Chapter 11: Rules and Robots

I made it to school just in time, dropping my backpack and catching my breath. Natalie, glued to TikTok, barely looked up.

“Didn’t you take the money? Why didn’t you take a rideshare?”

I frowned, grabbed her phone, and quickly closed the app. “Stop watching that. It’s not safe.”

“How could TikTok get me in trouble?” Natalie shot me an annoyed look. “Give me my phone.”

“All your social accounts are monitored in real time, and there are cameras everywhere at home. She knows everything you do.” I tried to keep my voice calm. “You made three huge mistakes. With my mom’s personality, we’re both in trouble.”

“Mistakes? I was perfect last night. Even the housekeeper didn’t notice. You’re just trying to scare me.”

“I’m not. Please, just listen—”

“I don’t want to listen,” Natalie snapped. “Give me my phone, or I’ll make you buy a new one.”

…

I was speechless. Suddenly, a boy’s arm shot out—Caleb, the class heartthrob Natalie always liked, snatched the phone and handed it back to her.

“Aubrey, I got your phone back for you.”

“Oh.”

Natalie took it without a glance, tucking it away.

But Caleb didn’t leave. Blushing, he mumbled, “Aubrey, everyone says you’re good at chess. Want to play after lunch?”

“No, I’m busy.”

She shut him down flat, put her phone away, and opened her English book.

Caleb slunk away. I stared at her, confused. Just two days ago, she’d been obsessed with him. Now?

Noticing my stare, Natalie lifted her chin. “I’m going to run Madison Group someday. Caleb’s not good enough for me. Now he’s just like you—an insignificant speck. He’ll never leave a mark on my life.”

The way she said it—so cold, so rehearsed—made my skin crawl. It was exactly how my mom spoke to people who disappointed her.