So that’s how it was.
“I think… Belle did it on purpose,” Zoe said.
“On purpose for what?” Clara asked.
Zoe pursed her lips and hesitated for a moment before saying, “She deliberately got close to us, using a lavish lifestyle to buy us off because we are your roommates… I don’t know exactly what she wants to do, but I know she doesn’t have good intentions towards you. She wouldn’t be so nice to us and buy us so many things without wanting something in return.”
Clara looked at Zoe.
She was puzzled as to why Zoe would tell her this.
Had Belle only bought off Ella and Ava, but not her?
“Didn’t she buy you off?” Clara asked.
Zoe was taken aback and looked a bit embarrassed. “She did. Actually, she wanted to buy me off the most. We share a dorm room and are in the same year and department. If I were to do something to you, it would be more convenient than for the other two.”
Clara nodded; that made sense.
“But… I don’t want to be bought off,” Zoe said. “Although I’m not a particularly kind person and my relationship with you isn’t great, I’ve grown up honest and happy. I’ve never done anything to hurt anyone.”
“At first, I didn’t realize it. When she gave us things, I thought she just wanted to be friends. But after that night, I understood that we three have no power or influence. Why would someone like Belle, a rich girl, want to befriend us? She must want something from us.”
Clara looked at Zoe and smiled. “Thank you for telling me this.”
Zoe felt a bit embarrassed. “You don’t need to thank me; I haven’t done anything for you.”
Clara smiled. “I’m happy you told me this.”
Zoe looked at Clara and shyly smiled.
Clara smiled too.
It turned out that after two years, there was still someone in the dorm who truly cared about her.
She was really happy.
To gain friendship at this time.
Clara started considering moving out of the dorm.
She had seriously thought about what Zoe said.
Now that Ella and Ava had accepted Belle’s benefits, they would grow closer to Belle for the sake of resources in the entertainment industry and money. Eventually, Belle would ask them to do something against her.
She couldn’t guard against it.
She couldn’t always be on guard against them.
Previously, she had considered moving into the dorm, but now it seemed impossible.
Even if she didn’t stay overnight, she still needed to return to the dorm for a nap at noon.
When people are asleep, they are more vulnerable.
If Ella and Ava secretly took photos of her using the bathroom, showering, or changing clothes and gave them to Belle, who then spread them around, how could she face anyone?
More importantly, a top family like the Logans would never accept a daughter-in-law whose indecent photos were circulating everywhere.
Clara thought this was the most likely thing Belle would ask Ella and Ava to do.
Clara originally wanted to change dorms but felt it would be too awkward since they hadn’t openly fallen out yet. Besides, moving out now might make Ella and Ava suspect Zoe of tipping her off.
After much consideration, Clara decided to rent an apartment in the neighborhood opposite the school.
A small one-bedroom or two-bedroom apartment where she could take naps during the day.
—
In the afternoon after school, Clara returned to the dorm to get some things. When she arrived, she saw Ella and Ava were there.
They both seemed very excited.
Probably because they had gotten acting roles.
“Clara,” Ella said with a smile. “I want to treat you to dinner tonight.”
Clara looked at her in confusion. “Why?”
Ella said happily, “To celebrate. Ava and I got acting roles.”
“Really?” Clara said. “Congratulations.”
“Clara, do you know? This is our first time acting, but I got the fourth female lead and Ava got the fifth,” Ella said excitedly.
For a newcomer like her to get such roles in a big production was quite impressive.
Even their teacher had talked to them, saying they would give them extra lessons so they could perform well-not necessarily to become famous overnight but at least to get some screen time in front of the audience.
Clara nodded; it seemed Belle had indeed spent a lot of money.
Getting them roles as the fourth and fifth female leads right off the bat.
Although it might not sound like much, considering Ella and Ava’s average looks in the entertainment industry and their complete lack of acting experience, Belle had indeed spent a lot on them.
“Congratulations. What show are you acting in?” Clara asked.
When Ella mentioned the show’s name, Clara was stunned.
It was a big production.
Belle must have spent a lot of money and connections to get Ella and Ava those roles.
“Congratulations,” Clara said with a smile. “But I can’t join you for dinner tonight; I have something important to do at home.”
Ella was taken aback and asked, “Is it something important?”
Clara nodded. “Yes, very important.”
“Oh,” Ella nodded. “Alright then, another time. We’ll invite your husband too.”
Clara nodded. “Okay.”
Clara took her things and left.
—
When Clara got home, she rarely encountered Grace and the others in the living room.
In the living room were Hazel Quinn, Mia, Grace, and June Logan.
Currently, the head of the Logan family was Julian, Ethan’s grandfather.
Julian had two sons: Fabian Logan and Samuel Logan.
Fabian married Hazel and had two children: Azaria and Mia.
Samuel Logan married Grace and had Ethan and Mia.
In the living room, Hazel, Grace, Mia, and June were all dressed up in glamorous gowns with exquisite makeup as if they were going to attend a banquet.
Clara guessed they might have an event to attend that evening.
“Mom, Aunt Hazel, Mia, June,” Clara greeted them.
The others nodded in response.
Grace said to Clara, “We’re all attending a banquet tonight. You’ll be home alone for dinner.”
All of them were going?
Leaving her alone at home?
“I understand, Mom,” Clara said obediently.
Grace looked at Clara.
She expected Clara to be angry or upset.
Because everyone from the Logan family was going to the banquet except for Clara, which clearly excluded her from the family. Wasn’t she angry?
Was it because she didn’t dare get angry?
Or was there another reason?
“Mom, Aunt Hazel, have fun tonight. I’ll go upstairs now,” Clara said.
Grace nodded.
Clara went upstairs.
“Mom,” June said to Grace. “We shouldn’t have done that to Clara.”