Chapter 55
Chapter 55:
SPLAT.
The pasta hit the floor with a wet, heavy sound. Sauce exploded outward, splattering across Tiffany’s pristine white sneakers and up the hem of her jeans.
“Ew!” Tiffany shrieked, jumping back and dropping her own tray in the process. “My shoes! These are limited edition p>
The cafeteria went silent. Then the phones came out. Dozens of cameras were raised, recording the aftermath.
Jessica stood there, her hands empty, her face turning a blotchy red. She looked at Skye, stunned that her target was completely spotless.
“You pushed me!” Jessica yelled, trying to salvage the narrative. “Did you see that? She pushed me p>
Skye stood perfectly still. She took a sip of her water. She looked bored.
“Gravity is a harsh mistress, isn’t it?” Skye said, her voice cool and carrying easily over the whispers.
“You bitch!” Jessica took a step forward, raising her hand as if to slap Skye.
SLAM.
A hand hit the nearest table hard enough to make the silverware jump.
Ethan Vance stepped between them. He didn’t look like the charming playboy now. He loomed over Jessica, using his height to intimidate. He crossed his arms over his chest, creating a physical barrier between Skye and the girls.
“Back off,” Ethan growled.
Jessica froze, her hand hovering in the air. “Ethan, she p>
“I saw everything,” Ethan cut her off. “I saw you trip over your own feet because you were too busy trying to assault her. Do you want me to call campus security? Or should we just check the fifty videos being uploaded to TikTok right now p>
Jessica lowered her hand. She looked around, realizing she was losing the audience.
“She’s a whore, Ethan!” Jessica spat, desperate. “Look at the photos! She’s servicing old men at The Obsidian p>
𝘛h𝗶s 𝖼𝗈n𝗍е𝗇𝘁 𝗂s 𝖺u𝗍hе𝗻𝗍іс 𝖿𝘳𝗈𝗺 𝖻e.co𝗆
“And you’re servicing your own insecurity,” Ethan shot back. “Is this because Mark rejected you last week? You think tearing Skye down is going to make him want you p>
The crowd gasped. It was a low blow, publicizing Jessica’s rejection, but it was effective. Jessica turned a deep, humiliated purple.
“Ethan, that’s enough p>
The voice was so soft, melodic, and sickeningly sweet.
Seraphina emerged from the crowd. She walked carefully, avoiding the spilled pasta. She looked like a peacekeeper, her face arranged in a mask of concern.
“Jessica, stop it,” Seraphina scolded gently, putting a hand on her friend’s arm. “We shouldn’t judge people for how they make a living p>
She turned to Skye. Her eyes were wide and filled with faux pity.
“Skye, I’m so sorry about them,” Seraphina said. She reached into her purse and pulled out a fifty-dollar bill. She held it out to Skye. “Here. For dry cleaning. Just in case any sauce got on you. I know you’re struggling. I heard… well, I heard Liam finally froze your joint accounts. It must be so hard to be cut off p>
It was a calculated strike. Seraphina wasn’t just offering charity; she was gloating. She knew about the frozen accounts because Liam had likely complained about the financial gridlock Skye had caused, but Seraphina had twisted the narrative to make Skye look destitute rather than powerful.