Chapter 527

Faced with Luna's bragging, Bella just smiled politely. "I've never ridden in a multi-million dollar luxury car."

Her mind was actually preoccupied with thoughts about Jack. She barely listened to Luna's boasting.

Luna enthusiastically invited her, "You've got to try it. It's something only a real tycoon with billions in assets can afford."

She then went on and on about how her boyfriend was a genuine wealthy aristocrat, not some pretentious nouveau riche.

But Bella wasn't paying attention. She picked up her phone and called her mother.

The call connected, and Clarice's steady voice came through. "Sweetie, what made you call me all of a sudden?"

Bella replied, "Just felt like it!"

Then, hesitating, she added, "Mom, there's something I want to talk to you about."

Clarice gently responded, "Go ahead."

Bella cautiously voiced her thoughts. "Mom, I was wondering… Can I not go to Montclair Conservatory?"

On the other end of the line, Clarice fell silent for a long moment. Then she spoke, her tone measured. "Did you tell your boyfriend about this?"

Bella didn't want to lie to her mother. "Yes."

Clarice said firmly, "Bella, this is the future you've always dreamed of. It's been your dream since you were a child. If he truly loves you, he should support you in chasing it, not hold you back for his own selfish reasons!"

"But Mom..."

Bella tried to explain, but Clarice cut her off, unwavering, "No buts! Life is long, and some people are just passing through. I don't want you to walk the same path I did. No matter what, you have to go to The Montclair Conservatory. Otherwise, I won't hesitate to take drastic action."

After Clarice hung up, Bella was left staring at her phone in a daze.

When Jack returned to the dorm, he saw Samuel completely immersed in his studies. He was so focused that he seemed unaware of everything else around him.

Ever since Jack had shared his plans with him, Samuel's ambition had been quietly ignited. Fueled by his dreams, his desire for success grew stronger each day. To achieve his goals, he knew he had to put in more effort than most.

Seeing Jack return, he asked curiously, "Where did you go yesterday? Someone left a gift for you!"

"A gift for me? Who sent it?" Jack asked, puzzled.

Samuel retrieved a beautifully wrapped heart-shaped box from a locked drawer. Though unsigned, the box's exquisite craftsmanship revealed the giver's thoughtfulness. It emitted a faint, intoxicating fragrance.

Jack carefully lifted the lid of the box, revealing an elegant watch nestled inside. He didn't know its exact value, but one glance was enough to tell it was expensive.

Resting beside it was a note, written in delicate handwriting. It read, "Jack, happy birthday! I've had a crush on you for so long, but I'm too afraid to say it. So, I'm giving you this gift, hoping that one day when you see it, you'll remember me—the one who liked you but let the chance slip away."

At the end of the note was a shy, adorable doodle of a face.