Chapter 183
183 A Line Drawn
As expected-
Christian walked in her direction.
Aurora’s checks flushed as she prepared to speak-
But Christian veered slightly and walked past her, heading left.
She froze.
Unable to believe what she’d just seen, she turned around.
Christian had stopped in front of Scarlett.
“Scarlett. I’ve heard a lot about you.”
It was Scarlett’s first time meeting Christian, but judging from the whispers around her, she could who he was.
guess
Her aunt Yvonne Lane had married into the Sawyer family–but the Sawyers had since split into two factions. Christian belonged to the side opposing Yvonne.
Scarlett didn’t have much affection for most of the Lane family, but publicly, she had to maintain civility.
So she simply gave him a small nod without saying a word.
Christian seemed like he wanted to continue the conversation, but just then, Dreame from Deerville University walked over in a tight Chanel suit and high heels, her curves on full display.
“So this is Trenwyn University? I don’t think we’ve ever competed before.”
Jose leaned against the wall, idly spinning a limited edition fountain pen between his fingers, his gaze sliding over Scarlett’s face.
It was a jab–subtle, but pointed. Even the most even–tempered student would feel insulted.
If Scarlett lost her cool and retaliated, she’d be disqualified on the spot.
Aurora, who had been feeling a little awkward just moments ago, now held back and waited to watch Scarlett embarrass herself.
But Scarlett simply took a courteous half step back. “Ms. Dreame, perhaps you’re unaware, but for medical competitions, it’s advised not to wear perfume or metal jewelry.”
She smiled.
“But it’s fine. If Deerville University failed to cover the basics, you’re always welcome to sit in on classes at Trenwyn.”
“After some proper training, you probably wouldn’t say things like that–or show up dressed like this.”
Dreame’s smile froze.
Scarlett’s comeback had no mercy. That wasn’t just a counter–it was a clean dismissal.
183 A Line Drawn
“You-!”
A nobody from Trenwyn dared to talk like this?
“How arrogant!”
Jack couldn’t hold back anymore. “Who’s this now? Her tone stinks worse than last night’s leftovers?
Dreame went pale as soon as she recognized him.
“Mr. Jack?”
Then she looked past him and spotted the man behind him–her entire body stiffened.
“Jas… Jasper.”
Jasper’s name carried weight.
In Jalindale’s social scene, anyone who mattered had seen his photo. Even rich kids from other cities got lectured with his profile before stepping foot here.
So even without having met him, Dreame knew exactly who he was.
And when facing someone like that, instinct took over: keep your head down and stay out of the
But-
Jasper didn’t even spare her a glance.
He merely patted Jack on the shoulder. “Don’t be late.”
Jack’s smirk faded, and he dropped his mock–threatening expression.
“Standing around at the gate, I thought I’d catch a good monkey show. What a letdown.”
As he said this, his gaze flicked meaningfully toward Dreame.
Everyone around them burst into laughter.
If Jack had singled someone out, no one was going to be kind to them.
Dreame had lived a pampered life–this was the first time she’d ever been so humiliated.
Tears welled in her eyes as she ran toward the campus.
Jack raised an eyebrow. “Now that’s really disappointing.”
The crowd kept chattering, all criticizing Dreame for lacking class.
With the situation handled, Jack and Jasper were escorted inside through a special entrance.
Scarlett, as a contestant, still had to pass through the standard security screening. S~ᴇaʀᴄh the FɪndNøvel.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access s of novels early and in the highest quality.
Jack gestured at her before leaving, signaling that she should call if anything came up.
Scarlett nodded, smiling as she watched them go.
way.
183 A Line Drawn
“Consider yourself lucky today.”
Not far off, Aurora stood with clenched teeth, the hatred in her eyes nearly tangible.
Even without asking, she could guess what had happened.
Sophia came from an elite background and was rumored to have ties with Jasper’s biological mother Ir made sense that Jasper would step in for Scarlett because of that connection.
If Aurora wanted to make a move on Scarlett in the future, she’d need to be sure everything aligned perfectly–timing, place, and conditions.
“Why aren’t you getting in line for the screening?”
Christian hadn’t moved since greeting Scarlett and was now standing right beside Aurora.
Most of their team had already lined up–only the two captains lagged behind.
“Ah–oh–I…” Aurora was caught off guard and couldn’t come up with an excuse fast enough.
Thankfully, she recovered quickly.
T
“You know how it is. She’s my cousin. I wanted to wait for her.”
Christian seemed to only now remember their family connection. “I see. Well, I’m going ahead.”
Aurora quickly followed. “Then I’ll join you.”
“Not waiting for your cousin?”
Aurora gave a small smile. “I asked a friend to come help Scarlett. Since she’s technically on the opposing team, I don’t want any friction. Today, I’ll stay focused on our group.”
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