”“No way. That’s disgusting.”“It explains why Ms. Martin was dismissed so suddenly.”“So Alexander’s reputation isn’t his own at all—his mother earned it for him.”Every gasp, every shocked whisper added fuel to the fire. And at the center of it all stood Paxton.Leaning casually against the railing of the staircase, he played the role of informant with perfect ease, his smug smile hidden beneath a mas

Chapter 64 The night air carried a strange tension as Alexander adjusted the collar of his plain shirt in front of the mirror. He didn’t own expensive jackets, gold watches, or designer shoes like most of his classmates flaunted. His wardrobe was simple, practical—clothes that matched his life.Aria, however, was already waiting by the door. She looked stunning in a pale blue dress that shimmered softly beneath the hallway light. Her hair was neatly styled, and a light perfume lingered as she turned to him with a frown.“Are you sure you want to do this?” she asked, crossing her arms. “I still think Tommy’s up to something.”Alexander gave a tired smile. “I don’t trust him either, Aria. But if someone wants to extend a hand, I should at least try to take it. There’s no harm in giving him a chance… right?”Aria arched a brow, unconvinced. “That’s exactly the kind of harm I’m worried about. He’s been Paxton’s shadow for months. Why would he suddenly switch sides?”“Because maybe he’s t

Chapter 66The morning air was crisp, tinged with the soft fragrance of blooming jasmine that floated through the wide courtyard of the academy. The school, which was always buzzing with chatter, seemed unusually quiet on this day. Perhaps it was because everyone—teachers, students, and parents alike—was preparing for the long-awaited parents’ meeting that would pave the way for the upcoming gala.It was a day meant for the display of wealth, influence, and connections. Parents often treated the gathering less like a school event and more like a runway, a place to parade designer gowns, rare jewelry, and expensive cars. It was here that invisible hierarchies were confirmed and cemented, and those who did not belong to the higher circles were reminded of their place.For years, Mrs. Morrelo had avoided this meeting. She had no desire to watch her son be treated like a stain among pearls, and she had little patience for the arrogance of wealthy families who considered kindness a weaknes

Chapter 69The silence that followed Mrs. Morrelo’s warning was thick enough to suffocate. Every parent in the room felt the weight of her words, the promise of something dangerous behind them. Mrs. Vega, however, refused to back down. She leaned back in her chair with feigned confidence, drumming her manicured nails against the armrest.“Empty threats,” she said coldly, her lips curling. “That’s all you have, Mrs. Morrelo. Words. No one here believes you.”“I wouldn’t be so sure,” another voice cut in slyly—Mrs. Donato, who had been sitting quietly but watching like a hawk. She leaned toward Mrs. Vega, her painted lips close to her ear, though loud enough for the room to hear. “I told you from the beginning—she doesn’t look like an ordinary person. The way she dresses, the way she carries herself—it doesn’t quite match the image of a beggar’s mother, does it?”Her words struck like a knife, and immediately whispers rose among the other parents. Some leaned forward, intrigued.“Exactl