Chapter 261: Unfounded Rumors

At Jexburgh University, Raylee felt an unusual array of gazes surrounding her as she stepped onto campus. The gazes from her classmates that day were different from the day before. Previously, their gazes were filled with astonishment and admiration. But now, they were tinged with suspicion and disdain. In fact, she could sense malice in them.

“Is she the one who is messing around with a married man while being a sugar baby to an old man?”

“Exactly, she looks just like the person in the picture on the forum. Who else could it be if not her?”

“She is indeed pretty, but who would have thought she’d be so scandalous? She’s completely tarnished the reputation of our school!”

“Let’s keep our distance. This woman is sullied. Don’t get too close to her, or you might get contaminated by her filth!”

Listening to the gossip, Raylee immediately discovered that she had been the subject of scandalous rumors upon checking the campus network. Since she had done nothing wrong, she had nothing to fear. She also had no intention of explaining. In such situations, any explanation would only serve to confirm the rumors about her.

She found a quiet spot and made a call. “Hey Plumpy, can you find out who posted about me on the school forum? Once you do, show no mercy. Hire a lawyer to sue her pants off!”

Plumpy was the female bodyguard assigned to her by the masked man. A former mercenary, she was exceptionally skilled and quick-witted. Therefore, Raylee had full confidence in her abilities.

In truth, Raylee had somewhat figured out who was behind the rumors. However, she wanted to catch the perpetrator red-handed. Only by presenting solid evidence could she truly humiliate the culprit.

When the time came to leave school, Raylee was cornered by Halston at the school gate. A few of his buddies, who were similarly dressed in an odd mishmash of styles, trailed behind him. Upon spotting the beautiful girl, they each began to let out a wolf whistle, just like a group of street ruffians teasing a young and proper lady.

“What are you whistling for? Get lost!” Halston reprimanded.

Subsequently, behaving as if he believed in Raylee’s innocence, he expressed his concerns.

“Ray-Ray, I know you’re not that kind of woman. The rumors about you being a sugar baby for a married man or an old man are surely false! I believe in your innocence. Don’t be afraid. Even if the entire world doubts or rejects you, I’ll still stand by you no matter what!”

Looking at the disgusting Halston, Raylee couldn’t help but wonder if he was the one spreading those scandalous rumors about her. He must have thought that after I was slandered, I would be deeply upset. Then, he could use the opportunity to comfort me, capturing my heart in the process… What a cunning guy!

“Ray-Ray, know that I am your most loyal guardian. From this day forward, entrust yourself to me, and I vow to protect you for the rest of your life…”

Halston was under the impression that his deep affection and sense of duty would win over Raylee’s heart. He even held onto Raylee’s hand.

However, with a swift reversal, Raylee gripped his wrist, bending it backward forcefully…

Crack!

The sound of a bone breaking could be heard, quickly followed by Halston letting out a piercing shriek. The lackeys behind him were scared out of their wits.

Holy smokes, this woman is a real firecracker. She doesn’t hesitate to get physical and is even capable of breaking bones with her bare hands. I can’t believe that Mr. Mulligan actually dared to provoke such a terrifying girl!

In immense pain, Halston burst out in tears. He hunched his body, pleading for mercy.

“Let go quickly, I beg you. My hand is going to break!”

“Did you post this?” Raylee glared at him. “You must be incredibly bold to spread rumors about me.”

Halston immediately denied, “It wasn’t me. I swear it wasn’t me. If I’m lying, let me die a horrible death! Ouch, ouch, my hand is going to break. It’s really going to break. Please let go quickly!”

“Hmph, I bet you wouldn’t dare!” Raylee finally shoved him aside.

Halston clutched his twisted wrist, his face filled with fear. That was a close call. I almost lost my hand just now.

His friends teased, “Mr. Mulligan, what’s wrong with you? You can’t even handle a woman, yet you keep boasting about your prowess. You’re really full of crap! You bet, and you lost, so don’t forget to buy us drinks tonight!”

“Pah, when did I ever bet with you guys? Thinking of tricking me into buying you a drink, no way!” Halston was humiliated, but instead of getting angry, he made excuses for himself. “Moreover, when Ray-Ray berates or hurts me, it’s her way of showing her love for me. If you can’t even see that, you should just keep your mouths shut!”

His friends were all left speechless.

“Dang, since when did Mr. Mulligan become such a simp?”

“He’s such a lapdog. In fact, he seems to be born to do this!”

“You’re the ones acting like lapdogs, and the same goes for your families. Now, get lost! Don’t get in the way of me and Ray-Ray!”

After Halston had sent them away, he seemed as if he had lost his memory. He had completely forgotten that Raylee attacked him with pepper spray the day before and how she almost broke his wrist just a while ago. He approached her with a sycophantic smile gracing his face. “Ray-Ray, have you eaten yet? If not, may I have the honor of treating you to a meal?”

Meanwhile, Casimir, who was nearby, caught sight of the two of them, which made him so furious that he punched his car.