Unwilling Bride: The 1V5 Love Drama novel Chapter 330

Chapter 330 The Competition

Chapter 330 The Competition

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Theodore went quiet for a brief moment. Then he looked at Ava and spoke slowly. “Aba, I know you’ve always preferred to stay of the spotlight. You’ve never liked making yourself too visible.

“But I think you should consider registering for the Interstellar University Elemental Power Competition later this year. If you wan to strengthen your abilities, improve your control over wood elemental power, and learn to coordinate properly with your companion plant, then theory alone won’t be enough.”

After a pause, he added, “You need actual combat experience. If one day you want to stand firmly in this world on your own, that’s something you won’t be able to avoid. And sooner or later, you’ll also have to face mutants.”

The moment he finished, Ethan frowned. “Isn’t that too sudden for her?”

n

“The decision isn’t ours to make,” Theodore said with a quiet sigh. “Ava will have to learn how to stand on her own sooner or later, That’s something no one can do in her place. I’m only making a suggestion. The final choice belongs to her.”

Ava raised a brow. “What exactly is the Interstellar University Elemental Power Competition?”

“It’s a joint event between universities across the interstellar world,” Ethan explained. “Most of the contestants are outstanding students from the younger generation. The main purpose is to test elemental power and fine control over mental strength. And during the competition, participants may also come into contact with mutants.”

Then Ethan looked directly at her. “If you decide to compete, it will absolutely help you grow stronger, But it also means the quiet life you want probably won’t be possible anymore. You’ll be pushed fully into public view. Everyone will know you’re the girl who awakened wood elemental power.

“Ava, whatever you decide, we’ll respect it.”

Ava gave a faint laugh and lowered her eyes to the little comparon plant in her palm. She touched one of its leaves lightly, and it brushed back against her fingertip.

“I do want power,” she admitted. “And since no woman has ever awakened elemental power before… if I can do it, then maybe one day more girls will be able to awaken too.”

She lifted her eyes, steady and bright. “Then I’d like to become a path for the ones who come after me”

Theodore smiled, clear approval in his gaze. “Good. Then the timing is perfect. This year’s competition will be held on Enlle Planet. There’s still half a year left before it begins, and Starry Heavens University will also be forming a team”

He looked at her with unmistakable anticipation. “Ava, I’ll reserve you a place. But over these next six months, you deal to learn.”

Ava nodded. “Alright. Mr. Jones. I’ll work hard.”

From the side, Ysabel aniled and spoke up. “Since you’re already here hitay, there’s fed to make a with me and int me record the latest condition first

Ava nodded aga

Okay, Mrs Jon

Yabelled her inty and

That lah only the m

1:15 pm P Pa

Chapter 330 The Competition

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Theodore looked at them and asked, “Did something dangerous happen to Ava today? Why would her companion plant suddenly lose control like that? Under normal conditions, a companion plant won’t actively consume a target.”

The men exchanged glances, but none of them answered.

Theodore gave a cold snort. “You’re all her matches, yet she still ended up in danger. That’s unacceptable.”

Ethan said evenly, “Mr. Jones, that’s part of Ava’s private life, so we can’t explain everything in detail. But one thing you can trust is this-we want her safe more than anyone. The moment she Awakened wood elemental power and formed a companion plant, her life stopped being ordinary.

“She’s going to leave a deep mark on this era. All we can do is support her and help her reach the place she wants to reach.”

Theodore frowned, then finally let it go. “Fine. That’s your business. Since she’s decided to compete later this year, over the next six months, you can begin training her physical conditioning as well. What I teach her is still more theory-based. Without actual combat and real-world practice, her progress will stay limited.”

All of a sudden, Zoey kept tagging her over and over in the group chat. “Ava, hurry up and check the school forum. Somebody’s posting crap about you!”

Noelle asked, “D*mn, what loser is spreading nonsense in there?”

Malory also chimed in, “I’m going to take a look.”

Ava was a little surprised to hear that. Someone is attacking me?

She opened the school forum and immediately saw a red-pinned thread. It had already exploded past ten pages, which meant the argument inside had grown intense.

The title read, “Let’s call names. Ava, do you own Starry Heavens University or something? Must be nice being some rich family’s spoiled princess-you can just walk in and pad your resume.”

