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.

The wind cut across the rooftop, sharper than I remembered. It tugged at my blazer, whipping strands of hair into my face, but I didn't move to fix them. I kept my gaze pinned on Mateo.


He stood with his hands in his pockets, posture loose, smile casual. It was like we were about to talk about class schedules or the weather. Not like we were about to rip open the silence that had been festering between us.


"So," he said lightly, cocking his head. "What's this about?"


I was silent. I didn't answer him, not yet at least. I just observed him, taking in the features of the boy I had dated for about three years now.


He chuckled lightly when I didn't answer. "Don't tell me you're on the same stuff Alexander's on."


His grin widened, like it was all a joke. Like I'd laugh and shake my head and roll my eyes, and then everything would go back to normal. Like we didn't just have a blown out argument the other day. 


Chapter 29 - The Confrontation II