Chapter 88

At Vilzell University, Marsh had recently been unusually well-behaved. He was heading to the canteen when a ball struck him on the head. Stunned for a moment, he angrily glared at some nearby senior students and shouted, “What are you doing?!”

“You must be Marsh, Elvira’s younger brother. You two are really alike; you’re both trash!” sneered the boy in the middle.

“I heard the school invited that bitch Elvira to the centennial celebration. I really don’t know what they were thinking—inviting such trash to such a grand event,” his companion added disdainfully.

“Maybe she slept with some leader. It’s glory for others to return, but a shame for her!” another boy chimed in.

Marsh’s face flushed with rage. He lunged at the boys, intent on fighting them to the death. He thought, No matter how bad Elvira is, she’s still my biological sister! How dare they say such things?

However, Marsh underestimated them. He possessed only brute strength and was no match for them. He was eventually pinned to the ground and beaten.

He was so badly beaten he couldn't get up. When they left, the ringleader even spat at him before swaggering away. Marsh was in pain and furious, but no one helped. Those who witnessed the beating not only failed to intervene but even gloated. Those wishing to avoid trouble simply stayed away.

Who didn't know Marsh was the school's junior high school's notorious rascal?

Finally, Marsh struggled to his feet, staggered to the roadside, and sat down. He called Elvira.

She answered quickly. “Marsh, are you in trouble again?!”

“You’re the one who’s in trouble! You caused more trouble than me. You were expelled from school! Why do I have a sister like you? It’s all your fault for implicating me! I hate you!” Marsh cried, then hung up.

Elvira felt a pang of discomfort, struggling to breathe. She called back, but Marsh didn’t answer.

Zach, noticing her distress, asked, “What happened to Marsh?”

“He’s fine,” Elvira replied, her eyes red-rimmed. For years, she’d endured mockery and ridicule for her expulsion, but never took it to heart. She knew she’d done nothing wrong, yet the hatred from Marsh was unbearable.

Zach, seeing her sadness, gently touched her hair. He thought, Marsh is making Elvira sad again. He’s too annoying! I need to teach him a lesson about respect.

Elvira’s dress, a long dark purple gown prepared by Tracy, accentuated her beauty. She looked noble, elegant, and captivating. Zach stared, mesmerized.

Elvira was equally impressed by Anna’s work. She thought, ‘She only did my hair and makeup, yet I look like a completely different person, several times more beautiful.’ She didn't know Anna’s skills were honed by a royal stylist; Anna had always assisted Tracy with makeup.

“Anna is amazing. I feel much prettier,” Elvira said, her face flushed under Zach's gaze.

“It’s because you’re naturally beautiful; I didn’t do much,” Ann replied humbly.

“You can leave. Zach, protect Elvira. Don’t let anyone bully her,” Tracy instructed.

“Okay,” Zach said. He took Elvira’s hand and they left together.

Outside, Zach claimed he had an errand and asked Elvira to proceed to the event first; he’d join her later.

“Can you go in without an invitation?” Elvira had only one invitation, allowing a plus-one. She worried Zach would be refused entry.

“Sure, be good. Go on ahead. I'll be there later,” Zach said, kissing her hand. He instructed the driver to take her first.

Vilzell University’s centennial celebration was held in a four-star hotel next to the campus. Honorary alumni from overseas, arriving steadily throughout the previous day, were accommodated in the hotel.

The celebration began at eight o'clock that evening. It was still early, and guests mingled freely. Most had gathered in the main banquet hall, exchanging pleasantries.

Judy and Calvin's arrival attracted considerable attention. Both were famous alumni; Judy had attended Vilzell, while Calvin had studied abroad.

As soon as Judy arrived, old classmates approached her.

“I heard Elvira’s back. How dare she return to Jersten after what she did?” a classmate exclaimed incredulously.

“That’s right. If I were her, I’d just bash my head against a wall and die! Isn’t it embarrassing enough?” another added.

“Elvira came back a long time ago, but she didn’t even finish college. She only works at my company,” Judy said with a look of pity.

“Someone like her would harm others at school. It’s better she stays away,” another woman stated.

The women surrounding Judy were all from their shared class, and knew Elvira well. Their disgust was palpable. They knew.

Judy felt she’d found kindred spirits. She thought, I’m right. Publicising Elvira’s scandal will clear my name without effort. Who would believe a person of bad morals? Just like the classmates around me, no one believes Elvira. They are all firmly on my side.

“Judy, you’re as beautiful as ever. No wonder Calvin likes you,” a classmate complimented.

“Calvin isn’t shallow. He doesn’t just like my beauty… We hurt Elvira. But believe me! Calvin and I started dating after he broke up with her! She was furious, ranting about the marriage contract, and slandering me as a homewrecker. I was so hurt,” Judy explained with a wronged and helpless expression.

“Isn’t it ridiculous to talk about her marriage contract?”

“That’s right. Ignore her. Others may not know what she’s like, but we do! She’s a disgusting woman! We’ve all seen her shameless behavior. If it were me, I wouldn’t want anything to do with her!”

“Judy, we believe you’re innocent!”

Several female classmates surrounded Judy, offering sincere compliments.