Power always looked strongest when it believed itself untouchable.
Victor Hale had lived long enough to know that.
Which was why he didn’t panic when Ava Montgomery refused to disappear.
Didn’t flinch when public opinion split instead of silencing her.
Didn’t hesitate when Jaxon Reed stayed.
Pressure was most effective when applied slowly.
Quietly.
And from angles no one expected.
⸻
Ava knew something was wrong before the call even ended.
The voice on the other end—measured, polite, rehearsed—belonged to a junior administrator in the financial aid office.
“Mr. Reed’s scholarship is under temporary suspension pending further review.”
Ava’s fingers tightened around her phone.
“On what grounds?” she asked calmly.
“There are… discrepancies,” the woman replied. “We’ll be in touch.
