Chapter 43

I said helplessly, “But Lila, I have a very complicated relationship with Alex. I don’t want anyone to think I got this position because of my connections.”

Lila said, “You’re being too immature. These days, having connections is a skill.”

She continued, “If Mr. Hastings publicly announces your identity, you’ll be accused of using your connections no matter which company you join. So, isn’t it better to go to Hastings Group? At least you’ll have Mr. Hastings to back you up, and people won’t dare gossip so recklessly.”

I thought about it and had to admit Lila had a point.

“Besides,” Lila added, “I know how capable you are. Even if you do join Hastings Group because of your connections, you can still prove your worth and change everyone’s perception of you.”

After Alex’s criticism that day, Lila’s comfort and encouragement filled me with renewed confidence.

“Lila, I’m so glad to have you. No matter what happens, you’re always able to help me regain my confidence,” I said.

Lila covered my eyes with her hand. “So, there’s nothing worth losing sleep over. Get some rest. We can deal with these concerns tomorrow. Sleep is the most important thing.”

A few hours later, I was woken by my phone ringing. Picking it up, I couldn’t help but be amazed. Julian sure had a lot of phone numbers! Every time I blocked one, he’d find another. My irritation reached its peak, especially considering how early he was disturbing my sleep.

“What is it?” I snapped.

“Serena, can we meet? I need your help,” Julian’s anxious voice said.

I couldn’t figure out why Julian would need my help.

“I can’t help you at all. Go find someone else,” I said, rolling over in bed.

“Serena, I promise this will be the last time. If you don’t come, then I’ll wait for you at your dormitory,” Julian pleaded.

Remembering the last time he’d waited outside my dormitory to beg for forgiveness, I decided to meet him. As much as I didn’t want to, I had no desire to make campus headlines again.

I arrived at the cafe wearing a hat and mask. After all, I wasn’t just any student on campus lately; I’d become a bit of a celebrity. Fame was daunting, and I didn’t want to attract unnecessary attention.

“What do you want?” I asked the moment I sat down. I wanted to end this quickly.

“Serena, you’ve got to help me.” Julian looked up. Only then did I notice how different he looked. His eyes were bloodshot; he looked like he hadn’t slept for days.

“What happened?” I frowned.

Julian said, with hatred in his voice, “It’s Alex. To get back at me for you, he’s deliberately targeting Blake Group. Just yesterday, we received numerous notifications from our partners saying they won’t be working with us anymore.”

A long silence followed. I suddenly laughed.

Julian’s expression changed. “What are you laughing at? Serena, are you not willing to help me?”

I shook my head, continuing to laugh. “I think you’ve got the wrong person.”

“What do you mean?” he asked.

I explained, “It might be a coincidence. Or maybe your family offended Alex somehow. But whatever the reason, it’s definitely not because of me.”