Grace’s expression turned even colder when she heard Zayden’s answer. "Naomi? She wasn’t feeling well, so you walked her home?" She repeated, her voice sharp. "Zayden, since when did you start lying to your own mother?" Zayden pressed his lips together and said nothing. Seeing his silence, Grace’s eyes narrowed further. "Look, I know you’re not into Eliza. Fine. But that doesn’t mean you get to let someone else drag you down. I like Naomi too, but if she can’t be someone who adds value to your future—someone who can actually support you in life and business—then she’s not a good fit for this family." Zayden stayed quiet. Grace stood up, her tone turning cold and calculated. "Zayden, you need to understand something. There are plenty of girls who’d kill for a chance to marry into the Holt family. The Rivers? They’re just not in our league. And if I find someone who’s a better fit, then that’s that—we’ll drop the engagement with Eliza. She’s so quiet, she probably wouldn’t even speak up. That girl wouldn’t say a word no matter how badly she was treated." Zayden’s eyes flickered, just for a moment. "Now go upstairs and study. And listen to me—if you skip another prep session, don’t blame me when I show up at school to keep an eye on you myself." "...Got it." By the time first period rolled around, most of Class One had already settled in. Naomi was sitting near the front, clearly waiting for Zayden. A girl nearby leaned in, eyes wide with curiosity. "Naomi, I heard Zayden skipped prep class yesterday just to hang out with you. Where’d you guys go? Are you two, like... dating now?" High school life was stressful—gossip was everyone’s favorite distraction. "I mean, it has to be something, right? Zayden’s usually so cold. He never even talks to girls. But he’s always so sweet to you!" Another girl added. Naomi blushed a little. "It’s not what you think," she said quickly. "We just grew up together, that’s all. We’re close, but it’s nothing like that." "Yeah, but Eliza grew up with him too. He doesn’t treat her like that." "And didn’t I see you getting into the Holt family’s car the other day? Pretty sure that means you’ve already met the parents." The questions kept coming, one after another, voices rising with curiosity and excitement. Just as everyone was buzzing about whether Naomi and Zayden were officially a thing, the sharp click of heels echoed from the hallway. Students rushed to the door, peeking out to see what was going on. There stood Grace, dressed in a sleek black dress, dripping in elegance. The jewelry she was wearing? Most of them had never even seen anything like it. "Whose mom is that? She looks loaded." "Are you serious? That’s Zayden’s mom. Look—he’s right behind her." The hallway was loud enough that even other classrooms were starting to notice. "Wait—that’s Zayden’s mom? You mean Madam Grace? The widow who took over a billion-dollar company a few years ago?" "Yeah. You can just tell she’s rich. But my dad says the Holts aren’t what they used to be—big name, not much behind it anymore." Meanwhile, the students from Class Six had started looking too. Eliza listened from her seat, eavesdropping without shame. She’d expected Grace to show up. That woman didn’t bluff. This should be interesting. Eliza thought, eyes on the hallway. "Madam Grace! What brings you here today?" Naomi stepped out of the classroom with her usual polished smile. She’d always been the perfect girl around adults, and Grace had treated her with nothing but warmth before. Naomi saw it as a chance to make a good impression on Grace—and maybe let the class see how close she was with the Holt family. But Grace barely glanced at her. No greeting, no acknowledgment—nothing. She walked right past Naomi and headed straight into the teachers' office. Zayden kept his head low, his expression unreadable. The hallway fell awkwardly silent. Naomi stood frozen, unsure what to do with herself. Move? Stay? Either option felt humiliating now. Back inside Class Six, Eliza watched with calm detachment. She wasn’t surprised at all.Sure, Naomi had impressed Grace before. She was smart, polite, and ambitious. But if Naomi was now seen as a bad influence on Zayden... well, that changed everything. Inside the office, the homeroom teacher looked up, confused. "Madam Grace, we’re just about to start class—was there something you needed?" Grace smiled politely. "Oh, nothing urgent. I just wanted to thank you. Zayden’s always been one of the top students in his grade. That’s all thanks to you and the other teachers." The teacher smiled modestly. "He’s a smart kid. We’ve just helped guide him a little." Grace’s tone shifted just slightly, still smiling, but now sharp beneath the surface. "Well, lately there’s been someone trying to distract him. I just hope the school can help keep him focused. At this age, students need to stay on track. And when certain girls won’t stop clinging to him, it becomes a problem. Don’t you agree?" Her meaning was crystal clear. Everyone outside the office turned to look—straight at Naomi. Naomi’s expression changed in an instant. She definitely hadn’t seen that coming from Grace.Especially since Grace had always liked her—and made no effort to hide it.