Heartstrings on Fire novel 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.

"Oh look, isn't this our social butterfly?" was the first thing Cecile said when she spotted Agnes. "Agnes, you're from a well-off family. Why would you need someone else's sponsorship? Could it be because your dad remarried and no longer cares about you?"

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 Agnes' family situation, but it was a public secret Agnes didn't like to discuss.

Agnes' face turned serious. "Cecile, are you just looking for trouble?"

"I couldn't care less about who's sponsoring you, Agnes," Cecile retorted. "I just want to clarify something. Are you really with Prince? Does he know you're being sponsored by Jared?"

Cecile's words were harsh and shocking, leaving everyone around stunned.

Prince of Lakeside College was the universally acknowledged hunk, Ryder.

Kerri stood up. "Cecile, stop spreading rumours! Agnes would never do that, and she doesn't need anyone's sponsorship."

"Is she too scared to admit it? I'm going to expose her true colours today," Cecile shot back.

"Agnes." Suddenly, a deep and pleasant voice came from not far away.

It wasn't loud but extremely charismatic. Everyone turned to look, and to their surprise, it was Ryder himself.

Ryder sauntered over to Agnes. Seeing him, Cecile's face lit up with fascination. "Prince."

"Cecile, I've told you to leave Agnes alone," Ryder said coldly.

"Don't you know Agnes is being sponsored by Jared? Prince, don't let her fool you," Cecile said.

"Agnes is not being sponsored. If you keep spreading this rumour, she could sue you for defamation," Ryder replied.

"How do you know? Do you just unthinkingly trust her?"