Mr. Xiao's words drifted out and found their first welcome not with Don, not with Charles, but with Starboy—who smirked—and Dean Sanchez, who nearly beamed.
"Yes, yes, this will be wonderful for the school," Sanchez said quickly, voice almost cracking with enthusiasm. He adjusted his cheap blazer like it was silk, then turned to face Don and the others. "Congratulations—you're already making the school proud."
Don and Charles both held back scoffs. Neither had forgotten that, by the look of things, Sanchez, or Xiao, had nearly cost them this chance. Not the opportunity as a whole, perhaps, but the moment with Strauman—gone.
Starboy cut in before anyone could speak further, stepping toward the desk with that easy stride of his. "It's too early for congratulations, don't you think, Dean?" His voice carried smugness like perfume, thick enough to taint the air. "After all, only those of us immediately eligible for entry can be considered guaranteed recruits."
The jab was obvious.
