The Insider

Chapter 5: "Morning After"

Avery rushed out of Julian' house, annoyance etched on her face. "I have to go," she said, not even looking back.

Julian chuckled, following her to the door. "Wow, you're really going to leave me hanging like that? No breakfast, no nothing?"

Avery rolled her eyes. "It's a school night, Julian. I shouldn't have even come here."

Julian grinned. "Ah, come on. I'll drive you to school. We can make it a morning after to remember."

Avery declined, shaking her head. "No, thanks. I'll walk."

As Avery rushed out of the house, Caleb, who was walking by, caught sight of her. He quickly pulled out his phone and snapped a photo of Avery leaving Julian's house. He sent the photo to The Insider, along with a brief message.

Meanwhile, at school, Avery tried to act like she didn't care about yesterday's outburst. But Remi met her at her locker, a knowing glint in her eye.

"Avery, girl, what's going on?" Remi asked, her voice low. "You hooked up with Julian after the whole drama yesterday. That's a terrible meet cute for you guys."

Avery's eyes widened in surprise. "What? No, we didn't hook up. We just got drunk together and I slept at his place. How did you know?"

Remi shrugged. "The Insider posted it. Someone must have seen you leaving Julian's house and tipped them off."

Avery's face fell, her eyes scanning the hallway to see if anyone was listening.

Remi leaned in, her voice barely above a whisper. "I have something to tell you later, Avery. After class, okay?"

Avery nodded, her mind racing with possibilities. "Okay."

Julian leaned against his locker, sipping on a coffee as he watched the students rush by. Ethan approached him, a look of curiosity on his face.

"Julian, what's going on with you and Avery?" Ethan asked, his voice neutral.

Julian raised an eyebrow, his expression arrogant. "And why would I tell you, Ethan? You're not exactly my confidant."

Ethan's eyes narrowed slightly, but he kept his tone light. "Just making conversation, Julian. No need to get defensive."

Julian's smile was cold. "I'm not getting defensive, Ethan. I'm just not interested in sharing my personal life with someone I barely know."

Lila appeared out of nowhere, a sly smile spreading across her face. "Oh, come on, Julian. You're not going to deny the rumors, are you?"

Julian's eyes flicked to Lila, his expression disdainful. "And what rumors would those be, Lila?"

Lila's smile grew wider. "The ones about you and Avery. You know, the rehab girl."

Julian's face twisted in annoyance, but he kept his cool. "You know, Lila, for someone who's always talking about other people's business, you're surprisingly quiet about your own."

Lila's smile faltered, and for a moment, she looked taken aback. But then her expression smoothed out, and she laughed. "Oh, Julian. You're so predictable."

The conversation was interrupted by the sound of Avery's voice, calling out to Remi as they walked down the hallway. Julian's eyes flicked to Avery, a look of interest flashing across his face.

Ethan followed his gaze, his expression curious. "Julian, you're not exactly known for your discretion. What's going on with you and Avery?"

Julian's eyes locked on Ethan's, his expression arrogant. "And why would I tell you, Ethan? You're just a stranger to me."

Ethan's eyes narrowed slightly, but he kept his tone light. "Fair enough, Julian. But just remember, strangers can become friends... or enemies."

Julian's smile was cold. "I'm shaking in my boots, Ethan."

Asher's phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out, his eyes scanning the screen.

"Grand Hotel, 5 pm. Don't be late."

A small smile played on Asher's lips as he read the message. He knew exactly who it was from.

But for now, that was a secret only he knew.