Episode 34: The Party That Changed Everything
Jaden was exhausted. He wanted to sleep.
But Leo had other plans.
"Dude, come on," Leo said, tossing a jacket at him. "One night out isn't gonna kill you."
Jaden sighed. "I don't do parties."
Leo grinned. "Exactly why you should come."
Jaden rolled his eyes. Fine.
The place was packed. Loud music, drinks flowing, players letting loose.
Jaden kept to the back, sipping water, watching the chaos unfold.
Then—he saw her.
Ava.
She locked eyes with him from across the room. Slowly, deliberately.
Jaden exhaled. This wasn't good.
She strolled over, eyes gleaming. "Didn't think I'd see you here, Carter."
Jaden shrugged. "Didn't have a choice."
Ava smirked. "Lucky me."
Before he could react—she grabbed his wrist, pulling him through the crowd.
They ended up in a quieter hallway. Alone.
Ava tilted her head. "You don't let yourself have fun, do you?"
Jaden clenched his jaw. "I'm here to win."
Ava chuckled. "That's the difference between you and me, Carter."
She leaned in. "I play to win. But I have fun doing it."
Jaden's pulse picked up.
She was too close.
Too tempting.
Her voice dropped to a whisper. "So tell me, Carter… what do you want?"
Jaden exhaled sharply. He couldn't afford this distraction.
He stepped back. "I already have everything I want."
Ava smirked. "Liar."
Then she turned and walked away, leaving Jaden standing there, heart pounding.
This wasn't just a game anymore.
It was a test.
And Jaden had no idea if he was going to pass.