Chapter 1556

[ 656 words ]

“Thanks anyway, Janet.”

Even though Tanya was disappointed, she still thanked her politely.

“No problem.” Janet blinked listlessly. “You should put on a jacket, Tanya. The mosquitoes are bad out here at night.”

“Will do, will do.”

Tanya quickly pulled on a windbreaker and tied her long wavy hair back, lowering her voice. “I thought Mr. Steele was going to be here, so I dressed up specifically for him.”

A purple slip dress, perfectly styled hair, and flawless makeup.

Because the internet said men love purple.

“What a waste of time.” Tanya laughed a completely genuine, harmless “beautiful airhead.”

“Do you think Mr. Steele will come back?” Tanya asked curiously.

“I have no idea.”

It was the truth. Compared to some college field trip, whatever was going on with the girl he liked was obviously a million times more important.

“Whatever.” Tanya shrugged, tossing the disappointment aside effortlessly. “I’m shallow anyway. I’ll probably see a hotter guy tomorrow and instantly move on.”

Janet nodded. “Fair point.”

“I’ll treat you to lunch sometime.” Tanya patted Janet’s shoulder. She really liked this freshman who was a year younger than her.

She was connected to someone as powerful as Juniper but never bragged about it.

She was genuine.

“Oh?” Janet was caught off guard. “You really don’t have to.”

“I insist, I insist,” Tanya urged her. “Come on, let’s hike up together.”

Janet was pulled along, stumbling a few steps before keeping pace. They hadn’t walked far.

Tanya suddenly remembered something and spoke up again. “By the way, Janet, is the thing with you and Kian true?”

“No.”

Janet answered bluntly. “Kian and I are just classmates. That’s it.”

“The whole department is gossiping about you guys dating. I knew it!”

Tanya smiled faintly, pretending to look deeply philosophical. “You two didn’t seem

like you belonged in the same league anyway.”

She didn’t want to gossip about a classmate in front of others.

But Kian.

He was way too fake and slimy for her tastes.

***

After a grueling four-hour hike, the group finally reached the summit to wait for the sunrise.

Janet wasn’t the most athletic person; she collapsed onto the ground, panting like a dog.

She went to use the restroom, and when she walked out.

A bottle of water was suddenly thrust into her face.

Janet looked up and saw Kian’s overly confident, intensely repulsive face.

“I’m good, thanks.”

Janet stepped around him, trying to walk away, but Kian blocked her path.

“Janet, let’s talk.” Kian grabbed Janet’s hand, trying to pull her into a hug. “I really like you. Why won’t you just give me a chance?”

“Don’t touch me.”

Janet struggled fiercely. The harder she fought, the tighter he held on, even leaning in trying to force a kiss.

“Janet, I really do like you, I…”

*Slap-*

Janet shoved him away with all her strength and backhanded him across the face, the sharp crack echoing through the quiet mountain air.

The resort was fully booked out for their group, and there was no one else around the restrooms.

Kian touched his stinging cheek, staring at Janet in utter disbelief. She actually dared to hit him!

“You like me?”

Janet took two steps back, her fists clenched tight. She was shaking with pure rage, glaring coldly at the maran front of her Do you really like me Kian?

Kian frowned.

In his mind, Janet had always been an incredibly soft-spoken, kind, and polite girl.

He had never seen such a chilling look in her eyes, nor such a vicious expression on her face.

།

“Of course like you.” Kian was a seasoned manipulator; the lies rolled off his tongue effortlessly “If I didn’t like you, why would I be following you around every single day like a lovesick puppy, bringing you food?”

“Yeah, why would you do that?”

Janet lifted her fair face, ruthlessly tearing down his facade. “Do you like me, or do

you like the value of the people behind me?”

Kian’s face fell. “What are you talking about?”

“You only like me because I’m Juniper’s cousin, don’t you?”

Janet stared him down coldly, her pale lips parting, her voice ringing

out crisp and clear didn’t have

Juniper and the Schwartz Group backing me, would you still like me?”

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