Born Into Villain's Family: I Have a 200\% Rebate System
Chapter 277: Ayla

Chapter 277: Chapter 277: Ayla

Olivia walked out of the classroom with her bag slung over one shoulder, her shoes clicking softly on the tiled hallway floor.

Before she turned the corner, she glanced back one last time at Eleanor and Mateo, still sitting together.

Her expression didn’t change, but inside, her mind was racing.

Aurora was right, she thought, biting her lip slightly. I was feeding a snake.

Her fists clenched lightly as she walked down the hall.

Eleanor... sweet, soft-spoken Eleanor. The girl who used to visit her house all the time, indicating she had a crush on Theodore. She even asked Olivia where his audition location was in order to meet him. Olivia had trusted her. Welcomed her. Protected her.

But now?

Now Eleanor had switched up so fast, trying to flirt with Mateo right in front of her.

And Mateo? Olivia rolled her eyes. He was lazy, barely passed any tests, and the most effort he ever made was combing his hair. He wasn’t even Theodore’s toenail in comparison.

’How could Eleanor be that blind?’ Olivia wondered. ’Or was she never serious about Theodore to begin with?’

She muttered under her breath, "Aurora is the smartest of us all..."

She should’ve listened. She had thought she could tame the snake. That she could make Eleanor loyal.

But snakes always slither.

And Eleanor? She had big, bold dreams. Too bold for someone like her.

Olivia didn’t look back again. Her pace was steady as she made her way out of the building.

......

Across the campus, Adriana was walking toward the parking lot, her phone in her hand and her keys in the other. She was tired. Class had been long and boring.

But suddenly—

"Adriana!"

She froze.

Her heart skipped a beat, then started to race.

That voice.

She turned slowly and saw him.

Peter.

Her eyes widened.

He was walking toward the university entrance, dressed in a clean white shirt, dark jeans, and a soft smile. He looked like a model from a magazine.

Adriana’s heartbeat picked up again.

It had been happening for weeks now. No matter where she went, library, café, bookstore, even random sidewalks, Peter would always show up. It was like he had a secret tracker on her.

He’d smile like it was all a coincidence, but Adriana wasn’t dumb. This man? He was following her. A lot.

But... she didn’t hate it.

She stopped and waited for him to catch up.

"What are you doing here?" she asked, trying to keep her voice normal.

Peter smiled. "There’s a charity function being planned here on Tuesday. I came to talk with the organizers."

Adriana blinked. "Oh. I thought that was next week..."

Peter shrugged. "Nope. Tuesday."

Then, he looked at her and tilted his head. "Are you free right now?"

Adriana blushed and nodded without thinking.

Peter grinned. "Great. Let’s go to that café down the street."

Adriana opened her mouth to protest because she already knew where this was going. The famous café with private booths, soft jazz music, and super quiet corners where people could talk for hours without anyone listening.

She sighed inside but nodded again.

Peter reached out and gently took her hand.

Adriana blinked.

It was so smooth. So sudden. Her heart felt like it skipped two beats.

"There’s a big crowd today," Peter said casually, even though there wasn’t, "so let’s hold hands so we don’t get separated."

Adriana could’ve pulled away.

But she didn’t.

Instead, she let him lead her.

........

The café was just as she remembered. Cozy, expensive-smelling, and way too private. Peter pushed the door open like a gentleman, and she was just about to walk in when her whole body froze.

There she was.

Ayla.

Her long brown hair curled softly over her shoulders. Her eyes sparkled with charm, and she was surrounded by a group of laughing, chattering people. Just like always.

Adriana’s breath caught.

Her feet stopped moving.

Out of all people... why her?

Ayla.

One of the cruelest girls from her old school days. A rich, spoiled brat who used to hang out with Jessica and hurt Adriana again and again. Back then, Adriana was weak. No money. No support. No help.

Ayla made sure every day felt like torture.

Adriana still remembered being made to kneel. To scrub her shoes. To massage her shoulders. Even bring her tea during lunch.

Ayla used to smile while everyone laughed at Adriana.

Adriana clenched her fists at her side. She wanted to run. To hide. To cry.

But she didn’t.

She looked away quickly, hoping—praying—that Ayla wouldn’t notice her.

But luck wasn’t on her side.

Ayla’s eyes scanned the café lazily... and then landed on Peter.

Her smile froze.

Then she spotted Adriana beside him.

Her eyes narrowed.

In her mind, Ayla scoffed. ’That’s Adriana? With such a good-looking guy? What a joke.’

She started walking over.

Adriana saw her coming and took a shaky breath.

Ayla smiled sweetly, like a fox.

"Well, well, well," she said, stopping in front of them. "If it isn’t Adriana. It’s been such a long time."

Adriana felt her skin crawl.

But this time, she didn’t back down.

She looked Ayla straight in the eye.

"I don’t know someone like you," she said calmly.

Ayla’s fake smile twitched.

She leaned in closer so no one else could hear, her voice cold.

"Oh? So you’ve forgotten?" Ayla whispered.

"Forgot how you used to salute me every morning? How did you used to take off my shoes and wash them clean? How you begged me not to punish you when I spilled juice on you?"

Adriana’s throat tightened.

"Did you forget your manners, Adriana?" Ayla hissed. "Do I need to teach you again?"

"And do you need me to remind you that you will have to fine again?" Adriana shot back; she wasn’t meek, however, when facing the ghost of her past, she wasn’t brave either.

It was difficult to remain calm.

"Looks like you think that I lack money. Adriana... I can still do everything and toss another $1000 on your face and get away with it." Ayla chuckled.