Ava clicked into the thread.

The post was anonymous, and pinned at the top was a secretly taken photo of her from behind.

The opening post said, “Let’s talk about this certain female student who’s been getting pushed everywhere lately. Exactly how thi you get into Starry Heavens University? You didn’t sit the SATS, and you didn’t come in through the recommerciation joutent yet somehow you still got directly admitted?”

Chapter 331 Rumors

Chapter 331 Rumors

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“And she was placed in Orchid Court the moment she arrived! Seriously, what kind of pampered rich girl marches into Starry Heavens University just to decorate her resume? When Ms. Tylissa, the Head of State’s granddaughter, was assigned to Orchid Court, people accepted it because she had the talent to justify it. No one argued with that.

“But Ava? What exactly qualifies her? Since when does being able to dance and play the lute count as enough to move into Orchid Court? Have the standards fallen that low? And don’t come at me, saying that I’m jealous. I’m saying what everyone can see. If she really got here fair and square, I’ll delete this post myself and apologize.”

By then, the replies underneath had already piled up. Some were blindly following the crowd and cursing Ava along with the original poster, while others were trying to defend her.

“I just checked the official website and the list of this year’s admitted freshmen. Ava’s name really isn’t there. So the original poster wasn’t lying about that part. She definitely didn’t come in through the SAT route.”

“Quietly adding this… I checked the direct admission list too. Her name’s not on that one either.”

“Ha! Looks like this girl’s got some other kind of background, huh? People like us grind for years, and it still can’t compete with one sentence from someone powerful.”

“Orchid Court? The favoritism is so blatant it’s almost funny. On what basis does she get to live there? Who exactly is she? Some high-level VIP? Or is she an Awakened?”

“No way she’s an Awakened. Do you think those happen casually? This is obviously just someone with connections pulling strings.”

“I already disliked her before. She always acts all distant and untouchable, but who knows what she’s really like in private? Just look at the way she danced. Men must go crazy for that. Wouldn’t surprise me at all if her husband has a huge influence.”

“Exactly. She has that innocent face, but she’s obviously the type who uses her looks to get what she wants.”

“The more I think about it, the more shady this feels. She went viral after the welcome gala, even overshadowing Tylissa, and then all of a sudden, all those big names from entertainment and the arts started backing her.

“There’s definitely something or someone big behind her.”

“Tylissa is the one who got screwed over here. Ava used the welcome gara to step on her and climb up I feel bad for our Princess

T Tylissa

“And during the voting, wasn’t there some rich shot throwing money at her too? Who’s supposed to beat that site play the game perfectly and turned all of us into props.”

“Some of you are vile. If you have proof, then post it. Stop making dirty guesses and presenting them like facts”

“A few days ago. you were all calling her a goddess and saying she was Starry Haven University’s pride. Nowy

and started tearing her apart? You people really say whatever’s convenient. It’s digluting”

“If you’re so bring, stop hiding behind monymous accounts before you start attackoogi

And it went on and on

1:15 pm P P Q

Chapter 331 Rumors

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Ava read through a few pages, then stopped. There were too many replies, and staring at them was making her eyes ache.

There were more than enough people dragging her in that thread. She noticed right away that the most vicious comments were al coming from anonymous users. After reading several especially nasty ones, she almost laughed out of anger.

But the thread was still climbing.

In no time, another fresh page of comments appeared.

Back in the small group chat, everyone was tagging her again and again.

Ava exited the forum, returned to the group chat, and typed, “It’s true that I didn’t enter through the SAT route, and it’s also true that I’m not a direct admission student. I am living in Orchid Court right now, so those parts are factual. But everything else they’re inventing about me is false.”

Noelle said, “Whoever posted this picked the timing on purpose. It’s Friday night. They dropped it now, so it can spread all weekend. By Monday, even if the school notices and deletes it, the damage will already have been done.”

Zoey added, “The person behind this clearly has it out for Ava. And that whole “if I’m wrong, I’ll apologize’ line? Please. That’s just a smokescreen. They’re dodging the real point on purpose.”

