The city roared around me.

Honking horns, flashing lights, the blur of people crossing streets with practiced speed, everything moved, and I didn't.

I was frozen on the crosswalk, the blaring horn ripping through me like a siren of doom. My knees buckled, trembling until they gave out. My chest clamped shut.

Breathe, Rose, breathe

But I wasn't.

The ground seemed to tilt. Neon signs blurred overhead, faces in the crowd melted into smears of color. My hands shot up, pressing hard against my ears to block out the unbearable ringing. My eyes stung as tears pooled. And then the memory I'd fought to bury clawed up from the dark. That day. That accident. That helplessness.

I gasped, choking on nothing. Panic swallowed me whole.

Then shoes.

Shiny, leather, clearly expensive, planted firmly in front of me like an anchor. I forced my gaze upward. A man crouched low, city lights haloing him from behind. His lips moved soundlessly at first until my shaky breathing slowed enough to catch his words.

"Miss, are you okay? Can you stand?"

His voice was warm, concerned, cutting through the storm inside me. Around us, curious eyes lingered, some pitying, some whispering. The humiliation hit like a slap, and I ducked my head, letting my hair fall forward, hiding my face.

"Can you stand?" he asked again.

I nodded, tried. My knees betrayed me instantly. Strong hands steadied me before I could hit the ground again.

"Th...thank" I started, voice shaking

And then I heard him.

A voice like velvet dipped in ice. Smooth, rich, lethal.

"She's fine, Ethan."

My head snapped up.

He wasn't close, but his presence devoured the space between us. Standing at the edge of the crowd, he was impossible to miss. Tall, broad-shouldered, the city's chaos somehow bent away from him, like he belonged above it all. His black suit was immaculate, cut to perfection, catching just enough of the neon glow to look unreal.

And his face.

Sharp jawline, sculpted cheekbones, lips too perfect to be fair. But his eyes God, his eyes silver-gray, glinting like steel under moonlight. They locked onto me, dissecting, unblinking, a predator's gaze that made my stomach flip.

For one breathless second, I stared. Shameless. Because how could you not?

Then I saw it. The car behind him. Sleek. Black. The very same monster that had nearly flattened me seconds ago. The customized plate number glared like a scar burned into my mind.

So this was him.

The driver.

Any trace of awe burned to ash.

"Let's go, Ethan" His words dripped disdain, velvet stripped bare. "I'm late."

The way he looked at me like I was a nuisance, something beneath him made my skin crawl.

He slid a sleek wallet from his pocket, flicked through crisp bills, and tossed them toward me with casual cruelty.

As if my life was worth spare change.

Ethan, the kind-eyed man beside me, bent down, caught the money before it touched the ground, and pressed it into my hand with a gentleness that almost made me cry. "For hospital bills. Sorry again."

And then the silver-eyed man turned, slipped into his car, and the beast roared away, leaving me stranded on the sidewalk with my humiliation burning hotter than the neon lights overhead.

I made my way into the restaurant still in disbelief.

The tiny sushi bar glowed warm, the smell of fried tempura and miso wrapping around me like comfort. Students filled the booths, laughter and chatter bouncing off bright paper lanterns.

But Elsie's voice was the only thing loud enough to cut through my fog.

"Rose! Oh my God, are you okay?" She nearly vaulted across the table, curls bouncing, brown eyes wide with worry.

I dropped into the booth opposite her, still shaky. "I'm fine. Just... shaken."

"What happened?"

I told her everything. The car. The men. The money.

Elsie's face darkened with outrage. "Unbelievable! Who does he think you are, tossing money at you like that? He screams privilege. No manners, no respect. He's lucky I wasn't there. I'd have turned his car into modern art, bashed his ego to dust, maybe even made it onto the news."

Despite myself, laughter broke through. Trust Elsie always dramatic, always ready to burn the world down for me.

"I couldn't even speak," I admitted, pushing sushi into my mouth. "I was... dumbfounded. And I didn't even buy your ice cream."

Elsie flicked a shrimp tail at me. "Forget the ice cream. We're plotting revenge."

