Dianne's POV
The rain had come suddenly, drumming against the hostel windows in heavy, uneven beats. The smell of wet earth filled the air, and the steady hum of students talking inside created a warm, muffled backdrop.
Dianne sat at the small study table near her bunk, flipping through her Economics textbook, though her eyes kept drifting to the window. The events of the past day still replayed in her head — the debate, the black suit, the question.
She told herself she was overthinking it. People like Adrian Wolfes didn't notice girls like her twice.
A knock sounded at the door.
Mia swung it open, revealing one of the hostel wardens holding a sealed envelope. "Dianne?" the woman asked.
"Yes?"
The warden handed it to her. "From the school office. You've been called to the principal's office tomorrow morning. Nine sharp."
Dianne frowned. "Why?"
The warden shrugged. "Didn't say. But it's formal — you'd better look presentable."
Mia leaned against the doorframe, grinning. "Oh, this is going to be good."
---
Adrian's POV
The boardroom at Wolfes Group was filled with the quiet hum of serious voices. Men and women in expensive suits were discussing numbers, contracts, and growth projections. Adrian listened, contributing when needed, but his mind wasn't wholly in the meeting.
Across the polished oak table, Michael slipped him a thin folder without a word. Inside was a neatly typed proposal — "School Debate Sponsorship Initiative."
Adrian's eyes narrowed. "You moved fast."
Michael kept his tone neutral. "The principal was very receptive. He's arranged for you to meet a select group of the top-performing students… one of whom, of course, is Dianne."
Adrian closed the folder, his decision already made. "Clear my morning schedule tomorrow."
"Yes, sir."
---
Dianne's POV
The next morning, the rain had stopped, leaving the air fresh and the school grounds glistening. She walked into the principal's office, clutching her notebook, trying not to feel too self-conscious.
The principal greeted her warmly. "Dianne, perfect timing. Our sponsor for the debate program wanted to meet the best of our students personally."
Her stomach sank. She already knew.
The door to the adjoining office opened, and in walked Adrian Wolfes, immaculate as ever in another perfectly tailored suit — this time a deep navy that made his eyes appear sharper, colder.
Their gazes met, and for a fraction of a second, it felt like the air shifted.
"Miss Dianne," he said with a faint nod. "We meet again."
"Yes… sir," she managed, feeling her pulse pick up.
The principal beamed, oblivious to the quiet tension. "Mr. Wolfes is interested in hearing more from you about your plans after graduation."
Dianne glanced between the two men, a strange unease curling in her stomach. She couldn't shake the feeling that this wasn't just about school sponsorships… and that whatever Adrian Wolfes wanted from her, it wouldn't end here.