Naomi joined the conversation too. “The school isn’t stupid. Starry Heavens is full of influential families, but they picked Ava specifically to target. The comparison was deliberate from the start. Didn’t you notice? A bunch of Tylissa’s hardcore supporters are mixed into that thread and helping smear her.”

“Ava, do you want to clarify things?” Malory asked. “If they keep dragging your name like this and the rumors spread unchecked all weekend, it’ll hurt you.”

In the end, Ava typed, “Explaining myself publicly won’t help. Especially because the post mixes truth with falsehood. The main facts they used happen to be real, and that’s exactly why it’s easy for people who don’t know the full story to turn on me.

“I’m not going to respond in the forum. The moment I do, I fall straight into their trap and turn this into me trying to “prove” myself. Rumors only need one mouth to start, but clearing them up takes endless effort. Some people don’t want the truth they only want whatever version fits what they already decided to believe.”

Zoey countered, “But letting them keep slandering you like that still damages your reputationi”

At that, Ava commented, “I’ll preserve evidence for the most disgusting comments and contact a lawyer it necessary, After that, handle it based on how things develop. I’m not wasting my energy arguing with people over this kind of trash

“Don’t worry, I know exactly what this is, and (brust the school will deal with it properly.”

Chapter 332 Dealing With Online Trolls

Chapter 332 Dealing With Online Trolls

Noelle responded, “Okay, Ave Since you already have a plan, let’s just wait and see what happens.”

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After chatting for a while, Ava shut off her Holoband and went back to her room for a shower. The weekend was approaching, and she still had to meet with Jermyn.

As for the foul comments on the school forum, Ava had no intention of tolerating them. Compared to her previous world, the lega system in this era was far more complete. Defamation and spreading rumors, once proven with solid evidence, couldn’t be settled with just a few apologies.

She wasn’t going to waste her time arguing online with those people. Such matters should be handled by the professionals, after

all.

Ava tapped on Ethan’s profile. “Get me a lawyer-someone who handles defamation cases. I’d like to gather all the evidence.”

Once the evidence was secured, even if the other party deleted their posts, it wouldn’t matter.

Ethan: What’s wrong? What happened?

Ava: Nothing major. I just ran into a few online trolls, and I don’t feel like dealing with them directly. I’ll get a lawyer to collect the evidence first, then decide whether to sue depending on the situation.

Ethan: Alright. I’ll have someone contact your Holoband shortly. I’ll pick you up tomorrow.

Ava: Okay.

Jermyn Song and Dance Theater was located on a busy street in Capitol Planet. When Ava and Ethan arrived, Jermyn was already

there.

After explaining their purpose at the front desk, they were led to find her.

Jermyn was in a dance studio, watching her troupe rehearse.

An assistant ran over and whispered something in her ear, and Jermyn immediately got up and let

When she arrived at the reception room, Jermyn stepped forward, took Ava’s hand, and said with a bright smile, “You’re A

As she spoke, her gaze shifted to the man standing beside Ava. Seeing his face, Jermyn w

Not wanting to assume their relationship, she said. “I didn’t expect to see you here as well, t

“Good morning, Jerryn, Ethan said,

Ava made the

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Chapter 332 Dealing With Online Trolls

Alright, Jermyn. Sorry for the trouble.”

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Jermyn led Ava ahead, while Ethan quietly followed behind her. From the performance stage to backstage, then to the dance studios-they toured the entire place.

Each dance studio had people practicing inside Ava stood outside for a while, listening to Jermyn’s explanations and responding occasionally.

When they arrived at the last studio, several young girls were dancing inside. Jermyn explained, “They’re a few years older than you, but they are the youngest in our troupe.”

As she spoke, Jermyn looked at Ava again. “Do you want to give it a try?”

Ava looked at the girls and shook her head. “That might be inappropriate. I’d be interrupting their training.”

“You’d be able to learn from them. This way, they’ll realize there’s always someone better out there,” Jermyn said as she pushed open the studio’s door.

The girls immediately noticed them.

Among the group, Ava recognized two of them-they were the same girls who had accompanied Jermyn to Starry Heavens University before.

The girls quickly gathered around, and one round-faced girl spoke first. “This must be Ava, right?”

Jermyn smiled. “Yes, this is Ava. You’ve been talking about wanting to meet her-here she is now.”

