Blackwood University buzzed with a fervor that outstripped last month's scandal. The whispers weren't of Alex Hale's humiliation onboard... but of his impossible return.
In a single month, the scholarship kid had transformed into the campus's dark horse.
His chiseled features and magnetic aura rivaling Hollywood heartthrobs.
Students clustered in the groups, their voices a mix of awe and skepticism.
At a shaded table near Blackwood Hall, a trio of sorority girls dissected the gossip.
"How does someone go from zero to that?" one marveled, flipping her hair. "Sophia must be kicking herself for dumping him."
Another scoffed, "Please, she's a Blackwood. She can have any guy she wants. Regret? As if."
A third leaned in, smirking, "Still, Alex is hot now. I'd climb that in a heartbeat." Their laughter carried across the lawn, mingling with similar chatter... some siding with Sophia's untouchable status, others marveling at Alex's glow-up.
