THE REJECTED GENIUS

8

Chapter 8: The First Move

By the next morning, the entire school was in chaos.

The rumor mill had been circling all around the university creating a more tense atmosphere.

Every hallway, every classroom, every corner of Northvale University buzzed with speculation.

Was Tessa really dating Adrian Carter?

Was this some kind of prank? Or—worse—was Adrian manipulating her?

The more absurd the rumors became, the more I enjoyed watching them spread. The one thing I loved about all of this was the fact that I could put Nathan back in his place and of course make Sophia jealous.

Nathan was barely holding it together. His usual cocky smirk was gone, replaced by a permanent scowl. Every time he caught me with Sophia, his fingers twitched like he wanted to throw a punch.

Sophia, on the other hand, was clearly struggling with regret. She hadn’t spoken to me since yesterday, but I noticed the way she hesitated before passing by, the way her gaze lingered on me as if she wanted to say something but couldn’t find the words.

I wasn’t interested.

I had bigger plans.

And today was the day to set them in motion.

[ The Fire Starts ]

Lunchtime at the cafeteria was more than just a break—it was an event. Social status was determined by where you sat, who you sat with, and who wasn’t invited.

Nathan's table was the throne of the school’s elite. The center of power.

And today, I planned to dismantle it.

I walked into the cafeteria with Tessa, casually holding a cup of coffee she had insisted on buying for me. It was a small gesture, but it spoke volumes.

Nathan's table noticed immediately.

The second we stepped inside, I saw his group tense. Tessa sat beside him, looking uneasy. The others whispered among themselves, eyes flicking between me and Tessa.

I let them sweat for a moment before making my move.

Instead of taking our usual seats, Tessa and I walked straight toward Nathan's table.

Gasps rippled through the cafeteria.

Nathan's grip on his fork tightened. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?”

I smirked. “Sitting down.”

Without waiting for an invitation, I pulled out a chair and sat across from Nathan. Tessa did the same, acting as if nothing was out of the ordinary.

The tension at the table was suffocating.

Sophia swallowed hard. “Adrian… are you sure you’re in the right place?”

Tessa raised an eyebrow. “Why wouldn’t he be?”

Nathan's fingers curled into a fist on the table. “He doesn’t belong here.”

I leaned back, sipping my coffee. “And who decides that? You?”

Nathan's jaw clenched. “Yeah. Me.”

Tessa laughed, tossing her hair over her shoulder. “Wow, Nathan. I had no idea you were in charge of seating arrangements. Should I call the administration and confirm that?”

Nathan's face turned red. He was fuming, but he couldn’t lash out. Not here. Not in front of the entire cafeteria.

I glanced around, making sure I had everyone’s attention before delivering my next blow.

“You know, Nathan,” I said, voice dripping with amusement, “for someone who keeps saying I don’t matter, you seem really bothered by me.”

A few people at the table exchanged looks.

Nathan exhaled sharply. “You’re just using Tessa to get attention.”

Tessa snorted. “Please. If anything, I’m using him. He’s far more interesting than you ever were.”

A ripple of laughter spread through the cafeteria. Nathan's ears turned red.

Sophia shifted uncomfortably. “Tessa, you don’t mean that…”

Tessa tilted her head. “Don’t I?”

Nathan slammed his hand on the table. “Enough.”

Silence fell over the cafeteria.

Nathan's gaze locked onto mine, his voice low and dangerous. “I don’t know what game you’re playing, Hayes, but it’s going to end badly for you.”

I smiled, completely unbothered. “We’ll see about that.”

[ The Breaking Point ]

After lunch, I headed toward the library with Tessa, enjoying the fact that Nathan’s anger was barely under control. He was cracking, and I was only getting started.

But I didn’t expect what happened next.

As soon as I stepped outside, a hand grabbed my arm and yanked me back.

I barely had time to react before Nathan shoved me against the wall.

“You think you’re smart, don’t you?” he hissed, his face inches from mine. “You think you can just walk into my world and take over?”

I met his glare with a smirk. “Looks like I already have.”

His eyes flashed with fury. “Stay the hell away from Sophia.”

I laughed. “Or what? You’ll throw a tantrum?”

Nathan's grip tightened on my shirt. “I don’t care what kind of stunt you’re pulling—I will ruin you.”

I leaned in slightly, lowering my voice. “You mean like how I’m ruining you?”

His fist clenched. For a moment, I thought he was actually going to hit me. But then he released me and stepped back.

“This isn’t over,” he muttered before storming away.

I dusted off my jacket, watching him go.

He was losing control.

And I was just getting started.