The girls were very open and friendly. Each of them pulled Ava along as they spoke.

“Ava, the choreography you did was amazing! I’ve been trying to learn it. It looks easy when you do it, but in reality, it’s really tough!”

“Come on, Ava. Give us some pointers!”

Ava hadn’t expected them to be this enthusiastic. She was even pulled away to change into a fresh set of training clothes

Unable to resist their warmth, she quickly relaxed and let go of her initial awkwardness. She sat on the floor watching the girls dancing in the center with full attention.

Ethan stood outside the studio, quietly watching her through the glass.

The girls were full of energy and excitement, and Ava soon blended in with them. Jermyn couldn’t keep the grip all hey ta

Someone started dancing the piece Ava nad performed at the welcome party Ava laughed happily

She was even pulled into the center to dance along

Laughter filled the room. She looked st we-every movement carted joy, and by todet

This WAS

Ethari was

adge She was like a bright, happy fitte anger.

Chapter 333 Training Plans

Chapter 333 Training Plans

At noon, Ava had lunch together with Jermyn and the girls from the troupe.

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During the meal, Ava expressed that she was very willing to join the troupe and partake in performances. However, she needed prepare for an important competition in the second half of the year, so everything would have to wait until the competition was

over.

Jermyn said she understood and told her she was willing to wait,

They stayed until around 3 p.m. before leaving.

Seeing that Ethan had basically been reduced to a background figure all day, Ava felt a little embarrassed. “Sorry for kind of neglecting you.”

Ethan looked at her with a smile. “Not at all. Seeing you happy makes me happy too.”

Ava playfully hooked her arm through his. “I’ll keep you company for the rest of the day, then. Where do you want to go?”

Ethan glanced at the time. “It’s almost 4 p.m. How exactly are you planning to keep me company?”

It was indeed an awkward time of day.

Ava thought for a moment. “Let’s take a walk by the river and have dinner together after. Is there somewhere you want to go? I’ll go with you.”

Ethan turned his head to look at her. “I’m fine with anything.”

They parked in the open-air lot. The wind by the river was strong so strong it was hard to keep one’s eyes open.

“The wind is really strong.”

Ava pulled her clothes closer to her body, feeling like her cheeks were flapping in the wind. “I didn’t expect it to be this windy by

the river.”

Ethan raised his hand. “This should be better.”

Almost instantly, Ava felt the wind weaken. She let out a tiny gasp. “What’s going on? Why does it feel like he wind’s gotten

smaller?”

But when she looked at the trees along the riverbank, they were still rustling loudly in the wind,

A small vortex of wind formed in Ethan’s palm. “Let me show you a little magic trick

Ava couldn’t help but exclaim, “Whoa’ i didn’t know you could do this”

Ethan lowered his game to her. “As long as you want, there are many ways to use 11,”

The minuetsure wh nd faded, and Ethan looked into her eyes solenny. “The temental gather top talerits from all higher institutions. Ava.it’s porn an opportunity and a che

know I’ll give it my thif

you

Chapter-333 Training Plans

Ethan gently ruffled her hair, not denying it. “I am. But I also know this is a path you have to walk to grow.”

Ava laughed at his unusually serious expression. “Don’t worry. When the time comes, I’ll take good care of myself.”

Ethan held out his hand to her. Ava looked at his palm. “Is it another magic trick?”

“No. I just want to hold your hand.”

She smiled, placing her hand in his, letting him gently clasp her fingers. Hand in hand, the two of them walked side by side.

“It’s time we get you a personal trainer.”

“So soon? Does that mean I have to stop my mental power training?”

10 Fre

“Physical training won’t affect that. You can continue learning with Mr. Jones. We just start improving your physical fitness first. After all, the competition won’t make any exceptions just because you’re a girl.”

He added, “We’ll rent a place near your school. After your evening classes, you won’t stay in the dorm anymore.”

After dinner, Ava didn’t go home right away. The two of them went to watch a movie.

The story featured a radiant, savior-like male lead and a beautiful female lead who had Awakened. The two fought side by side,

dealing with mutants and ultimately achieving victory, bringing the story to a happy ending.

