The conference room on the top floor of the Aethelgard Business Building overlooked the central quad. Inside, Dean Harold Sterling sat at the head of the long conference table, surrounded by three senior department heads. On the other side of the table sat Luis Campbell, leaning back in his executive chair with total composure while Sebastian stood behind him, placing crisp leather-bound folders in front of each administrator."Mr. Campbell, on behalf of the faculty, let me formally welcome you to Aethelgard," Dean Sterling began, adjusting his spectacles as he opened the folder. "We were thrilled when we received word of your transfer from Europe. Your family’s name carries immense weight in global logistics.""Let's skip the pleasantries, Dean Sterling," Luis said, resting his elbows on the armrests and lacing his fingers together. "I didn't request this meeting to hear compliments about my family name. I requested it because your international trade curriculum is five years behind

The sunlit stone corridor outside the lecture hall was quiet, save for the distant chatter of students heading toward the library. Cynthia stood, her arms crossed tightly over her chest, every line of her posture defensive and unyielding."Two minutes, Luis," Cynthia said, her tone sharp. "And then I am walking away."Luis didn't push his luck by stepping closer. He remained standing two feet away, hands tucked loosely into his pockets, his head tilted slightly as he looked at her. The arrogant, untouchable smirk he had worn in front of Professor Light and the rest of the class vanished completely, replaced by a soft, quiet intensity."CeCe," Luis said softly.Cynthia’s eyes widened slightly before her brow furrowed in anger. The old, long-buried childhood nickname hit her like a physical shock. "Don't call me that," she hissed, her voice trembling with agitation. "You don't get to use that name anymore, Luis. Nobody on this campus calls me that.""I know," Luis said, his voice drop

Thursday evening arrived and inside the Grand Regency dining hall, the atmosphere was warm, lavish, and buzzing with energy. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a soft gold light over floors, and clusters of well-dressed students, faculty, and alumni.Ethan stood near a high-top glass table near the edge of the hall, wearing a sharp dark suit. He held a glass of sparkling water, his eyes tracking Cynthia as she conversed with two senior partners from a visiting London law firm. She looked breathtaking in a tailored emerald silk blazer dress, a look fitting both a top legal candidate and a global HVMX brand ambassador.Yet, despite her brilliant smile, Ethan could see the subtle tension in her movements."You're watching him," Ethan said softly as Cynthia stepped back toward their table, holding a small plate of appetizers.Cynthia blinked, looking up at Ethan. "What? Who?""Luis," Ethan said gently, nodding toward the far end of the room.Luis stood at the center of a

The night air outside the Grand Regency was cool and quiet as Ethan’s car glided away from the banquet hall. Cynthia leaned her head back against the headrest, letting out a long, quiet exhale."Tired?" Ethan asked softly, keeping his eyes on the road as his hand found hers on the center console, his fingers lacing naturally through hers."A little," Cynthia admitted, turning her head to look at him. "It’s just... exhausting playing the double life sometimes. Sitting there listening to Luis act like he holds the keys to the kingdom, while trying to act like the perfect lady everyone expects me to be."A soft, knowing smirk touched Ethan's lips. "He sounded very confident about my inability to 'handle your future.'"Cynthia let out a light laugh, the tension in her shoulders completely vanishing. "If he only knew. You have no idea how hard it was not to laugh when he said you didn't have the leverage to elevate a superstar. The man was practically giving a lecture on HVMX's prestige

The morning sun over Athelguard University was completely overshadowed by the arrival of three black luxury transport vans bearing the Campbell family crest. Before the second period bell even rang, the central yard outside the International Law building was transformed.Luis didn't just walk onto campus; he staged a takeover. By noon, the main courtyard featured a pop-up high-fashion lounge sponsored by Campbell Global, complete with private espresso bars, velvet seating, and exclusive VIP passes handed out strictly to senior law candidates and student influencers. Banners fluttered along the stone archways of Athelguard, celebrating "The Future of Elite Legal Leadership" a public spectacle to celebrate the beginning of the foundation but also tying Cynthia’s image to the Campbell estate.Students whispered in hushed, awed tones as Luis navigated the crowd like a seasoned politician, dressed in a suit, shaking hands with department heads and taking photos with campus influencers.Cyn