Chapter 291

Seeing that he appeared calm and collected, and showed no signs of unhappiness, Ophelia finally relaxed.

At the school gate, Cullen seemed to have just returned from the brink of death. As he watched the car disappear, his legs went weak, and he almost collapsed.

Fortunately, Mr. Winford appeared not to have noticed and let him go. He fled in a panic, as if granted a pardon, not noticing Bessie standing nearby in the corner. Bessie's face was pale, and her nails dug deeply into her palm. Cullen had said everything, and she had heard it all.

She had seduced Cullen to steal Ophelia's man and gain power for the Pruitt family; that was true. But to say she had no feelings for him at all—how could that be possible? Cullen's words hit her like a slap, striking her hard.

Someone noticed Bessie. “Tsk tsk, how could some people still dare to come to school?”

“Here to drop out, huh? You swore in front of everyone that if you had anything to do with Cullen, you would voluntarily leave Ventura University.”

“Ila, back then she spoke so righteously that I really thought she was innocent. I didn’t expect that not only was she not innocent, but she also actively seduced others. How shameless!”

“No matter how hard she tried to seduce him, what was the use? Did you all hear that just now? She put in so much effort to flirt, yet the scumbag still liked Senior Ophelia. It’s really laughable!”

“By the way, according to the oath she made, does she still have to kneel and reflect in front of the whole school?”

Bessie’s face flushed red and pale; her skin felt hot. She glared fiercely at the gossiping people, then turned and fled.

Evening.

Ophelia leaned against the headboard, holding a medical book. As she read, she fell asleep. After finishing his official business, Winford took the book from her hands. Noticing the sound, Ophelia gently furrowed her brows and mumbled something, but soon detected a familiar scent. Her expression relaxed, and she affectionately nuzzled against his hand before drifting back to sleep.

Seeing her reaction, Winford’s gaze deepened, and his expression softened for a moment. He carefully laid her down, covered her with a blanket, leaned down, and gently kissed her forehead, then left the room.

Graham had been waiting outside. When he saw Winford come out, he respectfully lowered his head and said in a low voice, “Mr. Winford.”

In Winford’s deep-set brows, the tenderness faded, replaced by terrifying ruthlessness. He spoke in a cold voice and asked about the situation at the school gate. Although he hadn't seemed concerned at the time, it didn't mean he hadn't cared or inquired.

Graham had already discovered the truth. With his head slightly lowered, he recounted Cullen’s actions and words without missing a detail. By the time he finished, the atmosphere around Winford had grown so cold it sent a chill to the depths of his heart.

“Mr. Winford…”