Sloane's eyes darted away defensively. "I'm sorry, Claire. I've been so busy these past couple of days."
"I really didn't notice what everyone was whispering about."
"Well, then you should pay attention now. Did I reject your invitation, or did you reject mine?"
Priscilla's three roommates all drew in sharp breaths.
Good lord, how could Claire speak to someone like that on their own turf?
Wasn't she afraid Sloane would call security and have her thrown out?
Macy Wade quickly stepped forward to mediate. "Sloane, don't be mad at Claire. She just hates when people spread rumors about her."
Sloane shot Macy a warning glance, her brow furrowing. "Macy, that's enough."
"I admit I didn't handle this well."
"Let me clarify things for everyone right now. Back in the cafeteria, I was the one who invited Claire."
"She told me she had prior engagements and couldn't make it, so I dropped it."
"As for how the story twisted into her begging me for an invite and getting rejected, I really have no idea."
"If any of you hear someone spreading that nonsense again, please help clear it up."
Sloane handled it with perfect poise, leaving no room for anyone to find fault.
Her decisive apology immediately smoothed things over.
If Claire kept pushing the issue now, she would be the one acting unreasonable.
"Since you're here today, I assume your other plans fell through?"
"I'm actually really happy you could make it to my birthday."
Sloane reached out to grab Claire's hand, but Claire smoothly sidestepped the touch.
A flash of annoyance crossed Sloane's eyes, though she hid it instantly.
"You're the rising star of the medical school."
"Everyone's saying you're destined for incredible achievements."
"After all, you're the genius two different departments fought over."
"The rest of your class must feel so pressured trying to keep up with you."
Claire stared at Sloane.
She couldn't tell if the girl genuinely her or if she was
inter against her fent
trying to turn the el
the students against her
Not that it mattered.
She cut Sloane's rambling short.
Ofe
"I'm sorry, Sloane, but like I said before, I have plans today. I won't be attending your
party."
"Hmm?" Sloane clearly didn't buy it. "Are you here to see someone else at Ridgeview Pass?"
It wasn't
Sloane looked down on
Claire, but the prices at
were astronomical 49
the prices at Ridgeview
couldn't just book a spot
here.
Besides, guests at Ridgeview Pass had access to live-fire shooting ranges,
horseback riding, and other high-end activities.
Students rarely possessed that kind of spending power.
Moreover, Claire's background was rather complicated.
She was the outcast of a bankrupt wealthy family.
When Sloane had first heard the brilliant freshman stealing
she had imme
a background check on Claire
She knew exactly who Claire was.
She assumed Claire was just trying to save face with a pathetic lie.
"That's right," Claire nodded. "Sorry for the interruption. I have to go."
She didn't want to waste another second. Since Sloane had cleared the air, there was no reason to linger.
Whether the others believed her or not was entirely irrelevant.
"Wait!" Sloane couldn't believe Claire was actually leaving, but she didn't want to make an enemy out of her just yet.
Her father had even praised Claire at home.
She wanted to observe this freshman up close and see exactly what made her tick.
Her father was notoriously strict, yet he had spoken highly of this girl in front of her. That alone gave Sloane plenty of reason to invite her.
If her father found out she was building a good relationship with Claire, he would definitely be pleased.