The championship celebration assembly was scheduled for Tuesday afternoon. Maya spent the morning in classes, trying to focus on calculus while her phone kept buzzing with interview requests and social media notifications.
I just want to be a normal student again.
But normal was over. She was the girl who won the championship. The viral sensation. The symbol of breaking barriers.
At lunch, Zoe was updating her conspiracy board on her laptop. "Madison's been quiet. Too quiet."
"Maybe she's finally giving up."
"Or she's planning something big." Zoe's eyes gleamed. "Which is perfect timing because Operation Humble Madison phase two is ready. I just need your approval to execute."
"What's phase two?"
"Better if you don't know the details. Plausible deniability." Zoe grinned. "Just trust me. It's subtle. Elegant. And completely untraceable."
"Zoe—"
"Do you trust me or not?"
Maya sighed. "I trust you."
