hark. Ray gripped the steering wheel with white knuckles, his eyes

ther seat. She closed her eyes, letting her

ecision spot at Oakhaven. But Elara had paid people to spread the rumor tha

valedictory speech-an honor Giovanna had earned-was

hes of Oakhaven University. Students walking on the sidewalks s

e edge of The Quad. He jum

ly against the pavement. The burgundy dress hugged her

students turned their heads, trying to gue

ked straight toward the chaoti

ruggling to hold a massive stack of folders. She wor

d by Giovanna when the whole school turned against h

throat. She walked up behind Fio

widened in shock, then imm

"Why are you so late? Elara's friends are

swer, a shrill, nasal vo

isn't our famous

on, strutted over. Three other g

th ugly jealousy. "What's wrong? Your old, ugly sugar d

ing. They pulled out their phones, hittin

n front of Giovanna, using her small body as a shi

the chest. "Merit? Everyone knows Elara

g on the pavement. The folders flew out o

her seemed to drop. She reached out, her hand cl

eliberate step toward Skylar. The sheer, suffocating pressu

" Skylar stammered,

e casually adjusted the

y husband is old or ugly is none of your business. Especially since his company has higher

tal laughter, erupted from the crowd. Skylar

to a lethal whisper meant only for Skyl

ile touched her lips. "Let's see how smart

Fiona's hand and dragged her away from the crow