Seeing Liam''s sad puppy eyes, Chloe didn''t budge until he mentioned dropping some serious cash.


    Sure, the Davis family was loaded, and Chloe wasn''t exactly hurting for cash either, but who said no to easy money? If Liam wanted to ssh out, she was all in.


    After a quick think, she told Liam, "Alright, I can''t promise you''ll get her contact info, but you should hit up Tony. Of course, it all depends on how you y your cards."


    Liam lit up at her words, almost grabbing her hand and showering her withpliments.


    At school, they hopped out of the car and went their separate ways to ss. Once Liam was out of sight, Chloe called Tony.


    He was stoked to see her name pop up. "Chloe, what''s up? What can I do for you?"


    Tony had scored some sweet business deals with the Davis Family thanks to Chloe, and the Gibson family was raking it in, making Tony a hero in his parents'' eyes. To Tony, Chloe was his good luck charm. Chloe got straight to the point, "Is Liam still hunting for that biker''s contact info?"


    Tony''s chuckle came through the receiver. "Yeah, he''s been going nuts, trying everything on me threats, bribes, you name it. But don''t worry, Chloe, I haven''t spilled a word to him."


    Tony''s loyalty was rock solid. Growing up in the Northwest, he yed with Zara and Chloe. During a game of hide and seek, they stashed Tony in a cer and told him to stay put, no matter what. Tony stayed hidden for five hours, ignoring the adults calling his name. It wasn''t until Chloe and Zara fessed up that they finally pulled him out. From that day on, Chloe knew she could always count on Tony. He was the definition of loyal and discreet.


    After Tony finished, he added, "Chloe, I don''t know how much longer I can hold out. You know Liam; who knows what he''ll try next? What if I crack?"


    Chloe paused to consider her next move. "I''ll send you a Facebook ountter," she informed Tony. "If Liam bothers you again, give him this ount and tell him it''s the biker''s."


    Tony was perplexed. "Huh? Chloe, what''s the n?"


    Chloe shrugged nonchntly. "No biggie. Liam''s money wants to find its way into my pocket, that''s all. Gotta head to ss now."


    After hanging up with Tony, Chloe strode towards her ssroom.


    Today felt promising, especially after snagging first prize in the ss designpetition, a moment now being enthusiastically dissected by her teacher. Her work, under the scrutiny of several teachers, had been chosen for its ingenuity and impact. This was her moment to bask in well-earned praise.


    In ss, she earned apuse and congrattions from ssmates, notably Philip, Rena, and those she had yed basketball with the previous day. Their hands pped so fervently it seemed they might soon turn red.


    Chloe''s charm was infectious; she wasn''t the most striking girl but her vivacious personality made her instantly likable. As soon as the bell rang, clusters of students gathered around her, chatting animatedly.


    Not far away, Lucy was fuming. Her dad was the Academic Dean, and her design wasmendable too. So why wasn''t her work showcased? Why did Chloe, a in Jane, keep catching all the lucky breaks? And what on earth gave her the right to be in the running for the attention of the three Martin brothers, practically royalty in their social sphere?


    Lucy simmered with resentment, feeling that Chloe had no rightful im to such opportunities. With jealousy clouding her judgment, she seemed to have forgotten the consequences of theirst altercation over a cut-up dress. Bolstered by her fury, she stormed towards Chloe, shoving past the crowd, and started to taunt her with venomced words.


    "Oh, Chloe. Not pretty enough, so you rely on brains? Making such an impressive design to build your image as a top student?"


    Chloe''s smile faltered. Rena, ever the quick defender, stepped up. "Lucy, what''s your problem? Chloe''s design is genuinely good. She doesn''t need to build any image. If you can''t say anything nice, just zip it."


    Rena was a new ssmate Chloe had met in Sovereign City. She had a ir for hosting from a young age and excelled at verbal duels, something Lucy found out at the moment.


    Ignoring Rena, Lucy kept at it, her eyes a cold glower. "You made one decent design, so what? Look at you, so full of yourself, surrounding yourself with these ass-kissers."


    Chloe snorted at Lucy''s relentless attitude. "Lucy, what do you want?"


    With a smug grin, Lucy retorted, "Nothing. I just can''t stand seeing your ugly face in ss every day. One good design doesn''t mean you''ll always nail it. The Martin brothers can''t stand you. Chloe, you''re just not worth it. If I were you, I''d pack up and head back to the Northwest."


    Lucy''s spiteful words were a punch to everyone around. Chloe''s friends quickly rallied to her side.


    "Lucy, what''s your deal? If you want Liam to notice you, go to him. Why take it out on Chloe?" Rena''s sharp eyes saw through Lucy''s feigned bravado.


    Philip, his voice stern, joined in, "Lucy, if you''re sick, go see a doctor. Did Chloe do something to you?"


    "Exactly! This is too much," another ssmate chimed in.


    Lucy, unperturbed by the rising tide of criticism, pointed an usatory finger at them. "What? I just can''t stand her. Anyone defending this in Jane, I''ll get you kicked out right away!"