Chapter 34
Cameron walked over, carrying a few cans of beer.
Thomas noticed and grabbed one with a nod of thanks. Appreciate it, Cameron.”
You showed up at just the right time, Thomas said. “Eliana has a question for you.”
Cameron asked, passing a bottle of milk to Eliana, “What’s on your mind?”
Elana gave a light smile and asked. “Why aren’t you interested in Brookstone Manor? The location is perfect. It would be great for a summer getaway.”
Cameron settled in next to her, “How about I take you to my place next time?”
Eliana blinked in surprise, thrown off by the sudden invitation.
Cameron’s lips curved into a faint smile as he took a sip of beer “Once you’ve visited, you’ll understand.”
Before Eliana could respond. Thomas jumped in eagerly. “That a great idea! We should take the chance to visit Cameron’s place while we can
He called out to Landon and Adam, who were nearby. “Hey, we’re heading to Cameron’s next week!”
The two quickly agreed, clearly excited.
Eliana, a little puzzled by their enthusiasm, wondered what made Cameron’s home so special. Seeing their reaction, she decided it must be worth the trip.
“Alright, let’s go after the tennis club assessments are over, Eliar added.
The weekend ended, but the rumors about Eliana and Landon spread even faster than the week before.
As Eliana walked to class, she noticed many students whispering behind her back
Willow’s trio didn’t disappoint; they eagerly spread gossip about Eliana’s supposed reputation as a flirt
Willow, for her part, couldn’t hide her smirk.
Eliana walked into the classroom, finding that only Stella was willing to sit with her.
“Eliana, there’s a big problem,” Stella whispered urgently.
“What is it?” Eliana asked calmly as she pulled out her laptop.
Stella lowered her voice further. “Someone’s been spreading rumors that you’re a gold digger. They’re saying you only joined the tennis club to chase after wealthy guys.
The details are really explicit, and everyone’s talking about it now, didn’t you notice just now?”
Eliana paused for a moment, then raised an eyebrow. “And how’s that different from before? I’m used to it.”
“No, this time it’s worse,” Stella insisted, worried. The rumors are coming from someone who supposedly knows your background. They even have multiple witnesses.
Eliana instantly knew who was behind it–Willow and her cronies.
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Chapter 31
They must have seen Eliana with Cameron and the others over the weekend at Cerlar Manor, sparking the new wave of
Eliana had anticipated this. In her previous life, Willow had used the same tricks to run her reputation.
Back then, Eliana had been frantic, desperately trying to explaid herself, which was in vain.
But now she wouldn’t bother.
If they had wanted to gossip, she might as well have gone all in and made the gossip true.
At lunchtime. Eliana boldly invited Cameron and his friends to eat in the busiest area of the cafeteria.
Although they rarely dined there, they agreed at her request.
Why the sudden decision to eat here, Eliana?” Thomas asked, puzzled. “We could have gone somewhere quieter.
The four of them were too well–known at school, and with it being the lunchtime rush, many passing students cast curious glances in their direction.
Eliana continued to eat her meal slowly, then said, “Just think of it as doing me a favor. I know you all don’t usually like eating in the cafeteria.
Landon raised an eyebrow. “What kind of favor?”
Eliana glanced at the cafeteria entrance, catching sight of Willow and her group. She straightened her posture and, in a surprising move, playfully ruffled Landon’s hair.
Everyone froze. Landon, stunned, barely managed to speak. “Eliana, what are you doing?”
Without missing a beat, Eliana spooned some soup and offered it to him with a bright smile, “Just drink this, okay”
“W–what?” Landon stammered.
From across the table, Cameron’s eyes locked onto Landon, sending a cold shiver down Landon’s spine.
“Don’t mess with me, Eliana. What’s with the soup?” Landon pleaded
Just do it. Consider it a favor,” Eliana said, her tone gentle but frm
Landon hesitated for a moment, unsure of what was going on. But seeing the urgency in Eliana’s expression, he cautiously took a sip.
Eliana’s gaze darted back to Willow, who looked absolutely shocked, their expressions a mix of disgust and vindication.
“Good,” Eliana said with a satisfied smile.
“What’s going on, Eliana?” Thomas asked, confused.
“Some people in the drama department are spreading rumors that I’m a flirt, Eliana replied with a shrug.
“What? Who’s spreading that nonsense? I’ll make them regret it. Thomas said fiercely.
Eliana waved it off. Let them talk. If they’re so determined, why not play along? As of today, I’m the flirt they say I am
In the crowded cafeteria, many watched with envy as Eliana sat with the most sought–after guys from the computer science department, intensifying the gossip,
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Chapter 31
The rumors were a mix of admiration and jealousy.
Cameron frowned slightly. “Don’t talk about yourself that way.
Adam raised an eyebrow. “But why did you only make Landon drink the soup?”
“Because they’re claiming I’m Landon’s plaything.” Eliana explained nonchalantly.
“What?” The three men’s gazes simultaneously zeroed in on Landon, who straightened up like he’d been caught doing something terrible. He waved his hands frantically.
“No, no, no! Who’s saying that? I swear, I’d never–I didn’t do anything!” Landon exclaimed.
Given his reputation as a serial dater, it wasn’t a surprise the rumors targeted him and Eliana.
Thomas, protective of Eliana, shot Landon a dangerous look. “Landon, if you want be with my sister, you’ll regret it,” he warned.
“Honestly, I didn’t do anything,” Landon said, sounding almost tearful.
He turned to Cameron with a pleading expression. “Cameron, you know I wouldn’t. I’d never cross that line.”
The four of them were aware of Cameron’s special regard for Eliana. As close friends, there were boundaries they all respected.
Landon had only ever seen Eliana as a sister, so the accusations left him bewildered.
Adam’s expression turned serious. “It doesn’t matter what you did or didn’t do. It’s about what people believe.”
“Why am I getting dragged into this?” Landon muttered, frustrated.
Eliana kept eating, unfazed. “It’s probably because I joined the tennis club. Don’t worry about it. I’ll handle this myself.”
Cameron remained silent, taking a sip of water.
The other three exchanged glances, knowing that their involvement would depend on Cameron’s decision.
