Chapter 636
Chapter 636:
Maia’s alleged plagiarism had turned into a wildfire, burning through every hallway and corner of social media. Even the university itself couldn’t escape the embers. The gossip had begun to spiral, and Ethan found himself unwillingly swept into the storm. Many people were gossiping about Ethan, saying that his sister was a thief who stole others’ works.
At first, Ethan confronted them — every insult met with a protest. But like shouting into a hurricane, his words were swallowed by the noise. Slowly, he began to realize the futility.
No one was more torn up than he was. In his last class, he was a storm contained in a bottle — jittery, silent, but ready to burst.
“Why the long face?” came a voice like a sunbeam through clouds. Marisa stepped out from behind a tree, lollipop in hand, her tone playful.
She blocked his path and, from her pocket, pulled out an orange-flavored lollipop — the kind she remembered he liked — and held it out like an offering.
“Here, this’ll sweeten your mood a little p>
Ethan didn’t hesitate. He peeled the wrapper and popped it in, the citrus sweetness sparking a bit of warmth in his chest, softening the sharp edges of his thoughts.
He looked at her.
Marisa, who normally wore hoodies and jeans like armor, was in a long dress today. The change caught him off guard.
“Whoa, don’t stare like I just walked out of a fairy tale,” she said, half-laughing and half-blushing. “If you keep that up, I might report you for excessive admiration p>
She muttered under her breath, cursing her brother Maxwell — who, in his carelessness, had dumped all her clean clothes into the wash, including the ones she’d already folded and left on the sofa.
Ethan blinked and looked away, flustered. “Sorry, I wasn’t trying to… I just… I actually wanted to ask you something, but I don’t really know how p>
“Oh?” Marisa tilted her head, a teasing glint in her eye. “We’re friends. Just spill it out. But don’t tell me you’re about to say something dramatic p>
Her heart skipped a beat. Could it be? Was he going to tell her he had feelings for her or something?
A flicker of hope lit her face, but it was quickly extinguished.
“Do you think any of what they’re saying online is true?” Ethan asked, his voice brittle with emotion. “I can’t believe my sister would steal someone’s work. There has to be more to it — something we’re not seeing p>
Marisa was taken aback, feeling inexplicably disappointed that this was what he wanted to discuss. But she quickly masked it with a calm smile and gave his…
She gave his shoulder a gentle pat. “She’s your sister, Ethan. If even you lose faith in her, then who will stand by her p>
Her words struck him like a match to dry kindling. His eyes, once shadowed by doubt, now gleamed with determination. “You’re right, Marisa. Thank you p>
With that, he bolted toward the bus stop, fueled by a new sense of purpose — ready to defend his sister’s name, to battle every lie flung her way.
Marisa stood there, watching him go, a sigh slipping from her lips. This guy… what was going on in that head of his?