At St. Augustine’s Academy, privilege and power run through every marble hallway. For some, this final year means freedom. For others, it’s the stepping stone to even greater influence. But for a few, it will become a life-altering secret they can never escape.

Isabella Marquez has her future mapped out; graduate top of her class, enter the most prestigious university, and one day take control of her father’s empire. Nothing and no one will stop her.

Especially not Alexander Hawthorne with his smirk and blue eyes, the Duke’s reckless second son. To Isabella, he’s nothing more than a chain-smoking, party-throwing menace who will likely end up in jail before graduation.

But when a classmate turns up dead in Isabella’s dorm room, Alexander becomes the only person who can help her prove her innocence. Forced into an uneasy alliance, Isabella discovers that behind his arrogant smirk and scandalous reputation lies someone far more complicated than she ever imagined.

And in a world where secrets are currency and friends can become enemies and enemies can become something dangerously more, Isabella may find herself risking more than just her future, she may risk her heart.



Dive in to explore Isabella's life as it either takes a turn for the best or the worse.


This book is participating in the cupids quill contest and your votes and support will be highly appreciated.

Chapter 22: The Unusual Crew and A Visit to Yvette


The walk to the infirmary stretched longer than it should have, though maybe that was only because of the company.


Alexander walked beside me, casual as if we were out for a stroll and not heading to see my best friend who had just been admitted for broken ribs. He didn't talk much, only offered the occasional sideways glance, like he was trying to read me without asking questions. The silence was…in one word, unbearable.


I found myself fiddling my fingers. "You know, you don't have to come in. Yvette doesn't need an audience." I told him.


He didn't even break stride. "Relax, Marquez. I'm not here to hold your hand. My best friend's girl is in the infirmary, it seems only right I check on her."


I stiffened. Best friend's girl. Michael. Right. Of course. He had every reason to be here. That was a reasonable explanation.


Still, my chest tightened in a way I couldn't quite explain.


Chapter 22 - The Unusual Crew and a Visit to Yvette