Chapter 375

Rosalind froze mid-step. The delicate chatelaine pinned to her blouse had been a birthday gift from her favorite aunt.

Adriana's laughter rang out sharp and mocking. "That's a designer piece worth thousands, yet you wear it like cheap costume jewelry. Do you really think someone like Everett could ever afford such luxuries? You two are ridiculous together."

Rosalind squared her shoulders, hands finding her hips. "Since when do you care about my love life? One thing's certain - you and Everett would be a disaster!"

Adriana's face twisted. "You little-"

Everett cut in, his voice like winter frost. "Walk away. I won't warn you again."

Adriana visibly trembled under his glacial stare, caught between longing and fear.

"Fine!" She spat the word like venom. "Enjoy your pathetic little romance while it lasts. Neither of you will end up happy!" With a dramatic swirl of her designer coat, she stormed off with her entourage in tow.

"Finally." Rosalind turned to Everett with a relieved sigh. "Don't fall for her act. She's horrible - did you hear the way she talked about you?"

Everett tilted his head. "What exactly did she say?"

Rosalind hesitated, choosing her words carefully to spare his pride. "She... mentioned your family situation."

Understanding flashed in his eyes. His background was no secret, and others' opinions meant nothing to him.

Everett studied Rosalind's face - those wide, expressive eyes that revealed every emotion. "Is that why you confronted her? Because she insulted me?"

"Yes!" The word burst from her before she could stop it.

Suddenly, Everett closed the distance between them in one fluid stride. His voice dropped to a murmur. "So you have feelings for me?"

Rosalind's pulse skyrocketed. Her heart hammered against her ribs with unfamiliar intensity. Heat flooded her cheeks.

With Julian, she'd never felt this wildfire sensation - only polite affection. But Everett set her entire being ablaze with just a look.

This was new. This was terrifying. This was undeniable.

From the moment he'd appeared like some dark knight in the rainstorm, she'd been hopelessly drawn to him.

Rosalind gazed up at him, uncertainty warring with longing in her eyes. "I..."

Everett recognized that look instantly. He'd seen it countless times from Adriana and others.

He stepped closer still. "Do you want me to be your boyfriend?"

Rosalind twisted the fabric of her shirt between nervous fingers. Shyness battled with her passionate nature. When she loved, she loved fiercely - and she wasn't afraid to say it.

Tilting her chin up, she met his gaze. "Would you?"

Everett shook his head. "No."

Rosalind's breath caught.

His expression remained unreadable as he delivered the final blow. "Don't waste your time on me. I'm not interested."

Without another word, he turned and walked away.

Rosalind stood rooted to the spot, stunned. Not interested? Then why ask at all?

She watched his retreating form disappear around the corner, frustration bubbling in her chest. What just happened?

A familiar voice sliced through her confusion.

"Julian, did you hear that? Rosalind confessed to Everett and got rejected! How pathetic!" Arabella's mocking tone carried clearly.

Rosalind whirled to find two unwelcome spectators - Arabella and Julian.

Apparently, word of her confrontation with Adriana had spread quickly. They'd arrived just in time to witness her humiliation.

Julian's gaze was icy with disapproval. Arabella looked positively gleeful.

Rosalind refused to feel embarrassed. Rejection stung, but she'd survive.

"Well, if it isn't the campus gossip brigade," she drawled, rolling her eyes. "Don't you two have better things to do than eavesdrop?"