Ava's heart pounded as she walked away from Zach, her mind racing.
She needed time to think. To figure out how to get out of this.
But time wasn't on her side.
The moment she stepped into the hallway, Chloe was waiting.
"Everything okay?" Chloe asked, her voice light, but her eyes sharp.
Ava forced a smirk. "Since when do you care?"
Chloe tilted her head. "You looked a little tense back there with Zach. Thought maybe you were finally realizing he's bad news."
Ava knew better than to trust Chloe's sudden concern. Chloe never spoke without a reason.
Ava shrugged. "Please. Zach's always full of himself. It's nothing."
Chloe just smiled. "Good. Because it'd be a shame if… you know, something complicated your perfect little life."
Ava's stomach dropped. Did Chloe know? Had she figured out that Zach was blackmailing her?
She forced herself to laugh. "Wow, cryptic much? What is this, a soap opera?"
Chloe chuckled. "Just making conversation." She leaned in slightly. "But hey, if you ever need someone to talk to… you know where to find me."
Then she walked off, leaving Ava standing there, rattled.
What was Chloe playing at?
The Web Tightens
By the time Ava met up with Jessica, Chloe and Taylor at their usual lunch spot outside, she was doing everything she could to act normal.
"So tell me again why Mr. Calloway gave us extra homework?" Taylor groaned, setting her tray down. "I swear, that man just enjoys making us suffer."
Jessica smirked. "Maybe he just likes you, Taylor."
Taylor made a face. "Gross. No way."
Ava nearly choked on her drink.
Jessica caught the reaction and raised an eyebrow. "You okay?"
"Yeah," Ava said quickly. Too quickly. She needed to get the conversation under control.
She turned to Taylor. "Speaking of Calloway, remember a few weeks ago? When I told you guys he kept staring at Jessica?"
Jessica rolled her eyes. "Oh, God. Not this again."
Taylor snorted. "Yeah, I remember. That was weird."
Ava leaned back, keeping her tone casual. "I still think it was hilarious how people actually believed he had a crush on her."
Jessica shook her head, laughing. "That rumor got out of hand so fast. Poor guy."
Ava smirked. "Yeah. Poor guy."
She could feel Chloe watching her from across the table.
Analyzing. Calculating.
Ava forced herself to keep smiling, but inside, panic clawed at her ribs.
Because, she realized she wasn't the one controlling the story anymore.
Chloe's Play
That afternoon, Chloe found Zach leaning against his locker, texting.
He barely looked up. "What now, Chloe?"
She crossed her arms. "I want in."
Zach sighed, shoving his phone in his pocket. "In on what?"
"Whatever you're planning with Ava."
That got his attention. He studied her for a second, then smirked. "And why would I do that?"
Chloe stepped closer, her voice dropping. "Because I have something better than just blackmail. I know things. And if you let me in, I might just share them."
Zach considered her for a long moment. Then he chuckled. "You really want to impress me that badly, huh?"
Chloe's expression didn't change. "Do we have a deal or not?"
Zach grinned. "Fine. Welcome to the game, Chloe."
And, the trap was set.