Rural Belle & Three Heirs
Chapter 50 That Poor Girl

Chloe figured that since she had already asked, Grant would just give her the account details. But to her surprise, Grant said, "Nah, keep the extra cash for your errands. No need to return it. Just help me out next time I need something." Grant's generosity left Chloe at a loss for words. "Grantie, isn't this a bit much?" she managed to say.

Before she could get a response, Grant's assistant Stanley's voice traveled through the line. Probably needed elsewhere, Grant quickly said goodbye and hung up. Chloe stared at her phone, feeling a bit stunned.

She couldn't shake the image of Grant praising her with a pale face last night. Her previously calm heart now felt like it had been hit by a pebble, causing ripples.

After a day of rest at home, Chloe felt much better. The next day, she headed to Quest University for class. As soon as she walked into the classroom, she noticed a group of classmates huddled together, gossiping about something. Curious, she moved closer and realized they were talking about Rena.

"Why did Rena get expelled all of a sudden?"

"Yeah, she didn't do anything wrong."

"She worked so hard to get into Quest University, and now she's expelled. It's such a shame. Her mom would be devastated."

"Totally."

From their chatter, Chloe learned about Rena's expulsion. She couldn't wrap her head around how a stellar student like Rena could get kicked out in just one day.

Her eyes scanned the room. When she spotted Lucy's smug face, it all clicked.

A few days ago, Lucy had caused trouble for Chloe, and Rena had stood up for her, rallying other classmates to prove that Lucy was a bully. Unable to get to Chloe, Lucy had targeted Rena, who came from a less privileged background. Expelling Rena was a warning to Chloe.

Chloe pieced it all together. She marched up to Lucy and asked, "Did you have anything to do with Rena's expulsion?"

Lucy snorted but didn't answer.

Chloe, now fuming, raised her voice, "I'm asking you, did you have anything to do with Rena's expulsion?"

Seeing Chloe's anger, Lucy sneered, "Yeah, so what? Chloe, you've got the Martin Family backing you, so I can't touch you. But Rena? That poor girl? She's fair game."

"I needed to show her that crushing her is as easy as squashing a bug." Lucy made a pinching gesture with her fingers, making Chloe's blood boil.

"Lucy, do you really think just because your dad is the Academic Dean, you can do whatever you want at Quest University?"

Chloe couldn't believe how far things had gone. An Academic Dean using such dirty tactics to force out a top student? Unbelievable. If no one stood up for Rena, she'd be stuck with the stigma of expulsion forever. Lucy crossed her arms, looking totally unfazed. "So what? Who here can actually bring Rena back?" she sneered.

The whole class was furious but felt powerless. Lucy's dad had their academic futures in his grip.

Just as Chloe and Lucy were about to throw down, some worried classmates quickly stepped in to separate them. Philip and a few close friends pulled Chloe aside and spoke in hushed tones.

"Chloe, we're all pissed about Rena, but we can't go head-to-head with Lucy."

"Yeah, even if you beat her up, it won't change Rena's expulsion."

"We need to figure out a way to get Rena back in school."

"Exactly."

Their words made Chloe think hard. She had no idea how to get Rena reinstated.

Seeing Chloe's frustration, Lucy laughed coldly from a distance.

"Ugly girl, I love seeing you all worked up and helpless," she taunted. "Rena's expulsion is a done deal. She dared to stand up for you, so now she has to deal with the consequences of crossing me." Lucy's spiteful words made Chloe see red. Without thinking, she grabbed a classmate's water cup and hurled it at Lucy's head.

With a thud, the cup hit Lucy's forehead. Blood started trickling down Lucy's face. She clutched her head, pointing angrily at Chloe, "You ugly thing, how dare you hit me?"

"Hitting you is nothing." Chloe shot back, raising an eyebrow with confidence.

Lucy stormed out of the classroom, clutching her head, probably off to complain to her dad. Chloe wasn't scared. If Ford brought the teachers to her, she'd call Liam. Though Liam was a bit of a jerk, he could still cover for her for a while. Everyone was worried about Rena. At that moment, Philip suddenly had an idea. "Chloe, why don't you ask your uncle for help?" he suggested.

"Huh? Ask him?" Chloe was puzzled. The uncle Philip referred to was Grant.

"Yeah, ask him. When I was researching Quest University, I saw a photo of him with the principal. They probably have some kind of partnership. If he could talk to the principal, Rena might get reinstated. Chloe, Rena is a good person, and she got into trouble for standing up for you. You can't just ignore her expulsion."

Philip's words hit home for Chloe. Rena's expulsion was because of her. Ignoring it would be ungrateful.

Chloe thought for a moment and nodded, "You're right, I can't ignore Rena."

"I'll contact him right now!"