Chapter 106 Chris Jensen in the House!
I glanced down at my phone, a slight smile playing at the corners of my lips as I read Chris Jensen's reply: "For you? Of course. Text me the details. Tomorrow afternoon works."
Before I could respond, my phone buzzed again with multiple notifications. The campus social media platforms were already blowing up with posts about the bet. Aurelia had wasted no time spreading the news.
"This is going to be a disaster," Chase muttered, running his hands through his already disheveled hair.
I rose from my seat, gathered my things, and headed for the door. "For her, yes."
---
The next morning, I arrived early for my first class to find President Philip Thornton waiting outside the lecture hall, his expression caught between concern and curiosity.
"Miss Morgan," he called as I emerged. "May I have a word?"
He gestured toward an alcove near the stairwell where we could speak privately. His normally composed demeanor seemed slightly ruffled.
"I've heard about your... arrangement with Miss Sullivan," he began carefully. "While I appreciate your confidence, such public wagers reflect poorly on Princeton's academic environment."
Translation: he was worried I'd embarrass myself.
"I understand your concern," I replied. "But Chris Jensen will be here this afternoon."
Philip's eyebrows shot up. "That's... quite ambitious. Perhaps we could find another solution? I could speak with Miss Sullivan—"
"That won't be necessary," I cut him off politely.
Philip studied my face, clearly trying to determine if I was bluffing. "Well, if you're certain..." He didn't sound convinced.
My phone rang. Alexander Haxton's name flashed on the screen—his third call this morning. I excused myself and answered.
"Jade," Alexander's voice was tense with concern. "I just heard about your bet with Aurelia Sullivan. Don't worry, I can help. My family has connections that might reach Chris Jensen."
"Not necessary," I replied, noting that Philip was still within earshot, pretending not to listen.
"But Jade.."
"I appreciate the offer, but I don't need help. If I did, I'd contact your uncle."
There was a pause, then Alexander's voice returned, noticeably deflated. "Oh. Well, if you change your mind..."
"I won't," I said, ending the call.
Ten minutes later, as I walked to class, my phone vibrated again. Ethan Haxton. I considered ignoring it but decided against it.
"Mr. Haxton," I answered.
"Miss Morgan." His voice was calm but curious. "When exactly did you become acquainted with Chris Jensen?"
I stepped into an empty hallway for privacy. "Remember that accusation of exam cheating in Cloud City? I hired him."
"You hired Chris Jensen for a high school cheating allegation?" The disbelief in his voice was evident. "He typically only takes cases with seven-figure retainers."
"It was a special circumstance," I replied vaguely.
"I'm sure it was." There was a thoughtful pause. "Chris doesn't do anyone favors, Jade. Yet he's dropping everything to lecture at Princeton because you asked. That's... unusual."
"Maybe I'm just very persuasive."
"Maybe." His tone suggested he wasn't convinced. "I look forward to hearing how today unfolds."
---
By lunch, the campus was buzzing with speculation. The Princeton student forum had multiple threads dedicated to the bet, with opinions sharply divided:
"No way some scholarship student knows Chris Jensen."
"Sullivan's going to regret this bet."
"Jensen turned down the PRESIDENT'S invitation last year!!!"
"Anyone know why Jade Morgan is so confident? Does she have dirt on him or something?"
Aurelia was actively feeding the frenzy, posting cryptic updates suggesting I was delusional and would soon be humiliated. Her followers amplified each message, turning the bet into the campus event of the semester.
My phone rang again. Chase.
"Hey," his voice sounded strained. "Don't kill me, but I tried to help."
"What did you do?" I asked, already knowing I wouldn't like the answer.
"I asked my grandfather to reach out to Chris," Chase admitted. "My sister found out and told him it was for a bet. He... wasn't happy."
"I told you I didn't need help."
"Yeah, well, now I need a hospital." Chase laughed weakly. "Kidding. Mostly. But he did throw his golf club at me. Hit my shoulder. Totally worth it though."
"Your family has issues," I replied, hanging up before he could ask more questions.
---
At precisely 3:15 PM, a sleek black Range Rover pulled into the faculty parking lot. The driver's door opened, and a tall man in an impeccably tailored charcoal suit stepped out. His dark hair was styled perfectly, and his jawline could have been carved from marble. Chris Jensen had arrived.
Within minutes, the news spread across campus like wildfire. The university's social feed exploded:
"HOLY SHIT CHRIS JENSEN IS HERE"
"Someone just saw him walking toward the Law building!!!"
"Not a drill! THE Chris Jensen is on campus!"
"Heading to Law Building 3 now—lecture starts at 4!"
By 3:45, Law Building 3's lecture hall was packed beyond capacity. Students sat in the aisles, stood along the walls, and crowded the doorways. The hallway outside was jammed with people hoping to catch a glimpse of the legendary attorney.
Eleanor Astor, Chase's sister, had appointed herself as Jensen's unofficial assistant, her typically stern demeanor replaced with barely contained excitement as she hovered near him, straightening papers he didn't need and offering water he didn't drink.
Chase texted me: "You're a fucking witch. Law Building 3 is INSANE. Where are you?"
I didn't respond. I had more important business to attend to.
---
I was walking across the quad when I spotted President Philip Thornton heading toward the Law Building, his pace hurried and excited.
"Miss Morgan!" he called when he saw me. "Aren't you going the wrong way? Mr. Jensen's lecture starts in ten minutes."
"I've heard him speak before," I replied. "I'm going to collect my winnings from Aurelia Sullivan."
Philip's expression shifted to one of concern. "Miss Morgan, while I appreciate that Mr. Jensen's presence brings prestige to our institution, I must caution against involving the university in student wagers."
"The university isn't involved," I corrected him. "I personally invited a distinguished legal expert to share his knowledge with Princeton students. The fact that his presence also settles a private matter is coincidental."
Philip's eyes twinkled with amusement despite his attempt to maintain a serious expression. "Well, when you put it that way... I suppose Princeton does owe you a debt of gratitude for arranging such a prestigious speaker."
"You're welcome." I continued walking.
"Miss Morgan," Philip called after me. "If I may ask... how did you manage to secure Mr. Jensen's participation? The university has been trying for years."
I turned back. "Step one: I opened my phone. Step two: I texted him."
Philip looked bewildered. "That's it? He agreed just like that?"
"Yes."