Cliff wiped his tears dramatically. "You're obviously a repeat offender. All those awards you've won—you stole them too, didn't you? We grew up together. I can't just stand by and watch you keep making mistakes!"
I couldn't make sense of his rapid-fire accusations.
When had I ever stolen anyone's work?
And as for Bonnie and me "growing up together"—
Our fathers' companies had collaborated a few times. We'd met maybe three or four occasions, the last one seven or eight years ago.
How did that qualify as growing up together?
The bullet comments calling me her "ex-boyfriend"? That was just kids playing house. Bonnie and I had never actually dated.
Yet she'd already pronounced me guilty.
"Withdraw from the competition quietly. Hold a press conference and return all the glory that doesn't belong to you." Her grip tightened. "Otherwise, don't force me to break off our engagement!"
She was surprisingly strong. She'd dragged me several steps before I could even think to resist.
I frowned. "Engagement?"
My parents had never mentioned any arranged marriage. They'd always supported me finding love on my own.
What was she talking about?
My genuine confusion must have looked like fear to her.
Disdain flickered in her eyes. "If my parents hadn't insisted I get close to you, I wouldn't have spared you a second glance!"
Cliff let tears roll down his cheeks, playing the gracious victim.
"If he won't admit it, just let it go. It's only a competition. There's always next year."
Before I could reiterate that I really did come in last—that I hadn't pulled any tricks—
Bonnie rushed to shield him.
"You come from nothing, Cliff! You were counting on winning first place to pay your tuition! By next year, you'll have dropped out!"
She bit her lip, her face a mask of anguished sympathy.
"You're just too strong for your own good. I've told you a hundred times—I can help you, financially, with connections, anything. But you insist on doing everything yourself." Her voice trembled with admiration. "You're nothing like those spoiled trust-fund brats who've had everything handed to them..."
The bullet comments exploded:
【Can the ex-boyfriend seriously not tell the FL is throwing shade at him?! Just forfeit already and give first place back to our precious ML!】
【The FL only sponsored this whole competition so she could be a judge—all for the ML's sake!】