There was nothing particularly novel about the film, but the leads were attractive, and the plot was interesting. Overall, it was a fairly successful commercial movie.

Ava stretched herself lazily. Watching the movie had nearly made her doze off halfway through.

After they left the theater, Ethan asked, “Do you want to go back to school or return to the Morren Residence?”

“Let’s go back to the Morren Residence.”

There was rarely anyone home, as everyone was occupied with their own matters, making the place feel unusually quiet. Still, I presence would at least bring a bit of life to it.

Ethan drove her to the entrance of the Morren Residence, and Ava unbuckled her seatbelt. “I’ll go in now”

She stepped out of the car, but Ethan followed and walked over to her.

She blinked at him. “Is something wrong?”

“Ava” in the stillness of the night, his voice was calm and low

“About last time-Ryan drank too much and crossed the line with you. He’s been feeling very guilty. He trd reaching act afterward, but you didn’t pick up. We’re really sorry We had no idea you’d gone though som

visited Dr. Washington’s place, it was too crowded, so he didn’t get the chance to prep

“Ryan n

ith alcohol. He usually doesn’t drink much, and 100 beha down. He wants to ste you, yet he’s hesitant. Seeing him like this.. Wid, jand think of)

like that love

Chapter 334 Reaching Out

Chapter 334 Reaching Out

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Ava lowered her head, staring at the tips of her shoes. After a moment of silence, she said, “I’m not angry, and I don’t blame him

“After all, Neola hurt him that night,” she added.

She lifted her head and looked at him. “Ethan, can I give you a hug?”

Caught off guard, Ethan looked a little surprised.

Ever since he learned about what she had gone through as a child, and after Wenzel subtly reminded them in his office to be mindful and restrained around her, they had privately agreed to avoid physical contact beyond holding hands.

“Ava, you just started seeing Dr. Washington. Why don’t we…”

Ava frowned slightly. “If you don’t want to, then forget it.”

Ethan let out a soft sigh. “I’m just worried about you.”

As he spoke, he opened his arms. Ava stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him on her own initiative. “In the replay, I killed him with my own hands.”

She said, “When I was little, he felt like an immovable mountain. But when I saw him again, he shrank in size. He was all skin and bones, missing several fingers. I didn’t know the person who haunted me for years ended up like that. Neola practically drained him into a dried corpse.”

“Ava, it’s all in the past now.” Ethan restrained himself, letting her hold him while his arms hung stiffly at his sides, not daring to

move.

Ava suddenly lifted her head and looked up at him. “It feels like that feeling of disgust is gone now.”

She released him and stood properly again. “Now, it’s your turn to hug me.”

Ethan looked at her but didn’t move.

“Do you not want to?” she probed.

“Ava!” He met her gaze, wanting to be sure. “Are you really okay with it?”

She nodded. “Since it’s you… I’m willing.”

Ethan bent slightly at the waist. He didn’t fully wrap his arms around her, only loosely encircling her with a careful pap of overstepping.

Ava could feel that his hands weyen’t fully resting on her waist. His movements were contigis, as if she were

A bittersweet feeling spread through her chest. She looked into his oyes he was even Un

her reaction.

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extreme re

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somagone she woulit mast lity spand he with And yet, the

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Chapter-334 Reaching Out

hand

“Ava…” His voice was low and hoerse.

This time, he firmly held her by the waist and pulled her into a proper embrace.

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After returning to her room, Ava opened Ryan’s profile. Their shat was still stuck on his apology.

She hadn’t replied at the time.

Instead, she initiated a video call, and he picked up almost instantly.

On the screen, Ryan’s face appeared-his hair messy, his expression drained. When he saw her, he froze in surprise, looking completely stunned.

“Ryan, it’s me,” Ava said.

Hearing her voice, he seemed to snap back to his senses, his tone instantly bright with excitement. “Ava! You’re finally talking to me again!”

He ran a hand through his hair, looking nervous. “I’m sorry, Ava. From now on, I won’t ever drink in front of you. Have you forgiven me?”

Looking at him, Ava thought he resembled an abandoned puppy-none of his former arrogance remained, replaced instead with a trace of vulnerability.

