Billionaire’s Wicked Obsession

That morning, the atmosphere at the university felt heavier than usual. Whispers grew sharper, and curious glances followed Elsie's every step through the hallway. She tried to remain calm, but unease gnawed at her chest.

When she entered the classroom, several students immediately fell silent. Some lowered their heads, pretending to be busy with their notes, while others stole glances with unreadable expressions.

Elsie swallowed hard, trying to ignore the discomfort creeping into her mind. But before she could take her seat, someone slipped a folded note onto her desk. Her heartbeat quickened as she opened it.

"You think you can run? Everyone will know who you really are."

Her hands trembled slightly, but before she could react further, the sound of heavy footsteps echoed through the room.

Pierce entered.

The room, once filled with hushed murmurs, fell into complete silence. The students' gazes shifted to him—some filled with respect, others with barely concealed tension.

Pierce didn't say a word as he walked to the front of the class. Yet, his cold aura and authority pressed down on the room like an invisible weight. Slowly, he scanned the faces before him, as if daring anyone to challenge him today.

"Starting today, I don't want to hear a single baseless rumor in this class," his voice was calm but carried an unmistakable warning. "If anyone is more interested in gossip than their studies, the exit is right there."

No one moved. No one spoke.

Elsie felt her pulse quicken. She glanced at Pierce, standing firm, protecting her without hesitation. But that only made her more aware—they were standing in the eye of a storm, and this was just the beginning.

Pierce's eyes flickered toward her for a brief second before he continued.

"Now, open your books. Class is starting."

Yet, one thing neither of them noticed—outside the window, someone was watching them from afar. A silent figure, carefully planning their next move.

Elsie tried to ignore the unease gnawing at her mind. Her fingers clenched the small piece of paper she had just read before quickly tucking it into her notebook. She forced herself to focus on Pierce's voice as he explained the lecture, but her thoughts kept drifting back to the mysterious message.

Who wrote it? And what did those words mean?

In the corner of the room, a student quietly observed Elsie. Their gaze was sharp, filled with something indescribable—resentment, curiosity, or perhaps a warning. But Elsie was too lost in her own thoughts to notice.

Pierce, though appearing focused on his lecture, was fully aware of the tension brewing in the room. He knew something was happening among the students, something connected to Elsie. His eyes flickered toward her every now and then, making sure she was alright.

As soon as class ended, Elsie hurriedly packed her things, intending to leave before anyone could stop her. But just as she reached the door, a voice halted her steps.

"You can't run from this, Elsie."

She turned, her breath hitching as she saw a girl standing nearby. Her eyes carried an expression that was almost mocking.

"What do you mean?" Elsie asked calmly, though her heart pounded in her chest.

The girl smirked, stepping closer. "Let's just see… how long you can last here before everyone learns the truth."

Before Elsie could respond, the girl turned and walked away, leaving a chilling silence in her wake.

Elsie stood frozen, feeling more trapped than ever in a mystery she couldn't yet unravel. But one thing was certain—something was happening. And whatever it was, she had to be ready.