Chapter 178

"Yolanda, let's head home together today! I'm heading to my aunt's house for dinner, and it's on the way," Bryce suggested. "Bryce, I thought I made it clear before," Yolanda replied. She had already found Gavin and didn't want Bryce to misunderstand that he still had a chance. They could be friends, but if Bryce had other intentions, she would need to keep her distance. "Yolanda, you're misunderstanding me. I don't know you well enough yet," Bryce explained. "You don't have to feel burdened. I only see you as a friend." "And I came to find you today to talk about the art festival at the academy," he added. "You haven't signed up yet, have you? I remember you used to sing beautifully. Why not try performing at the festival?" "I'm not interested," Yolanda said curtly as she turned to leave. However, Bryce hurried after her. "I remember you loved singing! This is your first art festival at the academy, so you should participate! The registration deadline is approaching. Please do consider it!" Bryce felt that Yolanda needed more interaction with her classmates. He hoped she could make more friends through the festival. Yolanda knew that even if she expressed her disinterest, Bryce would continue to persuade her. So, she decided to remain silent. After leaving the academy, she walked along the small road toward the subway station, with Bryce still trailing behind her. "Yolanda, are you not considering it? If it's too much trouble for you, I can sign you up," Bryce said awkwardly as he scratched his head, trying to keep the conversation going. "I understand how you feel right now. The rumors are just rumors. Once people know and understand you, they'll see what a wonderful person you are." In Bryce's eyes, Yolanda was still a kind and lovely girl. Despite her current cold demeanor and seemingly difficult personality, he attributed it all to her three years in juvenile detention. He believed that with support, she would return to her former self. "Yolanda, you need friends, and…" They had been walking along the path for quite some time when suddenly Yolanda stopped in her tracks. "Yolanda, what's wrong?" Bryce asked. "Be quiet!" Yolanda's expression hardened as she gestured for Bryce to be silent. Bryce was taken aback and froze in place. Just then, several men in black suddenly appeared ahead of them. Bryce jumped back and turned around only to see more men in black closing in from behind. They were surrounded! At that moment, the car engine echoed from a nearby intersection. Two figures emerged in front of Yolanda. It was Isaiah and Lucia. "So this is revenge," Yolanda thought. She had taken this route because it was easier for those with ulterior motives to ambush her. It allowed her to draw out some people. She had wondered if these thugs were connected to the Green Tattoo, but now she didn't need to guess anymore. It was Isaiah and Lucia—who held a grudge against her for getting them fired from the bank and had hired people to ambush her on her way home from school. "Yolanda, who are these people? Should we call the police?" Bryce asked nervously as he instinctively stepped forward to shield Yolanda. "Call the police? Let's see if you can hold out until they arrive!"