Naturally, Sloane wasn't about to tell Julia the harsh truth.
The heiress of The Ford Family was known for her explosive temper and fragile health.
Sloane didn't want to risk pushing her over the edge and causing a medical emergency.
Sloane didn't know much about The Ford Family, only what she had gleaned from online rumors.
She had no idea just how powerful they truly were.
But in her mind, no matter how influential they were overseas, their power didn't mean much locally.
Otherwise, why was Julia resorting to befriending her instead of having The Ford Family directly contact her grandfather?
It was a logical assumption.
She had seen countless wealthy people practically beg on their knees for a chance to see her grandfather. The desperation of those seeking medical help was pathetic.
Witnessing that level of desperation on a daily basis had inevitably given Sloane a sense of superiority.
"Yeah," Claire replied, her tone frosty. She remembered hearing that Sloane had used the restaurant rescue incident for clout on TikTok, and she had zero respect for her.
Because of that, Claire's response was completely indifferent.
Sloane's polite smile faltered. It was the first time she had hit such a wall.
"Do you not know who I am?" Sloane asked, genuine doubt creeping into her voice.
Given her massive online following and her status in the medical program, it seemed impossible for a student not to recognize her.
Unless-
Claire did know her, but simply despised her and was being deliberately cold.
As for why Claire would dislike her, Sloane immediately chalked it up to jealousy.
Claire was gorgeous and the star of the freshman class.
She probably just hated being around someone more accomplished.
Classic female rivalry.
"Of course I do. You're very famous," Claire said, oblivious to the wild assumptions running through Sloane's head.
Sloane took that as confirmation that Claire resented her popularity.
She frowned. "I was starting to think you just didn't like me."
Claire didn't even have a chance to respond.
Julia chimed in with burning curiosity. "Claire, why don't you like her?"
Sloane choked back a gasp. This Julia was an absolute idiot.
Who asks something like that out loud?
"I don't dislike Sloane," Claire stated matter-of-factly. She just didn't like her either.
"Oh, good. I was worried we had gotten off on the wrong foot," Sloane said, feigning relief.
"I've been wanting to meet you for a while now. You're quite the legend among the freshmen I heard you abandoned math to study medicine?"
"I was just thinking about how bold you are."
"If only I
Claim your kind of courage
back
Sloane added,
Claire with manufactured envy. swhovels
at
She was clearly fishing for someone to ask what her original dreams had been.
But Claire refused to play along.
"You can still be bold now."
Sloane blinked, caught off guard. "Bold about what?"
"Just bold in general." Claire was losing her patience with girls like Sloane.
She had dealt with far too many of them back at the James Family estate. Honestly, she expected better from Dr. Sterling Senior's granddaughter.
This petty social maneuvering was just exhausting and beneath her. Claire let out a soft sigh. "I have things to do, so I'll let you guys get back to your lunch."
She wanted nothing more to do with Sloane and simply focused on finishing her meal.
Sloane wasn't used to being brushed off so casually.
Her mood soured instantly.
But she couldn't exactly stand there and beg for Claire's attention.
"Alright, we'll go grab our food then. Sorry to bother you," she said tightly.
Claire gave a noncommittal nod.
Julia, completely oblivious to the thick tension, plopped down into a chair. "I'm sitting right here."
"Claire, can you recommend the best dishes in the cafeteria?"
Claire instinctively glanced at Sloane.
Predictably, a flash of pure annoyance crossed Sloane's face.
She was so accustomed to being the center of the universe that the
moment someone else stole the spotlight, she was furious,