Alex White's frown deepened as he looked the woman up and down, searching for any trace of foul play on her clothes-but he found nothing amiss.

Standing at the foot of the steps, the woman beamed at Emily Blair, her smile easy and confident. "Thanks, Emily. I was on fire today. I think I've got a real shot at making it through the prelims."

Emily's reply was cool and even. "Congratulations."

Watching the woman skip away, Alex's scowl only grew darker.

"Emily, you didn't pull any tricks, did you?"

Emily's name echoed from the competition hall—she was up next. She had no intention of wasting her time arguing with Alex.

She stood, calm and composed. “If everything looks dirty to you, maybe it's your own eyes that need cleaning."

Alex sat there, watching her. For a moment, doubt flickered in his gaze.

Could it be that Emily Blair wasn't the person everyone said she was? Had he really misjudged her?

Emily was already moving toward the stage.

Suddenly, Alex's uncertainty tipped over. "Emily!" he called after her.

She didn't even pause.

He hesitated, then called again, more urgently, "Emily, wait!"

At that exact moment, another voice rang out-Isabella Austin's.

"Alex!"

He turned toward the sound.

Isabella stood in the shadows, her features softened by the backlight, her gentle smile blurred but somehow more captivating than ever.

"Isabella," Alex breathed, his chest tightening with warmth. For the first time in a while, his voice lost its edge and softened with genuine fondness.

She beckoned him over, "What are you doing all alone over there? Come keep me company."

A genuine smile broke across Alex's face. "Sure, I'm coming."

Just as he started toward her, he caught sight of a familiar figure stepping up onto the stage.

On his way to Isabella, he couldn't help but glance back.

Emily was dressed simply, nothing like the other contestants with their flashy outfits. She wore a plain high school uniform, her posture ramrod straight, each step steady and sure.

It struck him, then: Emily Blair was just a teenager.

He opened his mouth, wanting to call her back, but the words wouldn't come.

Across the way, Isabella called out again, impatience in her voice. "Alex, what are you staring at? Get over here already!"

He looked at her, her bright smile pulling his focus, but a strange chill crept into his heart.

What was he even thinking?

How could he afford to feel even a flicker of sympathy for Emily Blair, after

everything she'd done to Isabella?

That would be nothing short of betrayal.

His expression hardened. No matter what Emily did now, he couldn't forget her past cruelty to Isabella. He owed it to Isabella to make things right.

Resolute, Alex strode toward Isabella, any lingering softness toward Emily gone.

Of course, if Emily could have read his mind just then, she'd probably have laughed at the absurdity of it all.

What exactly did I ever do to Isabella Austin?

As he drew closer, Isabella's smile sharpened into focus.

Alex felt a soothing warmth in his chest; his mood lifted.

"Isabella."

She tugged him by the wrist, half-mocking, half-affectionate. “I called you a minute ago. What were you doing over there, making me come fetch you?"

She leaned in, studying his face, lips pursed in a teasing smile. "So, what were you and Emily talking about?"

Alex ruffled her hair with a grin. "What do you think? There's nothing to tell. Everyone knows, you're the only one I bother talking to."

Isabella gave a playful huff. “That's more like it. If you ever got close to another girl, I'd have to revoke your 'best friend' status.”

Alex threw up his hands in surrender. "Never, I swear. You're the only best friend I've

got."

With a laugh, Isabella curled her hand into a fist and thumped his shoulder.

“Isabella—” a deep, restrained voice called out, thick with a barely-suppressed anger.

Alex's expression darkened at once.

If there was anyone he disliked more than Emily Blair, it was Andrew Lane.