Chapter 29
Andrea’s breath came in shallow gasps as she ran through the dimly lit paths of Blackthorn Academy. The sharp, cold air stung her lungs, but she didn’t slow down. She couldn’t. Sophie’s fake tears, her calculated screams, and the sheer betrayal of it all replayed in her mind, fueling her steps.
She had to find Nathaniel. He was the only one who could help her now.
The Sinclair dormitory loomed ahead, its tall windows glowing faintly in the night. Andrea burst through the door and made her way to Nathaniel’s study without knocking, her heart pounding in her chest.
Nathaniel looked up from his desk, startled. “Andrea?” he said, rising from his chair. “What’s wrong?”
Andrea leaned against the doorframe, trying to catch her breath. “It’s Sophie,” she managed, her voice shaking. “She’s… she’s trying to ruin me. I need your help.”
Nathaniel’s expression darkened, his sharp eyes narrowing. “Tell me everything.”
Andrea sank into the chair across from him, her words tumbling out in a rush. She told him about Sophie’s fake accusations, her sinister smile, and the way she had deliberately hurt herself to frame Andrea.
Nathaniel listened in silence, his jaw tightening with every detail. When Andrea finished, he stood and began pacing, his hands clenched into fists.
“She’s not just trying to hurt you,” he said finally. “She’s trying to destroy you.”
Andrea nodded, her throat tightening. “What do I do?”
Nathaniel stopped pacing and turned to her, his gaze steady. “We fight back. We’re not letting her get away with this.”
Nathaniel moved quickly, calling on his brothers for support.
“We need to secure her alibis,” he said during a late-night meeting in his study. “Sophie will try to make this public, and when she does, we’ll be ready.”
Damien leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled. “I can pull security footage from the dorms. If Andrea wasn’t in the room when Sophie claimed she was, that’s all the proof we need.”
“I’ll handle the rumors,” Gabriel said. “Sophie’s made enemies in the art circle. I’ll make sure they’re not on her side when this blows up.”
“And I’ll keep her busy,” Aiden added with a smirk. “She won’t know what hit her.”
Andrea watched them work, a knot of guilt and relief forming in her chest. “Thank you,” she said softly.
Nathaniel’s hand brushed hers, drawing her attention. “This isn’t your fault,” he said firmly.
The next morning, Sophie struck.
She stood before a group of teachers in the academy’s main hall, tears streaming down her face as she spun her web of lies.
“She’s been bullying me for weeks,” Sophie sobbed, pointing a shaking hand at Andrea. “And not just me—other students too. She’s manipulative, cruel, and—”
“That’s enough.”
Nathaniel’s voice cut through the room like a blade, silencing Sophie mid-sentence.
He strode forward, his presence commanding, and handed a folder to the headmaster. “If you’re going to make accusations, Sophie, be prepared to face the truth.”
The headmaster opened the folder, his brows furrowing as he scanned the contents. “What is this?”
“Evidence,” Nathaniel said calmly. “Sophie Chen violated the charter and rules of the Royal Draw. She collaborated with others to falsify results and undermine the integrity of the game. That’s treason to the academy.”
Sophie’s face paled. “That’s not true!” she shrieked.
“It’s all there,” Nathaniel said, his voice icy. “Emails, witness statements, even her own handwriting. Your reign is over.”
