Chapter 19: Paige Lawson Bounded Down the Stairs Three Steps at a Time

Paige Lawson bounded down the stairs three steps at a time. The familiar black sports car stood out conspicuously at the school gate.

Grant Holloway leaned against the car door, a cigarette dangling between his slender fingers. Sunlight bathed his figure—the beige hoodie paired with black cargo pants made him look like a recent graduate.

Girls walking past stole glances at him.

By his third glance at his watch, his brows had already furrowed.

Just as he unlocked his phone, a warm body suddenly pressed against his back.

"Waiting long?" Paige stood on tiptoe, wrapping her arms around his neck, her hair brushing against his chin.

"Seven minutes late." Grant stubbed out his cigarette, his tone indifferent.

"Professor kept us late." She blinked. "I'll treat you to ice cream next time as an apology."

Grant gave a faint hum and opened the car door.

Paige slid into the passenger seat, chattering nonstop during the drive. Grant steered with one hand, occasionally responding with a quiet "Mhm."

At a red light, Paige suddenly pointed out the window. "Look!"

A massive billboard played a HarborWorld promotional video.

"Can we go here?" She tugged at his sleeve and gave it a playful shake.

Grant glanced at the GPS. "Up to you."

He pulled a velvet box from the glove compartment and tossed it to her.

"Birthday gift."

Paige's eyes lit up the moment she opened the box. "The Celestial collection from a French jewelry house! This one takes three months to pre-order!"

She eagerly slipped the bracelet onto her wrist, the diamonds glittering under the sunlight.

"How did you know I wanted this?" She leaned over and planted a kiss on his cheek.

Grant smirked. "Lucky guess."

* * *

Clara Whitmore was jolted awake by her phone ringing at the crack of dawn.

"Ten minutes—I'll be waiting downstairs!" Sloane Bennett's voice brimmed with energy.

Clara hurried through her morning routine, grabbed her backpack, and dashed downstairs.

"Right on time." Sloane handed her a cup of soy milk. "Your reward."

The roar of the sports engine faded as they pulled up to HarborWorld' entrance moments later.

Clara eyed the crowded gates. "Just the two of us?"

"Of course!" Sloane waved two VIP tickets. "I even got limited-edition headbands. Put yours on!"