THE RIVALRY BETWEEN US
Chapter One — The Two Names Everyone Knew
At Blackwood University, there were two names that could silence an entire hallway.
Elsa Laurent.
Edrick Sinclair.
They came from two of the most influential families in the city.
The Laurents owned a chain of luxury hotels, while the Sinclairs controlled one of the country's biggest investment firms.
Their families had competed in business for years.
Unfortunately, their children had inherited the rivalry.
Elsa walked through the university gates wearing a perfectly pressed white shirt, black trousers, and a long beige coat. Her friends followed behind her, already discussing the upcoming inter-college business competition.
"Elsa, Professor Hayes announced the rankings," Mia said.
Elsa stopped.
"And?"
Mia grinned.
"You're second."
Elsa's expression immediately changed.
"Second?"
"Unfortunately."
"Who is first?"
Mia didn't answer.
Elsa already knew.
She turned around.
Across the courtyard, Edrick Sinclair stood beside his friends, casually leaning against a black car.
He was wearing a dark blazer, sleeves rolled to his elbows. His expression carried the kind of confidence Elsa found deeply irritating.
Their eyes met.
Edrick smirked.
"Good morning, Laurent."
Elsa walked toward him.
"Don't look so happy, Sinclair. You're only first because Professor Hayes hasn't checked my revised proposal yet."
"That's a creative way of saying you lost."
"I don't lose."
"Interesting."
He leaned closer.
"You just did."
Her eyes narrowed.
"Enjoy first place while it lasts."
"I always do."
Elsa turned away.
"God, I hate him."
Mia laughed.
"You've said that every day for two years."
"And I'll continue saying it until graduation."
Behind them, Edrick watched Elsa walk away.
His friend Noah shook his head.
"You're smiling."
Edrick immediately stopped.
"I'm not."
"You are."
"Shut up."
Noah laughed.
"You enjoy annoying her."
Edrick glanced toward Elsa again.
"She's easy to annoy."
But there was something he didn't say.
He liked being the only person who could make Elsa Laurent lose her perfect composure.
