The sleek luxury car rolled smoothly into the school compound, sunlight glinting off its polished body. Heads turned almost instinctively. Whispers followed.
Brian brought the car to a halt. The door opened, and Athena stepped out first, followed by Madeline and Natalie—three figures in crisp uniforms, each carrying a different kind of presence.
"I'll pick you up later," Brian said.
Natalie scoffed, already adjusting her hair. "As if you wouldn't."
She strode ahead without another glance, heels clicking sharply against the pavement.
Athena paused and turned back. "Drive safely on your way back."
Brian smiled faintly. "I will, miss."
Madeline stretched slightly, eyes bright with curiosity. "Well. New school, new chaos."
Athena let out a small laugh. "Yeah… let's go."
They walked deeper into the campus, surrounded by voices and movement—students laughing, arguing, hurrying past. For a brief moment, it almost felt normal.
Then—impact.
Athena collided with someone shoulder-first.
"Oh—I'm sorry," she said instinctively.
"Watch where you're going, you blind fool!"
The sharpness of the voice cut through the noise. Athena froze. Madeline's smile vanished instantly.
Madeline turned, eyes narrowing. "Funny. I was just wondering who the real blind fool was—you or her."
The girl bristled. "Who do you think you are to speak to me like that?"
Madeline tilted her head. "Maybe I should be asking you that."
A scoff. "Do you even know who I am?"
Madeline didn't hesitate. "Do you think I care?"
The girl's lips curled smugly. "I'm Scarlett Black. The only heir to the BT Group."
Athena's gaze sharpened, something dark flickering behind her eyes.
"Black?" she said slowly. "You mean… North Black's daughter?"
Scarlett chuckled. "Oh? Are you scared now?"
Athena stepped closer, her voice low, chilling. "Perhaps you should be."
She brushed past Scarlett deliberately, shoulder hitting shoulder. Scarlett staggered back half a step, stunned.
"How dare they…" she muttered through clenched teeth.
"Scarlett!"
Natalie appeared from behind, lips curved into a knowing smile. "I've been looking for you."
Scarlett turned. "Do you know them? Especially the one called Athena?"
Natalie laughed softly. "So they got to you too?"
Scarlett's interest sharpened. "Too?"
"They've already irritated me once," Natalie said casually. "But don't worry. I've arranged something."
Scarlett raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"
"You remember Lily? The one who follows me everywhere?"
Scarlett smirked. "Unfortunately."
"She's in their department. I told her to provoke them. Humiliate them if she can."
Scarlett's smile widened. "I like that. Let's see how long they keep that confidence."
Their laughter dissolved into the corridor noise as they walked away.
---
The science classroom buzzed softly with chatter. Athena sat at her desk, scrolling through her phone, while Madeline leaned back, absorbed in a novel.
A shadow fell across their desk.
"I'm Lily," a girl said sharply. "From the science department. What exactly are you two doing here?"
Madeline didn't look up. "Asking stupid questions this early in the day?"
Lily sneered. "You really don't belong here."
"And why is that?" Madeline asked calmly.
"Because it's a disgrace for dullards like you to sit among us."
Madeline snorted and finally looked up. "You're calling a genius a dullard?" She nodded toward Athena. "That one could teach this class."
Lily scoffed. "Sure. Let's test it. Tell me about reptiles."
Athena looked up slowly, unimpressed. "If you want attention, at least ask something intelligent."
Lily smirked. "So you don't know?"
Athena leaned forward, voice precise. "Reptiles are poikilothermic, air-breathing vertebrates. They were the earliest vertebrates to adapt fully to terrestrial life. They lay large, yolk-filled eggs, and embryonic development depends entirely on that yolk."
Silence.
Athena raised an eyebrow. "Would you like me to continue, or is that enough education for today?"
Lily's jaw tightened. "You probably memorized that online. This isn't over."
She spun and stormed off.
Madeline muttered, "What a loud clown."
"Forget her," Athena said, already back on her phone.
"Oh—before I forget," Madeline added lightly. "My parents want you to have lunch with us."
Athena glanced up. "When?"
"Today."
A small smile touched Athena's lips. "Okay."
Madeline grinned. "Good. Now go back to hacking the universe while I finish my book."
Athena chuckled softly, screen lighting her focused eyes.
From the corridor window, unseen by her, Scarlett watched—expression cold, calculating.
Some ties were never accidental.
Some collisions were planned.