The sun was dipping lower now, painting the sky in soft shades of gold and pink. The afternoon heat had mellowed, leaving the air warm but gentler as Elsie and I strolled toward the student parking lot.

Elsie swung her keys around her finger, humming cheerfully. "That sushi was worth every penny. If I ever get rich, I'm making it my daily ritual."

I chuckled. "You? Daily sushi? You'd probably make the chef memorize your motivational speeches too."

She smirked, tossing her curls. "Naturally. But Rose listen to me for a second." Her voice softened, eyes flicking to mine. "You have to apply for the Sterling & Co. internship. Don't you dare talk yourself out of it."

I frowned slightly. "What if I don't make it past the first round? What if it's just...."

"Stop right there." She pointed her keys at me like a weapon. "You're top of our class, Rose. You belong in places like that. Even if they reject nine out of ten applicants, you're still that one."

Warmth spread in my chest despite the nerves. Her faith in me felt heavier than the doubt.

"You really think so?" I asked quietly.

"I know so." Elsie unlocked her car with a click, then leaned against the door, smiling. "Promise me you'll apply."

I nodded slowly. "Okay. I'll try."

"Good girl." She bumped my shoulder, grinning. "Now go home and rest. You've had enough drama for one afternoon. I'll see you tomorrow."

I hugged her quickly before she slid into her car, the engine purring as she pulled away.

I turned, heading for my own apartment then froze.

There it was.

The sleek, black car. Gleaming in the fading sunlight like it owned the entire lot. That custom plate number glared at me, mocking me.

My lips curled into a slow smirk. Sweet, sweet revenge.

ADRAIN 

The meeting with the school board had drained me, their persistent insistence on pre-selecting a candidate for the Sterling & Co. internship is clashing with my principles, I alone would choose.

Now, as I  walked through the parking lot, ethan by my side, the late afternoon sun catching the lines of my  suit. Each step was measured with an unspoken assertion of authority.

The parking lot stretched quiet under the afternoon sun. My car sat there four tires slashed. I stopped, letting my gaze settle on it for a brief moment. Irritation flickered, sharp and fast, but fleeting. This was nothing I couldn't fix.

"Ethan," I said, voice calm. "Arrange for another car. Tow this one."

He nodded immediately, moving to make the calls. I didn't linger, didn't fuss. The car was replaceable. The audacity behind the act? That deserved attention. That was interesting.

The replacement car arrived, and I stepped in, leaving the destroyed vehicle behind without a second thought. 

Today demanded my focus. The Sterling & Co. board awaited, and my attention shifted to the meeting, though a spark of curiosity lingered beneath my composed exterior.

Hours passed, discussion after discussion, and by the time I returned to my office, dusk had settled over the city. Ethan was waiting, tablet in hand. 

"Sir," he said quietly, sliding it across the desk. "You'll want to see this."

I raised a brow, expression neutral, but my interest was piqued. The footage played.

Her.

The girl who had dared to slash my tires. At first, I didn't recognize her. Then the memory of the earlier accident resurfaced the fear, the face from this afternoon. 

And then it hit me: the school's persistent recommendation. The one student they'd been insisting I consider for the Sterling & Co. internship.

A slow, deliberate smile touched my lips, controlled, mischievous.

"Inform the school," I said, voice low. "She will be selected. 

And... she will learn exactly what it means to provoke me."

Ethan's brow lifted, a mixture of amusement and caution in his eyes. "Understood, sir." He said as he left my office to make the necessary arrangements.

I leaned back, letting the thought linger for just a heartbeat. The car was nothing. The game? Everything.

The soft hum of my phone vibrating on the desk pulled me from my thoughts. Anthonio. I answered, voice low, measured.

"Adrian. Let's meet at Tyrel's tonight. I need a check-in. You, me, Tyrel... see how you're holding up."

I raised an eyebrow but didn't comment. "Very well," I said simply, ending the call.

By evening, we were seated in the private room of Tyrel's five-star restaurant. The thick wooden doors shut behind us, muting the clinks and chatter of the main dining hall. The soft glow of recessed lights created an intimate bubble, perfect for candid conversation.

