Chapter 37
Gloria clenched her fists, her eyes flashing with anger and a fierce intensity she couldn’t hide. She never expected Eleanor to pull a stunt like this on her.
Just yesterday, they’d agreed that Eleanor would talk to the teacher to get her out of having to apologize on stage. But now, the teacher had told her that no one had come to plead her case she still had to get up there and apologize, or she’d face a delayed graduation for breaking the rules.
Gloria complained inwardly. But Andrew is here today. This is a major slap in the face. That little backstabber–she must be doing it on purpose.
Just as she was grinding her teeth in frustration, she caught sight of a familiar figure.
“Janet! You’re finally here. I’ve been waiting for ages. Gloria brightened up and hurried over, her voice sweet. “Ugh. I don’t know what’s up with Eleanor. She promised to help us and now she broke her promise. It’s totally annoying.
Janet seemed to ignore Gloria’s words completely and sidestepped her to take a spot at the back of the line.
Seeing Janet’s reaction. Gloria froze, and she wondered, What’s up with Janet? This isn’t like her at all. Normally, she’ll be the first to jump at the chance to confront Eleanor. Why is she acting so quiet today?
Gloria followed Janet, stood next to Janet, and put on a fake tone. Janet, what’s wrong? Are you feeling okay? If you’re not up for it, just tell the teacher and go back to the classroom. I can apologize for your sake,”
Janer almost let out a laugh at that. Apologize for me? Yeah, right–shell probably just end up passing all the buck to me. How stupid I’ve been to not see through Gloria’s obvious scheming. I think I’m being helpful, while Gloria is just using me as a pawn, Janet scoffed inside.
With a stony expression, Janet finally looked at Gloria, her voice icy. “Gloria, let me ask you something. Are we best friends?”
Gloria blinked, momentarily taken aback by the look in her eyes. Confused but quick to respond, she nodded eagerly and said. “Of course, dear, we’re best friends forever.”
Janet’s lips curled into a mocking smile, and she retorted. “Best friends, huh? Well, did you know my family went bankrupt because of you?”
Gloria’s smile vanished when she heard that. In all her worry about escaping this mess, she had completely forgotten that Janet had called her last night about their family’s financial troubles.
No wonder Janet has seemed off since she arrived–her face is etched with despair and weariness. But how is her family’s bankruptcy my problem? Gloria thought to herself, feeling innocent.
“Look, Janet, I get that your family’s going through a rough patch, and I totally understand. I’ve told you once the UAT was over, I would talk to my brother. He’ll definitely help you out. Do you really want to be mad at me over this little thing? That d be a huge letdown,” Gloria shot back, trying to play the sympathy card.
Janet couldn’t help but laugh at Gloria’s explanation. Seriously? At a time like this, she’s still trying to flip the blame on me? What did I even expect?
The look of Gloria’s face made Janet laugh even harder. “Gloria, you don’t think our company went under because of your brothers, do your Sure, Hall Group isn’t as big as Vanderbilt Group, but we’re not some flimsy operation that your brothers can just take down overnight. The ones really gunning for us are way higher up, like a top–tier family”
She continued with a smirk, “Ols, and when I showed up earlier, I saw your brother. You keep saying you’re the golden child, the apple of your family’s eye, but there he was, standing right next to Eleanor
“Not just him—Stephen, Liam, and even Felix Gloria, you’re spathetic Eleanor hasn’t done a thing, and she’s getting
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Chapter 37
more than you ever have. You are so funny.”
Janet couldn’t contain her laughter, the mockery dripping from her words. She was doubled over with tears of laughter streaming down her face..
Gloria felt the sting of every word like daggers. Each jab hit her sore spots–Andrew doting on Eleanor. Stephen being her hance, Liam trailing after her like a loyal puppy. Even Felix seemed to be coming around. It felt like everyone was changing to support Eleanor.
Gloria’s face turned a dark shade, and she clenched her fists to keep herself composed. “So what if your family’s broke? You’re no longer a pampered princess. Even without Andrew and Felix, I still have my other brothers who care for me. I’m still the princess of the Vanderbilt family?
“Princess Janet wiped away tears from laughing, her eyes gleaming with mockery. “Gloria, let me give you a heads–up, since we used to sit together. Enjoy your moment while you can. You really can’t compete with Eleanor. You’re just starting to get interested in things she doesn’t even want–what do you think you have to fight her with?”
Gloria’s face twisted with anger, and her words were choked in her throat. “You
Just then, the loudspeaker blared to life, cutting through the tension. “Next up, before the student representatives speak, we have two students who need to come up and apologize for their mistakes.”
Ignoring Gloria, Janet puffed up her chest and confidently stepped up to the stage.
She said in a firm tone, I’m Janet Hall from Class D, Grade 12, and I want to sincerely apologize to Eleanor Vanderbilt from Class A for previously accusing her of cheating. I misjudged you; you’re truly excellent. Please forgive my misunderstanding”
Hearing Janet’s apology from the sidelines, Gloria let out a sigh of relief.
She thought. Thank goodness. At least she didn’t throw me under the bus. That’s a stroke of luck. Even if Andrew finds out he misunderstood Eleanor, I can say I was led astray by Janet. With some tears, he probably won’t dwell on it too much.”
But then, Janet seemed to sense Gloria’s gaze. She shot a cold, piercing look back at Gloria, filled with bitterness and determination
Capturing that look, Gloria shivered, an ominous feeling creeping in.
Janet had been friends with Gloria for so long, even if Gloria didn’t treat her sincerely, she still knew Gloria well enough. Gloria cared much about her face. Surely Janet thought that Gloria was relieved that Janet wouldn’t betray her.
However, Jatiet just planned to let Gloria feel relieved for a short moment. Then the real surprise would hit, and she bet that wouldn’t feel good at all.
SEND GIFT
