Chapter 15
Zoey’s cold had finally cleared up, so she took off her mask. Her delicate face was framed by oversized black sunglasses that made her skin look even brighter and more flawless. Her tall nose and red lips gave her a doll–like vibe.
Dressed in a beautiful white princess dress, she sat quietly in her seat. The sunlight cast a soft and ethereal glow around her, as if she were wrapped in a gentle veil. Her appearance left the entire class stunned.
“No way? I thought she was bad–looking yesterday, but she is really pretty,” someone whispered in surprise.
Another, more jealous, chimed in, “Conte on, you think that’s pretty? If she were a looker, why would she need to hide behind those sunglasses? Bet she’s got squinty eyes or something.”
As the murmurs spread through the room, someone dropped a bombshell. “You know what, she’s not some well–connected rich kid”
“How do you know?” others asked curiously.
“I saw her application for financial aid. Her parents have three kids and they’re barely scraping by. No way she’s got any special connections,” answered that guy.
“Then how did the school keep her enrolled for so long? They’ve been way too lenient with her,” asked someone.
“Just look at her face, and you’ll understand.”
The implication was clear–Zoey must’ve used her looks to catch the eye of some powerful man, and that was how she got special treatment.
In an instant, people’s perceptions of her flipped. They had assumed she came from privilege, but now the gossip suggested she had “carned” her privileges another way, which left them even more judgmental.
Overhearing these disgusting rumors, Abigail couldn’t hold back anymore. “You guys are going too far,” she snapped. How could these so–called top university students be so harsh to slander Zoey without any proof? They are worse than anonymous trolls online, she thought.
“Oh, what’s this? You defending her now? Maybe you hope to rise the ranks the same way, huh?” The group’s leader spat out something vulgar, and it immediately sparked a round of laughter.
“You are ridiculous!” Abigail’s fists clenched tightly, and her eyes turned red with anger.
Zoey tugged gently on Abigail’s arm and said, “Hey, let’s not waste our breath on them.” Zoey thought the malice these people had toward her was completely baseless, and no matter how much she explained, they wouldn’t listen. It was better to just let the terrible comments blow past.
“I didn’t think college students could be brainless like them,” Abigail muttered through tears. She wiped her face and sat back down next to Zoey.
Zoey comforted Abigail, saying, “The truth will always come out. I don’t care what they say about me.”
The boy who had been mocking Zoey was Aiden Green. His family had a bit of money, but in Brandor, they were barely a blip on the radar. He had met Ellie at a party once and was quickly roped into her plans.
Aiden messaged Ellie: [I’ve started doing what you asked–getting people to isolate Zoey. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure she quits and goes home within three months.]
Ellie replied: [Good. Keep the pressure on.]
Aiden: [Got it. I’ll have people harass her more often.]
From the moment Ellie laid eyes on Zoey, she had felt an overwhelming sense of threat. She bribed a nurse at the hospital to find out Zoey’s identity. The nurse also told Ellie that Zoey was attending Brandor University of Finance and Economics.
It just so happened that one of Ellie’s admirers was in the same class as Zoey, which made it easy for Ellie to find Aiden and enlist him to spread rumors in the hope of forcing Zoey out of school.
Her ultimate goal was to force Zoey back to the small town in the countryside where she came from and never show her face in Brandor again. That way, the Cooper family wouldn’t be able to find her.
However, the nurse, fearing the power of the Gordon family, didn’t tell Ellie that Zoey’s hospitalization had been arranged by them. So, Ellie had no idea that Zoey had any connection to the Gordons. If Ellie had, she certainly wouldn’t have acted so recklessly.
Aiden sent another message: [By the way, don’t you think Zoey looks a bit like you?]
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Chapter 15
C
Ellie hated hearing that, and she typed out an angry reply: [Just do what you’re told and watch your mouth or face my wrath.]
Aiden: [Sure, I’m sorry.]
After class, Zoey and Abigail stood under the same tree. The setting sun bathed Zoey’s white dress in a golden light, making her look like a figure from a vibrant painting. Several male students passing by couldn’t help but sneak glances in her direction.
Levi walked up to Zoey and extended his hand. “Let’s go.”
Zoey put on a soft smile and asked, “Mr. Horton, you came again?”
“I just finished work and thought I’d pick you up,” he replied casually.
But the truth was that Levi still had a mountain of important work to do. He had been in the middle of an international meeting when Isabella bombarded him with calls, forcing him to drop everything and come to pick Zoey up.
“Your wife needs you, and you’re letting someone else do it? Does that sound right to you? If Zozo ends up leaving you, you’ll regret it,” Isabella snapped.
Those two sharp sentences were enough to drive Levi straight out of the office and over to the school.
As Levi walked over, he naturally noticed the admiring glances from the young men. He had to admit that Isabella was right. Zoey had that sweet, innocent face that those college boys could hardly resist.
Although Levi only considered Zoey to be his wife in name, as long as she bore the title of “Mrs. Horton“, no one else was allowed to covet her. Taking her hand, Levi said, “Let’s go.”
Zoey waved goodbye to Abigail, who was stunned, saying, “See you tomorrow, Gail.”
“See you tomorrow,” Abigail replied, still in awe.
On the way home, Zoey couldn’t help but think about how every time Abigail saw Levi, she froze in shock.
‘Could he really be that unattractive?‘ she wondered. ‘Maybe he’s even worse than I imagined. Hideous might not even cover it. Perhaps many people have judged him or mocked him because of his looks.
Feeling a sudden wave of sympathy, Zoey gently patted his warm hand and expressed her comfort. “Mr. Horton, you shouldn’t care too much about what other people think.”
Her seemingly random comment caught Levi off guard. He raised his eyebrows and asked in confusion, “Excuse me?”
“No matter how good one looks, it’s just an empty shell. What really matters is a sincere and kind heart,” Zoey said earnestly. Comforting people wasn’t exactly her strong suit, and she had wracked her brain to come up with those words.
Levi couldn’t help but chuckle. He thought, ‘So she’s been thinking so seriously about how to comfort me!
A hint of amusement flashed in his eyes as he replied, “You’re right.” Though in reality, sincerity and kindness were hardly traits he possessed.
Zoey had expected Levi to take her straight home, but to her surprise, he led her to the car. This time, it wasn’t the usual vehicle they were using recently—it was the luxury car Levi used to take her in the beginning.
She could tell the difference from the feel of the seat alone. Zoey tilted her head up and said, “I thought you sold this car.”
“Why would I sell it?” he asked.
To pay for my eye surgery,” she said with pure sincerity.
Levi couldn’t hold back a smile, amusement flickering across his face. “Oh, just don’t worry. Your husband isn’t that broke yet.”
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