Chapter 32

Dominick tried to downplay the matter. "It's probably nothing serious, Mr. Gordon. Just a few rumors spreading online."

A steely edge crept into Asher's voice, calm yet unmistakably firm."Show me."

Without delay, Dominick passed the iPad into his hands.

A few quick swipes brought up the university's online forum for Asher to scan.

"Can you believe how Daisy acted? She owes everything to Elissa's family and still took her place."

Another chimed in, "Didn't Elissa get kicked out for plagiarism?"

Someone quickly interjected, "That wasn't true!Kenzie confessed they choreographed that

dance together. Elissa never meant to copy Isabella's routine."

Sympathy filled the comments. "Elissa can't catch a break. First Kenzie, now Daisy. If I were Daisy, I'd have turned down the offer to join the troupe."

Judgment was harsh and direct. "Anyone with a heart would refuse that role."

Support for Elissa poured in. "She's shameless for taking that spot. Poor Elissa deserves better."

Toxic rumors weren't limited to the forum; soon,the entire Internet was awash with harsh criticism, labeling Daisy as unfeeling and cold.

While Asher's expression stayed stone-cold,Dominick could sense the anger simmering beneath the surface.

Leaning in, Dominick asked in a low voice,"Should we intervene?"

Asher's response came crisp and decisive."This is our campus. If we don't handle it, who will?"

Dominick responded quickly, "Understood. I'll check with Miss Stanley for her instructions."

Well before Dominick's call reached her,Arabella had already scrolled through the flood of gossip online. Calmly, she instructed him to hold off-no action needed for now.

When the morning came, she showed up on campus just as she always did.

Navigating the hallways, Arabella found herself treated like an outcast-classmates sidestepped her, sent sharp glances her way,and whispered behind their hands.

Isolation followed her everywhere; not a soul offered so much as a greeting. Still, she moved through the crowds, her chin held high.

Meanwhile, Elissa enjoyed a ring of admirers,her friends huddled close around her

With Arabella gone, Kenzie had been relegated to errand duty, running from one classmate to another,arms loaded with their requests.

Even so, Kenzie's eyes met Arabella's with a trace of sympathy.

Halfway through class, a note sailed across the aisle from Kenzie's desk.

A quick flick of her fingers opened the folded paper. "Daisy, you've become truly pathetic. No one likes you. No one notices you. You could disappear and not a single person would care."

Pen in hand, Arabella scribbled a reply. "It must be easy being someone else's servant all day.Enjoy it."

She tossed the note right back.

Kenzie read the words, then balled up the paper in her fist, frustration plain on her face.

With a shaky breath, Kenzie scribbled another note and flicked it across the aisle. Arabella

barely spared it a glance before tossing it straight into the trash, driving Kenzie's frustration even higher.

Just as the bell neared, a stack of notebooks landed with a thud on Kenzie's desk. Joyce,popping her gum with a smirk, said, "Finish my assignments, will you?"

A strained smile appeared on Kenzie's face."Sure, Joyce. There's quite a pile today, though.Mind if I start with half?"

That answer set Joyce off. She grabbed a fistful of Kenzie's hair and hissed, "You got some nerve. Stay up all night if you have to, but l expect it all done."

Kenzie froze, shock flickering across her face.

The spectacle only amused Joyce further."What's this? Planning to be a rebel like Daisy?You even know your own worth?"

Desperation laced Kenzie's words as she rushed to explain, "No way, Joyce. I'd never.

We're friends-she means nothing to me."

Joyce's laughter exploded, sharp and cruel."Friends? Is that what you think? Because Elissa let you stand near her, you believe you belong with us? Open your eyes. You're just here to serve. Remember your place."

Mockery rang out all around, other students joining in the laughter.

Kenzie stared at the sneers and contempt on every face, her whole body tensing,humiliation washing over her.

Unable to bear it, she bowed her head, tears spilling silently down her cheeks.

Surviving until graduation seemed impossible with so much pressure closing in on every side.

A flash of memory brought Arabella's words back to Kenzie, and regret flooded her thoughts. Had she never chased Elissa's approval, maybe college could have been simple-maybe even peaceful.

Once the lesson ended, Arabella remained slouched over her desk, her appetite gone and her only plan to catch a bit of sleep.

All around her, the room hummed with chatter,every word tinged with ridicule and derision.