Chapter 15: The King's Decree
The St. Jude's Conference Hall was a room of glass and cold ambition. Usually, students were strictly forbidden from even breathing the air in this hallway, but today, the entire Top 10 had been summoned to witness a "special announcement regarding the school's future."
April stood near the back, her heart drumming a frantic rhythm. She felt a sharp, supportive squeeze on her arm. It was Chloe, looking effortlessly chic even in the restrictive school uniform. Chloe's family owned half the real estate in the downtown district, but she was the only "Silver Spoon" student who had ever treated April like a human being.
"Relax, April. You're holding your breath so hard you're turning blue," Chloe whispered, her eyes sharp as she scanned the room. "I've heard the rumors about the cuts. If they touch your scholarship, I'm pulling my father's donations from this place so fast the Dean's head will spin. I'm not staying in this shark tank without my best friend."
"You shouldn't risk your standing for me, Chloe," April murmured, her throat dry.
"Standing?" Chloe let out a quiet, scoffing laugh. "I'd rather be at a public school with you than at a 'prestige' gala with these vultures."
Suddenly, a scent of expensive rose perfume filled the air. Vanessa, the girl who had spent three years convinced she would be the one to marry Jaden Sterling, stepped into April's space. Her perfect blonde hair was swept back, and her eyes were narrowed with spite.
"Enjoy your view of the stage, Mendoza," Vanessa hissed. "I heard a rumor that your little 'reign' at Number One is ending today. Mr. Sterling doesn't tolerate charity cases. Once you're expelled, Jaden will finally come back to his senses and to me."
Chloe stepped forward, her taller frame casting a shadow over Vanessa. "Vanessa, honey, your roots are showing. Both on your head and in your personality. Why don't you go find a mirror and practice your 'I'm a sore loser' face? You're going to need it."
Vanessa's face turned a blotchy red, but the doors to the hall swung open before she could snap back.
The Announcement
Arthur Sterling walked to the podium. He looked every bit the billionaire titan, but Jaden, standing just two paces behind him, saw the slight tremor in his father's hands. Jaden's eyes scanned the room until they found April. He gave the smallest, almost imperceptible nod.
I've got you.
The Dean cleared his throat. "Mr. Sterling has requested this floor to discuss the Sterling Endowment's role in our future."
The room went silent. Chloe gripped April's sleeve, her protective instinct flaring.
Arthur Sterling leaned into the microphone. His voice was a hollow boom. "After reviewing the recent academic performance of St. Jude's students, specifically the historic achievement of our new Number One... Miss April Mendoza, the Sterling Group has decided to pivot."
The audience gasped. Vanessa's smug grin began to falter.
"We will not be cutting scholarships," Arthur continued, his eyes fixed on the back wall to avoid looking at the son who had defeated him. "In fact, we are doubling the fund. Furthermore, the Sterling Group is establishing a permanent 'Excellence Grant' for Miss Mendoza, covering her full tuition, housing, and a guaranteed internship at our London headquarters."
The room exploded into murmurs. Chloe let out a victory yelp that was definitely not "ladylike," jumping up and hugging April. "I knew it! I knew he couldn't touch you!"
Vanessa looked like she had been slapped, her mouth hanging open in pure shock as she stared at the man she thought would be her ally.
The Silent Victory
As the meeting broke out into chaotic applause, Jaden didn't join the celebration. He stayed in the shadows of the stage, watching the relief wash over April's face.
He felt a presence beside him. It was Marcus Thorne. Marcus wasn't cheering; he was staring at Jaden with a look of pure, unadulterated terror. He had seen the way Arthur Sterling looked at Jaden not like a father, but like a man who had met his master.
"What did you do?" Marcus whispered, his voice trembling. "How did you get him to agree to that?"
Jaden turned to Marcus, his expression cold and untouchable. "I told you, Marcus. Stay in your lane. Because from now on, I'm the one who decides who wins at this school. And if I ever see you near April Mendoza again, I won't just delete your files. I'll delete your entire future."
Marcus stumbled back, disappearing into the crowd.
Jaden walked down from the stage, cutting through the students like a hot knife through bitter water. He stopped in front of April. Chloe backed away respectfully, giving April a wink, while even Vanessa stood frozen in shock.
"Congratulations, #1," Jaden said, his voice low enough only for her to hear.
"You did it," April whispered, her eyes shining with tears. "You really did it."
"No," Jaden replied, a ghost of a real smile touching his lips. "We did it. Now, let's get out of here. We have a shop to look after."