“Your father is playing a very dangerous game,” Arthur said, shifting the car into reverse. “He is bordering on abuse of power.”

“He doesn’t care,” I said, staring out the foggy window. “He only cares about Brandon’s reputation.”

We drove in silence through the dark streets, the windshield wipers scraping rhythmically against the glass.

My mind was racing, calculating the hours left until noon.

I had exactly fifteen hours to find a way to pay the university, or my entire academic career would be put on hold.

And if I was dropped from the program, I would lose my student housing eligibility.

I would be homeless and penniless by the end of the week.

We pulled up to my small apartment building near the edge of campus.

“I will draft the emergency petition tonight,” Arthur said, turning to look at me. “But as I said, it will not resolve by noon tomorrow.”

“I know,” I said. “Thank you for everything, Arthur.”

“Be careful, Ava,” he said. “Your father is a desperate man. Desperate men do not play by the rules.”