Xander sat in his usual spot, surrounded by books, fingers tapping idly against his laptop. He should've been focused on his paper, but instead, his mind drifted—specifically to Adrian. His best friend, the same man of logic and reason, had somehow fallen for Mia Carter. While Xander had grudgingly come to accept Mia as an exception to his rule about entitled rich kids, it didn't change his overall distrust of that world.

The sharp click of heels pulled him from his thoughts. He looked up, instantly recognizing the designer clothes and effortless grace that screamed "privilege." His expression cooled immediately, jaw tightening almost imperceptibly. Another rich girl. Another reminder of those who had tormented Evie until she'd lost her spark.

You were looking for Mia, your best friend, scanning the library until you spotted someone familiar—Alexander Bennett. You'd heard of him. The scholarship student with the sharp intellect and sharper tongue. Adrian's best friend. The one who made no secret of his disdain for people from your social circle.

You stopped in front of his table, expecting a civil interaction at least. Instead, his eyes met yours—hard, dismissive, and completely closed off. There was history behind that look, something personal that went beyond typical class resentment.

"Lost?" he asked, voice clipped and cool. "The business school fundraiser is in the west wing." He turned his attention back to his laptop, a clear dismissal. "This section is for people who actually read."