The Insider

Chapter 4: "Beneath the Surface 2"

Catherine and Reginald's Argument

The morning sunlight streaming through the windows of the Laurent estate highlighted the tension between Catherine and Reginald.

"I don't understand why you're being so stubborn, Catherine," Reginald said, his voice low and menacing.

Catherine's eyes flashed with anger. "I'm not being stubborn, Reginald. I just don't agree with you."

Reginald sneered. "You'll do what's best for this family, Catherine. And what's best is for you to stay out of my business."

Catherine's face twisted in frustration, but she bit back her retort.

Remi's Morning

Remi walked into the kitchen, her eyes scanning the room for her parents. Her mother, Catherine, was sitting at the table, sipping coffee and staring out the window.

"Hey, Mom," Remi said, dropping a kiss on Catherine's cheek.

Catherine smiled, but her eyes were troubled. "Hey, sweetie. Have a good day at school."

Remi nodded and grabbed a granola bar from the counter. "I will, Mom."

On her way to school, Remi stopped to see her therapist, Ms. Rachel Lee.

"Hey, Remi," Ms. Lee said, smiling. "How are you feeling today?"

Remi shrugged. "I'm okay, I guess. Just stressed about school and stuff."

Ms. Lee nodded. "Let's talk about that."

Avery's Morning

Avery stood in front of her mirror, staring at her reflection. She took a deep breath and tried to motivate herself.

"You got this, Avery," she said, her voice firm. "You're not going to let some stupid gossip column get you down."

She thought back to the message from The Insider yesterday, and her heart began to racing. What if people found out about her rehab stint? What if they thought she was an addict?

Avery pushed the thoughts aside and grabbed her backpack. She was not going to let The Insider ruin her day.

At School

Avery walked into school, her eyes scanning the hallway for Remi. She spotted her friend by the lockers and hurried over.

"Hey, Remi," Avery said, trying to sound casual. "What's up?"

Remi turned to her, concern etched on her face. "Hey, Avery. Are you okay? You seemed really upset yesterday."

Avery forced a smile. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just stressed about school."

Just then, The Insider sent out another message:

"Spotted: Avery Patel entering rehab last summer. Looks like someone's been hiding a secret..."

Avery's eyes widened in shock as she felt her face heat up with embarrassment. She quickly grabbed her things and ran to the girls' bathroom, instructing the girls inside to get out.

Remi followed close behind, concern etched on her face.

"Avery, what's wrong?" Remi asked, as Avery sat down on the bathroom floor, her head in her hands.

Avery looked up, her eyes welling up with tears. "That wasn't what I was in rehab for, Remi. I'm not an addict."

Remi sat down beside her, putting a comforting arm around her shoulders. "I know, Avery. We'll get through this together."

The two friends spent the rest of the day in the bathroom, avoiding the drama and gossip that was surely spreading like wildfire through the school.

As the final bell rang, Remi stood up, helping Avery to her feet. "Let's get out of here, okay?"

Avery nodded, still feeling shaken. "Yeah. Let's go home."

Asher's POV

Asher turned to Caleb as they walked out of school. "Dude, I'm shocked about Avery. I didn't see her as the addict type."

Caleb snorted. "Rich people, man. They're all messed up. Julian with his entitled attitude, Remi with her perfect little facade, Avery with her... well, apparently her pill problem. Lila with her mean-girl complex, and Ethan with his... whatever it is he does."

Asher raised an eyebrow. "Hey, don't judge them without knowing them, okay? They might surprise you."

Caleb shrugged. "I doubt it."

Nilani's POV

Nilani's eyes widened as she read the news on her phone. Avery in rehab? She couldn't believe it.

Avery walked into the house, looking sheepish. Nilani confronted her, her voice shaking with anger and worry.

"Avery, what's going on? I just saw the news about you being in rehab."

Avery sighed. "Mom, it's not what you think. I'm clean, I swear. I was in rehab for... for other reasons."

Nilani's expression turned skeptical. "What other reasons? You're not on pills, are you?"

Avery's face twisted in frustration. "No, Mom, I'm not on pills. Can't you just trust me?"

Nilani shook her head. "I don't know what to believe, Avery. You're clearly hiding something from me."

Avery's eyes welled up with tears. "You're always so quick to judge me, Mom. You never listen."

The argument escalated until Avery stormed out of the room, leaving Nilani feeling worried and confused.

Jullian's pov

I was cruising down the street in my Lamborghini, enjoying the evening air, when I spotted Avery walking alone, looking annoyed. I couldn't resist.

I pulled up beside her and rolled down the window. "Hey, rehab girl," I said with a grin. "What's wrong? Mom not happy about your little secret?"

Avery shot me a look, her eyes narrowing. "Shut up, Julian. And it's not what you think."

I chuckled. "Oh, come on. Don't be shy. Get in, I'll take you for a ride."

Avery raised an eyebrow, her expression skeptical. "Why would I get in a car with you?"

I shrugged. "Because I'm charming, and my car is way more fun than walking."

Avery rolled her eyes, but a small smile played on her lips. "You're not as charming as you think you are."

I grinned. "Oh, I think I am. Besides, I'm not asking you to marry me. Just get in the car."

Avery hesitated for a moment before getting in. As we drove, the conversation was stilted, with awkward silences and polite small talk.

But as the night wore on, and we ended up at a club, the tension between us began to dissipate. We started to laugh and joke together, our conversations flowing more easily.

As we danced, Avery's body brushed against mine, sending a spark of electricity through me. I caught her eye, and for a moment, we just stared at each other.

"Thanks for the distraction," Avery said, her voice low and husky.

I smiled, my eyes locked on hers. "Anytime. I'm always happy to distract you."

Avery raised an eyebrow, a flirtatious glint in her eye. "Oh, I bet you are."

I chuckled, feeling a surge of attraction. "You have no idea."

As the night wore on, we got drunker, our conversations becoming more slurred and ridiculous. But despite the awkwardness and the strangeness of the situation, I found myself having more and more fun.

And as we stumbled out of the club, and back into my car, I knew that this night was far from over.

As Avery and Julian stumbled out of the club, Nilani was across town, meeting someone in secret. She glanced around nervously, ensuring no one was watching.

Remi, who had just left a nearby bakery, happened to be walking by. She noticed Nilani and did a double take. Who was she meeting?

Remi quickly pulled out her phone and snapped a photo of the mysterious meeting. She didn't know what was going on, but she had a feeling it was big.

As Remi walked away, she couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. She looked down at the photo on her phone, her mind racing with possibilities.

What was Nilani hiding? And who was the mysterious person she was meeting?