Chapter 139 Off the Anniversary Reception List
If she could get Terrence to show up, her entire future would change. She wouldn't just step into high society—she'd claim her place on the social stage.
Melissa's eyes lit up, unable to hide it. Her breath came faster, her fingers curling into fists from sheer excitement.
Heat surged through her chest. She could barely stop herself from announcing it to the world. Her trembling fingers swept across the screen.
The phone chimed.
Bianca had just put away her lunch box when her phone buzzed. She glanced down—someone had posted in the group chat.
Messages poured in like a rising tide, full of flattery and praise, all aimed at Melissa.
Bianca frowned slightly and scrolled down.
Finally, she found Melissa's original message: [Just got back from the Administration Office. Terrence confirmed he's coming. This year's anniversary gala is going to be incredible. You all have to be there!]
It was shameless bragging. What surprised her was how many people actually bought it.
Bianca stared at the screen thoughtfully, then locked her phone.
As Terrence's partner, how could she not know if he was attending the anniversary?
"What's wrong, Bianca?" Jasmine leaned over curiously.
"Nothing. Just watching someone make a fool of herself. It's kind of funny." Bianca's lips curved into a faint smile as she slipped her phone back into her pocket.
By the time she got back to the apartment, night had fallen over the streets.
Terrence sat on the living room sofa, working through documents. Warm yellow light traced the sharp lines of his profile and glinted off his silver frames. There was a quiet gravity about him—something impossible to ignore.
Bianca kicked off her shoes and slipped into white cotton slippers. Her footsteps were casual as she walked over and dropped onto the sofa beside him, sinking into the cushions.
"The anniversary gala. You agreed to give a speech?"
The typing stopped abruptly. Terrence took off his glasses, rubbed the bridge of his nose, and looked up at her, puzzled.
"The Administration Office never contacted me. Do you want me to go?"
Bianca's lips curved with a hint of mockery. "Not really. Just rumors going around."
Terrence took her hand and pressed it against his slightly cool cheek.
"Did someone say something to you? Want me to have Barry handle it?"
Bianca let the smirk fade, shaking her head slowly. "Just some clown trying to show off. If you don't respond, she'll fall into her own trap."
She wrapped her arms around his neck, swung one leg over to straddle his lap, and buried her face in the curve of his neck. Her warm breath ghosted over his throat.
"You attract too much attention. Makes me jealous."
Terrence's large hand cupped the back of her neck. "Why don't we just go public?"
Bianca lifted her head, her eyes carrying a hint of reproach. "You think I don't know about all your little games?"
"But we still don't have a real status." Terrence sounded almost disappointed, letting out a soft sigh.
She nuzzled his jaw affectionately. "Come on, I just want to get through college quietly. Once I graduate, I'll make us official."
"Besides, you pick me up all the time. Last time at the art exhibit you gave me that necklace in front of everyone. How is that any different from going public?"
Terrence touched his nose. "Still not the same."
"Okay." Bianca curled into his chest, pressing against him, listening to his steady, strong heartbeat. "When I graduate, we'll go public."
At those words, Terrence's lips slowly curved upward.
As the anniversary approached, the campus atmosphere grew noticeably livelier.
The school was clearly taking this event seriously.
"Bianca, are you going to the anniversary?" Jasmine sat beside her, eyes bright.
"Yes." Bianca's answer came without hesitation.
Most campus events didn't matter to her—she wouldn't waste the energy—but the anniversary was different. If she wanted to graduate early, she had to participate.
"Are you performing on stage?" Jasmine's voice carried excitement. "Bianca, you're finally willing to show what you can do! This time you have to make all those gossipy people see how amazing you are!"
Bianca just shook her head gently.
"I'm trying out for the anniversary reception team."
Jasmine froze for a moment, then her eyes lit up even brighter. She looked Bianca up and down—face to figure.
"With that face and figure, you'll be the brightest star on the reception team. No question."
Bianca smiled faintly but didn't reply.
She submitted her application. It sank without a trace. No response.
"Melissa, you're incredible!"
A sudden cry rang out in the classroom, shattering the quiet. Everyone turned to look at Melissa.
The girl beside her grabbed her shoulders excitedly.
"Melissa, you're the team leader for the anniversary reception team! I knew it. With your qualifications, landing team leader would be a piece of cake."
Melissa wore a modest smile. "Just got lucky."
She glanced back casually, her eyes meeting Bianca's. Her smile deepened, her head tilting slightly before she looked away.
"My family hired a professional etiquette coach for me, so I thought I'd give it a shot. I didn't expect to become team leader. I'm just a little better than people with no foundation. Nothing special."
The words pricked at Bianca like tiny barbs.
She listened to the classmates around her heap on praise, her brow furrowing slightly.
With her qualifications, even if she didn't make team leader, she shouldn't have been rejected outright.
And if Melissa could become team leader, the selection standards clearly weren't that high. Her rejection made even less sense.
She glanced down at her phone, confirmed there were no emails, gathered her books, and left the classroom.
Melissa had been watching her the whole time, satisfaction swelling in her chest.
She sneered inwardly at Bianca's overconfidence—thinking she could steal the spotlight on the anniversary reception team. She'd never let that happen.
"The anniversary reception team selection is based on comprehensive evaluation. It's not just one criterion." The student advisor frowned at Bianca, his tone edged with impatience.
"Then can you tell me which area I didn't meet the standard?"
Bianca wasn't being arrogant.
She had striking looks, a tall, elegant figure, excellent grades, and impeccable manners. She genuinely couldn't understand why she'd been rejected.
The advisor's tone grew colder. "The school has its reasons. Pressing for answers won't help you."
A flicker of contempt crossed his eyes.
Bianca pressed her lips together and said nothing more.
The student advisor looked satisfied, stood up, and patted her shoulder lightly.
"You didn't make the reception team this time, but don't be discouraged. There will be other opportunities."