NovelEnglishChapter 136 "Oh, I see." Citrine hadn't really expected an answer-she'd only asked out of casual curiosity.
Before Travis could reply, a sharp voice sliced through the peaceful atmosphere.
Regina glared at Citrine, practically spitting with outrage. "How can you be so close to her, brother?" A flicker of disgust passed through Travis's eyes as he looked at Regina.
His demeanor shifted entirely; the warmth he'd shown Citrine vanished, replaced by a cold indifference as he faced Regina.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt"First of all, I'm not your brother," he said, his tone icy. "Second, who I spend twith is none of your business. And for the record, Citrine is my real sister. If I want to be close to her, that's not your concern." He made a point of emphasizing "real sister." Regina's expression twisted. "But you barely even know her! We grew up together," she protested, her voice quivering with a complicated mix of resentment and hurt. She might hate that Travis was a student at Havencrest Technical College-she often called him a useless gamer-but she couldn't deny how much she'd enjoyed the attention he used to give her.
Even though they'd recently fallen out, the thought of Travis caring for someone else—especially Citrine, whom Regina despised most was unbearable.
Suddenly, a sharp sting ran across the top of her foot, and Regina's indignation gave way to wounded self-pity. "Don't you care what she just did to me?" Travis's gaze grew even colder. "You brought it on yourself. Citrine could've broken your foot and you'd still deserve it. Serves you right for being so spiteful." He'd wanted to slap Regina the moment she started causing trouble.
Regina shot Citrine a venomous look, her eyes were brimming with hostility. "You're really going to defend her? You've only met her a handful of times." Travis let out a humorless laugh, his eyes flashing with open malice. "Doesn't matter how long I've known Citrine. I can tell she actually seesas family. You, on the other hand, you're just a parasite-always taking, never giving anything back." He knew exactly what gRegina was playing.
Regina went pale. No one had ever spoken to her so harshly; her eyes filled with tears, and she looked about ready to cry. Just then, the boy who'd been hanging around her earlier stepped forward, shielding her protectively.
He glared at Citrine and Travis. "Picking on Regina-real tough of you two." The reminder of their bet flashed through Citrine's mind. Looking Regina straight in the eye, she said coolly, "Before you start crying, aren't we forgetting our wager?" Regina's face drained of color, and even the boy behind her faltered.
Not about to let them squirm out of it, Citrine pressed on, "Don't even think about backing out. There were plenty of witnesses, remember?" Just then, Amelia arrived with a group of students from Primus Academy. Hearing Citrine's words, she chimed in without missing a beat, "Everyone from Primus Academy saw what happened. No point trying to deny it." The students behind her echoed in agreement.
"That's right, we're not pushovers." "If you try to weasel out of this, Primus Academy won't let Elegance Peak Academy off the hook." Cornered by the growing crowd, Regina clenched her fists so tightly her knuckles turned white. Out of options, she looked to Lucian Hollister for help.
Lucian, who'd always trailed after Regina like a loyal puppy, immediately stepped up to defend her.
He gritted his teeth. "Nobody said we'd back out. No need to gang up like this." Then, shooting a reluctant glance at Travis, he added, "Sorry," his apology stiff and forced.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmTravis barely spared him a glance, making it clear he didn't think Lucian was worth his attention.
Jaw clenched, Lucian finally admitted-right there, in front of everyone that he'd deliberately tripped Travis during the race.
Afterwards, the school decided to give him a major demerit.
In the end, the boys' three-thousand-meter trophy went rightfully to Travis, The Dace official responsible for the event was also disciplined for unfair judging and failing to prevent foul play.
When it ctfor the awards, Citrine easily clinched the girls' three- thousand-meter title, walking away with both a trophy and a cash prize of three thousand dollars.
At Havencrest Preparatory Academy, athletic achievements were always rewarded with prize money-a tradition Citrine found especially appealing.
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