Chapter 7: The Tutor’s Gambit

The first time Grant Cooper saw me in his mom’s living room—an immaculate space with a chrome espresso machine, family photos on the mantle, and the faint scent of expensive candles—he looked like he’d seen a ghost.

"How did you get in?" he demanded, already reaching for his phone to call security.

I dropped the innocent act. "Simple. I’m class president. Called Mrs. Cooper and she let me in."

Thank you, Luke Sterling, for shuffling me into Grant’s class. Every curse can be a blessing.

"What, you going to run crying to my mom?" Grant sneered. "She’ll just say I didn’t go far enough."

I sipped the fancy coffee. "Nope. I told her about your test scores. All six subjects—58 points. Even a pig could do better."

His face darkened. "What are you doing here, Chloe Matthews?"

I grinned. "Mrs. Cooper hired me to tutor you. One thousand an hour, ten thousand for every point you improve. I set my own schedule."

Grant’s jaw dropped. I couldn’t help but laugh. "This job is easier and pays better than any of my old ones. Thanks, Grant."

He glared, but there was a hint of respect in the way he looked at me now. "You think her money’s easy? If you can’t deliver, she’ll make you pay it back a thousand times over. She’s ruined bigger players than you."