Chapter 1856

[ 558 words ]

“I agree, you can’t force these things. And someone like my cousin definitely isn’t the

type to be forced into anything,” Claire added, backing Valerie up.

Honoria’s smile was strained. “…I haven’t done anything. The campus rumors are just a misunderstanding.”

“Have I been causing trouble for him?”

“I’ll definitely help clear things up next time.”

Claire looked intensely skeptical. “Don’t you feel that letting everyone

misunderstand the situation is actually more beneficial to you?”

Honoria’s patience finally snapped. “Claire, do you hate me?”

“I don’t hate you, but you’re causing my cousin a lot of distress.”

“Don’t you feel any remorse for that?”

Claire wasn’t the least bit intimidated by the teacher’s sudden shift in tone.

“You’re misunderstanding me, Claire.” The flash of anger from a moment ago

seemed to vanish instantly. Faced with Claire’s interrogation, Honoria miraculously returned to her gentle demeanor.

“I had no idea my actions were causing him so much distress.”

“I’ll be much more careful from now on.”

Claire highly doubted she would actually be careful.

Valerie, however, was even blunter than Claire. “Honestly, you should just give up on him.”

“He doesn’t even like you. I could just ask my dad to introduce you to some promising young men.”

“His department is incredibly prestigious. I’m sure there are plenty of outstanding guys who would be a great fit for you.”

Valerie’s suggestion made perfect practical sense.

Claire entirely agreed.

“The young men in Mr. Winthrop’s department all have very bright futures, don’t they? I think you should look at the bigger picture.”

“My cousin is just a run-of-the-mill professor. He probably won’t ever change his career path, but the men in Mr. Winthrop’s circle are a completely different story.”

Who could resist the allure of climbing the social ladder?

Yet Honoria shook her head and refused. “Even if he doesn’t like me, I have no desire to look for anyone else right now.”

Valerie sighed in exasperation. “Seriously, don’t hang yourself on one tree. Try a few other trees; you might find you don’t want to hang yourself at all.”

Honoria blinked. “…” I have absolutely no idea what you’re talking about.

Claire understood the metaphor perfectly, but she figured Honoria was just playing

dumb again and couldn’t be bothered to explain.

The dinner ended on an incredibly dull note.

As Claire and Valerie walked out, they ran into Macy Franklin.

“Claire!” Macy beamed the moment she saw her.

“I can’t believe I ran into you here. This place is amazing—I was actually planning to invite you here soon.”

Macy had brought her own friends.

today. While she stopped outside et on with aire she waved hea

chat

friends inside to grab a table first.

“Thank you again for what happened the other day. By the way, where is that shorter girl? Sophia, was it?”

Macy hadn’t perfectly memorized

Sophia’s name, but she vividly

remembered the girl being a

powerhouse with super strength, completely contrasting her sweet name.

“Sophia is on campus. We’ll invite her out next time we’re all free.”

Macy didn’t look disappointed. “Sounds good! Let’s definitely try for this weekend.”

Just as Macy finished speaking, Valerie recognized her. “Macy? You know Claire?” “Valerie, it’s you?” Macy was equally surprised. She hadn’t even noticed her old high school classmate standing next to Claire.

The two had ended up at different universities, but they had been fierce rivals back in high school.

Valerie was naturally gifted, but Macy was no slouch either.

They had been constantly compared for three straight years.

However, Macy’s outgoing personality made her far more popular than the blunt, unfiltered Valerie.

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