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Before the backlight on Penny’s phone goes out, I glance over and catch the time: 6:59.
Just as I’m about to point out that it’s technically still early, the crowded room starts to fall silent. Curious, I sweep my gaze around the room, stopping as soon as I realize Syn has stood and is waiting.
I’m impressed despite myself. Not many people in the world have the presence to be able to make a room fall silent like this. Then I frown, pulling my own phone out of my pocket to check the announcement message.
Syn not only has the presence to control a room, but also the ability to use the university text service to send a message?
“I’m glad so many of you were able to attend this evening,” Syn says.
I can’t stop myself from staring at him—like everyone else in the room. The guy is good looking, there’s no question about that. He’s not as muscular as Royal, but his shoulders are wide, his waist is slim, and I know he’s not lacking in the muscle department. On top of that, he has perfectly straight, white teeth, lips with a slight natural pout to them, and eyes you can’t help but get sucked into.
It’s only once I lower my gaze to his chest that I spot the small, black microphone poking out of his shirt. Despite being required to wear the college uniform to class, he dresses formally most of the time, anyway. But the mic explains why his voice is carrying so clearly across the room.
“I know most of you have other activities to attend, so I will keep this brief. Two and a half years ago, my older brother was murdered, here on this campus.”
There’s a low murmur of whispers as more than one table starts talking to each other, but almost at once, as Syn’s eyes narrow, the voices fall silent.
“James Patrick Keyingham was an exceptional person,” Syn continues. “And in honor of his life, on the anniversary of his birthday next week, I will be hosting a party.”
As the room bursts into a round of applause, and several hoots and cheers, I sit back in my chair and half-heartedly clap like everyone else. As I do, I scan the room. Although there’s a very high possibility that his killer has already graduated, I’m trying to see if anyone is reacting differently. I’m looking for people to add to the top of my list for talking to first.
“Although we’ve suffered from a tragedy from losing him in this world, I want everyone here to know that James Keyingham University is still one of the safest colleges in America, and my brother’s killer is already in prison.”
Syn’s words have me dragging my attention back to him as pain ripples through my chest. He has the room almost silent again as they listen, and it takes everything in me not to stand up and correct him.
“That being said, I think it’s only fair to let you all know that, despite his incarceration, within this room, there is someone with the audacity to enroll at this campus. Someone who’s mere presence is an insult to my brother’s memory as well as the reputation and honor of this university—of meandall of you.”
Unable to look away, I continue to stare at the top table. My whole body is frozen in place, except for my heart, which seems to have doubled in speed as it pounds away in my chest.
Throughout his speech, Syn’s gaze has been sweeping the room, as though he’s trying to talk to everyone individually, but at that moment, his eyes meet mine. The corner of his lips twitch, like he’s about to smirk, but he catches himself. Those golden eyes that anyone would be thrilled to have looking at them, are locked onto me.
And the look in them is of rage and revulsion.
I’m unable to break our stare, but I’m equally aware that people are starting to work out who he’s looking at as they turn in my direction.
“The sister of my brother’s murderer, Victoria Reynolds, is sitting in this room, under the fake name of Victoria Anderson.”
My cheeks are burning, and I can hear my own heartbeat echoing in my ears, almost drowning out Syn’s words… almost. Beneath the table, my fingernails are digging into my skin, through the skirt I’m wearing for my shift later. Other than that, my back is straight, my chin is up, and I’m not backing away from Syn’s glare.
Until I hear three words spoken from the person sitting across the table from me.
“Is that true?”
Instantly, I look at Penny. Her eyes are wide, and her cheeks are flushed, but otherwise, her face is expressionless. It’s like looking at a doll, and somehow, that feels worse than if she’d responded with anger.
Before I can answer, Syn’s talking again.
“Despite this completely deplorable act, I do not want anyone on this campus to act out towards this individual in any way. Remember, we are not the vile people here. Instead, I humbly request that no one reacts or interacts with this…” As he stares at me, Syn purses his lips. “Worm. Effective immediately, Victoria Anderson is cancelled.”
When I chose to come here, I knew I stood the risk of someone finding out who I was. I expected some kind of confrontation. Many scenarios had played through my head, and for each one, I imagined how I’d confront the accuser.
Not once had I predicted anything close to this.
Nor had I considered how shitty it would really make me feel to have everyone in a room staring at me with a mixture of hate and disgust. Again.
And while I was certain my brother hadn’t killed JP, he had pleaded guilty, and I still had no evidence to prove otherwise. So what could I say to Syn’s accusations?
I finally break my stare with Syn and look down at my empty plate. Although my dinner had been delicious, it was now churning in my stomach.
