Chapter 7
Shortly after, Willow swept into the room, her every move deliberate, with two maids trailing obediently behind her.
It was obvious she was hell–bent on making a big, flashy entrance,
Each maid carried two large boxes filled with snacks and drinks.
Before Eliana had her whole time–traveling ordeal, she’d already managed to screw things up on the very first day of class. She showed up late. flustered as hell, because she’d taken a wrong tum–no thanks to the lack of anyone around to help her out.
By the time she finally stumbled into the classroom, everyone was already buzzing around Willow like bees to honey. Back then, Eliana just assumed Willow was one of those effortlessly popular types.
Now, Eliana knew better. Willow had simply bought their affection with gifts
Seated in the back, Eliana kept her head down, scrolling through her phone, blending into the background.
Willow directed her maids to distribute snacks and drinks to everyone. With a bright smile, she said. “Hi, everyone! I’m Willow Garcia. We’re all classmates now, and I hope we can become friends!”
As they enjoyed the treats, the room erupted in admiration
“Willow, you’re just the sweetest!”
Totally! This milkshake is amazing!”
“Wow, I’ve never tasted cookies this good! Are these imported? Your family must be super rich!”
Basking in the praise, Willow offered a modest smile. “You’re aggerating These are just ordinary snacks. If you like them, I’ll bring more next time. I always end up buying too much anyway”
Her classmates immediately launched into another round of compliments.
“Willow, no wonder you’re so slim. If it were me, I’d eat every last bite!”
“Exactly! And that dress you’re wearing, it’s gorgeous! Is it the new Louis Vuitton collection?”
D
At that moment, one of the maids noticed Eliana sitting in the back. “You in the back,” the maid called out. “Come up and grab some snacks and a drink!”
The maid’s voice drew everyone’s attention to Eliana,
Dozens of eyes turned toward her, curiosity and judgment flickering in their i
I gazes.
Eliana slowly raised her gaze, her expression utterly indifferent. She gave the group a fleeting glance and said softly, “I don’t need anything.”
Willow’s eyes widened for a brief moment when she saw Eliana in the back. She hadn’t expected her to arrive earlier. But Willow quickly recovered, putting on a bright smile as she walked over.
“Sis, how did you get here before me?” Willow said cheerfully. “If I’d known, we could’ve come together! Mom and Dad were just talking about you this morning. They’ve been so worried since you left and never came back!”
In the days after Ellana’s departure, Willow had been busy convincing Andy and Victoria that Eliana wasn’t worthy of being part of the Garcia family, subtly elevating her own position.
Having spent years feeling guilty for Willow’s hardships, Andy and Victoria now showered her with care and affection
If this had been the Eliana from before, she might have felt touched by Willow’s words, moved enough to continue bending over backward for the Garcia family. But not anymore,
Eliana’s
toor was ice–cold. “Sis? Who are you calling sis?”
Willow blinked in confusion. “You, of course. You’re my sister”
Eliana let her eyes roam up and down Willow before replying, “Are you out of your mind! My family has only one daughter–me. I have one older brother, and that’s it. I don’t have a sister, Besides, we don’t even share the same last name. How could we possibly be siblings?”
Willow’s smile froze in place, her face paling with embarrassment. She couldn’t understand why Eliana was suddenly acting so different.
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10:26 PM c c
Chapter 7
But with so many classmates watching, Willow couldn’t afford to lose face. Forcing her grin to stay intact, she said, “Oh, come on, Eliana. I know I’m Mom and Dad’s biological daughter and you’re just their adopted one, but I genuinely want us to get along. Let’s not fight, okay? Come here, let’s hug it our
Willow spread her arms wide, signaling for a hug.
But Eliana only curled her lip in disgust. “I wouldn’t hug you even if I had to,” she said coldly. I’m a germaphobe. I can’t stand touching dirty things. Honestly, just you standing here is already polluting the air around me.”
With that, Eliana pulled out an elegant bottle of perfume and sprayed it lightly around herself.
Several sharp–eyed classmates immediately recognized the brand–it was an outrageously expensive luxury label..
“Oh my God, she’s even richer than Willow!” one student whispered to another in astonishment.
Willow’s face twisted with frustration, but in the next moment, tears brimmed in her eyes. She looked up at Eliana pitifully. “Sis, did I do something wrong? If I did, just tell me, okay? I’ll change, I promise. Please, don’t ignore me
Eliana knew Willow was a masterful actress, but seeing her perform so shamelessly was still impressive.
Eliana didn’t bother to engage, though. Her response was simple and cutting, “Trash.”
Willow’s anger surged, though she kept her expression composed. She couldn’t understand how Eliana had suddenly become so confident and unyielding.
‘She must be jealous of me, Willow thought. After all, I’m the reason she had to leave the Garcia family. That perfume she used earlier? It’s definitely something she swiped from the house, Willow thought
Just as Willow was about to retort, a teacher entered the classroom and spoke to the group. “Everyone, you can head to your dorms now and get sealed. We’ll reconvene here this afternoon for the freshman welcome party. Eliana, could you come with me for a moment?”
Eliana gave a small nod and followed the teacher out of the room without looking back.
As soon as Eliana left, Willow swallowed her anger and turned to the class with an apologetic smile. I’m so sorry you had to see that. She’s actually my sister.”
“Sister? But wi
don’t even share the same last name,” one curious classmate said. “And why is she so cold to you?”
Willow pressed her hands to her face, pretending to hold back tears.
One of the maids standing nearby jumped in with a haughty explanation. “It’s true. Mr. and Mrs. Garcia accidentally took the wrong baby home from the hospital years ago and raised her for eighteen years. And yet, despite everything they gave her, she’s completely ungrateful. You saw how she treated Willow just now, didn’t you? It’s despicable! She probably hates Miss Garcia for reclaiming her rightful place.”
These maids had helped raise Eliana, but their loyalty now lay with Willow, whom they mistakenly believed to be kind and gracious.
The classinates munnured in understanding, the pieces seemingly falling into place.
Was
“Oh, so that’s what happened. Eliana is being so unreasonable! How could she treat Willow like that? Someone who didn’t know better might think Willow the adopted one.”
Tm telling you, that perfume she sprayed earlier? It must’ve come from Willow’s family. She probably stole it!”
