At Ethan's house, Daisy was busy layering clothes into her suitcase. A soft knock at the door broke her concentration.
"Come in," she called out.
Her mother, Selena, stepped inside with a warm smile. "Getting ready for the big trip, I see. Do you need a hand with the packing?"
Daisy shook her head, tucking a pair of shoes into a side pocket. "No, Mom, but thanks anyway."
"Make sure you enjoy it," Selena said, leaning against the doorframe. "These school trips become the memories you'll hold onto once you're grown."
Daisy looked up, her curiosity piqued. "Mom, do you remember your trips from back in school?"
Selena walked over and sat on the edge of the bed. Seeing the sparkle in her daughter's eyes, she let out a nostalgic laugh. "I do. It was an incredible journey with my friends."
"Tell me more," Daisy urged, pausing her packing.
"Well, it was quite the adventure," Selena began. "I remember a sudden, heavy downpour. One of our friends got separated from the group in the rain. We had to scramble, put our heads together, and form a plan to find her and bring her back safely."
Daisy noticed the bright, lingering smile on her mother's face. "You were definitely popular back then, weren't you?"
Selena looked surprised. "What makes you say that?"
"Well, I'm pretty popular myself," Daisy teased with a wink. "And since I got my looks from you, it only makes sense that you were the star of the show."
Selena chuckled, nodding. "Nice deduction, Sherlock."
"Did Father fall for you the moment he saw you?" Daisy asked, her voice softening.
"Our marriage was arranged by our parents," Selena admitted, her expression turning tender. "But once we settled in, your father told me every single day that I was the most beautiful woman in the world. He was a good man, Daisy. He always treated me with nothing but love and respect."
Daisy nodded, a quiet moment of reflection passing between them before she turned back to her suitcase. "Mom, this isn't just a normal trip. Our homeroom teacher said it's going to be some kind of test."
Selena's gaze grew complex. "I see. So they're starting the performance evaluations."
Daisy froze, her eyes wide. "Wait, how do you know about my school's system?"
"I studied at a different branch of the same academy," Selena revealed. "That's why I recommended it to you. The graduation rate is prestigious; universities from all over the world practically beg for their students. But the curriculum is grueling."
"I'm starting to realize that," Daisy muttered.
"Everything counts," Selena warned. "Your performance on trips, your participation in festivals, your sportsmanship—it's all being watched. The owner is an incredibly powerful man; the school is currently overseen by his son, a billionaire based overseas."
Daisy took it all in, nodding slowly. "By the way, where's Ethan?" Selena asked, glancing around.
"He left just before you got here. Said he was going to meet a friend."
Across town, the atmosphere was entirely different. Ethan stepped into the lobby of the most expensive hotel in the country. He approached a woman in a sharp vest.
"Excuse me," he said. "I have a reservation under the name Ethan."
"Right this way, sir."
He followed her past the main dining area. The room breathed wealth; the flash of designer watches, the heavy clink of expensive jewelry, and the sight of luxury car keys resting casually on white linen tables. A silent bodyguard watched Ethan.
The waitress led him to a private table by the window, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the city skyline. Ethan hadn't been waiting a minute when a familiar voice boomed behind him.
"Ethan, my boy!"
Ethan turned to see the man who had driven him home from the airport. A small, rare smile touched Ethan's lips as he started to stand.
"Don't get up for me, dude," Liam said, waving him back down. They exchanged a firm handshake before sitting. "Listen, Ethan, sorry about last time. I wanted to make it up to you, so I cleared my schedule. I was actually on a date when you called."
"No problem, Liam," Ethan replied.
Liam leaned forward, his expression turning serious. "Now, tell me everything. What really happened with your sister?"
The warmth left Ethan's face. His gaze turned ice-cold.
"She was attacked..."