Chapter 41 Agnes and Kerri had just found a spot to sit when they were swarmed by a group of girls. Leading the pack was Cecile, who never usually showed her face in the school canteen, so her presence today was definitely for Agnes.
âOh look, isnât this our social butterfly?â was the first thing Cecile said when she spotted Agnes. âAgnes, youâre from a wellâoff family. Why would you need someone elseâs sponsorship? Could it be because your dad remarried and no longer cares about you?â
Cecile and her gang were always the center of attention in school, and she intentionally spoke loud enough to attract curious stares. Everyone knew about Agnesâ family situation, but it was a public secret Agnes didnât like to discuss.
Agnesâ face turned serious. âCecile, are you just looking for trouble?â
âI couldnât care less about whoâs sponsoring you, Agnes,â Cecile retarted. âI just want to clarify something. Are you really with Prince? Does he know youâre being sponsored by Jared?â Cecileâs words were harsh and shocking, leaving everyone around stunned.
Prince of Lakeside College was the universally acknowledged hunk, Ryder.
Kerri stood up. âCecile, stop spreading rumours! Agnes would never do that, and she doesnât need anyoneâs sponsorship.â
âIs she too scared to admit it? Im going to expose her true colours today,â Cecile shot back.
âAgnes. Suddenly, a deep and pleasant voice came from not far away.
It wasnât loud but extremely charismatic. Everyone turned to look, and to their surprise, it was Ryder himself.
Ryder sauntered over to Agnes. Seeing him, Cecileâs face lit up with fascination. âPrince.â
âCecile, Iâve told you to leave Agnes alone,â Ryder said coldly.
âDont you know Agnes is being sponsored by Jared? Prince, donât let her fool you,â Cecile said.
âAgnes is not being sponsored. If you keep spreading this rumour, she could sue you for defamation,â Ryder replied.
âHow do you know? Do you just unthinkingly trust her?â
âJared is my uncle I know his business better than anyone else,â Ryder said flatly and coldly, leaving everyone speechless.
Ryder was popular mainly for his good looks. Few knew about his family background.
He was the only grandson of the legendary Whitfield family from Hillcrest City.
Cecile knew this, but she also knew Ryder was lowâkey and disliked unnecessary attention.
Yet, she didnât expect Ryder to reveal his intentionally hidden identity in public to clarify his relationship with Agnes, which showed how important Agnes was to him. Ryder, however, didnât want to say more. He turned to Agnes, âCome with me. I have something to tell you.â:
Agnes followed Ryder out.
With Cecileâs intervention, the rumors about her relationship should stop.
But now, her relationship with Ryder would be the topic of discussion.
Ryderâs fame at Lakeside College was equivalent to Jaredâs in society!
Agnes sighed, feeling like a gossip magnet.
As they left the cafeteria, Agnes said to Ryder ahead of her, âYou donât really have anything to tell me, do you?â
She felt that Ryder was just helping her out of an awkward situation by bringing her away.
But Ryder turned around and said calmly, âActually, I do.â
Agnes was taken aback, âWhat is it?â
âMy mom wants to meet you,â Ryder replied.