Chapter 134
I couldn’t hold back any longer. Clearing my throat, I stepped forward and addressed her directly. “Linda,” I said, keeping my tone even but pointed.
Linda’s eyes went wide, and her smile faltered for just a moment before she forced it back into place.
Christina looked at me, confused. “You know Lirian’s girlfriend?”
I gave a small, sarcastic smile. “Oh, I know Linda, yes. But she isn’t Lirian’s girlfriend.”
Linda’s face flushed, her eyes instantly turning red with emotion. Christina looked taken aback, and an awkward silence settled over the group. Christina finally broke it by crossing her arms and glaring at me.
“Who are you to talk to Linda like that? Lirian’s made it clear his girlfriend can’t be bullied. Do you know what you’re doing?”
Jia pulled me aside, apologizing hastily to Christina. “Sophia, what’s gotten into you? Do you know who you’re dealing with here? That’s Lirian’s girlfriend! You’ll ruin everything for us if you offend
the Iron Claw Pack!”
Lauren chimed in, looking at me with disappointment. “Sophia, this isn’t the dorms where you can. joke around. You’re being reckless.”
Their words stung a bit, but I knew I couldn’t let Linda walk over me. I took a deep breath and stood
my ground.
“Look, I know Linda, and I know the truth,” I said calmly. “She’s not Lirian’s girlfriend, no matter what she’s trying to imply.”
Linda’s face darkened, and she glared at me, but her voice was controlled when she finally spoke. “T think you’re mistaken, Sophia. You have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“Oh, I think I do,” I replied, meeting her gaze evenly. “I know you very well.”
A murmur rippled through the crowd, people casting questioning looks at Linda. Christina looked. uncomfortable, her gaze shifting between us.
After they finished lecturing me, they turned to Linda, apologizing as if I was some ignorant fool. who’d embarrassed them
Chapter 134
She’s not used to events like this,” one said with a dismissive wave, “it’s her first time at an upscale party.”
Linda’s face softened, amusement flickering in her eyes as she watched me, a tiny smirk playing at her lips. Christina, however, looked at me as if I were some pesky annoyance.
I met Linda’s amused gaze head–on, refusing to back down.
“So. Linda,” I started, my voice sharp enough to slice through the tense air, “it’s all over the place that you’re Lirian’s girlfriend. Care to explain what’s going on?”
Linda’s expression remained serene as she shrugged nonchalantly. “I didn’t say anything. It’s just the girls spreading rumors on their own.”
Christina jumped in immediately, eager to defend Linda. “Linda never claimed to be Lirian’s girlfriend,” she said indignantly. “It was just a little guesswork on our part. Lirian did mention having a girlfriend at school, so it was natural to assume it was her!”
The others nodded In agreement. They all seemed to know about Lirian’s supposed “hello,” and their faces lit up with recognition, as if Linda’s claim had been proven.
I held back a scoff, unwilling to let Christina’s misplaced confidence faze me. “How convenient,” I replied with a smirk.
“Linda plays the innocent card so well, doesn’t she? Always managing to twist things to her advantage.”
Christina’s face darkened as she glared at me.
“What are you trying to do, stir up trouble? Whether or not Linda’s officially Lirian’s girlfriend. doesn’t change the fact that she’s still got a shot at marrying into the Iron Claw Pack,” she said, her voice dripping with condescension.
I raised an eyebrow. “Oh, really? And did Lirian specifically tell you Linda was his girlfriend, or are you all just jumping to conclusions?” I leaned forward, my voice growing colder. “We’re all from the same place–if he’s claiming he has a girlfriend, why assume it’s her and not me?”
Christina’s mouth twisted into a mocking smile. “You? Lirian’s girlfriend?” She let out a harsh laugh. and a few people around her chuckled in response.
I held my ground, unfazed by their amusement. “What? You don’t believe me?” I asked, keeping my tone light but challenging.
Christina crossed her arms, sneering at me. “Since you’re so confident,” she said, her voice a mixture
The
mpter 134
disbelief and irritation, “why don’t you just call him?”
