Chapter 606

Janie bristled, shooting Charlotte a look that could kill. “You
“What exactly do you want?” Charlotte replied, her voice steady.
Before Janie could spit out another word, Shirley stepped up, hands planted firmly on her hips, placing herself squarely between Janie and Charlotte. Her glare was pure fire.
Ever since she’d heard about what Stella had gone through, Shirley had been ready to explode. Now, seeing Janie show up to stir the pot, she was done holding back.
“And who are you supposed to be?” Janie snapped, sizing up Shirley with a frosty stare. Her tone was dripping with arrogance. “Is this your business? Move.”
Shirley was about to retort, Charlotte looked up, and Stella was already glaring, but none of them managed to get a word out before Andrew cut in.
“Who do you think you’re bossing around?”
Andrew’s voice was cool and sharp as he stepped forward. He reached out, gently nudging Shirley behind him, his expression dark and unreadable.
“It actually has everything to do with her,” he said.
Parrish moved up too, standing shoulder to shoulder with Andrew, taking a stand in front of the girls. Together, they looked down at Janie, every inch the protective duo.
With his hands tucked into his pockets, Andrew smirked. “So, what’s your problem?” “I Janie faltered, eyes going wide as both guys suddenly blocked her path. A blush crept up her cheeks, her tough front starting to slip.
Her sour expression melted into something shy, almost flustered. After days of brutal training, finally, there were some cute guys around. She wondered if they were from Kingswood University or The Cabinda University.
“I was just=”
“Just what?” Parrish interrupted, stepping forward, his tone cold. “If you have an issue, keep it to yourself.”
Janie’s face went stiff, words failing her.
“Exactly,” Shirley chimed in from behind Andrew, rising on tiptoe so her fluffy hair peeked over his shoulder. She shot Janie a glare. “You just can’t handle losing, can you?”
“Who are you calling a sore loser? Say it again!”
Andrew reached out and patted Shirley’s head, his voice low and almost teasing. “Yeah, say it again.”
Shirley nodded, lifting her chin, her face completely serious. “You are a sore loser.” Janie’s cheeks flared red, then drained white. She was completely outmatched.
“Let’s go,” Stella said coolly, tugging
at Charlotte’s sleeve. She threw Janie a frosty look. “It’s starting to smell around here. The air feel toxic.”content
Janie’s brows knitted together. Was Stella actually insulting her… to her face?
Even Shirley was surprised. She’d always thought Stella was the gentle type, but she clearly knew how to throw shade when needed.
“Stella, you’re totally right,” Shirley said, looping her arm through
olla’s and waving a hand in front
of her nose stinks Charlotte, let’s get out of here.”
Charlotte’s Tips curled into a small, satisfied smile She shot a fleeting almost bored glance at Janie, looking perfectly content with how things played out.
She turned away. “Come on.”
Janie could only watch as the group walked away, her chest heaving with anger.
Charlotte. Tomorrow, I’ll make sure you pay.
…
Back in her room, Charlotte took a long shower. She wrapped herself in a loose
robe, towel-drying her hair as she padded over to her desk.
She dropped into her chair and slid open the drawer, pulling out a small white bottle.
It felt almost weightless in her hand. Nearly empty.
She only still had a few pills left, and that was just because she hadn’t gotten a chance to take them while she’d been with Anthony.