Anthonio leaned back in his chair, that infuriating grin plastered across his face. "So," he began, eyes twinkling. "Your little car is vandalized. How does it feel to be taken down a notch?"

I let my fingers tap lightly on the polished table. My voice, low and calm, carried enough weight to hold the room. "It's... inconsequential."

Anthonio laughed, shaking his head. "Inconsequential? Adrian, you really aren't going to do anything?"

I let the silence linger, slow and deliberate, before responding. "Some things are better watched than fixed immediately."

At that moment, the tall, cool figure of Tyrel walked in, his calm presence carrying across the room. He greeted us with a smooth smile that didn't quite reach his cunning eyes, always observing. 

"Gentlemen," he said, sliding into the chair across from us. "What's all this? Secret meeting I should know about?"

Before I could answer, Anthonio leaned back, waving his hand casually. "Ah, Tyrel. Perfect timing. Adrian's car got vandalized today. Big deal. Laugh it off, right?"

Tyrel's smile widened slightly, a glint of mischief in his eyes. "Vandalized, you say? That's... interesting. And how does Adrian plan to handle the culprit?"

I leaned back, letting the tension stretch, my voice slow, measured, and undeniably authoritative when I finally spoke. "That... will be handled in due time."

Anthonio burst out laughing, clapping me on the shoulder. "Oh, I like this version of you. Calm, collected, and deadly. Can't wait to see what you do next."

Tyrel's grin remained polite but sharp. "I'll admit, I'm curious as well. Watching someone like you in action is... entertaining."

I allowed myself a brief, satisfied smirk, letting them imagine all the possibilities while keeping my thoughts entirely to myself. The game had just begun.

 The waiter arrived promptly, taking our orders. Anthonio picked the flashiest dishes with a grin, Tyrel chose thoughtfully, and I kept my selection simple.

When the food arrived, I ate steadily. Anthonio laughed between mouthfuls, teasing Tyrel and me, while Tyrel's calm smile remained. 

The conversation was easy, light at times, with just enough tension beneath the surface to keep it interesting.

Anthonio leaned back after finishing, a teasing glint in his eyes. "That car of yours... still gives you trouble, huh?"

I paused, taking a slow sip of water, letting the moment stretch. "It's been dealt with," I said quietly, my voice calm but carrying weight.

Tyrel's smile curved, knowing more than he let on. Anthonio waved his hand dismissively, still grinning.

Once we were done, I set down my utensils carefully and stood. "Thank you for your company. I have business to attend to."

Anthonio's grin softened, sincere for a moment. "Careful on your way back and if you want to get a new one, my company is always open"

I allowed a faint smirk. "I'm aware."

Tyrel's sharp, calculating smile followed me as I left. 

Outside, the city stretched in quiet light. I slid into my car, as the driver drove off letting the night settle around me. 

Back at the penthouse, in one of my hotels where I made my home everything was still. Quiet. A perfect place to think, plan, and act. 

Tonight, my next move was already forming. I couldn't help but let out a little laugh.

ROSE

I walked across campus, my bag swinging lightly against my side. The morning sun warmed my shoulders, and I tried to focus on getting to class without thinking about the internship though, of course, Elsie had other plans.

"Rose! Did you apply for the Sterling & Co. internship yet?" she practically shouted the second I reached the steps. Her eyes were wide, sparkling with that impossible energy she always carried.

I laughed nervously, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear. "Ah... I completely forgot. I was buried in studying last night." I answered walking into the lecture room with her.

Before Elsie could start her lecture, the lecture hall swung open, and Professor Hale's authoritative presence immediately commanded attention. "Good morning, class," she announced, and suddenly all the energy Elsie had tried to release was redirected into polite silence. I sank into my seat with a quiet sigh, grateful for the reprieve.

The lecture passed in a blur. I scribbled notes without really reading them, my mind spinning with thoughts of what Elsie would say about the internship and about everything else. When the bell finally rang, I felt my shoulders loosen.

As we stepped outside, Elsie linked her arm through mine. "Lunch?" she asked, practically bouncing. I smiled, letting her drag me toward the cafeteria.

Just as we passed the administration building, a familiar voice called my name. "Rose?"

