At St. Augustine’s Academy, privilege and power run through every marble hallway. For some, this final year means freedom. For others, it’s the stepping stone to even greater influence. But for a few, it will become a life-altering secret they can never escape.

Isabella Marquez has her future mapped out; graduate top of her class, enter the most prestigious university, and one day take control of her father’s empire. Nothing and no one will stop her.

Especially not Alexander Hawthorne with his smirk and blue eyes, the Duke’s reckless second son. To Isabella, he’s nothing more than a chain-smoking, party-throwing menace who will likely end up in jail before graduation.

But when a classmate turns up dead in Isabella’s dorm room, Alexander becomes the only person who can help her prove her innocence. Forced into an uneasy alliance, Isabella discovers that behind his arrogant smirk and scandalous reputation lies someone far more complicated than she ever imagined.

And in a world where secrets are currency and friends can become enemies and enemies can become something dangerously more, Isabella may find herself risking more than just her future, she may risk her heart.



Dive in to explore Isabella's life as it either takes a turn for the best or the worse.


This book is participating in the cupids quill contest and your votes and support will be highly appreciated.

Marvins' voice cracked through the groans painting the air. "What's going on here?"


For a moment, no one moved. Eilidh's breath hitched beside Arthur. Michael's eyes darted toward the shadowed path. Isabella froze, her hand half-raised, as if the question itself had rooted her in place.


I could already see the trouble spinning ahead, the reports, the excuse for suspension and even expulsion that Alistair was so greedy about getting this period especially when it concerned my friends. 


But that wasn't going to happen. Not tonight at least and really...not ever.


I stepped forward, smiling calmly, "Marvins," I called, striding toward him.


The man's eyes narrowed. "Hawthorne." His tone held the same distaste as someone finding dirt on their shoe.


Chapter 55 - The Quiet Before