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Chapter 11: Finding Dirt on Someone
Hannah sat alone at the restaurant, swirling her straw in a tall glass of juice when her phone buzzed. She glanced down.
"Great party... Got some new dirt on Max."
A grin tugged at her lips. "Dirt on Max?" she muttered, nearly choking on her drink. She placed the phone back on the table, her fingers casually spinning the key she'd lifted from Priea's bag earlier without realizing its importance. Now, it felt like treasure.
A few minutes later, Stephen met up with her, and together they made their way back to the school's garden.
"This feels illegal," Stephen muttered as they paused by the gate.
"It's not illegal," Hannah said casually. "We go here."
She gently pushed open the gate with a grin. "Whoops."
They slipped inside like spies.
Hannah had gone full goddess today—fluffy crop top and a matching skirt that gave her an effortless, dreamy look. Her hair was down and bouncing with attitude. Stephen, in contrast, had gone bold—mini yellow dress, matching heels, and a fresh brown hairstyle that made her look like she'd stepped out of a fashion film.
"So how was NK's party?" Hannah asked as they walked deeper into the garden.
Stephen, closing the gate behind them, caught up quickly. "You know what? It was actually really fun. They got this hilarious boomerang of me jumping into the pool."
"Oh my God—a boomerang of you jumping into the pool?" Hannah said, lighting up. "Can I see it?"
"Sure," Stephen replied, handing over her phone.
Hannah didn't even look. She dropped the phone to the dirt with a thunk.
Stephen gasped, caught off guard.
"You weren't there to build your social brand," Hannah snapped. "You were supposed to get dirt on NK."
She stormed ahead. Stephen picked up her phone, brushing off the dust. "NK is cheating on Sage with Lila," she said sharply.
Hannah spun around. "The Instagram witch? Oh my God!" Her expression flipped instantly. "Girl, this is amazing—you crushed it! Great work." She playfully pushed Stephen's shoulder.
Stephen arched a brow. "Three seconds ago, you threw my phone in the dirt."
"Yeah, and now I'm happy with you again. Keep up," Hannah said, already marching forward.
Stephen caught up. "Do you think Priea is growing drugs? I want to get her, but not, like, send her to jail."
Hannah waved a dismissive hand. "First of all, Priea's white ass is never going to jail. Second, the headmaster would rather burn Sara's High to the ground than admit to a drug scandal. She is that bitch."
They reached the barn. Hannah fumbled with the lock.
"I want her to hit me with her Tesla and then reverse back over me," Stephen whispered, dreamy.
"I want her to stuff me like a taxidermy doll and mount me on her wall like a prize," Hannah added.
"I want her to hide my body in the woods… then start the search party to find me."
Hannah paused. "Ohh, good one."
The padlock finally clicked open. They glanced at each other—ready.
Inside the barn, it smelled of dry hay, something faintly sweet and chemical. Dust danced in the thin light coming through the cracks in the wood. The place was quiet... too quiet.
Their eyes widened. Stephen instinctively covered her mouth, unable to speak.
Hannah whispered, breathless, "Oh my… what the fuck?"
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