Chapter 23

As soon as Athasia stepped into the school gates, the atmosphere felt different. There was an unusual buzz in the air, an electric tension that made her pause. The usual mix of admiration, envy, and curiosity directed toward her was still present, but today, it was overshadowed by something else—excitement.

Students were huddled in groups, whispering animatedly, their eyes alight with anticipation. She hadn't planned on paying attention until fragments of their hushed voices drifted toward her ears.

"Did you hear? The heir of the world's richest family is enrolling here today!"

Athasia frowned slightly. Another rich brat? She had encountered countless heirs, elites, and so-called prodigies in her past life. Most were either too arrogant for their own good or too weak to handle the power they inherited.

She continued walking, ignoring the gossip, but then—

"I heard he's ridiculously handsome! Like, model-level hot."

"Yeah! Black-red hair, gray eyes, tall, super intimidating…"

Athasia's steps came to an abrupt halt. Her brows twitched. A cold, sinking feeling settled in her stomach.

Black-red hair. Gray eyes. Tall and intimidating.

She closed her eyes for a second, as if hoping she had misheard.

But she hadn't.

A slow, deep exhale escaped her lips as her fingers twitched at her sides.

That bastard.

Zamiel.

Of course, it was him. Who else would make a grand entrance like this, causing an unnecessary stir in a place that was supposed to be normal?

Her already sour mood from last night darkened further. He hadn't mentioned a single word about this. No warning, no subtle hints—nothing. He had just decided, in typical Zamiel fashion, to waltz into her school as if he owned the place.

Her irritation spiked.

Mira, who had just appeared beside her, noticed her expression and smirked. "Judging by that murderous aura, I take it you know exactly who this 'rich heir' is?"

Athasia clicked her tongue. "Tch. That damn demon. He really has nothing better to do."

Mira crossed her arms, grinning. "Oh, I think he has one very specific thing to do—you."

Athasia shot her a glare, but Mira just laughed, unfazed.

Before Athasia could respond, the whispers around them escalated into an excited frenzy. A sleek, jet-black luxury car rolled up in front of the school gates, its glossy exterior reflecting the morning light like liquid obsidian.

The car door opened.

A wave of stunned silence washed over the crowd.

Athasia didn't need to look.

She already knew.

And she was beyond irritated.