Chapter 1: SENIOR YEAR
Dear Readers,
I wanted to take a moment to share that Tangled in Terms is no longer on Inkitt. The edited version is available through Kindle. Due to the exclusive rights associated with this platform, I am unable to offer the entire book for free at this time. However, I invite you to enjoy the first few chapters, which are available to give you a taste of the story and its characters.
I am truly grateful for your ongoing support and interest in my work. If you’re looking for more reading material, please don’t hesitate to explore my other free titles.
Thank you once again for being such wonderful readers!
Warm regards,
The Elusive Authoress
Olivia
Senior year had officially begun at the University of Berkwood, and the campus pulsed with energy. As a finance major, I thrived in the buzz of it all. My wavy brunette hair framed my face, bringing out the hazel eyes that lit up anytime I got to talk about things I loved money, markets, and making a difference. I wasn’t into flashy clothes; cozy sweaters and worn-in jeans or skirts were more my thing. Practical, Comfortable, Me.
People knew me for being direct. If I had something to say, I said it, especially when it mattered.
As I navigated the crowded hallway, head deep in thought, I crashed into someone, hard. My books flew from my arms, scattering across the floor.
“Hey! Watch where you’re going, you jerk!” I snapped, already kneeling to pick up my things.
Of course, it had to be Connor Black. The guy practically ran the campus social scene with his ocean-blue eyes and annoyingly perfect smirk.
“What’s your problem, mosquito? Trying to bite me?” he teased, bending down to help.
“No, thanks. I’m not into blood that’s probably expired,” I shot back, brushing him off. “I’ve got it.”
I didn’t need help. Especially not from Connor and his smug charm. The air between us practically crackled, but I stood up straight, hugging my books close like armour.
That’s when I spotted my two best friends, Kelly and Lori, weaving through the crowd.
“Morning, ladies!” I called, my voice cutting through the hum of conversation.
“Olivia! We missed you this summer!” Lori beamed, her green eyes gleaming.
“It was way too quiet without you,” Kelly added, her bangles jangling as she adjusted one of her colourful scarves.
“I missed you guys too. I was working nonstop.”
“Still with Abby Fashion?” Kelly asked, curious.
“Yep. And picking up catering shifts with Smurf Events whenever I could.”
Lori’s jaw dropped in mock shock. “Wow. No wonder we barely saw you.”
“It still didn’t feel like enough,” I admitted, my tone shifting. “I’ve got tuition, and my parents are buried in debt. I wanted to help, but it was…a lot.”
“I can imagine,” Lori said, softly.
Kelly leaned in, raising a brow. “So… did you just bump into Connor?”
“Unfortunately,” I muttered. “That jerk sent my books flying.”
Lori laughed. “You’re one of a kind, Olivia. Every girl here practically melts in his presence, and you call him a jerk?”
“Someone’s got to keep him in check,” I said with a smirk. “I’m not here to be part of his fan club.”
“I love that about you,” Kelly said. “You’ve got guts. He’s lucky you didn’t slap him.”
“Don’t tempt me,” I joked. “But honestly, I’m focusing on my goals this year. No distractions.”
In the lecture hall, the atmosphere buzzed with chatter as students settled into their seats for Investment Management. Connor arrived late; his presence unmistakable as he strode
down the aisle. I was deep in conversation with my friends when he spotted an open seat right next to me.
“Oh gosh, you again,” I retorted, my tone a mix of annoyance and amusement.
“It should be a blessing to have me finally sitting next to you, don’t you think?” Connor replied, flashing that playful grin of his.
Kelly and Lori snickered next to me. Lori leaned over. “Want me to swap seats with you?”
“Please,” I said, turning to Connor. “Mind moving? I’d rather sit with someone I actually like.”
“And why’s that? I promise I don’t bite.”
“Exactly the problem,” I said, crossing my arms. “I’m allergic to arrogance—and your cologne.”
He looked at me directly for a moment longer than necessary and said, “I didn’t see you sneezing or your eyes tearing. Now can you sit still? We have a lecture to pay attention to.”
I turned to Lori with a sigh. “Sorry, I tried.”
Just then, Professor Dawson walked in, and the chatter subsided. He adjusted his glasses and greeted the class, and I shifted my focus to absorb the information. Connor leaned back in his seat, still intrigued, by something I don’t have time for.
Professor Dawson began, “Portfolio management can be broadly categorized into two types: active management and passive management. Active management involves frequently buying and selling investments to try to outperform the market. This strategy requires a lot of time and research. Who can tell me what the goal of active management is?”
I raised my hand eagerly. “The goal of active management is to achieve returns that exceed the average market returns by taking advantage of short-term price fluctuations in stocks, bonds, or other securities.”
“Exactly!” Professor Dawson responded, nodding approvingly. “Now, can anyone explain passive management?”
Kelly raised her hand this time. “Passive management is when investors try to match market performance rather than beat it. They typically invest in index funds or ETFs that track a particular index.”
“Great answer, Kelly!” Professor Dawson said. “Now, let’s discuss why investors might choose one strategy over the other. Olivia, what do you think?”
I thought for a moment before responding. “Investors might choose active management if they believe they can capitalize on market inefficiencies or if they want more control over their investments. On the other hand, passive management might appeal to those who prefer a long-term investment strategy with lower fees and less active involvement.”
“Excellent points,” Professor Dawson agreed. “Now, let’s dive deeper into the concept of diversification. Can anyone explain why diversification is important in portfolio management?”
Lori raised her hand. “Diversification is important because it helps reduce risk. By spreading investments across different asset classes, sectors, or geographical regions, investors can minimize the impact of a poor-performing investment on their overall portfolio.”
“Exactly right, Lori! Now, Olivia, what happens when a stock’s price appreciates or depreciates?”
I smiled, ready to share my knowledge. “When a stock appreciates, its price increases, meaning the investor can sell it for a profit. This can happen due to various factors, such as strong company performance, positive market trends, or investor sentiment. Conversely, when a stock depreciates, its price decreases, which can lead to losses if the investor sells. Depreciation can occur due to poor earnings reports, negative news, or broader market downturns.”
“Very well explained, Olivia. Now, let’s say an investor holds a stock that has depreciated significantly. What should they consider before deciding to sell?” Professor Dawson posed the question to the class.
Connor, intrigued by the discussion, leaned forward and asked, “Shouldn’t they consider whether the stock has long-term potential? Sometimes prices drop due to temporary issues, right?”
Professor Dawson nodded, appreciating Connor’s insight.
“Exactly!” I added. “Investors should evaluate whether the reasons for the depreciation are likely to be temporary or indicative of a more serious problem. If the fundamentals of the company remain strong, it might be wise to hold onto the stock and wait for a potential rebound.”
Professor Dawson smiled, clearly pleased with the engagement in the class.
At the end of the class, I moved on to a few more lectures with my friends before the much-anticipated break time arrived.
We grabbed our usual table. Across the quad, I noticed Connor chatting up Alicia Jones, the campus beauty and part-time model.
Lori nudged me. “Connor and Alicia? Think he’s serious?”
Kelly scoffed. “Please. He’s a walking red flag.”
“Probably just chasing the thrill,” I said with a laugh. “I doubt he even knows what serious means.”
“Facts,” Kelly said, flipping her hair. “Let’s stick to the plan—no distractions.”
“Exactly! I’d rather focus on my future than get tangled up in his games, let’s stick to our goals, ladies. No distractions!”
