Chapter 223

Isabella Valentine tapped her fingers lightly on the desk.

The noisy chatter in the classroom made her frown, especially the shrill laughter from Sophia Lowell's group.

As the most distinguished figure in the Physics Department, the Valentine heiress always kept to herself.

Her almond-shaped eyes carried an innate arrogance, as if she looked down on everyone with faint disdain.

Many had tried to approach this privileged young woman, only to be deterred by her frosty demeanor.

Over time, no one dared disturb her peace.

"Sophia."

Isabella's voice cut through the air like ice.

Sophia, surrounded by admirers, turned in surprise.

"Isabella?"

"I heard you're hosting a birthday party at Symphony Heights?" Isabella twirled a pen idly.

Sophia's eyes lit up. "Yes, tonight!"

"May I come?"

The question exploded like a bomb in the classroom.

Sophia flushed with excitement. "Of course! I'd be honored!"

She was already calculating how Isabella's presence would elevate her social standing.

Isabella gave a slight nod, her lips curling into an almost imperceptible smirk as she turned away.

"Sophia, is Isabella bowing to you now?" Lydia Montgomery whispered.

"She must know your family outranks hers. That's why she's sucking up."

"Exactly. The Valentines can't compete with the Lowells."

The girls exchanged hushed remarks, their voices dripping with flattery.

Sophia's lips curved smugly.

She didn't notice Isabella glancing back at her with the disdainful look one reserves for clowns.

A phone screen lit up.

Isabella typed swiftly: Sophia's throwing her birthday bash at Symphony Heights tonight.

Evelyn Laurent was organizing her notes when the message arrived.

She smirked and replied: Let her play her little game.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the final class ended.

Sophia led a procession of over twenty classmates through the campus gates.

"How are we getting there?" someone asked eagerly.

"Taxis, of course," Sophia declared. "Symphony Heights isn't just any venue."

Isabella lingered at the back, watching the excited crowd with cold amusement.

She pulled out her phone and sent another message: The show's about to begin.