"For your final projects, you'll be working in pairs to analyze real-world business scenarios."

Professor Chen's voice cuts through the morning chatter in Economics 301, and I force my breathing to stay steady. This is it. The moment Blake has been orchestrating.

Two hours ago, I was receiving my marching orders over expensive coffee. Now it's time to execute them.

"The partnerships will be based on complementary skill sets," Chen continues, pacing in front of the whiteboard. "However, if anyone has specific requests based on mutual interests or previous collaboration, speak up now."

Maya sits beside me in the back row where I asked her to save me a seat. She's scrolling through her phone, completely unaware that I chose this location for tactical reasons.

I scan the room until I locate my target. Jaxon Rivers, three rows ahead and to the left, taking careful notes in handwriting that probably cost him extra time but looks infinitely better than typing. Navy button-down that's been laundered more times than it should be, but it fits his shoulders well.

Blake was right. Jaxon has been watching me. I've caught him looking several times this semester, always glancing away when our eyes meet. I'd assumed it was judgment. Now I know it's an opportunity.

"Miss Chen will be your primary resource for data access," Professor Chen explains, gesturing toward his teaching assistant. "But I expect original research, including interviews with industry professionals."

My phone vibrates silently. Blake, checking in. I ignore it.

"Now, who has partnership requests?"

Several hands rise immediately. Sarah claims Michael in the front row. Two business majors pair off in the middle section. The usual suspects securing their preferred arrangements.

Jaxon hasn't raised his hand. He's probably waiting to see who's available, assuming the Blackwood heiress would never voluntarily work with scholarship students.

That assumption is about to work in my favor.

Maya glances up from her phone. "You partnering with anyone specific? That guy from Sigma Chi was asking about you yesterday."

"Which guy?" I keep my voice casual while internally cataloging this information.

"Blake something. Rich, hot, kinda intense." Maya shrugs. "I told him you don't really date, but he seemed interested anyway."

Of course he was asking. Blake doesn't leave anything to chance. He's been mapping out this entire scenario, probably for weeks.

"Not interested."

"Your loss. He's gorgeous."

If only she knew what gorgeous monsters were capable of.

"Anyone else?" Professor Chen scans the room expectantly.

This is the moment. The choice between following Blake's script or watching my world implode when that video surfaces.

I raise my hand with practiced confidence… the same gesture I've used in board meetings since I was sixteen.

"Yes, Miss Blackwood?"

"I'd like to work with Jaxon Rivers." My voice carries the right mix of professional interest and casual selection. "We've had some engaging discussions about corporate responsibility, and I think our different academic backgrounds would complement each other well."

The lie rolls off my tongue smoothly. Years of networking events and strategic conversations have taught me how to sound genuine while pursuing an agenda.

Jaxon's head turns, eyebrows rising in surprise. The reaction is exactly what Blake predicted.

"Mr. Rivers?" Professor Chen looks for confirmation. "Are you amenable to partnering with Miss Blackwood?"

Jaxon meets my eyes across the classroom. For a split second, I think his psychology training might kick in. Maybe he'll question why someone like me would suddenly show interest in someone like him.

Instead, he smiles. A real smile that transforms his entire face and gives me an uncomfortable twist in my chest.

"Yes," he says, voice steady and confident. "I'd be happy to work with Aria."

Professor Chen nods and moves on to the remaining partnerships while I process what just happened. The hard part is over — initial contact established, interest confirmed, foundation laid for whatever comes next.

After class, students file out while I take my time organizing my notes. Strategic timing… let Jaxon approach me instead of appearing too eager.

Maya packs up beside me, still chattering about weekend plans. "Sigma Chi's throwing something Saturday. You should come. Blake will probably be there."

"Maybe." I slide papers into my bag with deliberate precision.

When the room clears except for us, Jaxon approaches. Up close, he's taller than expected, with the kind of presence that suggests an earned confidence.

"So," he says, settling into Maya's vacated seat. "Corporate responsibility."

His tone carries gentle amusement, like he knows that wasn't the real reason I chose him but he's willing to play along.

Smart. Blake was right about the psychology background.

"You make compelling arguments," I reply, keeping my expression open but not overeager. "Even when I disagree with your conclusions."

"Especially then, I'd guess." There's warmth in his voice that I wasn't expecting. "When do you want to start? I'm usually free in the evenings… bookstore shifts keep me busy during the day."

Perfect opening. Blake's script practically writes itself.

"Tonight, if you're available. We could grab coffee somewhere quieter than campus. Get a sense of how we want to approach this."

"There's a place called Luigi's on 15th street. Know it?"

I shake my head.

"Good coffee, actual tables instead of those torture devices they call chairs here. Seven work for you?"

"Seven's perfect."

Jaxon stands, shouldering his backpack, but doesn't immediately leave. Instead, he studies my face with those perceptive eyes Blake warned me about.

"Can I ask you something?"

My pulse ticks up, but I keep my expression neutral. "Sure."

"Why me? You could partner with anyone in this class. Most people would kill for the chance to work with a Blackwood." He pauses, choosing words carefully. "I'm curious what made you think of me specifically."

The question is direct, honest, and potentially dangerous. His psychology training is showing… he's probing for motivations, looking for inconsistencies.

I let a small smile play on my lips, the same expression I've watched my father use in negotiations when he wants to reveal just enough truth to be convincing.

"Maybe I'm tired of people who only see opportunities when they look at me." The answer carries enough genuine frustration to sound authentic. "You argue for principles, even when the whole room disagrees. That's either admirably naive or refreshingly honest."

His expression shifts with surprise, maybe even appreciation for the directness.

"Which do you think it is?"

"I guess I'll find out tonight."

After he leaves, I sit in the empty lecture hall and check my phone. Three messages from Blake, escalating in impatience.

I type back: *Contact made. Coffee tonight at Luigi's. He's interested.*

The response comes immediately: *Good. Remember… make him feel like he's discovering something special. Don't give him everything at once.*

I delete the conversation and gather my things.

Six hours until Luigi's. Six hours to prepare for the first real test of whether I can actually execute Blake's plan without my conscience sabotaging everything.

The uncomfortable truth is that talking to Jaxon was easier than I expected. He's intelligent, direct, and seems genuinely interested in getting to know me beyond the Blackwood reputation. Under different circumstances, I might actually enjoy working with him.

But these aren't different circumstances. And enjoying this will only make what comes next more complicated.

I shoulder my bag and headed for the door, already mentally preparing for tonight's performance.

The key is balance. Vulnerable enough to intrigue him, competent enough to earn his respect, and mysterious enough to keep him coming back for more.

My phone buzzes as I reach the hallway. An unknown number.

*Unknown: Saw you talking to Jaxon Rivers after class. Interesting choice. Hope you know what you're doing.*

Ice floods my veins. Someone else is watching. Someone who knows enough to find my number, to recognize what just happened in that classroom.

Before I can process this fully, another message arrives:

*Unknown: Luigi's tonight at 7. I'll be there too. Don't look for me.*

My hands shake as I stare at the screen. Blake said he'd be monitoring my progress, but this feels different. More immediate. And even more threatening.

A third message:

*Unknown: Break his heart gently, Aria. Some of us actually care what happens to good people.*