CHAPTER SIX THEME: Where it all began

“The Blackwood Academy—a place where Elites connect to Elites and the rich get richer.”

“That was a crazy move, Ethan. You don’t know these people. They’re not a pure family with wealth from legitimate sources. They don’t care about you or me. When they want something, they go the extra mile. You need to understand that,” Dre said as Ethan typed.

“I’ll see the President if it calms everyone, but that doesn’t excuse them showing up at my space and expecting compliance. Things don’t work like that,” Ethan muttered.

“I understand, and I’ll always support you. But for now, we follow Salvador’s plan. Vincent emailed—he wants us to attend a party this weekend with the Enforcer as his sons,” Dre revealed.

“I think they’re playing a mind game, Dre. Why are we here? What does the Enforcer gain from our presence? Have you thought about that?” Ethan asked. Dre nodded.

“True, man. Enough to feel suspicious,” he agreed.

“We’ll figure it out. There’s more to this mission than meets the eye,” Ethan said. Dre asked playfully, “And Marlene?”

“She’s loud, thinks the world is hers because she’s a Blackwood. Something about her provokes me—it’s rich-girl privilege,” Ethan snapped. Dre raised his eyebrows.

“I’ve never seen you despise someone, especially a woman. I thought you’d bend her over,” Dre teased, making thrusting gestures.

“Some of us think with our brains, not our… private parts,” Ethan replied. Dre’s jaw literally dropped as Ethan typed.

“Guy, you literally spit on my face with that! It’s unfair,” Dre whined.

“C’mon, we have studying to do. I may need to see Thane later this afternoon,” Ethan said. Dre frowned.

“I hate studying!” he whined.

“Since we’re here, we might as well aim for A’s. Leave school with a notable degree, not a pass,” Ethan said. Dre chuckled.

“I love you, Ethan. What would I do without my brother?” he asked.

“Probably bending someone over, in your words,” Ethan teased. They laughed.

Later, heading to night class, Dre stopped. Ethan sensed danger.

“We know you’re out there. Come out and talk peacefully,” Ethan announced. They emerged from the dark, uniforms on, deadly weapons in hand.

“Fvck—they’re trying to kill us!” Dre cursed.

“We know you’re not rich kids. Blackwood Academy is for rich kids. Our parents didn’t attend school to let street urchins join. We sniffed you out,” one man said, his drug addiction evident.

“We don’t want to get our hands soiled. Dre and I have repented. We just want to be good,” Ethan said calmly.

The attackers didn’t listen. A bloody fight ensued. Dre was stabbed; Ethan bled heavily. One assailant lay lifeless. School security emerged, arresting Ethan and Dre while letting the rich kids go.

“What’s going on? Explain why my boys are arrested? They were on their way to class!” Jax shouted.

“It doesn’t change the fact that a kid died. It’s barely been a week since they enrolled,” a cop said.

“Well, if it had happened to Dre or Ethan, we wouldn’t be talking because they aren’t influential. Don’t threaten them—they belong to Salvador La Rosa,” Royalty said calmly, her words icy.

“La Rosa, huh? Salvador knows how to raise street kids. Where did he get these…?” the cop trailed off when Ethan’s eyes met his.

“They’ll get bail. Once sorted, the case may move to the station,” he said. Royalty rubbed her forehead. No one outside the Academy would know about the death—the school kept a pristine image.

Thane stared at a report from the criminology department, cursing under his breath. The new boy had been involved in murder. This was why he wanted to see Ethan La Rosa. Marlene’s scandal with him confirmed he was trouble.

When Ethan said he would honor the invitation later, it proved the boy had a mind of his own. But in Blackwood Academy, nothing was as it seemed.

Thane entered the prison cell.

“Welcome, Mr. President,” the boys greeted.

“Where are they?” he asked, eyes moving to the dark cell where Ethan and Dre sat stoically.

“Let me in,” he commanded. Guards hesitated, then complied.

“You must be Ethan and Dre,” he said calmly.

“And you must be the President,” Ethan replied, unshaken.

“Yes. I heard you refused my invitation, Ethan. Where I come from, that’s crazy, especially for a subject,” Thane said.

“I come from a different place, sir. Respect is earned. I will respect you when given reason,” Ethan replied. Their eyes locked—Thane realized Ethan was a force to be reckoned with.