<b>Chapter </b><b>33 </b>


    Halle froze. Briar’s words struck her like a physical blow. She didn’t even dare to meet Briar’s eyes. After a long while, she stammered, “D- don’t worry, Briar. There won’t be a next time.”


    Briar nodded. She gave Beatrice, who still looked utterly confused, onest nce before turning and heading upstairs.


    As the start of term inched closer, the Jennings‘ suddenpliance threw Briar off. Whether her threats had worked or they were waiting to see her fail, their silence felt odd.


    Shoneport University’s term began on August 25th. That morning, Beatrice was up early, dressed in a pristine white dress, her hair perfectly


    styled.


    As Briar came downstairs, Beatrice deliberately raised her voice. “Dad, Mom, I’m heading to campus for orientation!”


    Watching Beatrice’s hyped–up stride, Briar arched an eyebrow, utterly baffled. She was left speechless for a while.


    ‘Is she nuts? Did she forget the party show? Thinks everyone’s forgotten? Fine–I’ll remind them,‘ she thought.


    At the breakfast table, Briar scrolled through her phone between bites. Halle and Edgar exchanged knowing looks at her unhurried


    demeanor.


    ‘See? Beatrice just said she’s going to school right in front of Briar, and she doesn’t react. Guess her shot at Shoneport Unviersity was a bluff,” they both figured.


    It made sense to them. Briar had spent the month either partying or gaming–they’d never seen her hustle for a Shoneport Unviersity


    hookup. The idea of her enrolling was absurd for them.


    Edgar asked, “Briar, are you heading out today?”


    Briar nodded without looking up. “Yep, going to school.”


    Halle couldn’t resist a sneer. “Nice try. We haven’t gotten any transfer letters–where exactly are you nning to enroll?”


    Briar finally looked at Halle. “Looking for another p?”


    Edgar cut in, “She’s just worried, Briar. You haven’t done anything this month. What university would take you? Let me pull some strings and get you into a decent college for now.”


    Briar logged out of Shoneport University’s forum and deleted her history. Ignoring his fake concern, she stuffed a forkful of eggs in her


    mouth.


    Edgar’s tone turned cold when Briar brushed them off. “Briar, everything I’m doing is for your own good-”


    “Spare me,” Briar snapped, dropping her fork. “We barely have a father–daughter bond. Stop seeking attention here.”


    She stood up, grabbing her backpack. “I said I’m getting into Shoneport Unviersity, and I will. Save your crocodile tears.”


    With that, Briar strode out. In the courtyard, she found the driver, Simon ckwood, eyeing her awkwardly by the car.


    The Jennings household only employed two drivers. One had already left, taking Beatrice to campus.


    Simon was assigned exclusively to Edgar for hismute to the office. Simon said uneasily, “Miss Jennings, I’m supposed to drive Mr. Jennings-”


    Briar waved a dismissive hand. “Rx. I’ll ride my bike.” Minutester, she roared out of the driveway on her motorbike.


    The second she left, Halle called Beatrice. “Briar’s on her way to Shoneport Unviersity, iming she’s enrolled. Go greet her at the main gate”