Chapter 8

Chloe didn’t reappear for the rest of the day, leaving me to sit through an entire afternoon of classes. Back in my own high school days, I had coasted my way into Harvard thanks to academic competitions. But now, if I wanted to survive, I’d have to take the SAT like everyone else.

Thankfully, I hadn’t forgotten any of what I’d learned, and the classwork felt familiar. I breezed through the assignments.

When the final bell rang, I started packing up my things when Rachel Monroe tapped me on the shoulder. “Ricky’s here to pick you up.”

Chloe and Ricky weren’t in the same class, so I looked up toward the door. Sure enough, Ricky was leaning against the frame, his expression calm but unreadable.

My stomach twisted with unease.

I stayed seated, watching him closely. His dark eyes, glinting with amusement, were locked on mine.

Rachel sighed dreamily. “You’re so lucky to have a brother like Ricky.”

I didn’t bother looking at her as I replied softly, “You want him? You can have him.”

“Huh?”

Ricky patiently waited, his posture relaxed as he called out, “Chloe, aren’t you done packing up?”

His voice was sweet and warm, dripping with fake kindness.

I gritted my teeth. You snake.

He walked over to me and gently patted my head, leaning down to whisper, “If you keep stalling, I’ll have to tutor you all night.”

I stood abruptly. “I’m ready.”

Ricky took my bag from me like it was the most natural thing in the world, playing the role of the perfect, caring brother.

As we walked to the car, I tried to summon Chloe. There were so many things I needed to ask her. But she was nowhere to be found. Sitting in the car, I watched the passing scenery, my mind racing with strategies to handle tonight’s “tutoring” session.