Chapter 242

Theodore Winslow flashed a charming smile. "Miss Carter, I heard Crestview Arts Institute has an excellent café. Allow me to treat you and Arabella to coffee."

Evelyn barely glanced up from her documents. "Fine. Pick Arabella up on your way."

She tapped her phone screen impatiently. "She's not answering. Go check her classroom. She doesn't know we're waiting at the rear entrance."

"Understood."

Theodore strode through the wrought-iron gates, his tailored navy suit drawing admiring whispers across the sunlit quadrangle.

Inside the bustling café, he placed an order for two caramel macchiatos. The barista nearly spilled the milk pitcher while staring at his chiseled profile.

Just then, two Chanel-clad socialites flounced in, their designer heels clicking against the marble tiles.

"Ugh, can you believe Arabella Kingsley landed the lead in the graduation showcase?"

Theodore's grip tightened around the coffee cups.

"That scholarship brat? Please." The second girl flipped her extensions. "She's obviously sleeping with Professor Laurent. Saw her cozying up to Ethan Chamberlain near the greenhouse earlier. Total gold-digger."

CRASH!

The gossiping duo shrieked as scalding coffee drenched their Valentino dresses. Mascara streaked down their cheeks like inky tears.

"You psycho!" One girl screeched, plucking a ruined eyelash from her cheek.

Theodore's voice turned glacial. "Defamation carries a three-year prison sentence. Consider yourselves fortunate I don't strike women."

The brunette trembled, but her blonde friend sneered. "What, is she your girlfriend? Go see for yourself if you don't believe us!"

Behind the lecture hall, Arabella stood trapped between rose bushes and Ethan Chamberlain's hulking frame.

"I've declined your advances six times." Her knuckles whitened around her textbook. "Now excuse me, I'm expected elsewhere."

Ethan smirked, producing a velvet Cartier box. "Playing hard to get?" The diamond watch inside glinted maliciously. "Be my girl and you'll get ten of these. Plus..." His gaze dropped to her waist. "Other... benefits."

Arabella recoiled as if struck. With one swift motion, she sent the watch flying into a mud puddle.

Ethan's face purpled with rage. "You ungrateful bitch!" He seized her wrist hard enough to bruise. "Think you're too good for me? I could ruin your career before it starts!"

"Release me!" Arabella twisted violently, her ballet flats slipping on damp grass.

"Oh, I'll release you alright." Ethan's free hand groped for her hip. "After you learn your—"

A sickening CRACK echoed through the garden as Theodore's fist connected with Ethan's jaw. The bully crumpled like a marionette with cut strings, blood blooming across his chin.

Theodore adjusted his cufflinks calmly. "Miss Kingsley, your coffee's getting cold."

Arabella gaped at her would-be assailant moaning in the dirt, then at Theodore's outstretched hand. Behind them, the gossip girls watched open-mouthed from the café window.

Theodore's lips curved dangerously. "Shall we discuss those defamation charges over latte art?"