Chapter 76

Chapter 76:
The lights shone brightly in the hall.
A man stepped onto the stage, capturing everyone’s attention.
Whispers rippled through the crowd once again.
Expressions of disappointment echoed throughout the room.
“No, that’s not him.”
“Who is he?”
“I don’t know. Why is he onstage? Hasn’t Mr. Lopez arrived yet?”
Through the microphone, the man said, “Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for attending the homecoming tonight. Mr. Milton Lopez has asked me to deliver a speech on his behalf.”
He unfolded a piece of paper and began reading.
“First of all, I told you not to hold a party to thank me for my sponsorship. But I’m here to thank you for your insistence anyway. I hope we can all meet one another in the future in a relaxed and casual way, not through an unnecessarily formal function. Thank you, everyone.”
After finishing, he smiled awkwardly and quickly left the stage.
The audience exchanged bewildered glances.
Was Mr. Lopez really that arrogant?
Sitting in the last row, Candice began choking on her own saliva.
“Ahem!” It took her a moment to clear her throat.
It was so funny. That speech was undoubtedly written by Milton himself. As she listened, she could almost picture the dismissive and pompous expression on his face.
“What was that? I’m so disappointed. I didn’t get to see him in person.”
“Wow, he’s so cool and bold. And this is his alma mater.”
“Yes, and he paid for everything. He just doesn’t like formalities. He is truly special.”
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“And he’s so handsome. I like him so much, I don’t know what to do.”
Candice swept her gaze over the women around her, at a loss for words.
As the party was in full swing, she went backstage to find the honorary principal and hand him the gift as Bettina had instructed.
The honorary principal asked, “You and Bettina graduated together in 2020, right?”
Candice nodded, “Yes, sir.”
He beamed and said, “I’ve heard that your law firm, along with Bettina’s, has been doing very well. You have been involved in cases related to human rights and charity. We are very proud of you both. Keep up the good work.”
“We will. Thank you, sir,” Candice replied politely with a smile.
The honorary principal asked again, “Aren’t you attending the party?”
Candice waved her hand and answered sheepishly, “Oh, I’d love to, but I still have a lot of work to do, sir. I will have to take my leave.”
The honorary principal didn’t insist she stay. After fulfilling Bettina’s request, Candice turned and left.
Upon exiting the venue, she had to pass through the teaching building to leave the school.
However, three women blocked her path.
They were Cathy Warren from Warren Building Materials, Alta Brenton from Brenton Wood, and Kori Gilmore from Gilmore Cruise—names Candice would never forget.
The girl world was cruel.
Before Candice met Bettina, these three had made her life miserable. They were the ones who locked her in the cold frame—a memory that would be burned in Candice’s mind forever.
Candice stopped, turned on her heel, and tried to take another route to avoid them.
It wasn’t out of fear; she simply didn’t want to revisit the past.
Unfortunately, they caught up and refused to let her go.
“Wow. If it isn’t Candice from the broke Blake family.”
“How’s being penniless treating you?” Alta smacked Candice’s shoulder and jeered, “Your parents are both dead, and they didn’t leave you anything. What a bummer.”
“Watch your mouth. If you’re not careful what you say to me now, you’ll regret it. I always get what I’m owed.” What Candice hated most was when people openly talked about her parents’ death as if it were mere gossip. The pain it caused was indescribable.
Alta scoffed and rolled her eyes.
She hadn’t expected Candice to be so bold now. Cathy stared at her for a long moment. “I almost didn’t recognize you without your nerdy glasses.”
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