“Approved—”
“Those with the genetic components we most wish to encourage.”
Nausea roils in my stomach. It’s a good thing I’m unarmed. I may have to take one for the entirety of the world. “I see…” somehow leaves my lips, but I’m not really here. No. Vision gone white. Hums of noise buzz around my ears. My brain is swirling with ways to escape.
“And those that disapprove or cannot function will be entered into the Compliance Wellness Initiative.” I don’t have to wait for her to continue explaining this new nail in the coffin. “It’s a student mental health program using biometric monitors and behavioral tracking devices. Weekly check-ins and therapy sessions will be required.”
“And recorded,” interjects the dean.
This isn’t themtellingme the new rules.
This is a threat.
Because of Hailey.
And to make sure I obey. Possibly recruit me for the future. Keep me under their thumbs. Unlike my father, whom they never controlled.
With a bright smile, I glance at each of them with a solid gaze. “This all soundsperfectfor what the university needs. A new era! The last was too lax, I say. That’s what I’ve always thought. Happy to be part of all of this.”
It’s not overplayed. My words have the right effect. Their shoulders relax in sync.
Dean Twinston tweaks his neck slightly as I stand and reach for his hand. “And, ofcourse, being appointed to your daughter has been such an honor. I’ll need to make my moves on that…today!”
Twinston smiles with a victorious nod. “Good man, Aiden.”
The president stands and grants me a handshake. “Yes,thank you, Mr. Cardell. If you have questions, please address them to the Amethyst Order enforcers. They’ll be happy to answer any details.”
Another threat.
As soon as I’m out of the house, I hurry to my car and slip inside. My first call is to my dad. To tell him what an absolute shitstorm killing President Harvey has become.
“Yeah, it’s mayday,” he says. “She’s not operating with the board’s approvalat all. Perhaps only a few members she trusted were there, just enough to give the appearance of support. But no, Cal Von Dovish, the Josephs, the Turners, and I weren’t there. That’s a fact.”
“What do we do?” I ask, eyes darting around the parking lot.
“Lay low for now. Play the game. And we’ll come up with a plan.”
Before I hang up, he catches me one last time.
“And Aiden? Propose to Twinston’s daughter. Get it done.”
Acid roils in my stomach once again. I don’t bother replying.
Between Twinston’s grip tightening and the forced proposal to a girl I don’t want, the space inside my head starts to collapse. And if I’m honest with myself—Ashlyn’s time is running out.
Two days left.
Breaths become shallow. Too fast. Like something’s cinching around my ribs.
I’m losing control.
Frantic, I call my hacker next…
“It’s good news for you, my man,” he says.
“What is it?”
“Dean Twinston is bankrupt from a failed biotech company he started. Get this: the business was founded as a merger with one of the Moretti food companies. Those awfulmeatball croissants, Power Puffz. Yeah,bothof those families are going down. And quickly.”