Chapter 399: Everything Was Off

Cody was Janice's lifeline, even if that lifeline was covered in thorns that silently pricked and hurt her. She dared not let go. After a recent family gathering, something felt wrong. Cody’s attitude toward her was consistently cold, almost indifferent. Beyond publicly acknowledging their relationship, he never defended or protected her. Whenever she had conflicts, he always sided against her, pointing fingers. While not as overt as her mother and brother's constant denial and scolding, his actions were still merciless.

Everything felt wrong.

"I doubt you're really my boyfriend," Janice muttered.

Cody's face changed, disbelief etched on his features. At that moment, a pretty girl, Cecilia, ran over.

"What's going on? Janice, are you arguing with Cody?"

Oh, here comes the pretentious bitch, Janice thought. She's been watching and thinks she can intervene?

Christopher and Rosalie instantly focused on the newcomer.

Cody's face softened considerably upon seeing Cecilia. His demeanor shifted dramatically.

"We're not arguing. Janice is being unreasonable. I just wanted to take her to change her clothes, but she's being stubborn," Cody said.

Cecilia looked at Janice disapprovingly. "Look at you, you're soaked. Let's get you back to the dorm to change before you catch a cold."

One of the girls who had been bullying Janice spoke up, "Cecilia, why are you so nice to her? Look what she's holding."

Cecilia's expression flickered. "We're good friends. I'm just being nice. It doesn't matter what she's holding. Please step aside."

Another person trying to sweep it under the rug. I won't let that happen! Janice thought.

Isabella interjected, "Oh, so you're Cecilia? Perfect timing. Let's get this sorted out. They say Janice stole your bracelet. Is it the one she's holding?" Cecilia's face froze momentarily, but she quickly recovered.

"Oh, I don't mind. It's just a bracelet. If it's lost, it's lost. No big deal," Cecilia replied smoothly.

Trying to slander Janice, making it hard for her to clear her name, Janice thought.

"Wow, what a nice way to put it. So you don't mind, meaning everyone assumes Janice stole it, but you're not pressing charges? Is that it?" Isabella exposed Cecilia's ploy.

Cecilia's expression shifted, and Janice realized the truth. Observing the reactions of those around her, Janice finally understood why she always seemed to be on the losing end with Cecilia. Even without direct accusations, Cecilia manipulated everyone against her. Janice had thought she was inherently unlikeable, but now She stared intently at Cecilia.

"You know that bracelet is mine. I would never steal from you. You're doing this on purpose!"

"Janice, what are you doing? How can you think so maliciously of someone else?" Cody immediately flared up.

Janice was taken aback. She looked from Cody's angry expression to Cecilia's. Her eyes flickered, and she offered a sorrowful smile.

"You're right. It is truly malicious to do such a thing!" Isabella said, smiling at Cecilia.

Cody was stunned. Nearly suffocated by the accusation, Cecilia began to speak, "I just wanted to express that I don't care about the bracelet being lost. I really didn't mean anything else."

"You might not care, but I do. After all, I personally gave that bracelet to Janice. Are you suggesting I stole it from you and then gave it to her?" Isabella's face turned stern.

This statement immediately revealed Isabella's identity—the current head of the Quirk family!

Cecilia panicked, her eyes darting around as she searched for an excuse, but Isabella was impatient.

"Cat got your tongue? Open your eyes and look carefully. Do the beads on her bracelet match yours? If you say they do, I'll call a jewelry appraiser right now to examine it in public! I want to see how an antique bracelet became your new bracelet!"