Stolen Genius, Reclaimed Fate

the library, the overheard words replaying in

ng it herself. Ethan suddenly being too busy to help me with a complex physics problem, then Chloe miraculously understanding it the next day. Little "favors,

elped Mom, Chloe's supportive hugs – w

began to crystallize. They thought Sarah Miller was just a nai

"be fine." I w

rnathy' s shop. This t

d. "Ethan Davis got it from you. T

ntrol what is done with them. The locket transfers academic fortune, yes. Or misfo

rked so powerfully on me. I

rsed? Can I get

nchanged," he said. "But the locket can be... redirected. Its nature is to draw from

osely. "You want t

, without a t

lter its attunement. It will still draw academic fortune, but it will give it to the one the new giver considers a deep part of their life, even if tha

odified original. Ethan. Despite everything, the years of friendship, the shared history, he was sti

than by his locker. I forced a sm

s clasp, almost invisible. "I know things have been... weird with my scores. But I wanted you to have this. For

ing in his eyes – surpris

ally thoughtful of you." He e

rt locket I was now wearing.

g to sound hopeful. "Maybe

r. "Sure it will, Sa

deception, already seeing me as a problem

enda Lexington, the mayor' s wealthy, arrogant daughter, was furious. Sh

hompson! That national

I-I don't know what you'r

ord! My dad will hear about this! You'll be expel

al, a full ride to a state university plus a cash prize. Chloe, embolde