“Ryan, I’m not angry with you at all! I haven’t been replying because I didn’t think it needed an explanation. It was only when your brother said you were in a bad mood that I realized you were still thinking about it.

“Honestly, you behave pretty well when drinking. Neola even scratched your face-I should be the one apologizing to you”

Although the injury on his face had already healed, leaving his skin smooth again, it didn’t mean it never happened.

Ryan seemed to come back to life instantly. “Ava, are you really not mad at me?”

Ava chuckled. “Where are you now?”

“I’m at a hotel”

“When you return, I’ll visit you,”

ntain his emotions-Both pahla it was the first time Ryan had ever heard her say she would go to him. He struggled to little disappointed, He scratched his head. “But i’ll be away for quite a long time before returns”

all you every

Ava knew exactly what would make him happy.

Sure enoug tymi boku into a se

Early Sunday morning, Mason run to pick for uji

“I’m popry

ately anil haven

Chapter-335 An Outdoor Adventure

Chapter 335 An Outdoor Adventure

Ava smiled. “I know you’re busy. I don’t blame you.”

Mason chuckled and ruffled her hair. “I’m taking you out to have some fun. I’ll send you back to school tonight.”

After boarding the hovercraft, Ava asked, “Where are we going?”

Mason leaned over to fasten her seatbelt for her. “Somewhere exciting.”

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She let out a small gasp. Seeing her expression, he laughed and lightly flicked her nose. “We’re flying over the Aurex Canyon. Are you scared?”

“If I were any more timid, I really wouldn’t dare.”

Mason burst out laughing. “That means you’ve still got some courage.”

When they arrived, Ava realized it was a paragliding base. It was exactly the kind of thing Mason enjoyed-thrilling activities that sent adrenaline soaring.

Several paragliders were already floating high in the sky ahead.

She had never tried anything this extreme before, and her heart immediately began pounding.

On the field, she watched as a young girl, encouraged by her instructor, ran forward with her eyes closed. The moment she took off she let out a loud scream.

After watching for a while, Mason walked over. “Let’s cross the canyon together and experience what it’s like to fly.”

Ava asked, “Is this safe? If we fall, wouldn’t we be done for?”

Mason raised a brow. “There’s a safety harness. Besides, I’ll protect you.”

A few staff members approached,

She had assumed she would be flying with an instructor, but then realized she was paired with Masion stad. Why with a coach?”

Mason laughed. “Do you not trust me? I’m a certified paraglider, you know, You’re talking to a professional now

Ava felt her nerves spike, as if her life were in his hands. “Even if you have a license, you don’t do this every day that the Instructors here more”

Mason tapped her forehead with a smile. “Too late to switch. Hold tight, and start runningTM

She didn’t want to run, but two staff members eich grabbed one

helpimsly

they sprinted toward the cuff’s dead Tepesif

Aus fare formext

hightly Howev

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The chich s had imagined

Chapter 335 An Outdoor Adventure

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Ava cautiously opened one eye, peeking at the scene before her.

She was really flying.

Below her stretched lush greenery, forests, and scattered buildings.

Slowly, she opened her other eye.

“Do you believe I’m a professional now?”

Hearing Mason’s voice by her ear, she replied, “Even if you are, it’s my first time doing this. Of course I’d be nervous-it’s not that I don’t trust you.”

Even she felt that sounded a little insincere, so she quickly added, “You have quite a wide range of hobbies. How did you get into

this?”

“I started when I was nineteen.” Mason’s gaze rested behind her, on the person right in front of him-the only variable in his life.

“You’ve probably heard from Jane and her husband about my family. I was the one they never welcomed. My parents gave up on me early on and didn’t care what I did.

“In their words, my birth was an inconvenience. But fortunately, we were well-off when I was young. They never deprived me materially, which gave me the chance to try many of these dangerous extreme sports.

“Ava, I haven’t taken you to meet my parents all this while because we’re estranged. Years ago, I distanced myself from them. Legally, we’re still family–but in reality, we’ve long gone our separate ways.

“Even now, to the Heiser family, I’m still a traitor and an unfilial sor

Ava turned her head slightly to look back at him. “But you’re outstanding.”

She couldn’t understand how his parents could think that way. They were all their children, yet they openly favored the others while being so stingy with even a bit of care for him.

