The next morning, Hanna woke with a renewed sense of determination. Jacob’s confession had brought clarity to Ciara’s strategy, but now came the hardest part: finding someone willing to back them up. The idea of diving into the tangled web of Ciara’s social circle made Hanna’s stomach churn, but she knew it was the only way to stop her.
When Hanna walked into the kitchen, she found Jacob sitting at the counter, nursing a cup of coffee. He glanced up as she entered, his expression neutral but less tense than it had been in recent weeks.
“Morning,” he said gruffly.
“Morning,” Hanna replied, sliding into the chair across from him. “I was thinking… about the party. Do you remember anyone there who might be willing to tell the truth about what happened?”
Jacob frowned, his fingers tapping against the side of his mug. “Not many. Most of the people there were Mark’s friends or people who don’t like me—or you. But… maybe Talia. She was there. She’s not exactly close to Mark or Ciara.”
Hanna perked up. “Talia? Isn’t she the girl who transferred in last year? She’s friends with Elordi, right?”
“Yeah,” Jacob said, nodding slowly. “She’s not afraid to speak her mind, either. If anyone’s willing to call Ciara out, it’s her.”
“Perfect,” Hanna said, already pulling out her phone. “I’ll talk to Elordi. Maybe he can help us reach her.”
~
At school, Hanna found Elordi leaning against his locker, scrolling lazily through his phone. When he saw her approaching, he smirked.
“What’s up, sunshine?” he said, sliding his phone into his pocket.
Hanna rolled her eyes, though the familiarity of his teasing felt oddly comforting. “I need your help. Do you know Talia?”
Elordi raised an eyebrow. “Talia Whitaker? Yeah, I know her. Why?”
“She was at the party last year—the one where Jacob and Mark got into it,” Hanna explained. “We need her to tell the truth about what happened before Ciara twists the story.”
Elordi let out a low whistle. “You’re playing with fire, aren’t you? Talia doesn’t scare easy, but Ciara’s got a long reach.”
“That’s why we need her,” Hanna said firmly. “Can you help me talk to her?”
Elordi studied her for a moment, then shrugged. “Alright. I’ll set it up. But don’t blame me if she tells you to take a hike.”
“I’ll take my chances,” Hanna said with a small smile. “Thanks, Elordi.”