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Novel Catalog
Chapter 61
After a while, the door to the lecture hall creaked open, and a few more students trickled in.
Nicole didn’t bother to lift her head; she was too tired from dealing with everything that had happened earlier.
The noise of students chatting faded as the instructor walked in, and the room settled into a hushed silence.
Nicole could hear faint whispers and the occasional glance directed her way.
It was no secret that she had become a topic of discussion after the incident with Samuel and Spencer, and now everyone was watching her like she was some kind of spectacle.
But Nicole didn’t care.
She wasn’t about to let their opinions get to her.
The instructor began the class, and Nicole tried to focus, though her mind kept drifting back to the events of the morning.
The confrontation with the men outside, the gossip, and Vivian’s harsh words—none of it seemed to shake her.
It was like she was immune to their judgments.
As the class continued, Nicole’s thoughts wandered to her next move.
The video she’d given Lulu would do its job, but she wasn’t done yet.
Ashley was going to pay for everything.
She didn’t care about the petty rumors or the fact that people were talking behind her back.
What mattered was that she was in control, and anyone who tried to stand in her way would be dealt with.
Eventually, the class ended, and Nicole gathered her things.
As she made her way out, she couldn’t help but notice Gary standing by the door, seemingly waiting for her.
She slowed her pace, preparing herself for whatever he had to say.
Gary crossed his arms and looked at her with a frown.
“You really think you can just brush everything off, don’t you?” he asked, his voice low.
Nicole met his gaze with a steely expression.
“What do you want, Gary?”
He sighed, frustration clear in his eyes.
“Look, I’m not here to lecture you or anything, but you should at least be aware of how others perceive you.
The rumors might not be true, but that’s not how people see it.”
Nicole raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a faint smile.
“So, you’re concerned about my reputation now?”
Gary’s frown deepened.
“I’m just trying to help.
I know we’re not friends, but that doesn’t mean I don’t care about what happens to you.
You’re making things worse by not addressing the situation.”
Nicole paused, considering his words for a moment.
She wasn’t used to hearing someone speak to her like this, especially not Gary.
But instead of feeling moved, she felt only more determined.
“Thanks for the advice, Gary,” she said, her tone polite but distant.
“But I don’t need anyone’s help.
I’m perfectly capable of handling things on my own.”
With that, she turned and walked past him, leaving Gary standing there, watching her retreating figure.