Trust In Love - Chapter 252

“Evelyn Danes, daughter of Earl Danes and Viena Danes who are the current heads of our family’s wine empire.”

“And a self-proclaimed Queen Bee.” Xiera muttered under her breath. At times like this, she felt glad that she never hid her disdain for this arrogant bitch. Most of the time it kept her away. Something Xiera would rather have become permanent.

Evelyn retracted her hand. She turned to Xiera and tilted her head up.

In return, Xiera hid her eye roll. She could already predict what she was about to hear.

“It’s not self-proclaimed when the other one is merely a sophomore,” Evelyn explained, ċȯċking an eyebrow. The corners of her lips turned down. “Emiliana Greenwood can claim it once I graduate. Until then, seniority rules so she’s just a princess.”

“Unless she’s crowned as the Snow Queen at the Winter Ball.” Xiera smiled, scrunching up her nose. She would pay to see this girl be kicked down a few notches.

“Emiliana?” Alex cut in. Somehow, it didn’t surprise her that her cousin was in the running for Queen Bee. It was less surprising to hear that such a thing existed. If anything, the social hierarchy seemed more serious (and petty) in high society.

“Oh, that granddaughter of Oliver Greenwood, the Pioneer of Parthenos Malls and Co.” Evelyn yawned. She waved her hand as if to brush off the significance of the information. “She does have the leverage in terms of wealth but in maturity, I take the lead.”

Xiera stared up at the ceiling. “Debatable.”

Alex pursed her lips. She set her pencil down and folded her hands over the table. “Then, is there a reason why you’re here boasting your status? Have we overstepped on something, Your Majesty?”

From the moment Evelyn sat down, they heard nothing other than her social status. She had heard of Danes’ Winery. It was a reputable business that had been operating for centuries. That alone gained them the upper hand at providing the finest of wines.

Her family also enjoyed a few of them.

She failed to see how that was relevant to the conversation. It was a practice that Alex never picked up.

“Well, look at you. What a nice sense of humor,” Evelyn commented. She chuckled with faux amusement. The hardness in her eyes gave it away. “But I’m just here to greet the new student. I’m sorry that I’m late for the introductions. If you need anything, just let me know. It’s important to look out for each other.”

“I’ll keep it in mind.”

‘In the far reaches of my conscience’, Alex noted to herself. She had no interest to socialize unless necessary. She immediately placed Evelyn in the category for the unnecessary. For academics, she was doing alright. She could still keep up with the lectures.

Speaking of lessons, Alex returned to her notes. Kate followed her example. She brought a practice book and solved several math problems. A bubble formed around them, locking them away from the rest of the world.

Xiera glared at the two of them. They left her with the Queen Bitch—a person she had no plans to talk to further. She would need to spray a disinfectant on her seat. Who knew what kind of germs it now carried.

“So…” Evelyn spoke up. She caught on what was happening. It irked her to be treated like air. Her blood began to simmer under her skin. How dare they be rude to a guest at their table?

“The three of you are close with Neal now, huh?”

“And here we go.” Xiera sneered. Disgust painted her face. She bȧrėd her teeth. “You’re just here because Neal paired up with me instead of you.”

“Oh, contraire.” Evelyn scoffed. She flipped her crimson hair over her shoulder. “I’m merely interested in the company he’s keeping. I trust his good sense of judgment.”

“I do too because I’m obviously much more fabulous than you.” Xiera shrugged. Her expression composed into a face of nonchalance. Her gaze, however, showed no remorse. It even entailed pride in her words.

Evelyn’s smile tightened. “Don’t let it get to your head.”

“Not a problem.” Xiera snorted, raising her hands in surrender. She dropped her gaze to the floor. “I know better than to be like you.”

“Really?” Evelyn spat. She slammed a hand on the table and leaned closer. “It sounds like we have a problem here.”

“You’re here, aren’t you?”

“I’d watch your mouth if I were you, Xiera Wu,” she taunted. Clicking her tongue, eyeing Xiera up and down. “It’s a shame how some people can act so barbaric. Unfortunately, not everyone can be well-educated.”

