THE REJECTED GENIUS

7

Chapter 7: The Frenzy Begins

The moment Tessa and I stepped onto the Northvale University campus together, the atmosphere shifted.

It was subtle at first—a few stealing glances and whispered conversations—but within minutes, the school was buzzing. All the students were now trooping out of classes and departments to catch a glimpse of what was going on.

Tessa Davenport, the golden girl of Northvale, was walking beside me. Not just walking—laughing, talking, looking completely at ease.

I felt the unbelievable stare of all the students, and every hushed conversation as we made our way through the courtyard. It was exactly what I wanted.

Whispers spread like wildfire.

"Tessa and… Adrian Hayes?"

"Is this a joke?"

“ I can't believe Tessa will leave Nathan to date a fellow like Adrian. Did she believe he was rich?”

"There’s no way she’s actually with him."

People gawked as if they couldn’t believe what they were seeing. The scholarship nobody, the guy everyone used to push around, was now arm-in-arm with one of the most elite students in Northvale.

Nathan Sterling was standing with his usual group near the fountain when we passed by. His jaw tightened, his fingers clenched into a fist at his side.

Perfect.

I didn’t even look his way at first. Instead, I smirked down at Sophia, making sure my voice carried. We had a deal and I was going to use it to the fullest.

“You know,” I said casually, “I never realized Northvale had so many people obsessed with our business.”

Tessa chuckled. “Let them watch. I’ve always loved an audience.”

She reached out and straightened the lapel of my jacket—just a small touch, but it sent a message. One that didn’t go unnoticed.

Nathan's face darkened. His friends—especially the ones who had laughed at me before—exchanged uneasy glances. They knew this wasn’t just a random coincidence.

This was a statement.

A power shift.

And Nathan hated it.

Sophia stood a few feet away, clutching her designer purse with a death grip. Her expression twisted in disbelief, eyes flicking between me and Tessa.

I could practically hear her thoughts. I let out a knowing smirk seeing the turmoil right inside of her.

How? How was the guy she had humiliated now standing beside someone like Tessa? How was I the one who looked untouchable?

Nathan took a step forward, forcing a smile. “Tessa! I didn’t know you and Adrian were… close.” He said walking towards us.

Tessa tilted her head, amusement dancing in her green eyes. “Oh, we’re very close,” she said in a loving manner that made me believe she meant every word for a bit.

But damn!

Tessa was good at acting.

Nathan exhaled sharply. “Tessa.” His voice was low, controlled—but I could hear the underlying anger. “Can I talk to you?”

Sophia’s lips curled into a slow smile. “Hmm. No, I don’t think so.”

Nathan's nostrils flared. “What the hell are you doing?”

She arched an eyebrow. “Walking with Adrian. Having a conversation. Is that a crime? The last time I checked, we are no longer an item and I am free to date anyone I want.”

Sophia cut in quickly. “Nathan just means—this isn’t like you, Sophia. Hanging out with him?” She let out a fake little laugh. “I mean, I know you’re a nice person and all, but isn't Adrian”

Tessa’s smile vanished. “Are you saying Adrian isn’t worth my time?”

Sophia hesitated. “No! I mean… It’s just surprising.”

Tessa's gaze turned ice-cold. “Surprising that someone with ambition, intelligence, and charm is standing next to me? Or surprising that someone you once called a ‘nobody’ is proving you wrong?”

Sophia's face paled.

Nathan took a step closer, his voice dropping dangerously. “I don’t know what game you’re playing, but don’t drag her into it.”

Finally, I looked at him. Really looked at him.

Nathan Sterling—the guy who had humiliated me, taken everything I ever wanted, and treated me like I was dirt beneath his shoes—was jealous.

I let my lips curl into an easy, confident smile.

“I didn’t drag Tessa anywhere,” I said coolly. “She made her own choice.”

Nathan's jaw clenched. He was trying to keep his composure, but I could see the cracks forming. His control over this school, over the social hierarchy, was slipping.

And he knew it.

“Enjoy your little moment,” he muttered. “It won’t last.”

Tessa scoffed. “You sound nervous, Nathan.”

Nathan ignored her, his eyes locked on me. For the first time, there was no arrogance in his stare. Just barely concealed fury.

I patted his shoulder as I walked past. “See you around, Sterling.”

Tessa and I strolled away, leaving them standing in stunned silence.

The second we turned the corner, she let out a laugh. “That was fun.”

I smirked. “It’s only the beginning.”

By lunchtime, the rumors had reached every corner of the school.

Adrian Hayes and Tessa Davenport—together?

Is Adrian secretly rich?

Did he blackmail her? Bribe her? There’s no way she’s actually with him.

Sophia tried to act like she didn’t care, but I caught her staring at me several times. Her fingers twitched every time Tessa leaned in closer, every time I laughed at something she said.

She was regretting it.

Regretting every word, every insult, every time she had treated me like I was invisible.

And Nathan?

Nathan was unsettling.

I saw him snapping at people, glaring at me across the cafeteria, his usual smug confidence nowhere in sight. His perfect world was crumbling, and I hadn’t even started playing my real game yet.

“Alright, Adrian,” Tessa said, sipping her iced coffee as we sat under the shaded pavilion. “You got your grand entrance. What’s next?”

I tapped my fingers against the table, watching Nathan from a distance. “Now? Now, I make him lose everything.”

Tessa's smile was sharp. “I like the way you think.”

I leaned in slightly, lowering my voice. “And I think I know exactly where to start.”

She tilted her head. “Oh?”

I smirked. “Every king has a weak spot. Nathan's is his need for control. And I plan to take that away from him piece by piece.”