If parents didn’t love their child, how could they expect that child to return the same love?

“You’re on my side, aren’t you?” Mason looked at her gently.

She turned back to face forward. “If I ever get the chance to meet your parents, I’ll take a very close look at what kind of people they are. How can they be this oblivious to abandon such a capable and accomplished son, and instead treasure another

She had heard from Jane that Mason’s older brother was inferior to him in both career and personal ability

Chapter 336 The Line Between Past and Future

Chapter 336 The Line Between Past and Future

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“People like them are nothing They have no right to stand in front of you,” Mason replied. “When I finally broke things off with them, they demanded that I repay every penny they had spent raising me, plus interest.

“I paid them a huge sum, much more than they ever spent on me. That was the price I paid to cut them out of my life completely

Ava listened quietly. His voice stayed calm from beginning to end, almost too calm, as if he were telling a story that belonged to someone else. There was barely any trace of pain in it.

For some reason, she suddenly understood why Mason always gave people such an intense, overwhelming feeling.

Ava asked, “Why are you telling me this?”

Mason looked completely honest. “Isn’t it obvious? I’m trying to make you sympathize. If I anger you sometimes, perhaps you’ll be more likely to show me mercy.”

Ava could not help laughing. “Nice try. That is not going to work on me.”

“Fine. Then I will have to think of another way.”

By the time the paragliding ended, Ava felt surprisingly good. She had expected to be terrified of heights, yet after the initial rush of fear passed, she actually enjoyed it.

After that, Mason brought her to a few other attractions. Overall, the date went much better than Ava had expected.

After dinner, Mason drove her back to campus.

Ava unbuckled her seat belt and smiled at him. “I’m going in now. Message me when you get home later.”

Mason tapped his fingers lightly against the steering wheet. “Okay. I’ll let you know once I arrive. Ava, I had a really good time today. Thank you for spending the day with me.”

Ava met his eyes, her expression serious. “I couldn’t be there for your past. For your future, I’ll do my best to love you.”

Mason went still.

Huh? Ava really just told me that?

For a moment, his mind turned completely blank.

the

It took him a while to respond. Gradually, his lips curled into a deeper smile, and his eyes brightened with it. HIS steering wheel tightened as he fought the urges within him, restraining himself from grabbing the porn he cared about mest

“Ava, 1’It wait finve you far more than you know.”

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Chapter 336 The Line Between Past and Future

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As Ava strolled down the campus road, she sensed eyes watching her from all sides. Some looked with curiosity, others with judgment, and a few with contempt

The post on the school forum has been spreading for two days. By now, the matter had completely blown up. Whoever created that post had already achieved their goal, As for Ava, most campus discussions focused on criticizing her.

In a way, she had become the school’s public enemy

Ava kept her back straight and walked on as if none of it mattered. She did not care what those people thought of her.

Halfway to the cafeteria, she ran into someone familiar.

It was Ivyonne.

Ava smiled and greeted her as she normally did. Ivyonne saw her clearly, but this time, she didn’t respond.

She walked past Ava without a word, as if Ava were a stranger.

Ava stunned briefly before letting out a gentle, self-deprecating laugh.

She understood.

Ivyonne was choosing sides, drawing a line between them.

Ava turned away and continued toward the cafeteria.

Naomi, Malory, Noelle, and Zoey noticed her as soon as she came in. They waved and called her over.

Ava walked to their table, put her bag down, and looked at Zoey. You’re awake this early today?”

Zoey was usually impossible to drag out of bed. Unless semetiying truly important came up, she would never wake up early by choice.

Zoey rubbed at her face. “Yeah. I’m surprised too.”

Since all of them already had breakfast, Ava went to the counter to get her own.

A girl stepped in front of her on purpose. She moved slowly, dragging out the process while chatting with a friend through her Holoband.

“Our school is in the middle of a big scandal now. That girl didn’t get in through a recommendation, and she wa recruit either. She didn’t even have to take the SAT’s, yet somehow she still got into this school.

“Honestly, who knows whether she comes from a powerful family or got in through same backdoor deal

“She caused quite a stir at the welcome party as well. You all remember what was pup personally showed up to support her.

