Chapter 1038

Hailey’s lips lifted into a faint smile. “Thank you for your concern, Mr. Pilsner. I’m fine.”
“As long as you’re fine, that’s what matters,” Jonah replied.
The heaviness in Hailey’s chest eased, and her mood brightened immediately. She picked up her pencil and returned to her design sketches.
Before long, it was noon. Hailey stood and made her way to the cafeteria for lunch. The moment she entered, she noticed two familiar faces. It was Olivia and Rebecca.
But hadn’t Olivia mentioned that Rebecca was supposed to be resting? What was she doing on campus then?
Hailey didn’t buy for a second that Rebecca was here because of her “love for studying”.
Sure enough, Rebecca spotted Hailey right away. She quickly walked over and asked cheerfully, “Hailey, are you here for lunch?”
Hailey, however, had no intention of responding.
Suddenly, Rebecca grabbed her hand. “What do you want to eat? I’ll wait in line for you. It’s on me.”
Unable to hold back any longer, Olivia spoke up sharply. “Rebecca, stop throwing yourself at someone who’s clearly giving you the cold shoulder. Can’t you tell she’s ignoring you completely?”
Rebecca immediately pouted. “Olivia, don’t say that. Hailey just misunderstands me right now. Once we clear things up, we’ll still be good friends.”
Rebecca pulled out her bank card as she spoke. “Hailey, please let me buy lunch for you. My family may be poor, but I earned this money myself by juggling three part- time jobs every day. Let me treat you today, okay?”
Hailey held back a laugh. “Rebecca, I appreciate the thought, but you should keep your money. I don’t need you to treat me.”
Rebecca’s expression immediately fell. “What’s wrong, Hailey? Are you still upset with me?”
Olivia stepped in, unable to stay silent. “Enough, Rebecca. I know how hard you work to earn that money. If She doesn’t want you to treat her, you should just drop it. Let’s go get something to eat.”
“Hailey, what will it take for you to forgive me?” Rebecca asked.
Hailey met her eyes steadily. “Rebecca, there’s no grudge between us, so forgiveness isn’t the issue. Anyway, I’m going to grab a bite.”
As Hailey turned to leave, Rebecca suddenly blocked her way. “Hailey, I know you’re still angry. Just tell me what it’ll take for you to forgive me… I’ll do whatever it takes!”
“Rebecca!” Olivia called out sharply.
“How about I kneel before you?” Rebecca said, slowly lowering herself.
Olivia froze. “Rebecca, are you crazy?”
Hailey could see right through Rebecca’s act. She was playing the victim on purpose to stir up drama. People always sympathized with the underdog after all Rebecca was short of calculating.
“Stop bothering me, Rebecca. I’m busy!” Hailey snapped.
Without waiting for a response, she turned and walked away.
“Hailey!” Rebecca called after her.
With a loud thud, Rebecca dropped to her knees.
It was the busiest time of lunch, and the cafeteria was filled with students.
With everyone watching, Rebecca kneeled before Hailey.