“I’m sorry for the loss of your father,” the VC said, suddenly sounding like the best man alive after months of being a complete asshole—and not even having the courage to tell Jace what had really happened during those six months.“Well,” Jace replied flatly, “I don’t think you should be. He lived a life filled with dignity.”“Oh, please.” The VC waved his hand dismissively. Then, as if he knew what he was about to say would irritate Jace, he smiled. “He could have been a better father. But yes, as you said, he lived with dignity.”Jace’s jaw tightened. “The memo that was released—”“Oh, Jace, about that.” The VC leaned back. “I’m afraid you’ll have to return to the hostel. If at any point you feel it’s dangerous, you can inform me. We’ll increase security in the hallways. Make you feel safe.”“You don’t think Maya should’ve been expelled after everything she did?”“We’re not doing this now, Jace.” The smile thinned. “And I’m sure you didn’t come here to discuss how unjust you think

Jace hissed under his breath and stepped out of the car.Then another car pulled in.And another.Boxes. Designer bags. Garment racks. Shoe cases.Everything he’d bought in the last five days.It was more than everything he’d brought with him six months ago.Men in suits stepped out in perfect synchronization, moving with mechanical precision as they unloaded the cars and carried the boxes toward his hostel room.Heads started turning.Whispers spread like wildfire.News had already reached campus:Jace Prescott was back.And he was living in the hostel.Half the students had sworn he’d never return. Why would he? He had more money than most of them could dream of. And in their minds, he didn’t exactly scream “academic genius.”Why chase a certificate when you already had millions?Some of them had argued Jace was still a dumb kid.Money didn’t change stupidity, they said. He’d come back rich—but still clueless. Still soft. Still easy.A few had even made bets on how long it would tak

Jace dragged his feet to the door. He eased it open. About ten people were clustered outside, cameras pointed straight at him. They didn’t look surprised. Their smug little grins said they’d been eavesdropping for a reason—and tonight, that was about to backfire hard.“Hey, Jace Prescott. We just have a few questions for you,” one of them said, voice way too bold. Facts were facts: Jace’s mind clicked into overdrive. This was exactly what he needed—the perfect setup to expose just how little these fools actually knew.He brought over the microphone.Hands shoved deep in his pockets, he surveyed them coolly.“So… tell us,” the guy began, trying to sound smooth, “what’s your relationship status with Maya? We’re all concerned after… you know, last time. You two would make a good couple, and the fact that she already apologized to you is…” He trailed off awkwardly, clearly expecting Jace to help him finish his own sentence.“The fact that she apologized to me is… what?” Jace asked evenly.

“Hi, Jace Prescott,” she said softly, clutching her bag, offering a nervous little wave.Paxton looked between them.Jace blinked. “How did you even get here?”“I saw some videos of you online,” she said. “You didn’t tell me anything. I never knew… I mean— you should have…” She stopped herself, cheeks warming. “I just came to say hello.”There was something fragile about the way she stood there. Like she expected to be dismissed.“I’m afraid I’ll get arrested for having high schoolers here,” Jace said dryly, mock seriousness coating his tone.Her eyes widened.Paxton choked on a laugh.Jace tilted his head slightly. “Relax. I’m joking.”She let out a breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding.Paxton caught on quickly.Yeah. His presence was no longer required.“You two have fun. I’m starving,” he said, slinging his bag over his shoulder before walking off.Bella shifted nervously. “Were you about to eat?”“Yeah… yeah,” Jace smiled. “I’m extremely concerned about how hot food will b

The car door opened, and Amanda stepped out.She winked at Bella — which immediately meant trouble — then extended her hand toward Jace.Bella wanted the ground to open up and adopt her.Jace, on the other hand, looked like he was having the time of his life.He shook Amanda’s hand politely.“It’s very nice to meet you, ma’am.”Bella blinked.That had to be the longest sentence she’d ever heard him say without a single swear word.“You should come over for dinner one of these days,” Amanda said warmly.“Of course. I’d love to. Anything for my little sister.”Amanda’s gaze slowly shifted to Bella.Then back to Jace.Oh no.Before Amanda could start interrogating him like this was a courtroom drama, Bella quickly stepped in.“It was nice seeing you. We’ll catch up later.”She turned to Jace.He held out his phone.“Can I have your number?”For a second, Bella thought she imagined it.But no.He was standing there. Waiting.She took the phone, typed her number in, trying to act normal wh