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Chapter 336 The Line Between Past and Future

Ava ignored her and moved in the other direction.

The girl followed again and blocked Her path once more.

Ava stared directly at her. “Get out of the way. You’re in my path.”

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“Huh? Who are you?” The girl looked at her from the corner of her eye. “I’m here to buy breakfast. What does that have to do with you?”

Ava stared at her.

The girl’s tray was full of food, but she continued to stand there deliberately, refusing to go.

Chapter 337 The Truth Does Not Need Permission

Chapter 337 The Truth Does Not Need Permission

Ava snapped, “Your tray’s already full. Why are you still blocking the line?”

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The girl gave a smug smile. “I’m blocking you on purpose. What will you do about it? Who knows what underhanded way you u to get into Starry Heavens University? You sneakes in through the back door, yet you truly believe you are someone important now?”

Naomi and the others noticed the situation and immediately came over.

Noelle reached Ava first. She stopped beside her and stared coldly at the girl causing trouble. “Are you a fool? Since when does gossip become fact just because people repeat it? The school hasn’t released any official decision, so why are you acting like you know everything?”

The girl emitted a teasing laugh. “Her name isn’t on the admission list, is it? It’s also absent from this year’s direct-admission list She didn’t enroll through the special-talent route. How can you justify that? Are we expected to believe we’re accusing her unjustly?”

Her voice rose even more. “She has the nerve to enter Starry Heavens University like this, yet no one is allowed to say anything about it?”

Ava stayed caim. “If you think I shouldn’t be at Starry Heavens University, report me to the school or complain to any higher department.”

She gazed at the girl without any hint of fear. “Standing here to block me and express your anger only reveals one thing to everyone: you are useless, angry, and desperate to feel significant.”

Ava then looked at the students nearby. “Anyone here who doubts me should go to the school. If a single complaint ish Tenough, band together and submit a joint report. I’m certain the school will provide an explanation.

“As for me, I’m here because I chose Starry Heavens University, not because it chose me.”

The instant she finished, Ava reached out and pulled the girl aside.

The girl had not expected it. Her tray wobbled, sending several food items to the floor. “You!”

Ava didn’t even look at her properly. “Here’s some advice: use your brain and don’t let someone else turn you

Her voice stayed even, yet every word carried weight.

“I’ll let this pass today. A final note: I’m not always gentle. If someone approaches me with intentions, rispar Don’t test me.”

The girl finally shut her mouth. She spat to the side before leaving in anger,

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Chapter 337 The Truth Does Not Need Permission

What are your plans? I’ve been arguing with those haters online for the past two days, and it’s really making me angry”

Ava turned to her. “You’ve been fighting them on the forum?”

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“Of course!” Zoey looked outraged. “Some of what they wrote is disgusting. I can’t just sit back and watch them twist everything The four of us have been arguing with people on the forum for the past few days.”

Ava glanced at the other three girls, feeling a gentle warmth rise within her. “Thank you for your trust. There’s no need to worry to much about the online posts. I have already consulted a lawyer and collected evidence of malicious defamation. Depending on how the situation unfolds, I will take appropriate steps to defend my rights.”

Naomi frowned. “If they really go to the school and demand an answer, will the school protect you? Once public anger gets too big, the school might try to calm things down. That could turn very bad for you.”

Malory quickly added, “At least you live in Orchid Court. Regular students can’t get in there easily, and even trying would be difficult. Otherwise, given how public opinion is going, someone might already have gone straight to your room.”

Ava looked at them silently.

She had already admitted that some parts of those posts were true. Nevertheless, they did not distance themselves from her Instead, they spent their free time defending her online.

“Can I ask you something?” Ava looked at them. “You all know those posts aren’t entirely made up. Why are you still on my side?

“You could have defended yourselves or simply pretended not to recognize me at school.

“I’m not currently well-liked. Staying near me might only bring you into trouble as well.”

Noelle answered without hesitation, “Ava, we’ve been together since orientation. I may not know everything about you, but know enough. I don’t believe you are that kind of person.”

Zoey nodded firmly. “Exactly. You’re clearly a good person. How could you possibly be the girl they’re describing? They re obviously trying to smear you on purpose.”