A commanding voice cut through Julian’s words. The sound was unmistakable, and I instinctively looked up. Florence. He was dressed casually, yet his commanding presence was unshakeable. His effortless confidence seemed to silence every conversation around us.
Alex strolled over, his gaze locking onto the necklace in Julian’s hand. His brows furrowed slightly as he asked, “The Blakes from Grandview? Are they really that broke now?”
The casual remark hit like a slap, and Julian’s expression darkened instantly. He had a knack for subtly flaunting his wealth at the university. Though he never openly discussed his background, his wardrobe was a constant display of designer labels. The sympathy he garnered from his classmates stemmed from their obliviousness to his true status.
Upon hearing Alex’s words, a local classmate from Grandview raised an eyebrow. “The Blake family? As in the one in the electronics industry?”
While the necklace was undoubtedly extravagant for an ordinary student, it appeared surprisingly modest for the heir of the Blake family.
“Serena,” Julian said, finally regaining his composure. His incredulous gaze locked onto mine. “Is he… is he your sugar daddy? Is that why you won’t get back together with me?”
I retorted, “Julian, stop playing the victim. Not everything is as filthy as your imagination makes it out to be.”
Julian shook his head and stared at me. “No, it has to be him. You climbed the social ladder because of this guy, didn’t you? That’s why you’re leaving me. Who is he?”
I frowned. Julian had no idea who Alex was. But then it all clicked. Alex had taken over his family’s company the moment he came of age, making him a peer to Julian’s father. He was in a completely different league from someone like Julian, who seemed far more interested in manipulating others.
“I think I wasn’t clear enough,” Alex said, stepping forward. “Allow me to introduce myself. I’m Serena’s brother, and I’m the CEO of Hastings Group.”
“Hastings Group?” The students around them whispered in awe, their voices filled with disbelief. “Could it really be the largest business empire, that Hastings Group?” “Is Mr. Hastings really that young?”
Julian’s mind went blank. After a long pause, he stared at Alex in disbelief. “Y–You’re Alex Hastings?”
Alex nodded slowly. “You little prick from the Blakes. Since you pulled that prank on her, I take it you don’t like her. If that’s the case, then stop bothering her.”
Julian’s face shifted from pale to red, and then from bright red to a deeper shade.
“What did Mr. Hastings just say?”
“He’s Serena’s brother? Well, you really can’t judge a person by their appearance.” “Why do they have different last names? One’s Hastings, the other’s Ask Lord.” “That’s simple; one took the father’s surname, the other took the mother’s.”
The surrounding chatter grew louder, and suspicions about Julian began to grow. “We didn’t know Serena’s background, but Julian must have known, right?” “The Hastings and the Blakes families are from completely different worlds. I think Julian’s trying to marry into a wealthy family.”
Many of the students around us covered their mouths and laughed. Julian wanted to explain himself but was left speechless. Naturally, I wouldn’t stay and prove that he wasn’t the type to marry for money.
I grabbed Alex’s arm and pulled him away from the chaos. We had only taken a few steps when Alex promptly took the lead and led me out of the university.