Chapter 37
Enzo smirked. “My idea–though I bet the news wouldn’t spread so fast.”
With Cyrus’s injuries too severe for delays after their border crossing. Enzo had gambled–and taken
“Reckless as ever.” Liam shook his head at Enzo, then sighed at Cyrus. “Illary to convince her. If she refuses, only Okwell’s team can attempt this surgery.”
Cyrus nodded quietly. From the moment he’d infiltrated the Strueze, he’d accepted the consequences. Thank you, sir.”
A crimson Ferrari screeched to a halt at the gates of Limond University
Cynthia stepped out, draped in whine for over a scarlet gown, red lips matching her wine–dark curk She held a black umbrella like a K–drama heiress.
Such a scene might not turn heads elsewhere, but this was a university campus, thronged with students. Many paused out of curiosity. Through the crowds, a black–clad figure darted under an umbrella. “Here” Briar shoved a badge into Cynthia’s hand
Cynthia baned false lashes “Rumor says your boot camp’s near Wikate Prison Convenient,
“Spare me.” Briar cut her all “Chip’s embedded. I’ll send you the decrypted code–copy it exactly.”
Cynthia was stunned by Briar’s unusual kindness. She raised an eyebrow “Seriously? No strings”
Just go.” Briar said.
Cynthia pouted. “Is this how you treas someone who came all this way?”
Briar’s gaze turned artic. Be careful. Supervision Department bigwigs are here. Get caught, you’ll rot in jail.”
“Ugh, stop jinxing me!” Cynthia hissed. She snapped her umbrella shut and slid into the Ferrari with a theatrical flourish. “Bye, babe
As Briar watched the taillights vanish as students in the distance gaped, whispers exploded
“That’s the fancy car from the forum! The one in those Briar’s sugar baby posts!”
“Owned by a lateral goddess Rumor says this Ferrari model is the only one in the country. Hooking up with her would set you for life.”
“Who posted those posts anyway? The owner’s a hole. Do people really think Briar’s into that?”
*Poor Briar. Smeared since day one”
“Honestly, bet Briar doesnt even know about the gossip cesspool. It’s just haters jerking of to their own nonsense.”
By the afternoon, a user exposed the rumor’s source: Chris, a sophomore majoring in the Performing Arts.
The backlasha was instant:
[Disgusting creep! Stalking and fake rumors? If no one saw the owner today, Briar’s reputation would have been tarnished.]
[Intentional! Smearing a girl with such trash–bet his family tree must be a twig.]
Nature truly is diverse. Never knew biodiversity included pond scum
[Biology major here. Don’t expel him- we need him for research.
Elsewhere, Imani stared at her phone, face flushing red with anger.
A call from Chris popped up. Gritting her teeth, she cursed “useless trash” and blocked his number.
How dare he contact me after failing so miserably Don’t drag me in!‘ she screamed inwardly.
The next morning, the sun shone as Limond University dispatched buses for freshmen heading to the boot camp.
As soon as Mar boarded, she leaned over the seat, buzzing, “Briar, the troll was Chris Cohen, a sophomore in acting. He’s even in the News Club”
Briar nodded. She’d already dug up Chris’s info and posted it online, turning his tactics against him.
If he’d stooped to dirty tricks for man, he deserved the fallout, Briar sought
11/2
Chapter 37
“But get this!” Mae vibrated. “He was kicked off the student council and disciplined. Public shaming, too. But why target you?”
Briar snorted. “For Imani”
Rhea added flatly. “He’s her white knight–the one who was with her on the playground that day.“
Mae and Jolene gasped in realization. “That guy it
That day, a boy accompanied Imant, but as all eyes locked onto Briar and her, his presence dissolved into the background.
“Ohr Mae remembered. “Imani’s going to the boot camp too.”
Briar raised an eyebrow. “With her depression, frail health, and head injury? Impressive stack of excuses. And she’s still going?”
“Rumor is,” Mae whispered, “she’s a sharpshooter. The top three in the final competition get rewards”
“Talent indeed, Briar laughed, scorn lacing her voice.
Briar thought, “Why can’t she just be a wealthy heiress? Must she scheme, play victim, and chase glory? Is the slap not hard enough!
“If Imani had stayed in her lane from the beginning, I wouldn’t have bothered crushing her. The Shepherd family’s pocket change! Not worth my ‘boot sole.
Mae parted Briar’s arm. “Don’t worry, Briar. Your skill will crush berf
“Crush her?” Briar soorted. The day she’s my benchmark, I’ll bang my head against a wall.”
Mae and Jolene giggled, then grew serious Theard Imani was a champion shooter in high school Came specifically to outshoot you. Rumor saga she’s obsessed with beating you”
“Beat me for what?” Briar couldn’t figure it out. If Imani were that capable, she wouldn’t have to resort to underhanded tricks behind the s
“Campus Queen voces Actually you still don’t know this?” Jolene blurted. After boot camp, polls open You’re leading over Imani now?
Briar rolled her eyes. Seriously Campus Queen? She needs a plastic crown that badly! A title that paid no bills, meant nothing
Rhea read her disdain. “It means nothing to you. For Performance arts majors?” She met Briar’s gare. “It’s screen time. Audition leverage Everything.”
SOLDES
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