Burning Gaze.

Caroline pov:

Nathaniel's eyes swept across the room, and just for a moment, I felt a surge of relief. But then his gaze fixed on me with a chilling smile, and Grayson, standing at his side, mirrored his expression. Dread settled in the pit of my stomach.

Mr. Thompson, our teacher, interrupted the silent tension.

"Gentlemen, please find your seats. We're in the middle of a lesson."

Nathaniel and Grayson strolled to the back of the room, choosing the seats directly behind me. Their looming presence felt suffocating, like a dark cloud. Adam, noticing my unease, shot me a reassuring nod.

As Mr. Thompson delved into his lecture, my attempt to focus was futile as my mind raced. What were Nathaniel and Grayson plotting, and why were they even here?

After the class, I and Adam stepped out, only to see Nathaniel and Grayson brush past me without so much as a glance. I was relieved, yet a pang of disappointment lingered. Why did I want Nathaniel's attention when he was essentially blackmailin