Chapter 211 The Assertive Senior

    Sloane was walking down the school hallway with a stack of documents in her arms, heading toward the library. Suddenly, a few ssmates stepped in her way, smug smiles ying on their faces.

    “Well, if it isn’t the precious heiress of the Rivers family. What’s the matter–got dumped by the Hawthorne family and still have the nerve to show up at school?” one girl sneered, her tone dripping with mockery.

    Another girl chimed in, “Yeah, I heard Lucas called off the engagement himself. Was it because you’re just too boring? Maybe he thought you weren’t good enough for him.”

    Sloane’s expression turned cold in an instant. Her gaze swept over them like a de; her voice came out sharp and icy. “Move.”

    But the girls weren’t intimidated. One of them scoffed. “What, struck a nerve? Thought scoring top marks in the department and joining ckhawk made you special? Still got dumped by the Hawthorne family, didn’t you? What a disgrace.”

    Sloane’s fists tightened slightly; a flicker of menace shed in her eyes.

    Just as she opened her mouth to fire back, a voice came from behind.

    “You girls have way too much time on your hands. What business is it of yours anyway?”

    Sloane turned to look. It was the same upperssmen who had invited her to coborate on a research projectst time.

    Leading the group, Harper stepped forward, her eyes frosty as theynded on the group of bullies. Her tone carried a clear warning. “Sloane’s under our protection. If any of you dare speak to her like that again, don’t expect us to go easy on you.”

    The girls clearly hadn’t expected anyone to take Sloane’s side; their smug expressions quickly turned awkward.

    One of them tried to save face, stammering, “W–We were just joking around. No

    need to get so serious.”

    Harper let out a coldugh, lined with disian. Joking: You really think no one sees through your petty little games Get lost, you an eyesore.”

    The girls wilted on the spot. Without another word. they slunk off, casting Sloane onest dirty look as they unitered, “What’s so great about her anyway? She’s only got backup.”

    Once they were gone. Harper turned to Sloane and gave her a reassuring pat on the shoulder, her voice soft with concernb. /b“Don’t letthem get to you, Sloane. They’re just jealous. You shine too bright, so they resperate to tear you down.”

    Sloane smiled faintly, her tone tinged with gratitude. Thanks, Harper. I’m okay.”

    Another upperssman walked over, grinning. “Don’t take it to heart, Sloane. If Lucas broke off the engagement, that’s his loss. Youre amazing! Someone better’s bound toe along.”

    Sloane nodded. She hadn’t been hurt by the engagement being called off; still, their concern warmed her heart.

    Harper gently took the stack of papers from Sloane’sshands and passed it to the guy beside her. Her tone softened. “Come on, let’s grab some bubble tea and unwind. Don’t let those nobodies mess with your mood.”

    Sloane followed them reluctantly, murmuring, “But I still need to deliver these to Jordan.”

    “It’s fine, let your senior take care of that.” Harpen was already pulling her along.

    Jill rushed up just then, clearly out of breath but bursting with anger. “Sloane, just wait–I’m going straight to Mr. Hawthorne to ask what the heck he’s thinking! How could he break off the engagement? He’s heartless–what a jerk! I’m done idolizing him!”

    Sloane sipped her drink at a leisurely pace. “But I’m the one who called it off.”