Chapter 157

Sophia narrowed her eyes, her gaze sweeping over Tiffany's face.

The girl looked like a cat with its tail stepped on, teeth clenched in fury.

"What's wrong? Got rejected by Professor Valdemar and decided to take it out on me?" Sophia's lips curled into a mocking smile.

Tiffany's pupils constricted, her nails digging deep into her palms.

Her failed plan at the banquet still stung, but now Sebastian wanted to transfer her to another professor. She'd refused, only to be met with colder indifference.

Same lectures. Same guidance. Yet an invisible wall had risen between them.

This had to be that bitch Sophia's doing!

"Stop pretending!" Tiffany's voice trembled. "If you hadn't poisoned Professor Valdemar's mind—"

Sophia cut her off. "Need I remind you what Professor Valdemar hates most?"

She stepped closer, lowering her voice. "Students who shift blame."

Tiffany's hand flew up.

The slap never landed. A lean hand intercepted it midair.

"Jason!" Tiffany shrieked, struggling. "Have you lost your mind? Taking an outsider's side against family?"

The young man stood with one hand in his pocket, effortlessly restraining her. His school jacket hung carelessly over one shoulder.

"Tch." He tilted his head, studying her. "You look no different from a fishwife screaming in the market."

A crowd of students had gathered to watch the spectacle.

Tiffany paled. Her carefully crafted gentle persona was crumbling.

"At least I'm better than you!" she hissed. "Everyone knows about your scandals overseas. Uncle would—"

"I earned those scandals fair and square." Jason released her with a shrug. "What about you? Besides the Roscente name, what do you have?"

Sophia nearly laughed aloud.

The infamous troublemaker lived up to his reputation when it came to verbal sparring.

Tiffany's chest heaved, strands of her perfectly styled curls coming loose. Her venomous glare locked onto Sophia.

"This isn't over."

With those words, she turned and fled into the crowd, her stiff back resembling a wooden plank.