Chapter 18

Alexia's smile faltered into something tight and forced,then she clenched her jaw. "Forget everything I just said. I take it all back.Waylon,you-"

"I'Ll win the Adam's Heart for you."

Her words froze mid-air, and her eyes narrowed in suspicion."That's a sudden change of heart, don't you think?"

Waylon gave a calm nod, as unbothered as ever. "But it comes with a condition."

Alexia stiffened slightly. "Say it."

There was a pause. Then, Waylon said casually, "That night, you'll be mnine."

"What? Waylon asked you to be his date?"

The second Alexia stepped outside the club, Ada was already there waiting, and the moment she heard what happened inside, she practically leapt out of her heels.

Alexia remained cool. "That was all his call. He said I'd be staying beside him during the charity gala as his date. I warned him my reputation's in ruins, but he didn't seem to mind."

Ada quickly yanked her into a corner and whispered urgently, "Alexia, listen-Waylon has never brought a woman to an event like this. Not once. And this gala?It's not just another high-society cocktail party. It's a big deal. I'm seriously worried he's setting you up for something."

Alexia lifted an eyebrow. "Setting me up? Wow. You make it sound like you're scared of him."

Waylon had always been distant, frosty even-a total iceberg since they were kids. But Alexia had never seen Ada this shaken before.

Ada hesitated, wrestling with her thoughts, before sighing like she'd finally given in."Don't you think he's different now?"

"Yeah. Taller. More attractive. Definitely aged like fine wine." Alexia nodded.

Ada rolled her eyes hard. "You're hopeless. Seriously.You'd follow a handsome guy off a cliff."

Alexia simply gave a casual shrug. "Handsome guys exist so we can enjoy the view, right?"

Ada let out a deep sigh. "All jokes aside, you need to hear this. It's official--Waylon's being positioned as the next president of the Chamber of Commerce. And trust me, the timing isn't random. Dane Warren was supposed to serve at least two terms. He had everything-experience, support, influence, but he was pushed out almost overnight. You really think he gave that up willingly? No chance. One by one,everyone connected to his camp has been quietly wiped out."

Ada shivered, goose bumps creeping up her arms."Anyone who picked the wrong side ended up in a terrible situation-some say even worse than dying.Even those who were once friendly with the Mason family weren't spared. It didn't matter how close you were or how much you pleaded. Waylon is ruthless.Sure, we come from powerful families, but that doesn't give us immunity. He's not someone to provoke, Alexia. Just promise me you'll be careful.Keep your distance, okay?"

Alexia stared at Ada's pale face, something unfamiliar twisting in her gut-an edge of worry she couldn't ignore.

Ada had always been fiery and untouchable growing up-spoiled rotten, guarded by her powerful family and that hawk of a brother, Korbin. Nobody had ever dared mess with her.

And yet now, she was intimidated by Waylon.

Alexia replied calmly, "If he's really as unstoppable as you say, staying out of his way might not change anything. Some things find you anyway."

Noticing how worried Ada looked, Alexia softened her tone. "Relax. Honestly, I'm not a big deal right now.The Jenkins and Gibson families don't hold much value for someone like him. And if this is a setup,let him try. He's not the only one who knows how to play the game. Just because he starts it doesn't mean I'll lose."

Ada looked at her with visible worry. "God, I really hope I'm just being paranoid."

Later that day, they drove to Afoross University.

Despite the bright sky, the air cut sharp and bitter-it was January at its harshest.

Ada parked close to the entrance, and the two walked the remaining stretch toward the university gates.

Near the gates, Alexia noticed a tall guy leaning against a wall, hands tucked in his hoodie pocket,headphones resting over his ears. His head was tilted back slightly, like he was half-asleep or maybe just soaking in the weak winter sunlight.

Ada waved as they approached. "Nolan! Over here!"

He straightened at her voice and strolled over with casual ease.

Ada jumped in with introductions. "Alexia, meet Nolan Hayes. He's in your department. One of those early-admission prodigies."

Alexia glanced him over. Lean frame, sharp features,fresh-faced with just enough cocky energy to give away his age. His student ID hung around his neck like a blinking neon sign. She raised a brow. "What are you,sixteen?"

Ada almost burst out laughing but quickly held it in,while Nolan stayed perfectly calm and replied in the driest tone imaginable, "I'm eighteen. Senior year."

"Right." Alexia's lips twitched, mildly amused at herself.

Nolan continued, "Professor Ellis said you'd be here today.Asked me to meet you."

Alexia gave a small nod, a smirk tugging at her lips."Alright, lead the way."

They walked across campus to a quiet little restaurant tucked just off the main quad.

Inside, Damon Ellis was already waiting, seated in a private booth.

He was dressed down in simple athletic wear, holding a mug like a man deep in his weekend routine. But the second Alexia stepped in, the energy shifted.

He set the mug aside and stood up, his demeanor sharpening as his gaze locked on her.