Chapter 34
Imani stood there, shell–shocked, unable to react for a long time.
“Hey, you
de
Ethan’s words were cu
The sound was so loud that students from several nearby classes turned to stare.
piercing shriek. “Briar! I’ll make you pay!”
Briar just looked at her mockingly. “You’re so kind–hearted, Imani, you’ll forgive me, right?”
“You-“Imani
i had been hurt multiple times lately, all in the face. The pain in her forehead and the hatred in her chest made her lose control.
But after shouting, Imani looked at the crowd and felt nothing but humiliation and shame. She bolted from the room.
The students present wanted to stand up for Imani. But one glance at Briar’s smiling face, and the words died on their lips.
No one dared to say a word. They’d figured it out–Briar was no pushover.
Imani had been the undisputed Campus Queen of their high school, headlining events at Limond University while admiren flocked around her.
It even she was being humiliated by Briar, what chance did they have!
Briar batted her lashes at Ethan. “Sir, I really didn’t mean to. How could an eighteen–year–old girl know that blanks could hurt someone? Right”
Without the mocking smirk, her delicate features and wide, innocent eyes made her look like a clueless angel
Ethan knew damn well Briar’d done it on purpose. “Remember thou never point a gun at a classmate or partner. Now sit down”
“Got it, Sir.” Briar nodded eagerly. “Guns are for enemies and targets, right!”
Before Ethan could snap back, the darted to her seat
Rhea, watching Briars brazen performance, started to catch on. “Briar,” she whispered, “Does Imani have some kind of secret you know abour?“
Rhea barely knew Imani, but anyone could see she wasn’t the type to take abuse lying down. Yet, Briar humiliated her repeatedly, and Imani never fought back.
Rhea couldn’t think of any reason except that Briar was holding something over her.
Hearing this, Briar gave a mysterious smile and said nothing. Of course I do. Why else would she swallow her pride like that she thought.
What Briar didn’t expect was that before the second class ended, someone came to tell her to report to the Dean’s Office.
In the Dean’s Office, Martin and Louise stood dripping wel, clearly rushing through the rain.
Briar took one look at their faces and knew trouble was coming. “Mom, Dad. What brings you here?”
Neither of them looked happy. Calvin sighed awkwardly, “Briar, your parents are here to process your withdrawal from the university
“Withdrawal Briar feigned shock, widening her eyes. “When did I say I wanted to drop out?”
“What he can you do?! Louise was furious, trembling with rage. “Briar, I’m begging you leave us alone. Drop out now, go back overseas, and never come back
Louise had been on the verge of collapse. Ever since Briar returned, she’d been tormenting Imani constop. Louise had tried to endure, but Briar only got worse.
If Briar stayed in Limond, she’d destroy Imani. Why did this disaster have to come back? Why didn’t she just die out there?f Louise thought bitterly.
Facing Louise’s outburst, Briar shrugged casually. “I said no. I’m not dropping our
Briar leaned closer to Louise and whispered. “Mom, before you storm in here accusing me, maybe ask your precious daughter what she’s done.”
“What could she have done! You’re the one bullying her. After everything you’ve put her through, how is she supposed to live?” Loube snapped..
“Huh,” Briar gave a cold laugh, her voice still low. “I don’t care about your little schemes, but if you keep this up, I sue for my company shares
Martin’s face instantly paled. “You think that’ll work?”
Chapter 3:
“Should I call you naive or just stupid?” Briar shook her head with a smile. “Those shares! I sell them the second I get them. Will it even be Shepherd Group after that?”
Did they really think I didn’t know? she thought, Whether it was pledged shares or something else, if she dumped her stock. Martin’s stake would drop below 30, and he’d lose controlling interest.
“Don’t lecture me on matters beyond your grasp!” Martin’s face darkened like storm clouds. “Do you have any idea-”
“Nope, I don’t,” Briar cut him off, raising an eyebrow. “Imani’s your daughter. What do I care! You guys spend family money like it’s nothing till it’s gobe, then panic”
Before they could erupt, Briar added sweetly. “This is my last warning. Figure out what Imand’s done before you come blaming me. Got l?
“You two have busy schedules–don’t waste your time here. Take your time on the way out—na need for me to see you out.”
If Calvin and the other staff hadn’t been present, Martin and Louise would have exploded. Fuming, they stormed out.
Briar turned to Calvin with an apologetic smile. “Sorry for the drama, sir”
The truth was, Briar didn’t care about school itself she needed a plausible identity to stay in Limond & blank schedule would make her a target.
Whether I auend school is my choice alone. Forcing me to drop out like this! That’s an insult I’ll never swallow, Briar thought.
Calvin besitated, words failing him. He wasn’t aware of their family issues, but he’d seen Briar’s quick wit. Forcing her out made him feel wrong
Calvin said, “Briar, try to lay low. I let this go, but another stunt like this and you’ll be in real trouble”
Briar could tell Calvin meant well. So she nodded camesily, “Understood, sir. Thank you.”
Calvin sighed. “Yesterday, the head of the College of Sports mentioned you. He said you’re a natural athlete and wants to transfer-
He paused briefly. “I’ve seen your performance in training. You have real talent. But it’s up to you.”
Briar blinked, surprised. She touched her nose, smirking ““Actually, I’m pretty good at painting too.”
AD
