One of your friends did. Madison gave a small shrug. I can't control what other people post. Tyler laughed softly. Danny looked at him.
He smiled back. Madison stepped closer. All I'm asking is that you admit you overreacted. I didn't. Then apologize for threatening my brother.
I didn't threaten him. You told him what he would do after he blocked my path. Madison's voice grew sweeter. There you go again. Danny's stomach tightened.
Again, turning everything into an attack. More people were watching now. A trustee, two alumni, several students, a member of the athletic staff. Phones began appearing. Danny saw Rachel moving closer through the crowd.
Professor Miller was still across the pavilion, trapped in conversation. Madison looked pleased. This can all end right now. Danny said nothing. Just say you were wrong.
I wasn't. Say you misread the situation. I didn't. Say you're sorry. Danny held Madison's gaze.
No. A low murmur moved through the people around them. Madison's cheeks flushed. Tyler stepped forward. Maybe you should think carefully. Danny turned toward him.
I have. Tyler's expression hardened. Madison moved even closer. You really don't understand what you're doing, do you? Danny could feel her pulse in her throat.
I understand exactly what I'm doing. And what's that? Refusing to confess to something I didn't do. For the first time, Madison's public smile disappeared completely. You think you can come into this school and call us liars?
Danny glanced toward the enormous Blake lettering above the lobby entrance. This school doesn't belong to you. The words landed in the center of the room. Several people looked away. Madison's face went still.
My family built this place. Your family donated to it. That's the same thing. No. Danny's voice. Stayed quiet.
It isn't. Tyler moved around his sister. Now the semicircle formed almost naturally. Madison. Tyler.
Three friends. People behind Danny. People beside her. No clear exit without pushing through someone. Rachel saw it too.
She lifted her phone. Recording. Margaret Cole remained nearby. Her face tense. Danny lowered her voice.
Madison. I'm done with this conversation. She turned. Madison grabbed her wrist. The contact changed everything.
Danny stopped. Looked down. Madison's fingers tightened around her. The room seemed to narrow. Danny looked up.