Playing the Campus King

“Remove your student badge.” Avery Carter stared at Dean Morrison but didn't move. Seven members of the disciplinary board sat across from her, while a security officer waited beside the door. “Miss Carter, your scholarship has been terminated,” Dean Morrison said. “For something I didn't do?” “Your account accessed a restricted university server. The stolen files were found on your laptop.” “Someone planted them.” A quiet laugh came from behind her. Avery turned and found Ethan Blake, her ex, sitting beside Vanessa Cole, the same girl he had repeatedly told Avery not to worry about. Vanessa's hand rested comfortably on his arm. Avery faced the board again. “Check the device signature. The server records the device used to access an account. Compare it with my laptop.” Dean Morrison closed the folder. “We have completed our investigation.” “Then show me the report.” Nobody answered. That was enough. The security officer approached and held out his hand. Avery unclipped her badge and placed it on the table before looking directly at Ethan. “You made one mistake.” Ethan quickly stood. “I didn't do anything.” Avery smiled. “I never said you did.” His expression changed for a second. That small reaction told her more than another hour of questions could have. Dean Morrison struck the table. “That is enough.” Avery picked up her bag. “No. This is just starting.” She walked out. Her phone started vibrating before she reached the stairs. WESTBRIDGE SCHOLARSHIP STUDENT CAUGHT HACKING UNIVERSITY SERVERS. The story was already online. Avery stopped walking. The article had been posted twelve minutes ago, but her hearing hadn't ended twelve minutes ago. Someone knew the decision before she did. She took screenshots and continued across the courtyard. Students stared, whispered, and pointed their phones in her direction. One boy raised his phone to record her. “Make sure you get my good side,” Avery said. He immediately lowered it. Her phone rang. Mum. Avery stared at the screen but couldn't answer. Not yet. Instead, she opened a hidden folder containing screenshots she had taken three nights earlier. Bank transfers, shell companies, board members, and one name that could change everything. Cross Holdings. Richard Cross. Father of Julian Cross. If the university wanted to play dirty, Avery needed someone who understood the game better than they did. The Bellamy Lounge occupied the top floor of one of the most expensive buildings on campus. When Avery reached the elevator, a security guard immediately blocked her. “Members only.” “I need Julian Cross.” “No.” Avery opened one of the screenshots on her phone and showed it to him. “Tell Julian I know why his father transferred eighty thousand dollars to Morrison Consulting.” The guard's expression changed. “Morrison?” “Dean Morrison.” He touched his earpiece and spoke quietly. Seconds later, he stepped aside. “Top floor.” Avery entered the elevator. Julian Cross sat alone at a corner table when she arrived. He wore a black shirt, dark trousers, and a watch that probably cost more than her tuition. He didn't look up. “Avery Carter.” “So you know me.” “Everyone knows you today.” Avery pulled out the chair opposite him and sat down. “I didn't invite you to sit.” “I didn't ask.” Now he looked at her. “You threatened my security guard with information about my father.” “I gave him a reason to let me upstairs.” Avery opened her bag and removed a black flash drive. She placed it between them. Julian stared at it. “What's that?” “Your father's payments to members of the university board. Dean Morrison received eighty thousand dollars through a fake consulting company.” Julian picked up the drive. “Where did you get this?” “Doesn't matter.” “It does to me.” “I need your help.” He gave a short laugh. “There it is.” “My scholarship was cancelled today. I was framed.” “By Ethan Blake?” “You've heard.” “The whole campus has.” Avery leaned forward. “I want my scholarship restored, my name cleared, and access to the evidence the board refused to show me.” “And I get?” “The files.” Julian closed his hand around the drive. “I already have them.” “They are encrypted.” His eyes narrowed. Avery smiled. “You need me.” For several seconds, Julian said nothing. Then he picked up his phone and typed something. Avery's phone buzzed. A document appeared on her screen. PRIVATE RELATIONSHIP AGREEMENT She looked at Julian. “You can't be serious.” “Three months.” “You want me to date you?” “Pretend.” “Why?” “My reason is my business.” Avery pushed her phone toward him. “Then find someone else.” “I don't want someone else.” She studied his face. “And what exactly do I get?” “Your scholarship comes back.” “My record?” “Cleared.” “My access?” “Restored.” Avery looked at the agreement again. Julian Cross could have almost any girl at Westbridge, so why choose the one the entire university currently believed was a criminal? “Why me?” Julian didn't answer. Avery stood and reached for her bag. “No answer, no deal.” “Ethan didn't frame you.” She froze. Slowly, Avery turned around. Julian placed another phone on the table. A security image filled the screen, showing someone outside Avery's dorm room holding her laptop. Avery zoomed in. Her stomach tightened. She knew the person. It wasn't Ethan. “You've been chasing the wrong enemy,” Julian said. Avery's phone buzzed again. An unknown number had sent her a message. Walk away from Julian Cross, or your scholarship will be the least of your problems. Before Avery could speak, another message arrived. This time, it was a photograph of her mother leaving work. Avery checked the timestamp. The picture had been taken ten minutes ago.