Chapter 1086

Joelle couldn't handle the teasing anymore. She shoved her way through the crowd and dashed out.

Lydia was right behind her, shouting, "Joelle!"

Josefina, on the other hand, sat comfortably in her chair, unfazed by the drama. In fact, she seemed a bit satisfied.

Once word spread, everyone would know her selection criteria. Those who fit the bill could stay; those who didn't wouldn't need to ask why.

...

Joelle stormed into the library, clutching her books, her mood sour.

At the entrance, she saw it was jam-packed, not a seat to be had.

Lydia explained, "Everyone's trying to get into the medical society. Some folks made it through the first round, so they're gearing up for the next one. They're here at the crack of dawn and study until the wee hours."

Joelle sighed, "Is it really worth it?"

"It's just a society. Is it that cutthroat? Will you really perish if you don't make it?"

A mocking voice chimed in from behind, "Of course not. But not everyone handles failure as gracefully as you, Joelle—by making a bigger fool of themselves!"

Joelle spun around to face Mandy's challenging gaze.

Joelle was seething! Why did they always gang up on her?

Mandy sneered, "You're mocking us for striving hard when you couldn't even get in yourself! Go on, repeat what you just said and see if anyone cheers for you."

Joelle wouldn't dare. Mandy alone was intimidating enough.

If more joined in, Joelle doubted she could stand her ground.

Joelle tried to slip away, but Mandy grabbed her arm, holding her in place.

"Hey everyone, look here! Joelle thinks we're wasting our time studying hard!" Mandy yelled, quickly drawing a crowd around Joelle.

"What does our hard work have to do with you?"

"Just because you didn't get in doesn't mean we won't. Who do you think you are, raining on our parade?"

Mandy kept fanning the flames, "Joelle said, 'It's just a medical society. Will you die if you don't get in?"

"Oh really, Joelle? If it's no big deal, why were you hassling Josefina today?"

"Sour grapes, anyone?"

Joelle felt the hostility and it only fueled her frustration.

"You guys are picking on me!" Joelle felt cornered.

Mandy smirked, "We're just calling it like it

Who's bullying you? Youret

the me whe bullies Josefina Who

could out-bully you?"

Joelle scanned the faces for Lydia, hoping she'd back her up.

But no luck. Lydia was nowhere in sight.

Joelle's mood tanked even further.

Mandy taunted, "Give it up. No one's gonna stand up for you. You're so

clueless, you don't even see b

you're being played

Joelle buried her face in her hands, tears spilling over, and ran off.

From a corner, Lydia shot Mandy a furious glare before marching off to find Joelle.

...

Josefina sat in the car heading home, sipping on a smoothie and scrolling through her phone.

The car felt a bit warm, so Josefina

peeled off her sweater, revealing a

snug top t

highlighted her

flawless figure Content to

swhovels

belongs

Oliver noticed her move and glanced over, admiringly.

He put his phone down and reached over, his large hand resting on Josefina's waist.

His hand glided up, tracing a path to her chest.

Josefina blushed and tried to push his hand away, but he caught her hand gently in

his.