"The Blackwood Academy—a place where Elites connect to Elites and the rich get richer."
Ethan stared at his uniform in the mirror and frowned. It was too formal, too decent. Something about it made him feel like he wasn't himself. He removed the suit, keeping only his formal pants and a well-pressed white dress shirt. He didn't take off his earrings and rolled his sleeves up.
When he came downstairs, Reina clapped excitedly.
"Ethan!!!" she called, and Lilian stared at her son in shock.
"What are you wearing?" she asked, eyes wide. Everyone knew what that uniform meant. It was the school for the rich—the poor didn't even dream of it.
"Good mood, Lilian. Hey, pookie," Dre greeted as he joined them for breakfast, also in uniform. This only made Lilian more confused.
"Why are both of you dressed in Blackwood Academy uniforms? Should I be worried, Ethan? Dre? We can't afford this school!" she exclaimed dramatically. Ethan pulled her close.
"You worry too much, Mom. We aren't paying the bills—Salvatore is," Ethan explained, nodding toward his bag.
"Definitely for a price. Have you thought about the price, Ethan? Dre!" Lilian scolded, glancing at Dre, who was munching on toasted bread.
"It's better than working for Mr. Mark, you know," Dre said. Lilian's eyes softened toward him.
"I understand things are hard on us, and I know it's worse for both of you, especially you, Ethan. Paying bills and growing up fast is tough, but that doesn't mean I'll let you walk into danger!" she said angrily.
"Is Ethan in danger?" Reina asked, eyes swelling with tears.
"No, pookie. Nobody's in danger. How about you go get my earbuds in my room? I think I left them there," Dre said. Reina glared but obeyed, heading to his room.
"She'll be back soon. Reina isn't stupid," Ethan muttered.
"It'll take her some time. The earbuds are right here with me," Dre said, and Ethan looked away.
"That school is for elites. I've heard poor students don't make it—they somehow lose their lives, and none of the rich mothers are held responsible. Do you know what that means, Ethan? When was the last time anyone accepted a scholarship from the school board?" Lilian asked in frustration.
"It's not the school board, it's the Enforcer! There's a difference, Mom. Let's drop this conversation. Dre and I aren't changing our minds," Ethan declared. Lilian gave a resigned nod.
"Fine. Do whatever pleases you," she muttered under her breath angrily.
"Dre, I couldn't find any earbuds," Reina called from his room.
"Better leave before she gets back," Ethan advised. They walked past Lilian, kissing both sides of her cheeks.
"Good morning. Dre is to leave the military and focus on his craft. Salvatore thinks it's better he studies the technological system for six months. The Enforcer has a plan," Vincent advised.
"Blend in, get good grades, and do the needful," he added before shutting the door.
Ethan thought about his argument with his mom, Vincent's words, and the new life at Blackwood Academy, leaning back against the car seat.
"You're quiet," Dre said.
"Our lives just changed, Dre. Something tells me it won't be easy," Ethan replied. Dre smiled.
"I'm game for whatever madness the school throws at us. After all, it's not harder than living in the streets, right?" Dre said playfully. Ethan looked away.
They arrived at the school and stepped out of one of Salvatore's luxurious cars. Ethan froze as camera flashes hit him. Dre, on the other hand, seemed to enjoy every second.
"Sorry for the inconvenience. Please follow me," a bodyguard said. His name tag read Jax.
"I'm your official tour guard and personal assistant during your stay at Blackwood Academy. First things first: stay hydrated. And there's a dress code—no exposing your tattoos," Jax explained. Dre laughed.
"Trust me, Ethan lives in his own world; he wouldn't listen anyway," Dre said, teasing his friend.
"I'll show you to your penthouse…" Jax continued.
"Wait, we have a penthouse?" Dre asked.
"Yes. Since you two are considered brothers for administrative purposes, I must ensure you attend classes, stay out of trouble, and graduate with good grades," Jax explained. Ethan raised an eyebrow. Jax didn't yet realize how dangerous these two were.
"So you're not our bodyguard? What's with the suit?" Dre asked teasingly.
"Formal dress is required on Mondays," Jax replied.
"Hmm, I almost mistook you for a priest," Dre joked. Ethan rolled his eyes.
"Staying away from girls will help your school years run smoothly," Jax advised.
"Oh, come on! What's life without some fun? There are more women than men here. I'm generous—I don't want to keep them lonely," Dre said. Jax laughed.
"I'm sure you'll be giving us headaches. By the way, I'm not your bodyguard. Every family has a manager—and I'm your manager," Jax added.
"Okay…" Dre replied. Ethan remained silent, clearly uninterested in talking.
"We have many influential families in the school, but the Blackwoods, Greys, Al-Khaleds, and Strivakos are top-tier and part of the board of directors. As newbies, avoid their children," Jax advised.
"As for the Blackwoods, their daughter Marlene Blackwood is off-limits—a beauty to behold," he added.
"Wow, so many people to avoid. Can I get vodka? Just to burn stress?" Dre asked, walking to the mini-bar.
"You don't want to know anything else?" Jax asked Ethan, who was focused on a file.
"Tell me more about the Al-Khaleds," he said.
"A royal family with wealth and history. They have two children here: Rasheed and his younger sister, Jamila," Jax explained.
After resting, Jax gave them their schedule and other necessary information.
"You'll get used to the paparazzi—it always happens," Jax said as they entered the hallways. Ethan touched his neck to fight the chill; he'd never liked being the center of attention.
"Relax," Dre whispered, eyes avoiding the crowd.
Jax walked ahead with his writing pad.
"See you boys at the end of school," he said.
As they passed groups of watching girls, Ethan felt a familiar gaze. Her eyes widened when she met his. Marlene—the girl from the club.
"Jesus Christ!" Marlene exclaimed, looking away. Ruby looked clueless, while Jamila raised an eyebrow.
"Are you okay, Marlene?" Jamila asked.
"I'm fine," Marlene replied immediately.
"Sure? You look like you just saw the devil in a black suit and Italian shoes," Ruby laughed.
"Trust me, I just saw the devil—and he looked exactly like that," Marlene said, eyes wide.
"But isn't the devil supposed to have horns and all that?" Jamila asked. Marlene facepalmed.
"Not all devils have horns," Marlene muttered.
"Wait, how do you even know this guy?" Ruby asked.
"Ruby, he's the guy I stalked at the club," Marlene revealed.
"You went clubbing on the day Sean cheated on you?" Jamila asked, voice carrying across the room. Students began murmuring.
"Jamila!" Marlene scolded, but the gossip spread like wildfire.
"Oh my goodness, Marly… I'm sorry, I didn't expect—" Jamila trailed off.
"It's okay. I'm sure Dad or my brothers will be calling me soon," Marlene muttered. Her phone rang almost immediately.
"Who is it?" Ruby asked.
"Thane, Caspian, and Dad," Marlene said, hands cold.
She glanced at Ethan, calm and collected, yet something about him felt dangerous. The earlier she stayed away, the better.
But she wasn't the type to listen. Her phone rang again.
"Caspian," she answered.
"Don't be silly, Marlene. Meet us at the Whitehouse in 30 minutes. You're acting stupid again, and Dad doesn't like it," he said before cutting the call.
Caspian—the laid-back yet strict brother—was the spitting image of their father. Losing his wife and child in a plane crash had only hardened him.
The Blackwoods were bad news. Marlene knew their family had darkness behind the scenes, and it scared her.