Scarlett's POVThe gymnasium chandeliers sparkled like they belonged in a palace instead of a high school. Twinkling lights. White tablecloths. A string quartet playing something fancy in the corner.Westwood Academy's Fall Gala.Fancy name for "watch rich kids pretend to be charitable while their parents write checks with more zeros than my mom's bank account has dollars."I tugged at the strap of my dress—a borrowed navy thing that pinched under my arms—and kept my head down. Move along the wall. Smile if someone looks at you. Don't draw attention.Basic survival rules for scholarship students.The punch table sat in the corner, decorated with floating candles and rose petals. I grabbed a glass, more for something to hold than because I wanted it. My third hour of standing alone required props."Scarlett!"I flinched. Maya appeared beside me, her red gown matching her excited flush. My only friend at this school. Also a scholarship kid, but she'd learned to play the game better than
Last Updated : 2026-03-16
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