Chapter 7

The armored Maybach glided down the highway like a silent, black shark. Ray gripped the steering wheel with white knuckles, his eyes glued to the road, terrified to even glance in the rearview mirror.

Giovanna leaned back against the buttery leather seat. She closed her eyes, letting her brain sort through the files of her past life.

In her previous life, she had used her genius-level IQ to secure an Early Decision spot at Oakhaven. But Elara had paid people to spread the rumor that Giovanna was a brainless idiot who bought her way in with Damien's money.

Worse, the prestigious honor of giving the freshman valedictory speech-an honor Giovanna had earned-was stolen by Elara through the Vang family's connections.

The Maybach slowed as it passed through the towering gothic arches of Oakhaven University. Students walking on the sidewalks stopped and stared, pointing at the multi-million-dollar vehicle.

Ray parked the car near the edge of The Quad. He jumped out and opened the door.

Giovanna stepped out. Her red-soled heels clicked sharply against the pavement. The burgundy dress hugged her curves, radiating old-money elegance and absolute power.

The whispers started immediately. Groups of students turned their heads, trying to guess which billionaire family she belonged to.

Giovanna ignored them. She walked straight toward the chaotic freshman registration booths.

Her eyes scanned the crowd and locked onto a girl struggling to hold a massive stack of folders. She wore thick black glasses and a faded sweater. Fiona Daly.

In her past life, Fiona was the only person who stood by Giovanna when the whole school turned against her. Fiona had lost her own scholarship because of it.

A tight knot formed in Giovanna's throat. She walked up behind Fiona and gently tapped her shoulder.

Fiona spun around. Her eyes widened in shock, then immediately filled with panic.

"Gio!" Fiona hissed, dropping her voice. "Why are you so late? Elara's friends are already telling everyone you're a fraud."

Before Giovanna could answer, a shrill, nasal voice cut through the noise.

"Well, well. If it isn't our famous 'donation admit'."

Skylar Finch, Elara's chief minion, strutted over. Three other girls flanked her like bodyguards.

Skylar looked Giovanna up and down, her eyes burning with ugly jealousy. "What's wrong? Your old, ugly sugar daddy husband couldn't be bothered to walk you to class?"

The students standing nearby stopped talking. They pulled out their phones, hitting record, waiting for the rich girl to cry.

Fiona's face flushed red with anger. She stepped in front of Giovanna, using her small body as a shield. "Shut up, Skylar! Gio got in on her own merit!"

Skylar sneered. She shoved Fiona hard in the chest. "Merit? Everyone knows Elara is the only genius in the Vang family."

Fiona stumbled backward, her heel catching on the pavement. The folders flew out of her hands, scattering across the grass.

Giovanna's eyes went dead. The temperature around her seemed to drop. She reached out, her hand clamping onto Fiona's arm, stabilizing her instantly.

Giovanna pulled Fiona behind her back. She took one slow, deliberate step toward Skylar. The sheer, suffocating pressure of Giovanna's presence made Skylar physically shrink back.

"What are you doing?" Skylar stammered, trying to sound tough.

Giovanna didn't yell. She casually adjusted the cuff of her trench coat.

When she spoke, her voice was loud enough to carry across the entire courtyard. "Whether my husband is old or ugly is none of your business. Especially since his company has higher standards than you could ever meet in your entire pathetic life. Now, get out of my sight."

A collective gasp, followed by a wave of brutal laughter, erupted from the crowd. Skylar's face turned the color of a crushed tomato.

Giovanna leaned in, dropping her voice to a lethal whisper meant only for Skylar. "And as for Elara being a genius..."

Giovanna straightened up. A cold, wicked smile touched her lips. "Let's see how smart she looks at the assembly in thirty minutes."

Without waiting for a response, Giovanna grabbed Fiona's hand and dragged her away from the crowd, heading straight for the massive stone library.