Chapter 294 Who Is More Haughty

It was midday when Madelyn was released from her school obligations, her phone vibrating with an unexpected call.

Cheryl’s voice, sweet and enticing, floated through the speaker, “Ms. Thornton, might I inquire if you are free this evening?”

“What’s the matter?” Madelyn inquired, her expression marked by a slight furrowing of her brows.

“It’s a small thing really, but today happens to be my birthday. You’ve been incredibly supportive recently, and I wanted to extend an invitation to my birthday celebration tonight. Are you available to join us?” Cheryl’s request was couched in the utmost politeness.

If Madelyn hadn’t been privy to Cheryl’s less savory traits, she might have been duped into thinking Cheryl was a person of flawless integrity.

“Thank you for the invitation, but unfortunately, I must decline. I have prior commitments later today,” Madelyn responded, her tone devoid of emotion.

It wasn’t that Madelyn lacked the desire to attend; it was simply impractical given her circumstances.

Attending a formal evening event would require a certain level of dress, which seemed daunting considering her still-healing injuries and the occasional sharp twinges of pain.

Moreover, she had already promised her father that she would visit home that evening.

“Is that so? That’s unfortunate…” Cheryl’s voice dripped with disappointment.

She had hoped to use the celebration as a means to strengthen their acquaintance, potentially fostering a mutually beneficial relationship in the future. Yet, she hadn’t anticipated a refusal.

Nevertheless, Cheryl maintained her hopeful demeanor, adding, “The festivities are likely to continue late into the night. Ms. Thornton, if you find yourself free later, please feel free to join. Honestly, I would very much like to cultivate a friendship with you.”

Upon hearing these words, Madelyn couldn’t help but laugh inwardly. If she hadn’t been granted the wisdom of her previous life experiences, she might have fallen for Cheryl’s charm once again.

The characters of Janessa and Cheryl were hardly exemplary; neither were shining examples of virtue.

Be friends? More like she needed another pawn in her game.

However, Madelyn considered that aligning closer with Cheryl might not be entirely disadvantageous. With Janessa out of school and her actions unpredictable, maintaining some level of connection to Cheryl could prove useful.

Coincidentally, Cheryl seems to want to be acquainted. Maybe I can bring her into my circle.

“By the way, Ms. Sherritt, how has Janessa been coping since her expulsion from school a few days ago?” Madelyn inquired, seeing an opportunity to gather more information.

Cheryl’s laughter tinkled through the phone like silver bells, “Janessa? She’s been rather hard-pressed lately. Since the incident, many schools have turned her away. My father had to leverage his contacts and…”

Cheryl’s tone was smug as she continued, “But attending a less prestigious university isn’t the worst thing. After all, for an illegitimate child, isn’t it somewhat appropriate?”

Following her remark, Cheryl’s laughter burst forth, unrestrained and rather extravagant.

Madelyn recalled a detail regarding Janessa’s incident: a whistleblower on the school forum known as “Princess Cherry.”

She had suspected Cheryl at the time, and now she was almost certain it was her. Cheryl had played her cards with devastating effect.

Yet, considering Janessa had orchestrated her own downfall, Madelyn chose to stay silent and watch how things unfolded, but not without offering a caution, “Ms. Sherritt, I wouldn’t celebrate too prematurely if I were you. Your role in Janessa’s expulsion is quite clear, and knowing her penchant for revenge, be careful. She’s likely to hold a grudge and could retaliate from the shadows.”

Cheryl, far from intimidated, actually seemed pleased by the advisory. “Ms. Thornton, I appreciate your concern,” she responded confidently, “but I hardly think Janessa has the capacity to harm me. She’s clearly overestimating her abilities!”

“That’s good to hear,” Madelyn replied nonchalantly. “Now that we’re friends, feel free to reach out if you ever need assistance with anything.”

Cheryl’s delight was palpable.

She agreed to be friends with me? Does this mean she’s accepting of our future collaborations? This is wonderful! Really, it’s excellent news! I’ve found a powerful ally!

“All right, since today is your birthday, I wish you a truly happy one! Even though I can’t attend your party, I’ll make sure someone delivers a gift to you. Have a fantastic time!” After delivering her well wishes, Madelyn didn’t feel the need to engage in any further conversation, so she promptly hung up the phone.

Just then, Jillian approached, her voice filled with concern. “Madelyn, it’s understandable to be busy all the time, but how can you still be so occupied even while you’re injured? This kind of lifestyle will inevitably take a toll on your health.”

“Don’t worry, I’m perfectly fine,” Madelyn replied, laughing off the concern with a casual wave of her hand.

“We don’t have any classes this afternoon. How about we take a walk around town?” Jillian suggested enthusiastically. “It could be a nice change of pace for you.”

“Sure thing,” Madelyn agreed almost immediately, her mood lifting at the suggestion. She turned to Josiah, saying cheerfully, “Hey, Josiah, why don’t you and Tristan join us too?”

“We’re not going,” Josiah responded with a hint of pride. “Shopping is something you women enjoy. We men wouldn’t bother.”

With a playful smirk, Madelyn retorted, “You two aren’t doing anything anyway, so why not help us carry our bags?”

“Seriously? Do you think I’m some kind of unpaid laborer!” Josiah’s displeasure was evident. “Do you have any idea how many girls usually ask for my number? And you actually have the nerve to ask a campus heartthrob like me to carry your bags? You must be dreaming!”

“Really?” Madelyn snorted dismissively. “I was planning to go shopping and pick up some treats for you two. But if you’re going to get all hulky, well, forget about it then.

You want to see who’s more haughty, do you? Well, let’s find out who truly is.”

“We’ll go! Of course, we’ll go with you.” Tristan suddenly appeared, a grin spreading across his face as he nudged Josiah. “Josiah, helping a girl carry her bag is actually a very gentlemanly thing to do. And I believe you wouldn’t mind helping Madelyn with her bag either, so stop being stubborn. Let’s get going!”

As he spoke, Tristan was simultaneously nudging Josiah toward the door.

Josiah rolled his eyes so hard that they almost got stuck behind his head. “Tristan, you’ve got to be kidding me! You’re actually taking an outsider’s side?”

Tristan’s smile only grew more radiant.

“Hey, what’s been up with Tristan lately? He’s been acting rather odd, hasn’t he?” Madelyn found it amusing, noticing that Tristan had been a bit overly excited recently.

Upon closer inspection, she suddenly realized something. Tristan’s gaze was casual with everyone else, but whenever he looked at Jillian, his eyes seemed to light up.

“Ah… I get it now…” Madelyn suddenly realized with a knowing smile.