Untouchable

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Chapter – The Plan in Motion

Lynne’s POV

I sit in the empty library, fingers tapping against the desk as Kennedy stares at me expectantly.

“Well?” she prompts, impatience lacing her voice. “Are you going to tell me what you’re planning, or do I have to wait until you inevitably fail?”

I roll my eyes, leaning back in my chair. “Relax.” My voice is calm, steady—the opposite of the storm brewing inside me. “Everything is already in motion.”

Kennedy crosses her arms. “You’ve been saying that for weeks.”

I smile, slow and calculated. “And yet Ivy still has no idea what’s coming.”

Kennedy exhales sharply, clearly irritated. “So? What’s the plan?”

I glance around to make sure no one is nearby, then lean forward. “It’s simple,” I say. “I’m going to ruin her the way she ruined us—piece by piece, until she has nothing left.”

Kennedy watches me, intrigued despite herself.

“She thinks she’s untouchable,” I continue, voice laced with amusement. “Like she can just exist in our world and come out unscathed. But the thing about people like Ivy? They don’t realize when they’re on thin ice until it cracks beneath them.”

Kennedy raises a brow. “And how exactly do you plan on making her fall?”

I smirk. “First, I plant the seed.”

Kennedy doesn’t interrupt, so I go on.

“I make her doubt herself. Her place here. Her friendships. The guys.” I pause. “Especially the guys.”

Kennedy's expression darkens, but she says nothing.

I continue, satisfied. “Nathaniel. Adrian. Alistair. Even Sebastian.” I tilt my head. “It’s laughable, really. She has them all wrapped around her finger, and she doesn’t even realize it. But if there’s one thing I know about people—” I tap my temple. “They’re easy to manipulate when they don’t know who to trust.”

Kennedy leans in. “Go on.”

I smirk. “All it takes is a rumor.”

Kennedy’s lips curl. “A believable one.”

“Oh, it will be.” I glance at her. “The best lies always have a little bit of truth in them, don’t they?”

Kennedy hums, considering. “So what are you going to say?”

I shrug. “That she played them. That she led them all on—Adrian, Nathaniel, even Alistair—just for the fun of it.”

Kennedy smirks. “That would definitely turn them against her.”

I nod. “Exactly. And once they start doubting her, the rest will be easy.”

Kennedy smirks, clearly entertained by my plan. “You really hate her, don’t you?”

I meet her gaze, unflinching. “I don’t hate her.” I pause, letting the weight of my words settle between us.

“I just want to destroy her.”

A sharp voice cuts through the silence, making my blood run cold.

“So that’s who you really are.”

I whip around, heart hammering against my ribs.

Adrian stands a few feet away, leaning against a nearby bookshelf with his arms crossed. His usual unreadable expression is gone—replaced by something much colder. Sharper.

Kennedy stiffens beside me. “Adrian,” she says smoothly, masking her surprise. “Didn’t realize you were there.”

Adrian’s jaw clenches. “Yeah? I bet.” His eyes don’t move from me, like he’s trying to burn holes straight through my skin.

I recover quickly, tilting my head. “How much did you hear?”

Adrian lets out a sharp, humorless laugh. “Enough.” He takes a slow step forward. “Enough to know that everything about you—the quiet, sweet, loyal friend act—it’s all bullshit.”

I school my features into something neutral. “And?” I ask, feigning boredom. “What are you going to do about it?”

His eyes narrow. “You’re going after Ivy,” he states. “Trying to turn everyone against her. Why?”

I raise a brow. “You tell me, Adrian.” I keep my voice light, almost teasing. “What is it about Ivy that makes you all so obsessed with her?”

His jaw tightens. “This isn’t about me.”

I smirk. “Isn’t it, though?”

His nostrils flare, but he doesn’t take the bait. “Stay the hell away from her, Lynne.” His voice is low, dangerous. “Because if you don’t, I’ll make sure everyone sees exactly who you are.”

I roll my eyes. “Oh, please. Who do you think they’ll believe? The quiet girl who’s been Ivy’s friend since the beginning? Or the guy who can’t even figure out if he wants her or not?”

Adrian’s fists clench at his sides, but he doesn’t move. Doesn’t blink.

For the first time in my life, I see something unfamiliar in his expression.

Guilt.

Interesting.

Kennedy, who has been uncharacteristically silent, steps forward, placing a hand on my arm. “Let’s go,” she murmurs, but her eyes flicker to Adrian, calculating.

Adrian doesn’t move as we walk past him.

But just as I reach the door, I hear him mutter under his breath—just loud enough for me to catch.

“You have no idea who you just messed with.”

I smile to myself.

We’ll see about that.