CHAPTER 75
**ZION**
I lean closer, speaking softly so that only my brothers can catch my words. “I need to remind you both, especially you, Ronald, given your tendency to be protective of Winter.”
Ronald remains completely still, his gaze unwavering. I often question whether anything truly impacts him.
“What!” Ronald asks, arms crossed and his face set in a stern expression. I hold his gaze for a moment, but I realize there's no turning back now. I require their complete backing to make this work.
Winter is the enemy, my enemy. The scars she left on me and my family are etched in my memory, unforgivable and unforgettable!" I declare, my voice strained with emotion.
Clark casts a glance my way. “It's almost laughable. Someone who appears so pure causing such chaos. It's hard to believe.”
My hands ball into fists at my sides, struggling to restrain the impulse to wipe that arrogant smirk off his face.
My patience shatters, and I cut him off, my voice slicing through the air. “Well believe it, Clark? That’s the crux of it—she’s living proof that appearances can be misleading. Don’t you dare underestimate her just because she doesn’t fit your pathetic mould?” My fists tighten at my sides, barely containing the urge to wipe that smug look off his face.
My gaze hardens as I look at her, anger bubbling up inside me. I’m done with the pretence. It’s time to be blunt.
“I need to take her down. And I don’t mean some petty revenge—no diary entries or tears. I want her destroyed, crushed into nothing. You know what she did, and I won’t let her get away with it.”
Their attention sharpens, and I can see the questions forming in their minds. “We’ve got your back, but—”
“No questions,” I snap, harsher than I intended, but the sight of her sets me on edge. “You know she deserves everything that’s coming.”
A tense silence settles over us, the weight of what I’m asking sinking in. We’re not saints, but this? This is different. I know it’s a lot to ask—especially without explaining why—but I hope they trust me enough to know I wouldn’t go this far without a damn good reason.
Finally, Ronald exhales and nods. “Alright, but we won't do anything that will physically hurt her, Z.”
Clark hesitates, then nods too. “I’m in.”
We all turn our eyes toward her, locked onto our target. I’m convinced now more than ever that fate brought her back into my life for a reason. Whatever else she’s done, it doesn’t matter—what matters is that the universe wants her to suffer. And I’ll make sure she does. Her world is about to fall apart, and I’m going to enjoy every moment of it.
**WINTER**
A shiver crawled up my spine, the unmistakable feeling of being watched prickling at my nerves. I tried to stay focused on what Claire was saying, but the sensation was impossible to ignore. Finally, I couldn’t resist any longer. I glanced up, scanning the room—and my heart nearly stopped.
Zion, Ronald, and Clark were all staring directly at me.
Zion’s gaze was the worst—cold and piercing like he was dissecting me with his eyes.
Ronald’s face was more neutral, but his focus on me felt intense, almost calculating.
Clark’s expression was relaxed, almost casual, but the way he looked at me sent a chill through my veins. It felt like they were a unified front, and I was the target.
I quickly looked away, trying to steady my breathing, but the unease lingered, wrapping around me like a vice. Before I could shake it off, Claire’s voice cut through my thoughts.
“Just ignore them,” she said quietly, though her tone was laced with concern.
I swallowed hard, my heart still racing.
"Why are they staring at me like that?"
Claire lets out a heavy sigh, her tone turning serious.
"Because they can... Look, Winter, you need to watch out for those three. Ronald and Clark might play nice, but don’t be fooled. They’re tight with Zion, and if he’s got a problem with you, they’ll stand by him without a second thought."
A wave of dread washed over me. “Great. And I thought they were on my side. So, what should I do?”
“Just stay out of their way as much as possible,” Claire warned.
“Zion doesn’t play around, and neither does his crew. If he decides you’re a problem, they’ll make sure you know it.”
Her words hung heavy in the air, and I tried to force down the rising panic. But as I glanced back at them, still watching me like a hawk, I knew one thing for sure—I was in deep trouble.
..........
Finally, I got through my third class, and thankfully, I hadn’t crossed paths with Zion.
As I made my way down the hallway, planning to stop by the lady’s room, angry voices halted me in my tracks.
Two students—a girl with frizzy chestnut hair and a tall guy—were standing just outside the girls' restroom, locked in a heated argument. Assuming it was just a couple fighting, I approached quietly, not wanting to draw attention to myself but needing to pass them to get where I was going. Keeping my head down, I focused on the scuffed toes of my cheap black flats as I tried to slip by, nervously smoothing down my navy skirt.
“We’re not done until I say we’re done.” The guy’s voice, low and menacing, made me freeze in place. My heart skipped a beat as I glanced up, just in time to see him slam the girl against the wall. Panic seized me, fearing he might hurt her.
“You fix this, or I swear you won’t make it through the week,” he snarled, his tone dripping with venom.
My breath caught in my throat as I realized who he was.
Zion.
Of course, it’s him. His broad shoulders strained against the expensive navy-blue blazer he wore, and his eyes—those cold, smoke-grey eyes—were burning with such intense anger that I felt a shiver of fear run through me. The girl’s tear-streaked face made it clear she was just as terrified as I was.
So, he’s not just targeting me.
“Please, I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to—I swear! It’s just that… oh God, please don’t do anything, don't do anything to make me lose my scholarship!” she begged, her voice trembling with desperation as she stumbled over her words.
Zion let out a dark, mocking laugh. “You think I care about your scholarship?” His voice was cold, dripping with disdain. “You believe your pathetic, worthless existence matters to me? To anyone here?”
The girl’s soft sobs cut through the air, and something inside me snapped. She reminded me of myself—struggling to fit in, wearing a uniform that was clean but well-worn.
A surge of anger rose within me, mingling with the protective instinct I couldn’t ignore.
Who does this arrogant prick think he is?
Just because she isn’t wealthy, just because she doesn’t come from a powerful family, he thinks he can treat her like dirt? The injustice of it all made my blood boil, my fists clenching so tightly that my nails bit into my palms.
“How dare to spread rumours that I slept with you over the weekend and proposed, only for you to reject me… seriously?” Zion’s words dripped with scorn, his anger boiling over as he loomed over her, completely unrelenting.
My anger flared even hotter. This wasn’t just a casual threat. It was Zion in full attack mode, using his power to crush someone who was already struggling to stay afloat. And I wasn’t sure if I could just walk away.
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