Page 125 of Ruthless Court

Her eyes slide toward me.

A few students notice.

Aldridge follows her gaze.

“Mr. Haverhill?”

I lean back.

“It can also become manipulation when someone withholds information to control another person’s decisions.”

Hannah’s lips press together.

Professor Aldridge looks between us.

“Excellent. Since the two of you have arrived prepared to argue, you’ll lead next week’s discussion.”

Hannah’s head snaps toward him.

“Together?”

“Opposing positions.”

Aldridge returns to his notes.

I look at her.

She looks at me.

The room disappears around the edges.

“Looks like you’re stuck with me, Footnote.”

Her eyes narrow behind the glasses.

“Looks like your losing streak continues.”

I smile.

This time, I let her see it.

She lied to me.

Dodged me.

Read my game better than people paid to study it.

Now she’s sitting close enough for her knee to touch mine, and Professor Aldridge just gave me a reason she can’t run.

* * *

Hannah emails me twelve pages of notes at two fourteen in the morning.

No greeting. No explanation. Just a document titled:

ALDRIDGE JOINT OUTLINE—GOODWIN SECTIONS

I open it before morning lift.