The Thorne Heiress Unveiling Shadow novel Chapter 26

The rumor spread through Sterling University's digital ecosystem like a poison. Aria's carefully crafted lie about Evelyn being an undeserving "diversity placement" was perfectly designed for maximum damage, playing on the insecurities and jealousies of a highly competitive student body. It was shared in group chats, whispered in the dining halls, and posted anonymously on the campus gossip app, "Sterling Secrets."

"It's not fair," Chloe fumed, shoving her phone in front of Evelyn. They were in their dorm room, and Chloe was scrolling through a torrent of vicious, anonymous comments. "Listen to this one: 'So that's how she got in. I guess a big enough check can buy anything. So much for meritocracy.' And this one: 'My cousin had a perfect SAT score and got rejected. Now I know why. A spot was taken by a fake heiress who couldn't get in on her own.' This is slander, Ev! You should sue them!"

Evelyn glanced at the screen, her expression unreadable. She saw the ugly words, the little avatars spewing anonymous hate. Eighteen years with the Suttons had given her an almost superhuman immunity to this kind of petty cruelty. It was noise, like the buzzing of flies. Annoying, but ultimately, harmless. They were attacking a version of her that didn't exist, a phantom created by Aria's fear.

"It's not worth the energy, Chloe," Evelyn said calmly, turning a page in her textbook. "Aria is predictable. When her public attacks failed, she turned to whispers. It's a sign of weakness."

"Weakness? It's working!" Chloe insisted, her voice filled with righteous anger on her friend's behalf. She jumped off her bed and began pacing their small room. "People are looking at you funny in the hallways. I heard some girls in the laundry room calling you a charity case. It's disgusting! They're treating you like you don't belong here."

"Do you think I don't belong here?" Evelyn asked, her eyes still on her book.

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