Page 77 of Juliet's Echo

The theater was packed with students, faculty, and what appeared to be some of his theater buddies. Psalm and I won the coin toss, so the opposing team opened first.

When it was their time, they came out swinging.

Their arguments were strong. Especially their position that nepotism undermines fairness and merit-based advancement.

“It gives opportunities to individuals based on personal relationships rather than qualifications and performance,” Lavender said firmly.

A little too firmly.

And did this bitch just roll her eyes at me?

“For example, just because your mother is an Oscar-winning actress does not mean you should get the role of Dorothy in Broadway'sThe Wiz,over someone who has been in theater training since she was three years old.”

Yeah, that was definitely an eye roll. We were nine, bitch. Let the shit go.

The applause Losing Lavender and her teammate, Brian, received proved they had finished strong and would be a tough act to follow. She gathered her things, but not before giving me one last glaring look that promised she was still carrying around elementary-school trauma.

Then it was our turn.

Psalm adjusted the microphone.

“Good afternoon. Today, Juliet and I will be defending why nepotism should be accepted as a legitimate hiring and promotion practice in the workplace.”

A loud boo immediately sounded from somewhere in the audience.

“You would support that, Mr. Signed-to-HUSH Studios!” someone shouted.

A few people laughed.

Then another voice rang out.

“Aye, Juliet! How's Echo?”

Of course, Tony Ferra.

A professional hater with a part-time enrollment status.

“The same as the academic probation letters that come to your house,” I responded. “Limitless.”

The theater erupted as students laughed and a few professors turned away to hide their smiles. Even Hamburger covered his mouth, secretly chuckling behind his hand.

“Don't address her again,” Psalm said sternly, staring Tony directly in the face.

The room quieted.

“Okay, people,” Professor Hamburger interrupted before a second debate could break out. “Back to the task at hand.”

The presentation continued.

Everything went smoothly.

We argued that nepotism can strengthen trust, loyalty, and organizational stability because employers often have greater confidence in the abilities and character of people they already know through family relationships. We discussed family-owned businesses, succession planning, and how generational mentorship often creates stronger leadership pipelines.

The audience was engaged. Heads nodded, notes were taken, and a few students even looked annoyed that our argument was making sense.

Then Psalm clicked to a slide I had never seen before.

My eyes narrowed.