Chapter 19
The class bell rang, and Adrian dismissed the class.
Just then, Rosalie’s phone vibrated several times in her desk drawer.
Lesly sent messages to her.
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[I got the info you asked me to dig up. You were right. The Spencer family originally opposed bringing you back, but the Cole family pushed hard. I’m still investigating why they insisted on having you recognized as a Spencer.]
[By the way, did you start at Hodgeson High?]
Rosalie stared at the words “the Cole family” for a moment before typing back, [Thanks. Let me know if you find more.]
[Yes, and?]
Lesly replied instantly, [Nothing. Focus on your class first.]
Rosalie’s lips twitched. She didn’t buy the “nothing“.
Footsteps approached. She powered off her phone, tucked it back in the drawer, and looked up.
Phoebe stood in the corridor, wearing a sweet smile. “Rosalie, how wonderful that we’re in the same class. Dad will be so happy to hear this.”
The entire class fixated their eyes on them.
They thought, ‘Phoebe is so good to her adopted sister. If it were anyone else, how could they still be smiling?‘
Rosalie responded with a soft “yeah“.
Undeterred by her indifference, Phoebe smiled again, “Rosalie… why don’t you sit beside me? That way, I can help you whenever you need me.”
Rosalie lifted her head, arching an eyebrow. “You want to help me?”
“Of course. Taking care of you is my responsibility.” Phoebe nodded earnestly.
Rosalie’s lips curled slightly, forming her first smile since entering the classroom.
“Then I’ll thank you in advance. Go help me fetch my textbooks.”
Phoebe’s smile nearly froze, Rosalie was actually asking her to get textbooks? That kind of menial task…
“What?” Rosalie arched an eyebrow. “Didn’t you say you wanted to help me? Was that just talk?”
The classroom fell deathly silent.
After a long pause, someone finally snapped at Rosalie, “Hey, don’t you know what you are talking about? Why should Phoebe fetch your textbooks?”
Rosalie gave a subtle wink toward the girl defending Phoebe. “Do it or not, your call.”
Everyone caught the implication. No one was forcing Phoebe; she’d brought this on herself.
The girl choked on her words, seething silently before spitting out “Shameless.”
“Annabel, looking after Rosalie is my duty.” Phoebe grabbed the girl named Annabel Montes, then turned back to Rosalie with a smile. “I’ll get your books.”
Even though it was a break, the classroom remained oppressively quiet.
Those who usually admired Phoebe studied her sweet smile and felt nothing but sympathy while their disdain for Rosalie grew.
They thought, Rosalie may be pretty, but she’s so mean.‘
Connor smacked the table and stood up. I’ll do it”
Without waiting for anyone to react, he dashed out of the classroom.
Moments later, the others snapped out of their stupor
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Chapter 19
“Right! Guys should handle heavy lifting like this. Phoebe needs to practice piano. How can she carry textbooks?”
Phoebe blushed faintly. “Thank you.”
“Hey, we’re classmates. No problem.”
After watching the touching display of camaraderie, Rosalie lazily turned away.
Phoebe still stood there, “Rosalie…”
Rosalie propped her head on one hand, impatience creeping into her expression. “Is there anything else?”
Phoebe bit her lip, eyes welling with a hint of grievance.
“Rosalie, why not… be my deskmate? We can look after each other. Mom and Dad will be relieved.”
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