Chapter 13
Eliana strolled into the auditorium, blending into the crowd like she belonged there.
Once she was certain no one was paying her any mind, she slipped her hand into the hidden pocket of her sleeve and pulled out a photo, careful and quick
She’d been ready for Willow’s anties today. She’d known that girl would try something. That was why she had a plan–a good one.
Eliana had stashed her own photo in her sleeve earlier when Willow wasn’t paying attention. No way in hell was Willow going to find it.
The place was packed with freshmen buzzing with energy. Eliana scanned the room, found her class’s section, and casually slipped into a seat.
Not even a minute later, Willow came storming in frustration all over her face. She trudged to the back row, her eyes locking onto Eliana in the front. And of course, she rolled her eyes like the drama queen she was.
The party soon kicked off, with several deans and upperclassmen taking the stage.
Eliana didn’t care about any of it. Her eyes were glued to the front row, where Silas was sitting with some school bigwigs. He didn’t seem to have a clue that his wallet–and more importantly, the photo inside it was missing.
She knew she had to give it back. But how, it had to look natural, like she wasn’t scheming to get closer to him. She couldn’t come off as suspicious.
Last time around she cringed at the memory–her wardrobe malfunction had turned her into a public spectacle. She’d been too busy nursing her humiliation to notice how Willow managed to cozy up to Silas and return the photo like a hero.
Her thoughts were interrupted as the speeches wrapped up.
Someone announced. “Alright, now’s your chance to mingle! Get to know the folks you’ll be spending the next four years with Cue the polite clapping, which quickly turned into chatter and movement as everyone scattered.
Applause filled the room, and everyone began to move around freely.
This wasn’t just idle mingling, though. Soon, the show–offs would start performing, hoping to catch the eyes of a few directors in the crowd.
Willow, of course, was ready for her moment. She’d dressed to impress, every detail painstakingly planned. As the crowd spread out, she zeroed in. on her targets the rich kids from Dratora City.
But her real prize was Roman Scott, the student council president who had spoken earlier.
Willow stationed herself strategically, holding a drink and pretending to be lost in thought.
She was planning an “accidental” run–in with Roman Classic. Except it backfired spectacularly. Roman didn’t even take the path she was watching. He had other plans.
a moment. He stepped
From the stage, Roman’s eyes had been scanning the crowd for someone. The second he spotted Eliana, he didn’t waste a mor down and headed straigla for her.
Willow, clueless as ever, waited for a good long minute before realizing Roman wasn’t coming her way. When she saw him walking toward Eliana, her face twisted in shock. She hurried after him, trying to catch up..
Eliana stood up, ready to move to a quieter spot, but barely made it two steps before a voice called out behind her. “Eliano!”
She turned to see Thomas heading her way, flanked by Cameron and two others. Her stomach dropped.
What the hell are they doing here? This isn’t how it went last time, she thought. Before her time travel, they hadn’t shown up at all.
are you guys doing here?” she asked, unable to hide her surprise.
Thomas just grimmed. “What, this is the freshman party, ba’s in We figured we’d
A join in the fun.”
Eluna shot hlan a look, clearly unimpressed. “Fun You’re just here to stir shit up
Thomas didn’t seem fazed, but their arrival had already drawn attention. Heads turned, whispers spread, and suddenly, all eyes were on her.
Eliana felt the beat rising to lier face. She hated this. Being the center of attention was not her vibe
The four of them were practically legends at Instead University–more popular than tomon, the student council president himself.
10.27 PM c d ·
Chapter 13
“Come on, get outta here already! Eliana tried to shon Thomas and the other three away, pushing at Thomas’s back with little success.
Thomas turned back to her with a charming smile, taking her hand. “Why? Your dad specifically asked me to keep an eye on you, so I’m doing my job. Let me introduce you to some people around here. Those guys who just spoke on stage? I know them all.”
Meanwhile. Cameron’s sharp eyes zeroed in on Thomas holding Eliana’s hand, his gaze practically screaming. “What the hell do you think you’re doing!
Thomas felt the chill immediately, like daggers were flying at him from Cameron’s direction. Oh, crap… Why does this feel like I’m about to ger murdered” he thought.
He released Eliana’s hand so fast it was as if it burned him.
“What’s wrong?” Eliana asked, confused by his sudden reaction.
“Nothing just don’t wanna hold hands anymore. Feel weird, Thomas muttered, scratching the back of his head.
“Huh?”
Landon Mitchell burst out laughing. “Eliana, he’s just being a dumbass.”
Thomas shot him a deadly glare. “Who the hell are you calling dumbass, huh?”
Adam snickered, chiming in, “Alright, hotshot, why don’t you grab her hand again and prove in?”
Thomas hesitated, suddenly realizing they were setting him up to get decked. “They’re both assholes, be cursed silently.
Cameron ignored their nonsense and stepped forward. “Don’t pay attention to them,” he said calmly to Eliana. “I’ll take you instead.
Elana hesitated. She clutched the photo in her hand, reluctant to stick too close to these four attention magnets
They were like walking neon signs–way too flashy for my taste. But then she thought about the opportunity they presented. It wasn’t every day she’d get the chance to network with the deans and directors.
“Alright,” she finally agreed
The four of them confidently led her to the front of the hall, where several deans and directors were seated
“Mr. Turner, Mr. Roberts, Cameron greeted smoothly
Micah Turner and Jeremiah Roberts looked up, visibly surprised. “Cameron? What brings you guys h
“We’re just here to show some support, Cameron said nonchalantly.
Micah chuckled. “Support, huh? I’m just glad you’re not here to stir up trouble for once!”
here?
Thomas grinned. “Relax, Mr. Turner. We made sure to wait until after your speech to show up. No stealing the spotlight this time!”
Jereimals laughed at the playful Lanter
After exchanging a few lighthearted comments, the group introduced Eliana.
“This in Elana Davis, a new student in the acting departament?” Thomas said, his voice unusually serious. Mr. Turner, Mr. Roberts, please let the professors know to keep an eye out for her. She’s new here, so she could use some extra support,” he added.
Eliana flushed as she greeted the deans shyly. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Turner, Mr. Roberts,”
In the past, she’d been just another ordinary student at hostead. She’d never had the chance to get this close to the deans, let alone hold a conversation with them. Her respect for these academic giants was apparent.
Jeremiați looked at Eliana with a smile. They had heard about the daughter of the board member joining the acting department. Now seeing her. they knew the girl was Eliana
There was no need for introductions, they already knew what they should do. Being the daughter of a board member meant no one would make dungs difficult for her.
Jeremiah studied her with a warm smile. “I’ve heard about you. You’re quite the promising young talent”
10:27 PM c d
Chapter 13
“Today’s your hicky day, Eliana.” Jeremiah continued. “We have three directors visiting–Mr. Silas Carter, Mr. Xavier Cruz, and Mr. Dominic Parker All of them are industry leaders. Eliana, I’m sure you’ll get to work with them after you graduate.”
“Hell, at this rate, you might not even need to wait until graduation!” Micah added with a hearty laugh
