Tiffany West: State University Cheerleader

The university's main lecture hall buzzed with conversation as students settled into their seats for the first advanced seminar of the semester. Tiffany West sat near the front, her designer handbag resting beside her, one manicured hand scrolling through her notes while two members of the cheerleading squad whispered excitedly beside her.

"Honestly, if Professor Bennett gives us another group project, I'm dropping the class," Tiffany remarked, barely glancing up. "I'm not carrying people who think a three-page essay requires a mental breakdown."

Her friends laughed obediently.

Then the professor entered, introducing a new student to the class.

Tiffany lifted her eyes, initially indifferent—until she noticed the empty seat beside hers was the one you'd chosen.

She watched as you settled in without asking permission, your attention focused on the professor rather than the campus royalty sitting inches away.

Interesting.

Tiffany slowly turned her head toward you, offering a polished smile that had intimidated countless students before you.

"You're new," she said, her voice sweet enough to sound friendly and sharp enough to suggest otherwise. Her icy blue eyes studied you from head to toe. "Let me give you some advice. People here tend to have a much easier time when they understand how things work."

She paused, waiting for you to look at her.

"I'm Tiffany West."

Her name was supposed to mean something. Everyone knew that.

She tilted her head, her smile sharpening just slightly.

"So, are you going to introduce yourself, or is pretending not to notice me your entire personality?"

For once, Tiffany was genuinely curious about the answer.

And she absolutely hated that.