Chapter 309 Something Doesn’t Add Up
Even scraps meant something.
Especially at Claire University, where nearly every graduate went on to wealth or power. With that kind of loyalty to their alma mater, the school raked in tens of millions in donations every year.
Donations, unlike investments, were pure profit for the school–no dividends, no strings attached.
“Soren’s inside the academic building now. You think we’ll see him?”
“In your dreams. He’s obviously here on official business. Why would he bother with us?”
“Ugh, such a shame. I only ever saw him once, and that was at some international runway show. Soren keeps his private life locked down. This is the first time I’ve seen him in person.”
A group of female students were clearly fangirling over Soren.
Eliza now understood why he’d picked the seventh floor as their meeting spot.
In every school, the seventh floor of the academic building was practically abandoned.
Dusty and unused, it was like a forgotten wing. Couples would sometimes sneak up there to flirt in the quiet.
As soon as class ended, Eliza took the elevator to the sixth floor.
The button for the seventh floor was sealed off. She’d have to walk the last flight.
The seventh floor hadn’t been cleaned in ages. The halls were covered in a layer of dust.
gray
Most of the classrooms were abandoned. The décor and furniture looked like they were from over a decade ago–chalkboards scribbled over, TV units removed, empty multimedia mounts.
Even in broad daylight, the place gave off an eerie, haunted vibe.
Eliza eventually found Room 703.
She pushed the door open and saw Soren sitting by the window.
His frame was tall and lean, draped in a stylish, red–carpet–worthy suit. The fabric shimmered slightly with. reflective crystal accents.
His profile was flawless. A single black earring glinted at his ear, and beneath his eyes, a touch of smoky makeup matched the outfit perfectly.
So this was how a top–tier celebrity dressed.
Just seeing him there made the air feel lighter.
When Soren noticed her, he gave a warm smile. “I was worried you wouldn’t be able to find this place. But you got here pretty quick.”
Eliza said, “The layout up here’s different from the floors below. I had to circle around twice. Too many
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Chapter 309 Something Doesn’t Add Up
hallways.”
48 Pearls
“This floor’s been closed off for years. The whole setup’s from more than a decade ago. It’s easy to get turned around.”
Soren stood and pulled out a chair for her, carefully dusting it off before gesturing for her to sit.
Eliza took the seat beside him without hesitation.
“You here for the art festival?”
“Yeah. Representing the company for a donation.”
Soren added, “I studied here for a year, so this counts as my alma mater. It’s mostly for public image- turning corporate money into good PR. Create some buzz.”
“I didn’t know you went to Claire University. But I thought the school was mainly finance. No art programs.”
“I run an entertainment company. It’d be strange if I didn’t learn at least a little finance.”
That finally clicked for Eliza.
No wonder Soren was different from other male celebrities–he was the capital behind the fame.
“I heard you’re studying here too, so I figured I’d stop by. Plus, congrats–Missy’s gone international.”
He placed a magazine in front of her.
Eliza didn’t immediately understand what he meant, but the cover explained everything.
It was a high–profile publication in elite foreign circles, and it had dedicated a full feature to Missy.
The write–up praised it as one of Asia’s standout brands.
The news hadn’t even reached Eliza yet–but Soren already knew.
His international influence had probably drawn foreign eyes to Missy in the first place.
“Time to level up. Your brand’s about to catch a tidal wave of success.”
Just as Eliza was about to smile, a thought suddenly struck her.
She shot to her feet, startling Soren.
“What’s wrong? Did I say too much?”
Eliza shook her head. “No. I just had a sudden flash of insight. Something weird.”
“What kind of weird?”
“There’s someone who was disfigured–her face was slashed. But just days later, she showed up looking flawless. Not a single scar. Do you think… she could’ve used makeup?”
“That’s highly unlikely,” Soren said. “Wounds wouldn’t even be fully closed in a few days. Applying makeup would risk infection or tissue breakdown. The skin could fester. The damage could be permanent. No one in their right mind would do that.”
The Heiress’s Second Chance at Vengeance
