Chapter 13
Chapter 13: The Whispers
The elite halls of St. Jude’s Preparatory Academy were a localized ecosystem of gossip and old money. Secrets were the currency, and by Wednesday, Emma was the wealthiest girl in school.
When she walked into the senior commons, the ambient chatter died instantly.
Eyes tracked her every movement. Whispers hissed behind manicured hands. Did you hear? Her mother was caught in the guest house. Her dad kicked her out barefoot. I heard it was the tennis coach. (It wasn't, but the truth hardly mattered to them).
Chloe, a girl whose malice was only outweighed by her family's trust fund, stepped into Emma's path. Chloe wore a mask of faux-sympathy that made Emma’s stomach turn.
"Emma, oh my god," Chloe cooed, reaching out to touch her arm. "We heard about your parents. I am so sorry. If you need a place to crash because things are just... too toxic at home..."
Emma looked at Chloe's hand resting on her sleeve. She didn't flinch. She didn't pull away.
"My home is perfectly fine, Chloe," Emma said, her tone as sharp as cracked ice. "We just had to take the trash out. I suggest you worry about your own father's impending SEC indictment before you pity me."
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Chloe’s fake smile evaporated, the color draining from her face.
Emma stepped past her, her spine straight, her chin raised high. She was Richard's daughter. She would not bleed for their entertainment.
