The Queen Who Fights Back (by Lily Hastings) novel Chapter 4

Maxwell had never mentioned to Nova that he was a racer.

But what Nova rattled off sounded like insider stuff—unless you were a pro driver or hardcore racing buff, you'd have no clue what she was talking about.

No matter the reason, a flicker of surprise flashed across Max's face.

He couldn't help but blurt out, shock clear in his voice, "You know all that? Where'd you pick that up?"

Maxwell wondered, 'Wasn't she just a regular girl after being away from home for so long? How'd she end up knowing all this?'

"The international racing scene," Nova replied casually, her hands tucked behind her head.

Her laid-back reply caught Maxwell completely off guard.

Even the always cool and distant man felt his heart nearly stop for a moment when he heard her answer.

Then Nova turned her head and flashed him a teasing smile, her fresh-faced innocence making her look like any ordinary girl.

She grinned, "Relax, I'm just kidding. Picked it up online."

Maxwell's heart finally settled down.

But even he couldn't figure out why, when Nova dropped "international racing scene", for a moment, he almost thought she really meant it.

Obviously, that was out of the question.

With his own status, he couldn't even get near anyone from that world, let alone Nova.

Still, Maxwell looked out for her with a serious reminder.

He said, "It's fine to joke about that around us, but if someone from the racing world hears it, they might not take it so well. Just watch yourself, okay?"

Maxwell didn't mince words. But Nova could tell that even though he hadn't fully accepted her, he was genuinely looking out for her.

If anyone had ever dared to talk to her like that before, Nova would've dished out a savage beating.

But today, the infamous queen of the global underground scene just nodded quietly for the first time ever, actually listening for once and not firing back with her usual attitude.

If those old mercs who used to serve under Bloodforge saw this, they'd be so freaked out.

*****

Saint Laurel Royal Academy was hands-down the best school in all of Ravenport.

This place had the city's top-notch teachers and screamed luxury with its gorgeous, old-school Norman architecture.

Those gates were made from solid stone, giving off major castle vibes. Walking past them, people would be greeted by huge round pillars and boxy towers—straight-up medieval fortress energy.

Step inside, and it was like crossing into the dream world of a fairy-tale castle.

At the east gate, Nova rode in Maxwell's sports car as they entered through the gates and headed straight for the main building.

The car pulled into a private parking garage.

Maxwell unbuckled his seatbelt and glanced over at Nova. "It's your first day. Do you know where you should go? Want me to walk you to your classroom?"

His cropped bangs rested smoothly against his forehead, and with those sharp, handsome features, he looked like someone straight out of a fashion magazine.

Nova had to admit that Maxwell was easy on the eyes.

"Thanks," Nova said, shamelessly enjoying the benefits of having a big brother around.

"Don't mention it," Maxwell replied.

The way they spoke to each other didn't feel like siblings—it was more like two awkward strangers trying to be polite.

Everyone in Saint Laurel Royal Academy knew Maxwell.

When he personally escorted Nova to Freshman Year Class A, it instantly drew stares from nearly everyone in the class.

Sophia didn't take Nova's cool response personally. She just pulled her hand back and flashed her an easy smile.

Then she lowered her voice, smiling, "Hey Nova, guess that makes us friends now. You're new, so there are tons you don't know. Don't worry, I'll give you the full scoop later."

Sophia stepped right up to Nova, and even though they'd only just met, her laid-back, super-friendly approach broke the ice right away. It was like they'd been friends forever.

Sophia leaned in and continued, "But trust me, there are some things you seriously need to know. If you don't, you're totally gonna get burned.

"There are six major big shots here at our academy that you seriously don't want to mess with.

"Two of them happen to be your brother, campus heartthrob Maxwell, and your sister, campus queen Hannah.

"These six are known across school as the three campus heartthrobs and three campus queens—they rule this place.

"They're split into two rival factions. Your brother, your sister, and one more campus queen form one side.

"And the three of them even started their own club—the Free Combat Club."

"The other two campus heartthrobs plus one campus queen make up the rival side, and they've got their own crew—the Taekwondo Club.

"These two groups seriously can't stand each other. On the surface, they're all about school spirit and competition, but when no one's watching, they're basically squaring off and brawling all the time."

Sophia dropped her voice to a whisper, her eyes darting around nervously, like she was seriously worried someone might catch what she was saying.

Then, without warning, she yanked Nova over to the farthest corner of the classroom, glancing left and right.

She leaned in and whispered, "Your brother and sister are in the Free Combat Club, and Max runs the whole show. Now that you're here, that news is gonna blow up on campus.

"Pretty soon, everyone will know you're Max and Hannah's little sister.

"And trust me, once the Taekwondo Club squad gets wind of it, you'd better get ready—they'll swarm you in no time.

"You just started here, and you don't even know how to defend yourself. If they corner you, you're in for a world of trouble."