Heartstrings on Fire (Agnes and Jared)
Chapter 840

The halls of the university were abuzz with the excited chattering of students, their voices a blend of gossip and admiration.

"Wow, he's seriously hot! Like, total Hollywood heartthrob material, and he's got the brains and the bucks to boot. I mean, a billionaire's son who looks like he stepped straight out of a trendy drama? I'm starting to believe those romance novels might just be onto something. Life imitating art, right?"

"I heard he's still single. It's gonna take one heck of an amazing woman to match up with him."

"Oh, for sure. She's gotta be someone with her own pedigree, you know? I bet it's out of reach for just any girl. Back in the day, I heard he dated someone from the journalism department here. Can't remember her name, but it didn't work out in the end."

"That girl must be kicking herself now. Letting a catch like that slip away? Huge mistake."

Agnes wasn't in the mood for gossip.

She turned on her heel, intending to leave, but after a few steps, she bumped into someone familiar.

It was Cecile, who looked different, almost unrecognizable from their school days, but that haughty glare and her air of superiority were dead giveaways. Agnes knew her in an instant.

And Cecile recognized Agnes too. Despite the years, Agnes hadn't changed a bit. Still sporting that fresh-faced beauty she always had.

Back then, Cecile had despised that face.

"Agnes, what a coincidence," Cecile greeted her.

Agnes offered a polite smile. "Long time no see, Cecile."

Outside, the temperature was flirting with freezing, but Cecile sported only a black turtleneck sweater tucked under a fur-lined vest, paired with skin-tight leather pants that showcased her slim, tall figure. She tottered on stilettos that gave her a height advantage over Agnes.

Cecile crossed her arms, smirking slightly. "Didn't expect to run into old acquaintances here. You here to catch a glimpse of Prince?"

Agnes had almost forgotten that nickname-Ryder had once been the heartthrob of the campus, known as Prince Frost, complete with a fan club. Cecile had been one of his most fervent admirers. Agnes had witnessed that obsession firsthand, and in the end, it was partly because of Agnes that Cecile was expelled. Old grievances and grudges weighed heavily on her mind just at the thought. Was this chance encounter fate or just bad luck?

One Yolanda was enough to exhaust Agnes; she didn't need Cecile stirring up drama in her life.

Agnes wanted no part of it.

"I was just passing by," Agnes said, looking to make her exit. But clearly, Cecile wasn't about to let her go that easily.

Cecile trailed after her, persisting, "What's the rush? We're old friends, right? Shouldn't we sit down for a bit, do some catching up?"

Agnes squeezed through the crowd, turning to face Cecile with a firm stance. "Cecile, there's nothing to catch up on. We were never friends. Can't we just leave it at that and keep our distance?" Cecile looked at Agnes as if she were prey.

"Agnes," she said with a cold edge, "I haven't forgotten what you did to me back then. And now that fate has given me this golden opportunity, it would be a shame to waste it, wouldn't it?"