Chapter 12: The Aftermath of Chaos

Lucia and Mia sat side by side in a near-empty lecture hall, arms crossed, while Ethan leaned back in his chair like he was on vacation.

The reason Ethan was there still remained a mystery because the Dude was already seated before they came in.

This wasn’t detention—because colleges didn’t have detention—but it was the next best thing: a mandatory disciplinary session.

Professor Holt, the strictest professor in their department, paced at the front of the room, eyeing them like they were a lost cause.

“You three,” she sighed, rubbing her temples. “I have better things to do than babysit students who can’t seem to stay out of trouble.”

Lucia huffed. “It was just a harmless prank.”

Mia muttered, “It wasn’t even that bad.”

Ethan smirked. “And I don’t even go here.”

Professor Holt shot him a sharp glare. “Which makes your presence all the more baffling, Mr. Westwood.”

Ethan winked. “I’m a free spirit.”

Lucia groaned. Why was he like this?

Professor Holt pinched the bridge of her nose. “You will each complete ten hours of campus service—library cataloging, assisting in the student center, or whatever else I see fit.”

Mia’s jaw dropped. “Campus service?”

Lucia sighed. “It could be worse.”

Ethan stretched lazily. “I refuse.”

Professor Holt raised an eyebrow. “Then I’m sure Mr. Sinclair would love to hear about your antics.”

That shut Ethan up.

Lucia smirked. “Thought so.”

Just then, the door swung open, and all three turned to see—

Adrian Sinclair.

Tall, composed, and visibly annoyed.

Lucia blinked. “Oh, great.”

Mia muttered, “Uh-oh.”

Ethan grinned. “Took you long enough.”

Adrian ignored him, stepping inside with the kind of presence that made even Professor Holt straighten up.

“Professor,” he said smoothly, nodding politely. “I’d like to discuss an alternative resolution for this situation.”

Professor Holt narrowed her eyes. “This is not a business meeting, Mr. Sinclair.”

Adrian’s expression didn’t change. “I understand. But I’d rather ensure this is handled in a way that benefits everyone involved.”

Lucia crossed her arms. “We don’t need you to swoop in and save us.”

Adrian turned to her, eyes cool. “You clearly do.”

Lucia bristled. “Excuse me?”

Ethan smirked. “This is entertaining.”

Professor Holt sighed. “I don’t have time for this. If you have an actual proposal, Mr. Sinclair, make it quick.”

Adrian’s gaze flickered to Lucia, then back to the professor. “They will still complete their disciplinary hours, but instead of random tasks, they’ll assist in the campus fundraiser event my company is sponsoring.”

Lucia blinked. “Wait, what?”

Mia leaned in. “That actually sounds way better than shelving books.”

Professor Holt considered it. “And you’ll be responsible for making sure they fulfill their hours?”

Adrian nodded. “Personally.”

Lucia groaned.

Professor Holt sighed. “Fine. But if they fail to meet expectations, it’s back to campus service.”

Mia grinned. “No problem.”

Ethan smirked. “See, this is why I keep you around, Sinclair.”

Adrian sighed. “Let’s go before I change my mind.”

As they left, Lucia shot Adrian a look. “You planned this, didn’t you?”

Adrian smirked. “You’ll never know.”

Mia nudged Ethan. “We’re so going to cause trouble at that fundraiser.”

Ethan threw the giddy Mia a smirk and shook his head in amusement.