Heartstrings on Fire

Chapter 41
Agnes and Kerri had just found a spot to sit when they were swarmed by a group of girls. Leading the pack was Cecile, who
never usually showed her face in the school canteen, so her presence today was definitely for Agnes.
“Oh look, isn’t this our social butterfly?” was the first thing Cecile said when she spotted Agnes. “Agnes, you’re from a well–off
family. Why would you need someone else’s sponsorship? Could it be because your dad remarried and no longer cares about
you?”
Cecile and her gang were always the center of attention in school, and she intentionally spoke loud enough to attract curious
stares. Everyone knew about Agnes‘ family situation, but it was a public secret Agnes didn’t like to discuss.
Agnes‘ face turned serious. “Cecile, are you just looking for trouble?”
“I couldn’t care less about who’s sponsoring you, Agnes,” Cecile retarted. “I just want to clarify something. Are you really with
Prince? Does he know you’re being sponsored by Jared?” Cecile’s words were harsh and shocking, leaving everyone around
stunned.
Prince of Lakeside College was the universally acknowledged hunk, Ryder.
Kerri stood up. “Cecile, stop spreading rumours! Agnes would never do that, and she doesn’t need anyone’s sponsorship.”
“Is she too scared to admit it? Im going to expose her true colours today,” Cecile shot back.
“Agnes. Suddenly, a deep and pleasant voice came from not far away.
It wasn’t loud but extremely charismatic. Everyone turned to look, and to their surprise, it was Ryder himself.
Ryder sauntered over to Agnes. Seeing him, Cecile’s face lit up with fascination. “Prince.”
“Cecile, I’ve told you to leave Agnes alone,” Ryder said coldly.
“Dont you know Agnes is being sponsored by Jared? Prince, don’t let her fool you,” Cecile said.
“Agnes is not being sponsored. If you keep spreading this rumour, she could sue you for defamation,” Ryder replied.
“How do you know? Do you just unthinkingly trust her?”

“Jared is my uncle I know his business better than anyone else,” Ryder said flatly and coldly, leaving everyone speechless.
Ryder was popular mainly for his good looks. Few knew about his family background.
He was the only grandson of the legendary Whitfield family from Hillcrest City.
Cecile knew this, but she also knew Ryder was low–key and disliked unnecessary attention.
Yet, she didn’t expect Ryder to reveal his intentionally hidden identity in public to clarify his relationship with Agnes, which
showed how important Agnes was to him. Ryder, however, didn’t want to say more. He turned to Agnes, “Come with me. I have
something to tell you.”:
Agnes followed Ryder out.
With Cecile’s intervention, the rumors about her relationship should stop.
But now, her relationship with Ryder would be the topic of discussion.
Ryder’s fame at Lakeside College was equivalent to Jared’s in society!
Agnes sighed, feeling like a gossip magnet.
As they left the cafeteria, Agnes said to Ryder ahead of her, “You don’t really have anything to tell me, do you?”
She felt that Ryder was just helping her out of an awkward situation by bringing her away.
But Ryder turned around and said calmly, “Actually, I do.”
Agnes was taken aback, “What is it?”
“My mom wants to meet you,” Ryder replied.