"Ulrich isn't trying to mock you." Noella explained.
Malvina said earnestly, "You're lying. I don't believe you. He must think it's my fault for not getting treated at your family's hospital. Why else would he chase after me? I don't even know how to explain this to my crew!"
Thinking about the situation gave Noella a headache too. Dating someone from the Schnabel family was indeed a bit of a challenge. Better leave that explanation to Ulrich, the emotional genius with an EQ of 180.
Darcy's lecture was engaging and far from dry, despite its high level of professionalism. After class, Noella nudged Malvina, who had dozed off next to her.
"Malvina, let's go."
Rubbing her sleepy eyes and noticing the drool on her book, Malvina wiped her mouth.
"See, I told you, college isn't for me."
Noella raised an eyebrow at the book in Malvina's hand, "Swine Postpartum Care" written in bold letters across the front.
"If you're interested in agriculture, our university has a pretty good program for that," Noella teased.
Shaking her head, Malvina replied, "Just grabbed a random book. Didn't even look at the title."
She had picked it up on her way to class, thinking it was better to have something in her hands while at school.
Flipping through the book, a photo fell out.
"Hey, isn't this your brother Stirling?" Malvina, not one to follow celebrities, could still recognize Stirling Schnabel's unforgettable face.
Stirling, known for his looks being even better in person than in photos, could still drive countless fans wild with just a single snapshot.
The photo showed Stirling in a close embrace with a girl, looking very much like an infatuated couple.
Seeing the girl in the photo, Noella raised an eyebrow.
"Your brother's girlfriend?" Malvina asked.
"Obviously not. If you're into it, I can get you one too."
"No, thanks. If I really liked your brother, I'd have already made my way to get a photo with him!"
As they went through the book, Malvina was shocked to find a page filled with curses directed at Noella! The page was filled with hateful and vile words.
"Who the hell dares to be so vicious and insult you! I ought to slap her!"
Noella smiled. "Not gonna ask why? What if it was my fault?"
"Impossible! Whatever you do is right! If someone says you're the problem, they should take a good look at themselves!"
This blatant bias and protectiveness warmed Noella's heart. Instead of rushing off, she watched as Oriana approached.
"Here, this book must be hers."
Having found the culprit, Malvina resumed her usual haughty princess demeanor.
Oriana had been spreading rumors about Noella in class. She also claimed to be Stirling's girlfriend since they lived in the same neighborhood and had several photos to prove it. The class had mixed reactions, most choosing to stay neutral and distancing themselves from Noella, who noticed but didn't mind.
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