BENEATH THE CREST: A CHARTERHOUSE NOVEL

The rhythmic thud of a basketball against the polished court echoed in the enclosed space behind Jayden's modern villa. The city skyline provided a dramatic backdrop as Jayden, Ashtray, and Jason engaged in a casual three-on-three game. The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the court.

The gate to the court buzzed open, interrupting their play. Ashtray, mid-dribble, paused and squinted. "Who the hell is that?"

Thea Devereux, looking effortlessly chic even in casual wear, strolled onto the court.

Ashtray groaned dramatically, tossing the ball aside. "Ugh, Devereux. What drama are you bringing to our humble abode?" He smirked. "Looking for me, darling?"

Thea laughed, a light, dismissive sound. "Relax, Ashtray. The only thing I'd be looking for around here is a decent conversation. And you, unfortunately, don't qualify."

She glanced pointedly at Jayden, who had stopped playing and was watching her with a neutral expression.

Jason, wiping sweat from his brow with the back of his hand, raised an eyebrow. "Does Marcus even know you're here?"

Thea's smile tightened slightly. "Marcus doesn't need to know my whereabouts. We're not, like, a thing." Her attention returned to Jayden. "I came to talk to you, King."

Jayden nodded slowly, bouncing the basketball lightly. "Figured." He gestured with his head towards the edge of the court. "You guys wanna, like, give us a sec?"

Ashtray and Jason exchanged knowing glances, a mix of curiosity and amusement on their faces. "Don't take too long, King,"

Ashtray called out, grabbing the ball again. "We were just about to school you."

Thea watched them resume their game, her gaze then settling back on Jayden. "Quite the sanctuary you have here."

"It has its moments," Jayden replied, his tone noncommittal. "So, what brings you all the way to Tribeca, Thea?"

Thea's expression turned serious. "Yesterday. The hallway. What was that all about, Jayden?"

"Why do you wanna know, Thea?" Jayden retorted, bouncing the basketball with a steady rhythm. His tone was casual, but there was a hint of guardedness in his eyes.

Thea shrugged, her gaze unwavering. "Just curious, King. It was… unexpected. And last time I checked, we were at least on speaking terms."

Jayden stopped bouncing the ball, holding it in one hand. "And last time I checked, you were firmly in Cassia's corner. So, forgive me if I find your sudden interest… surprising."

He narrowed his eyes slightly. "Especially since you were the one who texted me yesterday. Giving me a little heads-up about the hallway showdown with Cassia, Anya, and Wren. It was almost like you wanted me to react. And you got your show."

Thea's lips curved into a sly smile. "Cassia is my friend, yes. But their dramatic saga has run its course, wouldn't you agree? And let's be honest, Jayden, your taste has always been… intriguing. If you actually have a thing for the Wren girl, I'm all for it. She's certainly a breath of fresh air compared to the usual Charterhouse clones."

Jayden's lips quirked into a small, almost involuntary smile at her unexpected support.

"I'm not saying anything to you, Devereux. You can figure it out yourself, smartass." He tossed the ball back into the air, ready to rejoin Ashtray and Jason.

Thea laughed, a genuine, amused sound.

"Alright, King. Keep your secrets." She clapped her hands together, turning her attention to the basketball court. "Come on, boys! Show me what you've got!"

She cheered as Jayden rejoined his friends, the tension from their brief conversation dissipating into the playful energy of the game.

*****

The tense atmosphere from the hallway seemed to have followed Louisa into the classroom. As students settled into their seats, Cassia and Anya approached Louisa's desk, their expressions a mixture of cold displeasure and thinly veiled curiosity. Ellie and Scarlett stood protectively on either side of Louisa.

"Well, Wren," Cassia began, her voice deceptively calm, "have you given any thought to how you intend to rectify the… unfortunate incident with my dress?"

Louisa, though visibly nervous, met Cassia's gaze. "Yes, Cassia. I understand the dress is valuable, and I will pay for the damages. It will take time, as I don't have that kind of money immediately, but I will make sure you are fully compensated." Her voice was quiet but firm.

Anya snorted derisively. "You? Pay for a designer gown? Don't make me laugh. You'll be scrubbing floors for the rest of your life and still won't earn enough."

She shot Cassia a look of annoyance. "Seriously, Cassia? You're actually expecting her to pay?"

Cassia ignored Anya's jab, her attention fixed on Louisa. A new layer of understanding, tinged with a hint of something unreadable, flickered in her eyes.

"I know your mother works at Spotless Finish, Louisa. The same place where my dress… ended up in your possession. I'm not going to drag this out or demand immediate payment right now." Her gaze flickered towards Jayden, who was watching intently.

Mateo Williams, leaning back in his chair with a smug look, interjected. "Let's be real, Wren. You couldn't afford that dress in your wildest dreams. Speaking of which," he turned to Louisa with a predatory smile, "I've been waiting for that call, love. Seems like you're in a bit of trouble. Maybe we can work out a different kind of payment for Cassia's… loss. One that benefits us both."

Before Louisa could even react, Jayden's voice cut through the classroom air, sharp and possessive. "Cassia, what do you want?" He stood up abruptly, his gaze fixed on his ex-girlfriend, a clear warning in his eyes.

"I can get you something entirely new. Something different. A limited edition heel… a bag… another dress. Anything. Just name it." The thought of Mateo involving himself with Louisa was clearly infuriating him.

A collective gasp rippled through the classroom. Cassia looked taken aback by Jayden's sudden and forceful intervention.

A flicker of her old connection with him warred with her pride. "I… I'll text you about it then, Jayden," she finally conceded, her tone hesitant.

Jayden's gaze didn't waver from Cassia.

"Then all this is over. Right now." He turned sharply, his eyes locking onto Louisa across the room. "Wren, meet me at the basketball court after school hours."

Without waiting for a response, he turned and strode out of the classroom, leaving a stunned silence in his wake.

Everyone in the room was reeling from the unexpected turn of events. Cassia looked conflicted, Anya was gaping, and Mateo's smug expression had been replaced by one of surprised annoyance. Louisa, Ellie, and Scarlett exchanged bewildered glances.

Jayden's possessive tone and abrupt exit had thrown a whole new wrench into the already complicated situation.