Heartstrings on Fire (Agnes and Jared)
Chapter 841

Agnes furrowed her brow, eyeing Cecile with caution. "What are you planning?"

But Cecile burst into laughter. "Look at you, Agnes, all jumpy as a cat on a hot tin roof. Without Jared to hide behind, have you lost your spine? Oh, that's right, I heard you two split up ages ago. So tell me, are you still enjoying the single life or are you here to sink your claws into Ryder?"

Her words stung, but Agnes didn't bite, because she knew Cecile all too well. Engaging in this catfight would only draw an onlookers and have her making a spectacle of herself..

"I've got things to do, Cecile. I'm outta here. You should focus on polishing your own tarnished reputation so Ryder might give you the time of day."

With that, Agnes turned on her heel and left.

Cecile, fuming, tossed her designer bag to the ground in a fit of anger. She had fantasized about the day she would meet Agnes again, plotting to humiliate her in return for past grievances. But Agnes was the same as ever-never engaging her directly. It was like punching a pillow.

As Agnes stepped out of the administration building, she found herself at a loss for where to go. Her thoughts were interrupted by a call from Amelia.

"Have you made it to campus yet?"

"Yeah, I'm here," Agnes replied.

"Then hustle over to Hot N Sizzlin'. The school's rented it out for the alumni event today. Everyone's already there. Don't keep us waiting."

Agnes hesitated, dreading another run-in with Cecile. But Amelia was insistent, even throwing in an ultimatum about ending their friendship if she didn't show.

With no choice, Agnes decided to just drop by for a quick hello. Cecile would likely still be at Ryder's talk anyway.

Upon arriving at Hot N Sizzlin', which was a stone's throw from campus and known for its indulgent cuisine, she stepped into a bustling scene.

The entire lobby was overflowing with dozens of tables filled with lively chatter and reminiscing.

Agnes spotted many familiar faces, though some names escaped her. They had shared classes back in the day.

She slipped in practically unnoticed amid the buzz.

Amelia, spotting Agnes from afar, waved her over. "Agnes, over here!"

Amelia was dressed to the nines in a deep red dress that clung to her curves, her hair styled in finger waves and adorned with a vintage clip.

It was a far cry from the Amelia Agnes remembered the bookworm who would stake out a spot in the library from dawn till dusk, a paragon of academic excellence. But people change, and time had clearly worked its magic on Amelia.

Agnes made her way over as Amelia linked arms with her.

"We've been waiting for you. This table's full of our old buddies from Journalism Department. You remember them, right, Agnes?"