Chapter 23: Will Not Fall For It

After leaving the classroom, Ruth was still seething. She thought to herself, "This Madelyn is just so unlikeable; she’s like a thorn in my side that I can’t get rid of!"

Ruth was born into a family steeped in literature and scholarship. Her family members had all achieved considerable success in various fields of arts and culture. Everyone who knew of her family background couldn’t help but feel envious and admiring. Ruth, having been immersed in the world of literature since childhood, was famously known as a gifted young lady. Even though she knew she was of average looks, how many young women in the world could claim they had become a professor in a prestigious university’s Department of Finance at such a young age? Because of that, from a young age, Ruth had always felt superior to others. She had incredibly high standards, believing that no man could ever be worthy of her.

However, from the moment she encountered Yadiel, everything had changed. Yadiel was the head professor of the school’s Department of Literature and the youngest professor in the institution. Because of his tall stature and striking looks, coupled with his gentlemanly demeanor, he had once been the quintessential prince charming in the eyes of all the female students in the school. In this school, whether teachers or students, any woman was inevitably captivated by Yadiel.

As for Ruth, she had let go of her years-long reserve, and for the first time in her life, she actively pursued a man, discarding all concerns for her dignity. Yet, she distinctly remembered that day when she confessed her feelings. Yadiel had subtly turned her down and even asked, “Professor Pierson, you’re from the Department of Finance, aren’t you?”

Ruth nodded, only to see Yadiel grinning pleasantly. He said, “Professor Pierson, there’s actually something I’d like to trouble you with. In your class, there’s a girl named Madelyn. She’s my childhood friend. We’ve known each other since we were kids. She tends to be a bit mischievous. If it’s not too much to ask, I hope you can look out for her in the future. Thanks a lot.”

That was the first time Yadiel had spoken to her so tenderly, but it was all because of Madelyn. From that point on, Ruth harbored a grudge against Madelyn. She held onto this resentment, always seeking opportunities to target her. Since Yadiel wanted to look after Madelyn, Ruth was determined to make Madelyn’s life difficult.

As she walked and pondered, Ruth found herself back in the office. As she walked through the door, Ruth happened to run into Yadiel. Immediately, Ruth felt a surge of nervousness, and she quickly straightened herself up. “Professor Fuller, how come you’re here?”

A faint smile spread across Yadiel’s face. “I’m here to pick up some documents.” After he finished speaking, he added, “By the way, how has Maddy been doing lately?”

Maddy again! It’s her again. Is she the only person Yadiel can think of? Ruth harbored resentment in her heart and spoke in a narrow-minded manner. “I hate to say this, Professor Fuller, but Madelyn is truly obstinate. Today, she even resorted to hiring someone to write her thesis. Not only did she do such a thing, but when I discovered it, she even had the audacity to talk back to me in public. I really don’t understand why you are so protective of her.”

“Really?” Upon hearing that, Yadiel slightly furrowed his brows. Ruth nodded firmly, deliberately criticizing Madelyn as if the latter had no redeeming qualities. “Ever since you entrusted me with her, I’ve been closely monitoring her studies. However, she’s just hopeless. To think she would resort to such despicable actions now. Alas.”

Upon hearing Ruth’s tone, Yadiel felt a bit displeased. Still, he calmly said, “From my understanding of Madelyn, although she can be mischievous, she likely wouldn’t do such a thing. However, if this is true, it is indeed a serious matter. Rest assured, Professor Pierson. I’ll definitely speak with Maddy when I get a chance. I’ll get to the bottom of this. If she truly did such a thing, I’ll ensure she’s properly advised. Now that I have the documents, I’ll take my leave.”

With that, Yadiel turned and left. Ruth watched his retreating figure with lingering reluctance, letting out a sigh. How on earth can I make Yadiel fall for me?

Once Madelyn finished her class, she received a text message from Yadiel: Let’s have dinner together tonight. Madelyn figured it had indeed been a long time since she had hung out with Yadiel. Since Yadiel had always looked out for her like an elder brother, she didn’t refuse the invitation.

As she was packing her things, Janessa came over again. “Madelyn, let’s go out for a meal later. Could you accompany me shopping later? It’s been a while since I last bought new clothes.”

Madelyn sneered inwardly. Is she expecting me to foot her bills again? It was always the same routine. Janessa would extravagantly shop, leaving Madelyn to pick up the tab. Unfortunately, Madelyn would not fall for it again.

With a light chuckle, Madelyn declined, “I’m sorry, Janessa. I already have plans for today. Let’s reschedule for another day.”

Upon hearing that, Janessa thought to herself, “Could it be that she’s going on another date with Sebastian? This is outrageous!”

Feeling discontent, Janessa furrowed her brows in frustration. “Madelyn, I’m finding it increasingly hard to understand you.”

Regaining her senses, Madelyn wore an innocent look. “What’s wrong with me?”

Janessa feigned annoyance and said, “How could you do this? I remember you were so smitten with Christopher back then. At that time, seeing how much you liked Christopher, I even played matchmaker for the two of you quite a bit. But now, you’ve changed so suddenly, paying less and less attention to Christopher. Instead, you’ve thrown yourself wholeheartedly at Sebastian. Aren’t you putting me in an impossible situation?”

With a sense of injustice, Janessa spoke, her eyes even brimming with tears. Upon seeing that, Madelyn couldn’t help but scoff inwardly. Her ruse of self-torture is perfect. Won’t it be unfair to her if I don’t comfort her?

Thus, Madelyn looked at Janessa with a gentle expression. “Janessa, I know. Everything you do is for my sake.”

“It’s good that you know, but why do you keep breaking my heart?” Janessa said.

Madelyn deliberately replied resignedly, “It’s not that I don’t like Christopher or that I’m trying to win over Sebastian. It’s just that I can’t ignore the pressure from home. Janessa, you’re aware of my family situation, aren’t you? My dad’s health isn’t the best these days. I can’t ignore his feelings. If I upset him, wouldn’t that just make matters worse? Moreover, my stepmother and stepsister have always been eyeing the Thornton family’s fortune. They can’t wait for my father to pass away so they can claim all the wealth for themselves. However, my ancestors painstakingly accumulated this fortune. How can I let these two women take advantage of it?”

After saying that, Madelyn looked at Janessa with a face full of grievance. “Janessa, you have to understand me. I’m only doing this out of necessity. If I could, wouldn’t I want to be with the person I love every day? However, I must consider my family first.”

Undetected by Madelyn, when Janessa heard the mention of Madelyn’s family fortune, a sinister and envious gleam flashed across her gaze. Malice crept into Janessa’s heart.