Chapter 285

Rosalind stood frozen, her mind struggling to process Julian's words.

So all this time, his affection had been nothing but family obligation. The compliments, the sweet words, even the engagement—it was all just an act. To him, she was merely an "uggo."

This was his true opinion of her.

Her face drained of color.

"Rosalind, I won't let Arabella suffer again. You should just end your miserable life!"

Julian hurled those vicious words like daggers before turning on his heel and walking away.

Rosalind staggered backward, hot tears welling in her eyes. She clamped a hand over her mouth and bolted from the dorm.

The relentless rain mirrored the tempest in her heart. She fled Willowridge University and flagged down a taxi at the gates.

"You're hideous. A worthless uggo! Do the world a favor and die!"

Julian's cruel voice echoed in her mind, unleashing a flood of tears. Her sobs grew louder, uncontrollable.

"Destination, miss?"

"Take me to the Whitmore residence on Palm Avenue..."

Her voice broke. All she wanted now was to go home.

Too consumed by grief, she didn't notice the cab driver's sinister grin beneath his cap as he glanced in the rearview mirror.

Meanwhile, Harrison had returned to campus, phone pressed to her ear as she repeatedly called Rosalind. No answer.

Why wasn't she picking up?

Frowning, Harrison paused near the dance studio's floor-to-ceiling windows. Inside, Julian stood with Arabella, who looked terrified with red-rimmed eyes.

"Julian, do you think Rosalind will send thugs after me again? I'm terrified!"

"Don't worry. I'll protect you."

Arabella immediately threw herself into Julian's arms. "Thank you."

After a brief hesitation, Julian returned the embrace.

Harrison's eyes widened. She immediately redialed Rosalind. Still no answer.

A cold dread settled in her chest. She sprinted to the dorm. "Rosalind? Rosalind!"

The empty room confirmed her fears.

Where had she gone?

Panic rising, Harrison rushed outside into the downpour. She pulled up their shared location app—thankfully still active—and saw Rosalind moving toward a remote outskirts area.

What was she doing there?

Harrison immediately hailed a cab. She had to find her.

Just then, a sleek Rolls-Royce Phantom pulled up beside her. The tinted window lowered to reveal Nathaniel's striking features.

For some reason, he was here.

His piercing gaze took in her distress. "Trouble?"

"Rosalind's missing!" Harrison blurted.

Nathaniel's expression darkened instantly.

"I tracked her location. She might be in danger."

"Get in."

He reached to open the passenger door, but Harrison climbed into the backseat instead.