Chapter 80

Johnny immediately shook his head and said, "I don't want Gianna tutoring me.I only want you."

Though he and Gianna were related, their relationship had always been shallow, more for appearances than genuine connection. There was hardly any interaction between them outside formal occasions.

Johnny was well aware that Gianna, proud and self-assured, respected his brother solely because of his talent and status.

But when it came to him, she barely hid her disdain.Even though they were classmates, he had gotten in through his father's influence, while Gianna had earned her spot through sheer merit. That fact only deepened her contempt.

"Alright, if I have time after school, I'll tutor you,"Beatrice replied, her warm smile lighting up her face. Lately, she'd had a minor falling-out with her benefactor, which left her with time to spare.Entertaining Johnny was convenient-and it didn't hurt to keep him dangling.

Her smile was gentle and reassuring, the kind that soothed Johnny's restless heart. That was also part of the reason he was so drawn to her.

After leaving the library, Grace had planned to take a taxi home.

She had already let Julia know she'd be staying late to study, so there was no need for her to come pick her up.

Julia had responded with a flurry of cheerful emojis,even promising to make Grace a special dinner that night.

Grace thought about how Julia always insisted she eat more, which could be a bit much at times.

She wasn't trying to diet, and her fast metabolism meant she never gained weight easily. Still, her appetite had always been modest.

Just as she stepped through the school gate, a sleek,top-of-the-line Lamborghini glided to a stop in front of her.

It was a newly released model, with only three of its kind in the world. Grace, being a motorsport enthusiast, had followed its debut closely.

But considering her current role as a hardworking student, she'd set aside her dream of owning a car for the time being.

Now,seeing one up close, it was hard to look away.

What stunned her even more was the person stepping out of the car-it was none other than Colton.

"What a coincidence, we meet again," he said smoothly.

"What are you doing here?" Grace asked, lifting an eyebrow. "The anniversary of my alma mater is coming up,"Colton explained with ease. "The principal called personally and invited me to attend."

Grace found that odd. Someone like him didn't need to show up just to accept an invitation. "So why come in person now?" she asked, curious despite herself.

"I just finished discussing a few things with the principal," he replied casually.

"Alright," she said, not bothering to ask what they talked about. Business matters never interested her.

"Are you heading home? Let me give you a ride,"Colton offered, his tone leaving little room for refusal."You saved my life once. Offering you a lift is the least | can do."

He had gone out of his way to be considerate, and it would feel rude to turn him down. Besides, it spared her the effort of hailing a taxi-something her naturally lazy side welcomed.

So,without hesitation, Grace slid into the passenger seat.

As the car pulled away, Lizzie exclaimed, "Gianna,look. Grace Miller sure moves fast-looks like she's switched men again!"

Just moments earlier, Lizzie and Gianna had witnessed Grace stepping into a sleek, unfamiliar car with a man.

They hadn't seen his face-he had his back to them -but his towering height, commanding presence,and refined attire spoke volumes.

Even from behind, he radiated sophistication. And that car-flashy and impossible to miss-was in a league of its own.

"She's always had a flirtatious streak," Gianna replied, her voice calm, her face emotionless.Yet her words dripped with venom, betraying the irritation bubbling beneath her composed surface. "Given her lowly background, it's not surprising. Clinging to wealthy men is probably her way of running from the past."

"What a shame! Her cumulative scandals would seriously damage the Holden family's reputation if they were made public," Lizzie said, wanting to win Gianna over because she knew she didn't like Grace.

Gianna said nothing, but the frustration twisting in her chest was difficult to ignore.

Whether it was the recent exams or Terry's endorsement, she had lost-to the same person every time. Grace.

Even Ellie, her teacher, now seemed to harbor quiet regret over the choices she'd made.

Time after time, Gianna found Grace stood in her way, stealing the spotlight and pushing her further into the shadows.

But it didn't matter. With the upcoming anniversary celebration on the horizon, a wave of alumni-now influential figures in various fields-would be returning.

Rumor had it the head of the Pearson family would be among them. That meant the game wasn't over yet. She still had a chance. A chance to step on Grace and rise again in a blaze of glory.

"I've made a patch of Rejuvenation PilI. I'll bring some to you next time," Grace said suddenly, her voice steady as they drove through the city.

Thanks to Colton's support, Eliana no longer had to wait in frustration.

Grace never liked owing favors. Giving him some pills felt like a fair return-with a little interest.

After all, she'd earned far more from their last deal than she had ever expected.