Chapter 173

That afternoon, Sandra didn’t show up to class.
Not that Anastasia noticed-she and Sandra barely knew each other, so Sandra’s absence didn’t even register.
Anastasia arrived a little late, and by then, all the seats were taken except for a spot in Helen’s row. With no other choice, she slid in there.
Helen was sitting with two other girls, leaving one empty seat between them and Anastasia.
Just as Anastasia settled in, she caught one of the girls exclaiming, “Oh my god, Helen, did you win the lottery or something? I can’t even bring myself to splurge on that brand of makeup!”
Helen’s reply was modest but laced with pride. “It’s nothing, really. I just thought I should treat myself for a change.”
Anastasia glanced over. Sure enough, Helen’s desk was cluttered with several boxes-top-tier beauty brands, the kind that didn’t come cheap.
That surprised her. Helen was the type who never hesitated to ask for expensive things from others, but when it came to spending her own money, she was usually stingy. Why would she suddenly splurge on all this luxury makeup?
Her eyes drifted to Helen’s phone. A makeup tutorial was playing, as if Helen was gearing up for something important.
Still, it wasn’t any of her business. Anastasia only wondered for a moment before letting it go.
What did catch her attention, though, was how Helen hadn’t come running over to her like she usually did. Normally, Helen would leap at any chance to get something out of her, but today, she just shot Anastasia a quick, almost smug glance-like she was on the verge of moving up in the world and wouldn’t need Anastasia anymore.
By the time class was over, it was already after four. Anastasia gathered her things and headed off campus.
As she walked past a secluded volleyball court, she suddenly heard her own name being thrown around-
You really think Anastasia is going to save you? Don’t make me laugh. I’ve cornered you how many times now? She’s never come to help you, not once!”
The voice was cocky, and all too familiar. Sandra.
“Kneel down, apologize, and clean my shoes with your tongue. If you make me happy, maybe I’ll let you go!”
Anastasia’s eyes narrowed. She spun on her heel and strode in that direction.
A few steps later, the scene came into view.
Sandra stood at the center, flanked by several girls, all of them closing in on a lone figure. The girl in the middle was strikingly pretty, but right now she was a mess-her hair was soaked with what looked like a spilled milkshake, and the books clutched to her chest were dripping as well.
She pressed her lips together, her face pale, refusing to cry out even as Sandra and her friends shoved her back and forth. The rıghtful source is
Anastasia’s expression turned icy.
She recognized the girl instantly-her cousin, Juliet Brennan. The only family she ever really cared about.
No one had noticed Anastasia’s arrival. Just then, Juliet was shoved again, stumbling so hard she almost fell.
Gritting her teeth, Juliet snapped, “I told you, I never tried to steal your boyfriend!”
Sandra sneered, “Oh please. Too scared to admit it now? My boyfriend told me you gave him that scarf on his birthday, and the Valentine’s gift he picked out ended up with you!”
“Don’t try to deny it-there’s proof!”
Juliet was shaking, her voice tight with anger. “I told you, I didn’t give him the scarf! I don’t even know anything about it! And that Valentine’s present-your boyfriend gave it to me to pass on to Penelope, that’s all!”
“Liar! I don’t want to hear your excuses!”
With that, Sandra raised her hand, aiming a slap right at Juliet’s face.
Pinned in place, Juliet had nowhere to run. She squeezed her eyes shut, bracing herself for the hit.
But the sting never came.
“Anastasia! Are you out of your mind?!”
Anastasia
Juliet’s eyes flew open in shock.
Sandra’s hand had been stopped mid-swing, caught in the air.
The girl who had stepped in was tall, poised, and radiated quiet strength. Gone
was the heavy, theatrical makeup from before—now, Anastasia wore only a touch of natural color, her real features revealed, and her beauty was absolutely breathtaking.