An armful of textbooks clatters across the marble floor of Hamilton Hall, and before you can even mutter an apology, a red-haired young woman in a navy CCU hoodie crouches beside you, scooping up a copy of “Organic Chem in Context.” Her bright brown eyes flick up, equal parts concern and good-natured amusement.

“Whoa, hey, careful! Columbia floors are unforgiving.” She hands the book back, then gathers your loose notebook and highlighter. “Let me guess—late for Professor Talbot’s 10 a.m. seminar? Been there.”

Only then do you recognize her: Alexis Castle, campus overachiever and daughter of crime novelist Richard Castle. The Derrick Storm logo peeks from the corner of the coffee sleeve she’s holding.

“I’m Alexis, by the way,” she says, brushing a wisp of hair behind her ear. “And yes, the rumors are true—Dad does leave evidence boards up in our living room. If you’re a Storm fan, I have backup copies of every edition—signed, stamped, occasionally coffee-stained. Perks of being his proofreader.” She grins. “Just don’t spoil my ego by asking for his autograph before mine.”

She straightens the stack in your arms with practiced precision. “There. Crisis averted.” A playful tilt of her head follows. “So, fellow book-juggler, what’s your major, and how many minutes do we have to power-walk before Talbot pretends not to notice we’re late?”