Chapter 7: Between Two Worlds

Chris sat in the back of his economics lecture, his usual spot by the window. His black hoodie was back, making him look like just another student. No one would have guessed that only a few hours ago, he had been negotiating business deals in a penthouse and turning down his father's demands.

"Chris?"

He blinked, snapping out of his thoughts. Skylar was staring at him, brow slightly furrowed.

"You okay?" she asked.

He exhaled. "Yeah. Just tired."

Skylar studied him for a second before turning back to her notes. But Chris could tell—she was watching him more than usual. She wasn't the only one.

Across the room, a few guys from the university's elite circles whispered among themselves, occasionally glancing in his direction. Chris wasn't an idiot. He knew exactly who they were—sons of businessmen, politicians, and old money families. The type that had connections to his world but didn't recognize him here.

They didn't know that the quiet guy in the hoodie was the one person their fathers feared in a boardroom.

Chris ignored them. He had played the role of nobody for too long to slip now.

But then one of them—Jaxon Carter, son of a real estate tycoon—leaned toward Skylar with a smirk. "Skylar, didn't see you at the gala last night. Your family still getting invites?"

Chris's jaw tightened. He didn't react, but he noticed the way Skylar's fingers curled around her pen.

"Not in the mood, Jaxon," she muttered.

Jaxon chuckled, clearly enjoying himself. "Relax. I was just curious. You know, considering your family's… situation."

Chris tapped his pen against the desk, debating if it was worth getting involved. He had spent years staying out of drama like this. But something about the way Skylar's expression tightened pissed him off.

Before he could say anything, the professor called for attention, and Jaxon leaned back with a smug grin.

Chris let it go. For now.

---

Later that evening, Chris stepped out of the university gates and into the waiting black Bentley. Ethan sat in the front, already reviewing the latest financial reports.

"How was university?" Ethan asked without looking up.

Chris smirked. "Same as always. Except some idiot thought he could talk down to Skylar Monroe."

Ethan finally glanced at him through the rearview mirror. "Did you do something about it?"

Chris leaned back against the leather seat. "Not yet."

Ethan nodded, understanding. "Shall I dig into him?"

Chris exhaled. He should ignore it. Stay out of it. But for some reason, the thought of Jaxon getting away with that conversation didn't sit right.

"Find out everything," he said.

Ethan didn't ask why. He just nodded and started making calls.

Chris stared out the window as the car sped toward the city. He had two lives. Two versions of himself.

And Skylar Monroe was slowly pulling him into a place where the lines between them blurred.