Yvette glanced up at Bonnie’s mysterious expression. A brief flicker crossed her eyes as she spoke coldly, “Jeremiah.”

Bonnie almost choked, coughing. “Wow, you’re amazing!” She rolled her eyes playfully and whispered, “I bet it was Top Dog who told you.”

Yvette sighed, rubbing her temples exasperatedly. Does Jeremiah know Bonnie calls him “Top Dog?” she wondered.

Bonnie rambled on, recounting the day’s events. “Yve, you missed a show! Top Dog was on fire. Some physics guys, usually so full of themselves because of their grades, challenged him, but he answered all their questions flawlessly, shutting them down completely. You should’ve seen it; it was epic!”

Seeing Yvette’s unsurprised reaction, Bonnie thought, Of course, how could someone like me ever hope to reach their level?

Later, while finishing her meal, Yvette bumped into Zeke and his friends. Zeke, having heard about the recent events, sought an opportunity to meet Yvette, primarily to inquire about her mysterious benefactor. Someone who could bankrupt the Sullivan family in half an hour and was connected to InnoCrest Technologies was no small player. He felt someone was encroaching on what he considered rightfully his.

One of Zeke’s friends started causing a scene. Zeke, having boasted about his closeness to Yvette, felt compelled to greet her. With a wide grin, he approached. “Yvette, you’re having lunch here too?”

Yvette ignored him, focusing on her ribs. Bonnie stood silently, too afraid to speak. It was clear Yvette wanted nothing to do with him.

Zeke called out again. His heart fluttered as she looked up.

“Get lost,” Yvette ordered.

Zeke’s expression changed. Luckily, his friends were far enough away to spare him embarrassment. Forcing a smile, he said, “I just came to say hi. I’ll leave now. Oh, and Dad asked me to remind you to come home for dinner sometime.” He returned to his table.

He lied to his friends, claiming the conversation went well and Yvette was too shy to approach. They believed him, agreeing that girls could be shy around charming people.

After lunch, Yvette and Bonnie returned to the physics classroom. Zeke watched them go, his gaze dark and unreadable.

The classroom buzzed with excitement. Ryan had returned from a competition, bringing home another trophy for Argrol University and a $30,000 cash prize. While insignificant to Ryan’s wealthy family, he planned to donate it to the physics department for new equipment. Simon insisted he keep half to treat his classmates.

Ryan, uncomfortable with socializing, considered refusing, but students overheard and spread the news. Reluctantly, he agreed to take them to Sky Nimbus.

The news sent the students into a frenzy. When Yvette and Bonnie entered, they found Ryan surrounded by an excited crowd.

“Yve, see that guy?” Bonnie asked.

Yvette glanced over. “Yeah.”

“That’s Ryan,” Bonnie explained. “Top student, Mr. Sunderland’s favorite. He’s exceptionally smart, the sole heir to the Lewis family, but seems uninterested in finance, preferring the physics lab. There’s a rumor he’s aiming for the national physics lab in Betrico. He’s introverted and reclusive, with few friends.”

Ryan, uncomfortable with the attention, glanced up and met Yvette’s gaze. He was taken aback. She stood casually at the entrance, a carefree smile on her lips. He saw her as confident, even arrogant, though later he would realize she was far more than that.

The crowd noticed Ryan’s stare and fell silent. Someone exclaimed, “Yvette, Bonnie, you’re back!”

Yvette hummed in response. Her cold demeanor was familiar to her classmates. Bonnie, as class representative, was popular and explained the situation. Ryan was treating everyone to Sky Nimbus. Bonnie asked Yvette if she wanted to join. Yvette initially refused, but eventually gave in.

Ryan, overhearing, quietly returned to his book.

That afternoon, the students prepared. The girls applied makeup, the guys styled their hair. The chance to dine at Sky Nimbus, a prestigious club with a hefty membership fee, was a rare treat for the broke students.

Bonnie showed Yvette the group chat.

“No!” Yvette said, pulling the blanket over her head.

Bonnie, resigned, went to find a cocktail dress. She sighed, thinking even in a potato sack, Yvette would look stunning.