"So," Jayden said slowly, a hint of a dismissive shrug in his posture, "what exactly do you see, Powell?"
Finn's smile faded, replaced by a more direct, almost clinical gaze. "I see you involving yourself in yesterday's rather public drama, King. Which is like, so, not your thing."
Jayden leaned against a console, feigning disinterest. "Just trying to keep thing chill, man. No need for a public meltdown."
Finn scoffed softly. "Yeah, by totally calling out Cassia and backing the scholarship girl who was wearing her limited edition dress? That was way more than just keeping the peace, King."
Jayden's eyes narrowed slightly. "Cassia will get over it. She was being extra."
"Will she?" Finn countered, his voice flat. "You humiliated her, Jayden. In front of the entire school. Cassia Blackwood doesn't 'get over' public slights, especially not ones involving you."
A beat of silence. Jayden's usual cool was starting to fray at the edges. "Wren didn't deserve getting grilled like that."
"Perhaps not," Finn conceded. "But your sudden hero moment, however well-intentioned, has likely just painted a larger target on her back. You think you saved her? You just made things worse."
Jayden frowned. "What are you talking about?"
Finn's gaze was unwavering. "Your enemies? The ones who are too scared to come at you directly? They just found your weakness, King. A lever to use against you. A scholarship girl you suddenly care about."
Jayden scoffed again, a hint of annoyance in his tone. "Don't be melodramatic, Finn. I just… dislike unfairness."
Finn pushed himself forward, his gaze intense. "Unfairness? Or is it something more… personal, King? You defended her with a conviction that surprised everyone. You, Jayden King Walton, are showing a remarkable… investment in Louisa Wren."
Jayden's jaw tightened. "Don't be ridiculous, Powell."
But Finn pressed on, his voice quiet but firm. "Am I? You, Mr. Cool and Calculated, just went all white knight for a girl you barely know? You actually went down to the 'loser' table! You're acting totally different, Jayden."
He paused, his eyes locking onto Jayden's. "You like her, King. To a fault, even if your rich-boy brain hasn't figured it out yet. And that makes her super vulnerable."
Jayden's face went a little tight. "That's insane, Finn."
But Finn just stared at him, a knowing look in his eyes. "Is it, King? Is it really?"
The silence in the broadcast room was thick with unspoken truths and uncomfortable realizations, and Jayden's usual smooth comeback was nowhere to be found.
As Louisa, Ellie, and Scarlett stepped through the grand double doors of Charterhouse, the familiar hum of morning activity surrounded them. But today, there was an undercurrent of something else – a palpable tension, a sense of watchful eyes.
Louisa clutched the strap of her backpack, the weight of the folded garment bag containing the stained Louis Vuitton dress a heavy presence against her back.
They navigated the crowded hallways, acutely aware of the subtle glances and hushed whispers that seemed to follow them.
Christopher Jacobs, leaning against a wall with his usual cronies, smirked openly as Louisa passed, his eyes lingering on her with a smug knowingness.
"Look who decided to grace us with her presence," he drawled, loud enough for them to hear. "Didn't think you'd have the nerve."
Louisa tightened her grip on her backpack strap, refusing to meet his gaze. Ellie bristled, ready to retort, but Scarlett placed a restraining hand on her arm. "Just keep walking," she murmured.
As they approached their lockers, a figure detached itself from a nearby group. It was Anya Sterling, her expression a mixture of cold fury and triumphant anticipation. She blocked their path, her arms crossed.
"Well, well, look what the cat dragged in," Anya sneered, her eyes flicking pointedly towards Louisa's backpack. "Didn't think you'd dare show your face after yesterday's little… drama."
Louisa finally met her gaze, her own hardening with a newfound resolve. "I have every right to be here."
"Oh, I'm sure you do," Anya said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "But I'm curious, Wren. Did you bring the… evidence of your little escapade with you today? Perhaps Cassia would like to have another look at her ruined property."
Anya's words hung in the air, drawing the attention of several nearby students. The weight of the stained dress in her bag felt heavier than ever.
Louisa knew this confrontation was inevitable.
The hallway got super quiet, everyone nosy and crowding around as Anya and a totally fuming Cassia faced off with Louisa and her crew, Ellie and Scarlett.
Then, out of nowhere, Louisa just dropped to her knees on the polished floor.
"Lou, what are you DOING?" Ellie whispered, looking totally freaked. This was NOT the plan.
A triumphant smirk spread across Cassia's face, mirrored by Anya's gleeful anticipation.
"Finally realizing the gravity of your little charade, Wren?" Cassia's voice dripped with condescension.
Louisa, her head bowed but her shoulders squared, carefully pulled the nylon garment bag from her backpack. "I didn't steal it," she stated, her voice surprisingly steady despite her kneeling posture. "No story can truly excuse my actions, but I am not a thief. I borrowed it… foolishly, hoping to return it untouched." Her gaze flickered to the visible wine stains on the bag. "Then… Kora, out of spite, spilled her wine on me."
Just then, a ripple went through the gathered students. They parted, creating a path as Jayden King Walton, with Finn Powell a quiet presence beside him, walked towards the center of the circle. Someone must have texted him something major.
An unreadable expression played on Jayden's face, a stark contrast to the simmering tension around him.
"So," Anya sneered, her voice laced with venom, "you really thought wearing Cassia's priceless dress would make you one of us? You sneaky little bitch!"
Before anyone could react, Anya's hand flashed out, striking Louisa hard across the cheek. The sound echoed in the sudden silence.
It took every ounce of Jayden's carefully cultivated control to remain still, his knuckles whitening as his hands clenched in his pockets. Finn, ever the keen observer, noticed the barely perceptible tremor that ran through Jayden.
Thea, who had joined the edge of the crowd, also saw the raw fury that momentarily flickered in his usually cool blue eyes.
"Why the hell would you do that?" Ellie yelled, stepping forward, her fists clenched.
Scarlett placed a firm hand on her arm, holding her back.
Cassia looking all cold, was like, "The damage is done, Wren. This is a limited edition piece. How do you intend to pay for it?"
The weight of her question hung there, because everyone knew Louisa couldn't afford anything close to that.