“That’s funny.” Alex thought out loud, gazing at the ceiling. She tapped the tip of her pencil against her chin. “I was taught that I should keep my mouth closed if I didn’t have anything good to say.”

“Tha—”

“Oh, but I have to agree with you…” she added with a nod. She shifted her attention to Evelyn and grinned. “Not everyone can be well-educated.”

She fluttered her eyelashes, showing her teeth. She just wanted to study in peace. If this person really came here because of Neal, that shouldn’t be any of their concern. It wasn’t them who approached him. If she wanted answers, she should go to him instead.

She had no time to deal with this crap.

“Well then,” Evelyn huffed, rising to her feet. She looked down at Alex from her position. Her temple throbbed the longer she stared at the smile directed towards her. “I know better than to lower myself at your levels. It’s your loss.”

With those as her last words, Evelyn Danes spun on her heel and left the scene.

Alex breathed out slowly, taking her time. She felt the tension leave her shoulders. Slight tremors contracted her muscles. It had been a while since she put herself on the spot. It would definitely have some backlash one day.

She didn’t regret it though.

“You really let her have it.” Kate said, speaking for the first time since Evelyn came. She shook her head at Alex. “I didn’t think you’d have some claws under your fingers.”

Alex huffed. She wrote with more pressure than usual. “I know when I’ve done wrong or not. What she was starting to do has nothing to do with us. We hadn’t done anything. I wasn’t about to let her waste my time and waste Xiera’s breath. She should have been direct instead of being passive. I might have given her the time of day.”

The lead tip of the pencil broke. She ġrȯȧnėd. Like it, the quiet life she wanted at Freccia was broken. That spark would lead to a trail of flames. If the Queen Bee had her on a radar, more trouble and drama would head her way.

She better be prepared.

Would it be bad if she used pepper spray on them?

“She is such a pain in the arse,” Xiera grumbled. “I told you some people act like they’re as high as you. Can you let me slap her with your own status next time?”

“Xiera, you know,” Alex started to say. She couldn’t help but chuckle at the pout. “The best way to get back at someone… is to let them find out for themselves.”

It wouldn’t do any good if they played Evelyn’s game by her rules. If they fought in the same manner, it would be them who lowered themselves to her level. They would have taken the bait that she dangled in front of them, walked into her trap or moved by her hands—whichever they would want to call it.

The point was… maybe it sounded good to beat her at her own game.

But for now, it was better to build it up and let the snowball hit her when it was big enough.

“I agree with Alex.” Kate joined in. She handed Xiera the practice book and a pencil. “Let’s get to studying, shall we?”

Kate moved to Xiera’s side, teaching her the solutions to the problems. Alex finished the notes and studied them. She joined them after some time and offered alternate explanations. They ignored Evelyn’s glare at their direction. She glanced once and whispered to her companions. Alex had no doubts that it wasn’t about their little exchanged—mixed with opinions stated as facts.

It was a sight she had been accustomed to since young.

She developed the patience and immunity for it by now. She felt grateful for that part of her past. It had taught her which voices to listen to. It also taught her when to choose her battles. She wouldn’t move unless provoked.

Anything baseless or invalid would be squashed under her foot.

When the last bell rang, the three girls walked to the gates together. Friends groups hung out in the courtyard and waited for their chauffeurs. Others left through their own cars, driving to cafes and shopping centers.

Alex parted ways with Kate and Xiera. They bid each other farewell and safe travels. She took a short walk to a large oak tree. Her family’s car parked under it. The spot avoided most eyes—something she felt pleased about.

A few dried leaves fell off the tree. The warm orange contrasted against the black paint of the convertible. Jeffrey stood at the ready. He walked over to the backseat as Alex approached. He opened the door as soon as she reached their parking space.

“How was your first day, Young Miss?” He asked, giving her a soft smile.

Alex stared up at the refurbished medieval castle. It was sight she needed to get used to. She thought of her answer carefully and recalled the events. She met good companions, ate a satisfying lunch and avoided most troubles.

She exhaled a short sigh. Then, returned her butler’s smile with an indifferent one.

“I think it was enough for a week’s worth of school experience.”