บท 13: Whispers in the Ivory Tower

Avery looked out the penthouse window as the first light of dawn began to paint the sky. Her mind raced with memories from the past few days. Elena's betrayal still hurt, causing her chest to ache. But feeling sorry for herself wasn't going to help. Today, she would return to Blackthorn University, pretending to be a student while secretly running a criminal operation.

"READY?" Lucas asked softly from behind her.

Turning, Avery gave a small smile. "As ready as I'll ever be."

Driving to the university felt strange. Students laughed and chatted as if nothing had changed. Avery felt like an outsider because she carried secrets that could change their lives. When she got out of the car, people started whispering. Every move she made was closely watched, and conversations stopped when she passed. Despite the official story about her bravery, there were still whispers.

"Quite the reception," Damien said as he walked beside her. "Our quick press conference didn't clear up all the rumors."

A familiar voice interrupted Avery's reply. "Ms. Chen! A moment of your time?" Detective Harper's sharp eyes were on the group as he approached. Avery kept her face calm while her heart pounded. "Detective," she greeted him coolly. "Can I help you?"

Harper's smile didn't reach his eyes. "Just handling some business related to the gala incident. Could we talk?"

Avery glanced at her watch, pretending to be annoyed. "Detective, I have ten minutes before class. Maybe we can schedule something for later?"

"Of course," Harper said, his eyes never leaving her. "I wouldn't want to disrupt your schooling. Surely, that's why you're here." The question hung in the air, adding to the tension. Avery stared at him and didn't back down. "If you'll let me go now."

Harper's eyes followed her as she left. "He's not going to let this go," Avery murmured to Lucas.

Lucas gave her a reassuring squeeze on the hand. "We'll handle it. Just try to fit in for now."

As Avery arrived at her first class, she thought, "Easier said than done." She took her seat, feeling the weight of many eyes on her. The lecture hall went silent. The substitute for Professor Russo, Elena, stumbled over his notes, clearly unsettled by Avery's presence. Avery's mind wandered as the lecture continued. How had her life changed so much? A few weeks ago, she was worried about her GPA. Now, she was running a criminal group and looking for a traitor.

A buzz on her phone pulled her back to reality. Viktor's message read, "Meeting set with the Triads. I want your view." Avery suppressed a groan. Another situation to manage and another decision to make. Ignoring the power plays happening around her, she quickly typed her reply.

The day was filled with classes, secret communications, and sidelong glances. By the time it grew dark, Avery was both emotionally and physically exhausted. She sought some quiet time in the library, searching among the large volumes. Even here, the weight of her new reality was overwhelming.

"Quite the popular girl these days," a voice said from behind her. Turning, Avery saw Damien slumped over a bookcase, his face hidden. "Popularity isn't all it's cracked up to be," she replied sharply. Damien approached her and said quietly, "Avery, honestly, how are you doing? Forget the party line."

Avery considered brushing him off but saw his genuine concern. She decided to open up a little. "I'm terrified. With Elena out there, every choice I make could cause the whole situation to collapse."

Damien gently touched her arm. "Avery, you're not alone in this. Remember that." The moment was broken by the sound of heels clicking on marble. Jessica, a prominent student, led a group toward Avery.

"Well, well," Jessica said with a tone that lacked warmth. "Even if our hero isn't here. Being the talk of Blackthorn must feel great."

Avery straightened and put on her calm, indifferent mask. "Jessica, I'm focused on my studies. I haven't paid much attention to rumors."

Jessica's expression hardened. "You must have heard the stories, right? About the links in your family?" The air in the library grew tense. Damien was on edge, ready to step in if needed. Avery, however, wasn't going to be intimidated by a campus bully. "I've always found that those who spread rumors are usually trying to hide their own secrets," Avery said lightly. "Do you have something to share with the class?"

Jessica's surprise momentarily broke her composure. She spun around and left with her friends. Damien whistled quietly. "Remind me not to cross you."

Avery smiled slightly, though the victory felt hollow. How many more confrontations would she face? How long before the whispers and rumors turned into something more dangerous? Her phone buzzed again, another urgent message demanding her attention. Avery sighed and gathered her books. "Duty calls," she said to Damien.

As Avery left the library, the burden of her double life pressed down on her. Day student by day, criminal leader by night. How long could she keep juggling both? Unbeknownst to Avery, two eyes watched her from the darkness of the library stacks. Detective Harper lowered his binoculars, a scowl on his face. He had seen enough to confirm his suspicions about Avery Chen being at the center of something dark at Blackthorn University.

Back in his makeshift office—a converted storage room at the security building—Harper pinned a new photo of Avery to his evidence board. Her picture was connected by strings to photos of Lucas, Damien, and others involved in the ongoing story. "Ms. Chen," he muttered to himself, studying the board. A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. "Come in," he called without turning away.

Officer Reyes, one of the few trusted college cops, entered with a large file. "Detective, you were right. I dug into the university's finances. There are some... abnormalities."

Harper's eyes gleamed with interest. "Tell me more."

Reyes began laying out documents showing suspicious contributions from fake businesses, mysterious transactions, and hidden accounts. It suggested a corrupt network within Blackthorn. Harper's mind raced. "This goes beyond a few students playing gangster. It's systematic."

Reyes nodded. "What should we do next?"

Harper turned and looked at Avery's photo on the board. "We keep digging. Ms. Chen is the key to everything."

As evening fell, two battles were raging at Blackthorn University. Avery was making plans for her next moves in the criminal world, while Detective Harper was building his case. Neither was aware that their paths were set to cross. Blackthorn was about to be shaken to its core, and the changes were beginning to stir.

As Avery looked up from her work, she felt a chill down her spine. It was as if she was being watched, with the walls closing in. She had no idea that her gut feeling was right. A figure in the darkness watched and waited for the right moment to strike. A single word whispered on the night breeze as the shadow disappeared: "Soon."