Chapter 13 

Before Elara could even open her mouth, Asher cut in. That birthday party? Yeah, that was all you. You were the one who wanted me to invite everyone. I couldn’t care less about it. But then you go and humiliate people on purpose. 

“What, just because you’ve got money, you think it gives you the right to shit all over everyone else? And don’t even try to spin i like you’re doing me a favor. That cash was nothing but my tutoring fee! From now on, I’m done with your money, and d even think about asking me for help again 

Asher finished, not waiting for her to respond, and swapped seats like he couldn’t get away from her fast enough. 

Oh, look at him. Mr. Too Cool for Everyone Genius, Elara thought sarcastically. 

She hadn’t forgotten how he used to beg her for help. She even felt a little sorry for him when she saw Jefferson hit him. But now, honestly, she figured he deserved every bit of it. 

Not holding back, Elara shot back, “Tutoring? Asher, you’ve got some serions balls calling it that. Since when have you actually tutored me! All you’ve done is bum through my money. I’m still at the bottom of the class every month. Is that what you call tutoring?” 

Asher’s expression didn’t change. “I already told you–you’re the one who’s not getting it. How’s that my problem? Elara, with all that money you throw around, maybe it’s time you invest in a new brain.” 

That line got the crowd around them laughing. 

Elara, pissed at his smugness, snapped, “Are you sure it’s me who’s not getting it, and not your shitty teaching?” 

Asher, remembering how Elara had turned to Lysander for tutoring recently, smirked. “Alright then, let’s see how you do in the midterm. If you manage to climb a hundred places in the rankings. I’ll admit it was my fault” 

He was thinking. Good luck with that. Let’s see if Lysander can teach her anything. She barely uses her brain as it is! 

“Deal!” Elara barked back. locking eyes with him. He clearly thought she was too dumb to make that kind of improvement. Does he seriously think I’m that much of an idiot? she thought. 

Asher turned to the crowd, making sure everyone could hear him. “You all heard her! If she jumps a hundred spots in the next exam. I’ll run six miles as a penalty 

“Whoa! The crowd started buzzing, eyes glued to Asher. 

Before Elara could say anything else, Lizzie chimed in. “Hey, Elara, if Asher here’s willing to run six miles, why don’t you agree to do the same if you lose? Or are you too scared? Come on, if you’re gonna back out, just admit it now.” 

Elara didn’t flinch. She met Lizzie’s challenge with a calm, steady voice. “Fine. I’m in.” 

To her, jumping a hundred places didn’t seem impossible. After a few tutoring sessions with Lysander, she actually felt like she was starting to make some progress. So, without hesitation, she accepted. 

It wasn’t just about winning anymore. This was about proving something to herself. She needed this. A goal, a challenge. something to push her forward. 

Asher couldn’t help but let out a smug chuckle when he saw her agree. “Idiot,” he said, sitting back down. 

He was a little surprised at how quickly she’d jumped at the challenge, but considering how clueless she always seemed when he explained things, he couldn’t wait to watch her struggle. 

The idea of her huffing and puffing through six miles almost made him laugh out loud. 

As bets were being tossed around, Daphine walked into the classroom, lingering by the doorway just long enough to catch Asher’s words. 

After a restless night of overthinking, she’d finally come to some clarity. Asher wasn’t just smart–he was ridiculously good- looking. Sure, he wasn’t loaded, but the guy had grit, which was more than she could say for Elara. 

In Daphne’s eyes, Elara was nothing but a shallow airhead. Asher, on the other hand, had brains, looks, and ambition. He was destined for success, and Daphne being by his side wasn’t “settling” at all–it was a good move. 

Chapter 13 

With that though, Dapline approached Asher, her voice soft yet deliberate. “Asher, so what if your dad’s a driver? He’s carning an honest living, and you? You’re top of the class every time. Given where you started, getting this far must’ve been brutal. I just want you to know–I’ve got your back. Always” 

Her words hit home, especially with the classinates who had always been illy about Asher. To them, Daphne’s loyalty made her seem like a real catch. 

Meanwhile, Elara looked like a complete fool–not only was she lazy, but she’d also tried to latch onto Asher, and it backfired spectacularly. 

Elara, watching Daphine and Asher, felt a surge of amusement. ‘Oh, how fucking precious, she thought, practically rolling her eyes. They’re like a match made in heaven. What a fucking joke. I must’ve been out of my mind trying to mess with them. 

She sneered to herself, realizing that all she could do now was hope these two losers stayed together and spared her the drama. 

Thanks to Asher’s sharp comments earlier, Elara’s reputation was in the gutter. Her classmates no longer saw her as anything more than a pretty face with no substance. 

And with her grades tanking, they kept their distance. She’d finally shaken off the labels of “Asher’s simp” and “servant’s daughter,” but now she had to deal with this new pile of crap. 

Not that it mattered to Elara. Compared to the shitstorm she’d faced before her time travel, these petty rumors were a breeze. She still had her money and her dad backing her. 

So, screw the gossip. She focused on her studies and refused to waste time on people’s nonsense, 

Later that afternoon, Barrett showed up to pick her up. 

Even in his late forties, Barrett was still a looker, carrying himself with the kind of grace that turned heads. 

He spotted Elara, pulled her into a warm hug, then opened the car door for her like the gentleman he was, coaxing her inside. Asher, Daphne, and a few other classmates saw the whole thing go down. Seeing Elara get into the car with a middle–aged mant kicked off a fresh round of gossip. 

“Is that Elara’s new dating?” one of the students asked, eyes wide with curiosity. 

Asher had dropped some subtle shade about Elara earlier, and now, with this new sighting, people were ready to jump to conclusions. 

Daphne frowned, clearly puzzled. “That guy’s, like, in his forties. What’s up with him and Elara?” 

It didn’t take long for the rumor mill to churn. “Knew it! There’s no way Elara’s some fancy heiress. She’s just being kept by some rich old guy,” one girl said, snickering, I thought she was better than that 

“No wonder Asher’s not into her. I’d steer clear too. She’s what, like, eighteen and already doing that? Gross: 

As the insults flew, Asher kept his mouth shut. He hadn’t started any of the rumors, and he wasn’t about to step in now. Let them think what they wanted. 

Daphne noticed his silence and figured the rumors had to be true. A sense of satisfaction washed over her. Elara had always. flaunted her money and lavish lifestyle, making Daphne feel second–best. 

But now that she believed Elara’s so–called wealth came from an older man, the playing field felt leveled. 

At least I would never lower myself like that, Daphne thought, her confidence swelling. I’ll achieve everything I want through my own hard work. One day, everything Elara has, I’ll have too–and I won’t need some old man to get there.” 

SEND GUT