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Chapter 7 – The Girl Behind the Door
The next morning, Olivia couldn't focus on anything—not the math test, not Savannah's whispering about cute seniors, not even Peter glancing her way during English. All she could think about was the woman on the phone.
Who was Lyn?
And why did she say it wasn't safe?
Harper nudged her in history class. "You've been staring at the same page for twenty minutes."
"I'm just… thinking."
"You mean obsessing."
Olivia didn't deny it.
She hadn't told anyone about the call yet—not even Peter. Not until she had more to go on. She tried calling again the night before, but the number wouldn't go through.
Blocked.
Or worse.
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By lunch, she finally cracked and pulled Peter aside under the staircase near the art rooms.
"She picked up," Olivia whispered. "The woman. Lyn."
Peter's eyes widened. "And?"
"She said Phoenix stayed with her. But then she cut off. Told me it wasn't safe."
"Do you think she's in danger too?"
Olivia hesitated. "I don't know. But whoever she is… she sounded scared."
Peter nodded, processing. "Then we find her."
It wasn't a question. It was a promise.
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Later that afternoon, Olivia and her friends gathered in the library. Mrs. Haven, now slightly more open to the investigation, let them dig through old records, yearbooks, and staff directories—anything that could hint at who "Lyn" might be.
And while they found nothing useful, something else unexpected stirred the atmosphere:
Lexi.
In six-inch heels and a tight smile, she strutted through the halls after last period, tossing sparkly black envelopes into lockers like confetti. Her voice rang out like a megaphone.
"Friday. Don't be boring. My place. Exclusive guest list."
Savannah rolled her eyes. "Let me guess. Post-Phoenix fame party?"
"She never cared about her brother's mess until she got to take his crown," Harper muttered.
Olivia frowned. Lexi was Lex's twin, and though she wore her popularity like a designer jacket, there was something… colder now. Calculated.
Lexi reached Olivia's locker. For a moment, their eyes locked.
Then Lexi slid an envelope into the vent without a word and walked away.
Peter raised a brow. "That's not weird at all."
Olivia stared after her.
Maybe Lexi knew something too.
And maybe… the party was the perfect place to find out.
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