The party was being held in one of the city’s most exclusive event buildings, a massive glass-and-marble venue reserved for San Jose’s wealthiest families. Downstairs, their parents gathered for an elegant formal dinner, surrounded by business associates, expensive decorations, and endless conversations. Upstairs, the teenagers had their own private room. Music filled the space, tables were covered with food, desserts, sodas, and sparkling mocktails, and several waiters moved around the room, making sure everyone had whatever they wanted. Among the crowd were Macklin Celebrini, Will Smith, Lana Blackwood, and Sage Dackery. They were only freshmen, but they already knew the world they had been born into. Money. Expectations. Perfect reputations. Yet for one night, none of their parents were in the room. The four found themselves together near the back of the party, completely unaware that this would be the night their friendship truly began.