Chapter 30
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Willow’s eyes glinted with suspicion as she watched the keycard It’s fake! That card has to be a knockoff, she thought, her lips curling in disdain.
She thought. Eliana doesn’t have the money to rent a place in Cedar Manor She’s broke after leaving the Garcia family–a regular student at Ionstead University.
Cedar Manor is not just expensive–its residents are at least from the elite class!
Even the tenants are carefully selected by the property managers
There’s no way a real estate agent would sign a lease with her.
That card must be a fake–some cheap.counterfeit
She decided to play along, determined to expose what she saw as Eliana’s deception.
Willow’s voice dripped with false sweetness as she said, “Oh, Eliana, you live in Cedar Manor? That’s strange–I’ve never seen you there before”
The property at Cedar Manor was a gift from Sebastian, just before the start of the semester.
He and Lucy had wanted Eliana to have a place to rest between classes–somewhere more comfortable than the dorms but not too far from campus,
So Sebastian just bought her a place instead.
The apartment was only a couple of streets away, a short drive from Isonstead University.
If Eliana ever tired, she could simply head back to the apartment for a quick nap and some rest
It was never a rental; it had been transferred directly to Eliana’s name.
The keycard Eliana held was genuine, but she had never had the chance to visit.
A group of Willow’s friends snickered at Eliana their mocking laughter filling the air.
“Oh, that keycard must be a fake” one of them sneered
I bet she bought it online,” another added. “Probably got it with one of those cheap fakes people use to show off “Yeah, you can’t turn a commoner i
into a queen, no matter how hard you try!” a third said, rolling her eyes. Willow smiled behind her hand, enjoying the spectacle.
by sister
“Oh, don’t say that she said with a feigned look of concern. “Sure, someone could fake a keycard, but I trust my wouldn’t go that far. Let’s not misunderstand her, okay?
“You’re too kind, Willow, one of her friends gushed. “We all know Eliana couldn’t possibly afford a place in Cedar Manor. Only someone like you could manage it.”
Willow hesitated, pretending to be conflicted, and then made an offer. “Don’t say that. She is my sister. Why don’t we have a get–together at my place this weekend?”
“Sounds great!” they chorused, eager for a taste of luxury.
“I’ve only seen pictures of Cedar Manor online one of them said, eyes shining with anticipation. “I can’t wait to see it in
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Chapter 30
person
Willow’s gare flickered over to Flana. Why don’t you join us, Ellana?
bb
Π
Willow was convinced that Eliana wasn’t the owner of the Cedar Manor apartment. With that certainty in mind, she seized the opportunity to flaunt her own situation, all while taking a sibile jab at Eliana.
She didn’t wait for a response, cutting off any chance of refusal. Tr’s settled then. See you this weekend!” She spun around and left, her entourage trailing behind her, giving Eliana no chance to back out.
Stella had watched the entire exchange, disgust plain on her face. “What a bunch of snobs, she muttered, turning to Eliana. “Are you really going to go?”
The school bell rang, signaling the start of class. Eliana calmly pulled out her notebook. “Why wouldn’t P
From the way Willow had spoken, it was clear she intended to humiliate Eliana if she showed up. Stella frowned, trying to dissuade her. “You don’t need to take her seriously. Just ignore her.”
Eliana gave a knowing smile, twirling the keycard between her fingers “Why ignore them when I can make them eat their
Willow had set herself up, and Eliana had no intention of letting the opportunity go to waste.
That afternoon, club registration opened
Originally, students could sign up online, but the school’s servers had crashed due to the traffic, forcing everyone to register with paper forms.
Stella leaned over as Eliana filled out her form. You’re joining the tennis club too? What a coincidence!”
Eliana nodded, finishing the last line. “Yes.”
Stella’s eyes widened. “Wow! It’s one of the most competitive clubs. I hope I can make it in.”
They turned in their forms, joining the crowd of students who had chosen the tennis club–a third of their class alone.
Someone caught a glimpse of Eliana’s registration and began whispering, “Look, she’s signing up for the tennis
Eliana’s icy glare silenced them, though they kept snickering behind her back.
“She thinks she can make the cut? She’s out of her depth, one of them scoffed.
lub too…
Unbeknownst to them, Willow was also applying for the tennis club, although she had already bribed her way in, securing a position
Seeing Eliana’s name on the form fueled her anger.
That bitch Eliana doesn’t deserve to join any clubs. She should be working like a mile, earning her tuition instead of wasting time trying to fit in. She’s just doing this to get close to Roman! she thought to herself, a malicious glint flickering in her eyes..
She would make sure Eliana never had a chance to interact with Roman. No way would she let that happen.
Willow gave a bright, almost innocent smile as she took the registration form from another person. “Let me handle this, she said as if it was the most natural thing in the world.
The person nodded. “Alright, Willow, you’re so considerate. Go ahead.”
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Chapter 30
Willow walked out of the classroom, her steps measured and deliberate, ripping up Eliana’s form as she went.
Two days later, the tennis club’s president. Landon went through the registration forms
As a hands–off leader, he rarely involved himself in recruitment, but this time, he was cautious,
To his surprise, Eliana’s form was missing.
He messaged her, confused: [Eliana, did you sign up? Today’s the deadline.]
Eliana blinked at the message: [I did. I handed in my form on the first day.]
Landon replied: [It’s not here. Maybe someone misplaced it. Just submit it online again, and I’ll send you a new link.]
With the online portal still under testing, Eliana was the first student to access it.
She resubmitted her form, which Landon personally approved.
Piecing everything together, she knew Willow was behind the ‘missing‘ form.
