Sloane was walking down the school hallway with a stack of documents in her arms, heading toward the library. Suddenly, a few classmates stepped in her way, smug smiles playing on their faces. “Well, if it isn’t the precious heiress of the Rivers family. What’s the matter—got dumped by the Hawthorne family and still have the nerve to show up at school?” one girl sneered, her tone dripping with mockery. Another girl chimed in, “Yeah, I heard Lucas called off the engagement himself. Was it because you’re just too boring? Maybe he thought you weren’t good enough for him.” Sloane’s expression turned cold in an instant. Her gaze swept over them like a blade; her voice came out sharp and icy. “Move.” But the girls weren’t intimidated. One of them scoffed. “What, struck a nerve? Thought scoring top marks in the department and joining Blackhawk made you special? Still got dumped by the Hawthorne family, didn’t you? What a disgrace.” Sloane’s fists tightened slightly; a flicker of menace flashed in her eyes.Just as she opened her mouth to fire back, a voice came from behind. “You girls have way too much time on your hands. What business is it of yours anyway?” Sloane turned to look. It was the same upperclassmen who had invited her to collaborate on a research project last time. Leading the group, Harper stepped forward, her eyes frosty as they landed on the group of bullies. Her tone carried a clear warning. “Sloane’s under our protection. If any of you dare speak to her like that again, don’t expect us to go easy on you.” The girls clearly hadn’t expected anyone to take Sloane’s side; their smug expressions quickly turned awkward. One of them tried to save face, stammering, “W-We were just joking around. No need to get so serious.” Harper let out a cold laugh, laced with disdain. “Joking? You really think no one sees through your petty little games? Get lost, you're an eyesore.” The girls wilted on the spot. Without another word, they slunk off, casting Sloane one last dirty look as they muttered, “What’s so great about her anyway? She’s only got backup.”Once they were gone, Harper turned to Sloane and gave her a reassuring pat on the shoulder, her voice soft with concern. “Don’t let them get to you, Sloane. They’re just jealous. You shine too bright, so they’re desperate to tear you down.” Sloane smiled faintly, her tone tinged with gratitude. “Thanks, Harper. I’m okay.” Another upperclassman walked over, grinning. “Don’t take it to heart, Sloane. If Lucas broke off the engagement, that’s his loss. You’re amazing! Someone better’s bound to come along.” Sloane nodded. She hadn’t been hurt by the engagement being called off; still, their concern warmed her heart. Harper gently took the stack of papers from Sloane’s hands and passed it to the guy beside her. Her tone softened. “Come on, let’s grab some bubble tea and unwind. Don’t let those nobodies mess with your mood.” Sloane followed them reluctantly, murmuring, “But I still need to deliver these to Jordan.” “It’s fine, let your senior take care of that.” Harper was already pulling her along. Jill rushed up just then, clearly out of breath but bursting with anger. “Sloane, just wait—I’m going straight to Mr. Hawthorne to ask what the heck he’s thinking! How could he break off the engagement? He’s heartless—what a jerk! I’m done idolizing him!” Sloane sipped her drink at a leisurely pace. “But I’m the one who called it off.”