Chapter 338: Chapter 338

Chapter 338:

Aside from the few who held her in fair regard—namely those three hundred students and others who viewed the situation with more understanding—the rumor mill grew spiteful.

Whispers painted Harlee as a spotlight seeker, adept at leading men on. They harshly opined that a woman who had faced a public rejection of her engagement ought to be thankful for any attention, yet here she was, playing hard to get…

However, what remained unknown to many was that Collin, despite his conspicuous endeavors, had never actually mustered the courage to confess his feelings to Harlee, nor had he managed to spend more than a fleeting three minutes in her presence.

Collin meticulously orchestrated these scenarios to corner Harlee, leaving her with no opportunity to outright reject him face-to-face. Under such pressure, most would feel ensnared, perhaps contemplating escaping the city or enduring the situation in silent resentment.

But Harlee was not the type to yield to manipulation. She had her own effective strategies for handling such deceitful characters. She was a woman of action.

That particular afternoon, Harlee crafted a decisive message to Ritchie. With a tone of finality, she instructed, “Inform Barbara that the time has come for the George family to face bankruptcy.”

Ritchie responded promptly, his tone laced with a hint of irony, “Sure, I reckon Barbara might even be looking forward to it.” Once Harlee confirmed the time Ritchie had arranged with Barbara, she slid her phone back into her bag.

As Harlee wrapped up her lecture, her eyes naturally drifted to the doorway where, as expected, Collin stood waiting like a loyal but irritating guard.

Exclusive updates gαlησνєℓs.cøm

“Harlee, is class over?” Collin’s voice held a subtle eagerness.

“Would you allow me the pleasure of taking you out for dinner tonight?”

Before Harlee could respond, Dorsey, along with a few classmates, quickly interposed themselves between Harlee and Collin. Their expressions were stern and unyielding.

“Enough already, Collin. Why do you keep bothering Miss Sanderson? Don’t you get tired of being turned down?”

Their confrontation didn’t go unnoticed. Several onlookers, previously recipients of Collin’s free coffees, chimed in. They chastised the Aerospace Mechanical Engineering students for their harsh treatment of Collin, arguing that gratitude was due for his kind gestures, regardless of personal grievances.

Harlee finally raised her eyes to meet Collin’s, her gaze sharp and unyielding.

“Still not feeling the sting? Or are you hoping for another slap to remind you?” she quipped coldly.

Collin recoiled slightly, the memory of their last encounter clearly etched in his mind.

“If you’re busy, perhaps another time,” he hastily said, managing a strained smile.

Harlee’s lips twisted into an icy smile, a frosty edge lingering despite the softening of her features.

He had learned his lesson, knowing to step back this time.

Clearly, he had no desire to endure another biting slap from her.

With a casual air, Harlee responded, “Then let’s have dinner another time.” But in her heart, she doubted there would ever be another opportunity. The collapse of the George family meant he was in for a world of hardship.

.

.

.