I turned to see Mrs. Pamela, our guidance counselor, striding toward me. Her expression was kind but carried a sense of urgency that made my stomach twist. "Good morning, Rose. The school administrators would like to see you, they requested an audience."

I froze for a moment, unsure if I should panic or stay calm. "Oh... okay. Thank you for letting me know, Mrs. Pamela."

I glanced at Elsie, who had stopped beside me. "Sorry, I have to go. Something's come up," I said apologetically.

Her eyes widened, and she opened her mouth, probably to lecture me about the internship again. "Go on, then," she said, her voice softening. "Don't keep them waiting."

I nodded, giving her a quick smile, and began walking toward the administrators' block. My mind raced. Did this have something to do with Sterling & Co.? Could it be about the internship? My heartbeat quickened, and I realized I'd started walking faster without meaning to.

As I entered the building, I passed the polished floors and the familiar portraits of past school leaders. Everything smelled faintly of polished wood and fresh paper a comforting yet intimidating mix. I stopped at the front desk and was directed to the administrators' conference room.

Sitting there, waiting, I tried to calm myself, folding my hands in my lap. My eyes wandered over the room: tall windows letting in the afternoon sun, sleek chairs, and a long table that made the space feel serious, official. My thoughts kept flicking back to Elsie's warnings, the Sterling & Co. internship, and... well, everything I had yet to figure out about the future.

Finally, a door opened, and one of the administrators stepped in, giving me a small, encouraging smile. "Rose, thank you for coming. We have someone very important who would like to speak with you regarding an opportunity at Sterling & Co."

My pulse quickened. I straightened in my chair, trying to hide the mix of nerves and excitement that bubbled inside me. "Yes, sir," I said quietly, my voice steadier than I felt.

As the minutes ticked by, I tried to imagine who it could be, my mind racing through the list of names Elsie and I had discussed, the stories about the company, the few glimpses I had of their top executives. Whoever it was, I knew this meeting could change everything.

The door opened again. I held my breath, and my stomach tightened.

I froze.

Two men stepped in, their presence filling the room in a way that made the air feel heavier. The first tall, broad-shouldered, with an aura so commanding it was almost suffocating walked with the kind of confidence that didn't need to be announced. 

His dark eyes were calm but sharp, as though they saw through everything and everyone. Beside him was another man, slightly younger looking, with a composed expression and a sharpness in his gaze that told me he wasn't just a shadow he was someone who got things done.

My throat went dry.

It couldn't be...

My heart pounded against my chest as recognition slammed into me. The car. The black luxury car with the custom plate I had taken petty revenge on yesterday. The man with the silver-eyed stare that had left me fuming.

No. No. No.

I forced myself to sit straighter, gripping the edges of my chair so tightly my knuckles ached. Did they know? Had they seen? My mind flashed back to the hiss of air leaving the tires, the guilty thrill of satisfaction I'd felt scribbling my revenge. That thrill now curdled into dread.

"Rose," one of the administrators said warmly, completely oblivious to the storm raging in my chest. 

"Allow me to introduce Mr. Adrian Sterling, CEO of Sterling & Co., and his associate, Mr. Ethan Cole."

My stomach dropped so hard I thought I might faint. Sterling. CEO.

Oh, God. I had vandalized the CEO's car.

I forced a weak smile, praying it didn't look as terrified as I felt. My thoughts raced. Maybe they didn't know. Maybe they hadn't checked the dash camera yet. Maybe... just maybe...

But  Adrian's gaze landed on me, calm, unreadable. His eyes lingered a fraction too long, like he was piecing together a puzzle I didn't want him to solve. My skin prickled.

Don't look guilty. Don't look guilty. Just breathe.

Ethan leaned in slightly to murmur something to him, his expression neutral. I swallowed hard, wishing I could rewind time, wishing I had walked past that car yesterday instead of letting my temper win.

My heart screamed regret, but my face, I prayed looked calm.

Because if they knew? My little act of "sweet revenge" might just ruin everything.

Adrain looks at me once more before asking " Do you like cars miss rose".

......

That's it, I'm done.