Chapter 29
When the time came for the tennis club’s new promotional campaign, the number of people signing up would triple.
“Of course Eliatta responded with a small smile, feeling confident. Tve told you all before, I don’t take shortcuts.
Thomas sighed dramatically, shaking his head in mock disappointment. Oh, come on, Eliana! Landon never makes. exceptions, but he’s willing to bend the rules for you, and you’re still refusing? That’s a failure–such a missed opportunity
Ehan just smiled and shrugged, keeping her plans to herself for now.
In her previous life, she had lost count of how many chances shipped through her fingers because others had pulled strings behind the scenes.
Now, even with a clear advantage, she refused to become the kind of person she once despised,
Landon leaned back, chuckling “No worries. Seeing how confident you are, Eliana, Fm starting to think you might be pretty impressive!
Eliana blinked playfully Impressive! Hardly. I’m just getting started”
Thomas laughed. “Fine, fine! We’ll be looking forward to your performance, then.”
The five friends clinked their glasses, sharing jokes and laughter
The meal was supposed to be Eliana’s treat, but when she went to pay, she found our Cameron had already settled the bill.
She turned to him with a puzzled look. “How about 1 add you on WhatsApp and transfer the money?”
They were all part of the same group chat, but Cameron and Eliana weren’t direct contacts.
Cameron nodded, “Sure.”
She sent him a friend request, but he didn’t accept it right away
It wasn’t until Eliana was home, freshly showered and lying in bed, that she noticed he had accepted the request
Curious, she opened his profile and scrolled through his status updates.
Cameron rarely posted–his most recent was from last Christmas–a picture of a decorated Christmas tree at the Wright
Eliana transferred the money for dinner, adding a short message Good night.)
After hitting send, she put her phone away and went to sleep.
The next morning. Eliana was back in class.
She left home amid the noise of Lunchie, howling pitifully as she departed
But taking it to school wasn’t an option, so she shut the door behind her without a backward glance.
When she got in the car, she finally noticed that Cameron had responded to her message the night before.
It was just two words: [Good night. Yet, he hadn’t accepted the money transfer.
12:04 Mon, Dec 2 G
Chapter 29
Eliana frowned.
He needn’t have added her if he hadn’t been going to accept the money,
At school, she took her usual seat in the back row
Stella joined her carrying her books. “Eliana, didn’t you participate in the lottery for dorm rooms?”
“No. I didn’t, Eliana replied.
The top ten students from the last evaluation had been awarded cash prizes and single dorm rooms, but those rooms: required a lottery to ašign mimbers.
60
Although Ehana had a spot available, she didn’t plan to stay in a single dorm room, so she didn’t bother entering the lottery
“That’s too bad, Stella said, sounding disappointed. “I was hoping we’d be on the same floor. Aren’t you staying in the
“No Eliana said simply
Stella’s curiosity piqued. Then where are you staying? Did you rent a place?”
Eliana didn’t feel like answering, but before she could change the topic, a group of Willow’s followers joined the
Oh look at her pretending, one girl sneered. She’s not a spoiled princess anymore, but she still acts like one.”
Scoring first in the evaluations was pure luck, another added. “She got a single dorm and acts like it’s beneath her. What a joke
“Yeah! Giving up such a good dorm room, she’s probably renting some run–down old place,” one snickered.
“She thinks she’s royalty without the title, another girl taunted. She’s copying Willow, but unlike her, Willow actually rents a fancy penthouse near campus, with a private concierge and everything. I bet Eliana’s in a crumbling old building somewhere!”
Eliana didn’t mention that she rented a place, but they still made up a story.
Their mocking didn’t faze Eliana. Before, she had ignored their gossip, not wanting to waste her energy during intense training.
But now that the boot camp was over, she didn’t feel the need to hold back
She waved a hand in front of her nose, pretending to be overwhelmed. “Something smells really bad here.”
Eliana’s gaze turned icy. “Didn’t you wipe your mouths after using the toilet?”
The group blinked, taken aback.
Their faces went blank before realization dawned, and they flushed with anger. “Who are you calling dirty? You’re the one
Whoever smells foul, Eliana shot back.
“You think you’re special just because you rented a place?” another girl snapped. “You have no right to show of!!”
Eliana gave them a pitying look. “Did I ever say I was renting?”
“Oh, stop pretending a girl of the group jerred. “You’re from Aragow, so if you’re not in the dorms, you must be renting!
12:04 Mon, Dec 2 G+
Chapter 29
I wouldn’t be surprint Wallows parents were funding your apartment. You stole her life for years. How can you be so shameless! I! | were you. Id have jumped off a building already!!
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“Yeah” someone chimed in “And Willow is still kind enough to you.”
It was clear Willow had done an excellent job brainwashing then.
Elana had enough. From her bag, she pulled out a black keycard.
Stella gasped. “any that a Cedar Manor access card?”
“W–What one of the girls stammered.
The
them.
leaned in to get a closer look. The unique black card with a silver logo was unmistakable–only residents had
This keycard is quite special. There isn’t another similar one available on the market.
Cedar Manor was where Willow lived, a luxury complex that cost a fortune to rent.
They couldn’t believe it–Eliana had a keycard for Cedar Manor
That meant she lived in the same complex as Willow, and her place wasn’t some run–down, shabby apartment.
Eliaria raised an eyebrow. “Well? Why aren’t you saying anything
They exchanged stunned glances.
Just because you have a keycard doesn’t mean anything,” someone muttered. “You probably got the rent money from Willow’s parents.
“Yeah, only someone like you, who doesn’t appreciate anything, would use Willow’s parents‘ money to rent such a nice place, one of them said, their voice dripping with disdain.
Stella finally lost patience and stood up. “Will you ever stop? First, you said Eliana lived in a dump. Now she has a Cedar Manor card, and you’re claiming Willow’s family is funding her Why do you care so much? Honestly, anyone would think you’re Willow’s pets!”
As she finished speaking, Willow herself walked into the classroom.
As soon as they saw Willow approaching, the others hurriedly motioned for her to expose Eliana’s lie.
Seeing the card in Eliana’s hand, her expression froze in disbelief.
She has a Cedar Manor card! Eliana can’t possibly rent such an expensive apartment! Willow thought.
Willow knew better than anyone that Eliana’s original card had been deactivated as soon as she left the Garcia household.
