Chapter 96: Further Humiliation
"No, I was just heading to the cafeteria for lunch. I only saw your call when I pulled out my phone for the payment code."
"Oh, I see. That’s good, then. I’m glad I didn’t disturb you."
"Did you need me for something, Auntie?" Chloe York asked.
"It’s nothing, really. I just wanted to remind you not to get so caught up in your studies that you forget to take care of yourself. Make sure you get enough rest and eat well." Sophia Quinn’s voice was filled with earnest concern. ’After all, Chloe is still just a young woman, and with such a complicated family situation, the least I can do is show her some extra care.’
"I know, Auntie!"
"Alright, well, I’ll let you go then. It was nothing important, I just wanted to check in on you."
"Okay!"
’Ethan Prescott’s mom?’ Stella Winters wondered. ’The only person who would speak so gently to Chloe—and get such a cooperative response—would be Ethan Prescott’s mother, Mrs. Prescott of the Prescott Group.’
"Yep!"
"Putting Ethan Prescott himself aside, Mrs. Prescott would actually make a decent mother-in-law," Stella Winters remarked objectively.
Chloe York nodded, unable to deny it.
Her phone suddenly announced a deposit: "Alipay transfer received: five thousand yuan."
"Whoa, who just sent you money?"
She unlocked her phone, opened Alipay, and saw the transfer was from Sophia Quinn. There was a message, too.
"Chloe, take this money and use it. From now on, I’ll give you five thousand a month for living expenses. Don’t refuse. I’ve watched you grow up, and you’re like a daughter to me. It’s only right. If you refuse, I’ll get angry. And when I get angry, the consequences are very serious!!!"
A warmth spread through Chloe York’s heart as she read the message. In all her life, the York Family had never given her a single penny.
The York Family only provided her with a roof over her head. If there was food at home, she could eat. If not, well, there was nothing she could do about it. As for school materials and supplies, she had to find her own way to earn the money to buy them.
Ultimately, it was because Alice Cole resented her. She felt Chloe had usurped her daughter’s identity and life, enjoying everything that should have belonged to her.
In the end, Chloe decided to accept the money. She didn’t need it, but she knew Sophia Quinn would feel bad if she refused. Besides, it would just lead to a back-and-forth between them. ’I’ll just pick out a nice gift for her later,’ she resolved.
"It’s from Ethan Prescott’s mom," Chloe told Stella Winters.
"Chloe, oh Chloe... I think Mrs. Prescott really does see you as her own daughter! Back when you were still the ’true heiress’ of the York Family, your monthly allowance was only three thousand. Now Ethan Prescott’s mom just hands you five thousand!"
Even though their families were wealthy, they didn’t just throw money at them. Their allowances were only two or three thousand more than what an average person might get. Yet Sophia Quinn gave her five thousand in one go.
Chloe didn’t argue with Stella’s words, because it was the truth.
"Chloe!" Zoe Roland suddenly appeared, walking over from a side path.
Stella’s expression soured the moment she saw Zoe Roland. Chloe, on the other hand, simply felt that it had been a while since she’d last seen her.
"Chloe, are you heading to the cafeteria for lunch?" Zoe Roland asked.
"Yeah!"
"Me too! We can go together." Without waiting for a response, Zoe familiarly linked her arm through Chloe’s free arm, sandwiching Chloe between herself and Stella. She completely ignored Stella, acting as if she wasn’t even there.
Stella, of course, felt Zoe ignoring her. She tightened her own grip on Chloe’s arm, trying to pull Chloe closer to her and away from Zoe.
The three of them made their way to the cafeteria. It wasn’t very crowded, so after ordering their food, they carried their trays and found a table.
"Chloe, the third mock exam is coming up soon, isn’t it?" Zoe Roland initiated the conversation.
Chloe nodded. "Yeah." She popped a piece of sweet and sour pork into her mouth. It was sweet, but not at all cloying; in fact, it was quite delicious.
"Chloe, I’m sure you’ll be number one in our grade on the third mock," Zoe Roland said with absolute confidence.
"I hope you’re right."
After lunch, Chloe and Stella headed back to their classroom. Zoe had to go back to her own class, which meant they had to part ways.
"Chloe, after the college entrance exams, will you tell me what university you get into?"
"Of course!"
"Then let’s exchange contact info!" Zoe said, pulling out her phone. They hadn’t exchanged numbers yet.
Chloe took out her phone as well, and they added each other on WeChat.
Stella watched them exchange WeChat info and pouted. In her eyes, Zoe Roland was the epitome of a ’white lotus’ and a ’green tea bitch’—definitely not a good person.
"Chloe, let’s keep in touch!" Zoe felt a sense of satisfaction after getting Chloe’s contact info. ’Does this mean my relationship with Chloe has gotten closer?’ she thought happily.
"Okay, you should head back to class," Chloe said, urging Zoe to hurry back. She needed to get back and grind through some practice questions herself. Just as Zoe had said, the third mock exam was right around the corner, and after that, it would be time to prepare for the college entrance exams.
The countdown on the blackboard showed the college entrance exams drawing ever closer. She had to make the most of her time to review and solidify her knowledge.
Watching the backs of Chloe and Stella as they walked away together, a strange feeling stirred in Zoe’s heart. ’Chloe,’ she vowed silently, ’we will definitely be best friends forever, and we will always be together.’
Back in the classroom, Chloe immediately dove back into her studies, with no time or energy to spare for unnecessary thoughts.
Meanwhile, Miles York had arrived at the Prescott Group building with Brooke York and Alice Cole in tow.
"You still want Brooke to apologize again?"
"What other choice do we have? If she doesn’t apologize, they won’t let up on the company. Without the company, can either of you afford to maintain your current lifestyle?"
Miles York’s counter-question silenced both Brooke York and Alice Cole. Of course they wanted to keep their lifestyle, but they also wanted their dignity.
"Brooke, let’s go in." Miles York’s tone was cold and firm, leaving no room for argument.
"Brooke’s just going to walk in like that? What if she gets thrown out?"
The color drained from Brooke York’s face at the mention of being thrown out. ’How humiliating would it be to get thrown out?’
"Why would she be thrown out? She’s going there to apologize, not to cause trouble. Besides, this is a formal visit!" With that, Miles York led the way inside.
Brooke glanced at Alice Cole, then hurried to follow. ’With Dad here, it won’t be as humiliating,’ she thought. ’It would only be truly embarrassing if I were by myself.’
After a moment’s hesitation, Alice Cole followed them inside as well.
The trio walked up to the reception desk. "Hello, I’m Miles York," he announced. "My family is connected to your president by marriage, and I’d like to see him."
"Do you have an appointment?" The receptionist’s attitude remained strictly professional, showing no sign of trying to curry favor despite hearing his claim.
The faces of all three fell at the word "appointment." They had already heard it once today and had no desire to hear it again.
"We don’t have one!"
"In that case, you can call the president directly. If he gives his approval, you may go up."
A phone call? They didn’t even have Arthur Prescott’s number. In fact, not even Sophia Quinn or Ethan Prescott had it—only Chloe.
Brooke looked expectantly at Miles York and Alice Cole. If they had the number, this would all be so much easier.