I pushed the ornate box back toward Marcus, watching his hopeful expression falter.
"I can't accept this," I said firmly.
"Mr. Knight, please reconsider—" he began, his voice tinged with desperation.
"You misunderstand," I interrupted. "I don't need payment to help you."
Marcus blinked, confusion replacing disappointment. "I don't follow."
"I'll fight for your school against the Donovans," I clarified. "Free of charge."
His mouth fell open slightly. "But... why would you do that?"
I thought of Declan Donovan's smug face, of Nora's cruel smirk, of Lucas Rhodes's arrogance. "Let's just say your rivals and I have unfinished business. Besides," I added with a slight smile, "you asked politely. That's rare enough these days to warrant some consideration."
"There's something you should know," Marcus said hesitantly. "Declan has been boasting that he's hired an inner strength expert for the competition—someone quite formidable."
