The first week at Evelyn Crest University was a whirlwind of new faces, rigorous classes, and the subtle undercurrent of power plays.
Darren and Aria attended lectures in economics, tech innovation, and business strategy, their minds sharp and focused. While Aria quickly became popular for her approachable charm and fierce wit, Darren maintained a quieter presence — observant, calculating.
During breaks, whispers followed them. The twins who rose from nothing to claim their place among the elite.
But even as Darren navigated campus life, his attention never strayed far from the shadow looming behind—the Hayes family.
His system pinged softly, feeding him updates:
"Gideon Hayes acquired 15% of Titan Tech stocks."
"Richard Hayes holding private meeting with investors linked to Blackstone Ventures."
Darren's jaw tightened. The Hayes weren't idle. They were rebuilding their power, piece by piece.
He pulled Aria aside one afternoon beneath the sprawling oaks by the student center. "They're making moves. We need to be three steps ahead."
Aria nodded, her eyes sharp. "We'll keep growing Kairos — tech, medicine, fashion. The empire has to be solid before we strike."
Back in class, Darren's system highlighted key players among their classmates — children of the other elite families, some friendly, others rivals waiting for the right moment.
He glanced at the list and then at Aria, who was chatting animatedly with a group including Victoria Lancaster and Sabrina Montgomery.
A smirk tugged at his lips. The battlefield had expanded beyond business—it was social, academic, and silent.
And Darren Kairos was ready for every front.