Chapter 296

“Oh?” Anastasia arched an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. “Tell me more-what’s the story with this new transfer student?”
Ten minutes later, she’d finally gotten the whole picture.
The transfer from Riverton was named Shirley West, and she came from one of those old-money dynasties-the kind of genuine socialite you only read about in magazines.
Nobody knew why she’d left the comfort of Riverton for their little corner of the world, or how Penelope had managed to befriend her. But one thing was clear: the two of them were inseparable now, and word was they were getting along famously.
“So that’s what’s going on.” Anastasia’s face remained unreadable as she finished listening.
Maggie and Sandra, on the other hand, looked worried. “You and Penelope… after everything that happened, and now she’s found herself a new ally? She’s strutting back into Kingsbridge like she owns the place, and honestly, it looks like she’s out for trouble. What if she starts coming after you?”
Sure, Anastasia’s boyfriend had a bit of a reputation, but Shirley was from Riverton. The old-money families in Fairhaven were nothing compared to Riverton’s upper crust.
Seeing the anxiety in their eyes, Anastasia felt both touched and amused. Harrison’s background wasn’t something she could just come out and explain, so all she could do was reassure them: “Relax. If she tries anything, she’ll probably be the one begging for mercy by the end of it.”
She didn’t give the whole situation much thought. What she didn’t expect was just how impatient Penelope would be.
That afternoon, Anastasia went to the newly opened campus cafeteria with Maggie, Sandra, and her cousin Juliet. They were excited to try the place out— rumor had it the food was actually good.
The place was packed, and as they were about to join the line, Juliet grabbed her arm and whispered, “Anastasia-look, it’s Penelope!”
Following Juliet’s gaze, Anastasia spotted them immediately. Not far away, a group was making an entrance, loud and proud. At the front was a girl dressed in designer clothes, radiating entitlement-Shirley, no doubt.
And right beside her was Penelope.
Penelope noticed Anastasia too. She leaned in and whispered something quickly to Shirley.
A moment later, Shirley’s eyes snapped to where Anastasia stood, her gaze openly hostile. Without hesitation, she strode over, her little entourage trailing behind.
“So you’re Anastasia?” Her chin was held high, her whole demeanor screaming disdain.
The group was so intimidating that people nearby immediately stepped aside, not wanting to risk crossing Shirley. Even though she’d only just arrived, it was clear everyone knew exactly who she was.
“Anastasia Juliet squeezed her hand anxiously. Maggie and Sandra moved in closer, standing protectively at her side.
But Anastasia didn’t so much as flinch. She gave her cousin a reassuring squeeze. “It’s fine.”
Then she looked up at Shirley, cool and unbothered. “Yeah, I’m Anastasia. What’s it to you?”
Shirley gave her a once-over, her eyes raking up and down with open contempt. She was clearly jealous of Anastasia’s looks, and her tone grew even sharper:
“So you’re the one who used your connections to bully Penelope out of Kingsbridge?”
Used her connections-seriously? Thıs content belongs to.net
Anastasia raised an eyebrow, shooting Penelope a mocking look.
Penelope shrank back, tugging gently at Shirley’s sleeve, putting on her best helpless act. “Shirley, just let it go
“Let it go?” Shirley scoffed coldly. “After what she did to you? You still want to treat her like a sister?”
She turned on Anastasia, her voice ringing with authority. “Apologize to Penelope. Right now. Or I’ll make sure you’re the one who gets kicked out of Kingsbridge.”