Filed to story: That Campus Prince Is a Girl
As she spoke, Mark and Tessa’s expressions turned darker by the second.
“So let me get this straight,” Mark said slowly. “You pissed off a student named Cameron Wallace, and now Elijah Moore- heir to the Moore family-is punishing us to defend him?”
Skyler was nearly hysterical. “I’m sorry, Dad. I didn’t know it would blow up like this.”
Regret didn’t even begin to cover it.
If she had known Elijah wasn’t bluffing, she wouldn’t have gone near Cameron, let alone tried to publicly humiliate him.
She had no business risking the entire Young family’s future like that.
But what was Cameron to Elijah anyway?
As far as she knew, they were just classmates and roommates. That was it.
So why would Elijah go so far for him?
“You foolish girl,” Tessa snapped, tapping Skyler on the forehead. “We sent you to Langford Academy to build ties with Elijah, not burn bridges!”
“I’m sorry, Mom,” Skyler sobbed. “I really am.”
“Enough crying,” Mark snapped. “You’re giving me a headache.”
Skyler quickly raised her hands to cover her face, trying to stifle the tears.
After a long, tense pause, Mark asked, “Do you know where Cameron lives?”
Tessa blinked. “Why do you want to know that?”
Mark gave her a sharp look. “To apologize. What else? Or do you really think we can afford to go to war with the Moore family?”
Tessa turned to glare at Skyler. “Look at what you’ve done. Do you see how angry your father is?”
Skyler said nothing.
Her tears started falling all over again.
(+20)
One hour later, at the gates of the Wallace Villa…
Skyler stood beside her parents, all three dressed neatly and holding gift boxes. Behind them, their driver and two housekeepers were each loaded down with even more presents.
Mark rang the bell and introduced himself to the gatekeeper.
Martin Wallace just happened to be home. When he heard Mark was at the door, he came out personally to greet them.
Viremont wasn’t that big-everyone in their circle knew one another.
Martin certainly knew the Youngs.
And seeing all three of them here, arms full of gifts, he was more than a little surprised.
“Mr. Young! What an unexpected pleasure,” Martin said, ushering them in.
“Please, come in.”
Heidi appeared moments later, her expression warm and welcoming.
Ever since the Chapman family had pulled out of the engagement with the Wallaces, the family had faced its fair share of social snubs.
Someone voluntarily showing up with gifts? That was a pleasant surprise.
The Youngs had been nervous on the way over, unsure of how they’d be received. But seeing Martin and Heidi’s friendly demeanor put them slightly more at ease.
Skyler, however, was a bundle of nerves.
She knew she had deeply offended Cameron. There was no way his parents would be happy to see her.
With her parents’ word being final, there was no room for protest-she had to apologize, whether she meant it or not.
She sat stiffly on the couch, looking like she’d rather disappear.
Heidi noticed immediately. “Skyler, are you feeling unwell?” she asked gently.
Skyler sat up straighter and waved her hands. “No, not at all!”
Martin chuckled as he looked at Mark. “Mr. Young, what brings you all the way out here today?”
Mark cast a sidelong glance at his daughter and then sighed in frustration. “Mr. Wallace, I want to personally apologize for my daughter’s behavior.”
“Apologize?”
Martin and Heidi exchanged surprised glances. hey hadn’t even met Skyler before.
What could she possibly be apologizing for?
Tessa chimed in quickly, “Mr. Wallace, Mrs. Wallace, we’re so sorry. Skyler’s been spoiled since she was little and never learned to think through the consequences of her actions. We truly apologize.
Martin and Heidi exchanged puzzled looks.
Mark turned to Skyler and said sharply, “Well? What are you waiting for? Apologize to Mr. and Mrs. Wallace.”
Skyler bit her lip, tears brimming in her eyes.
She stood, bowed slightly, and said, “I’m sorry, Mr. and Mrs. Wallace. I shouldn’t have gone after Cameron. It was all my fault.”
Martin and Heidi were both stunned.
‘Cameron? This has to do with Cameron?’
Skyler continued, her voice tight with frustration, “But I’ve already been punished. I apologized to Cameron in front of the entire school, and I was expelled. Please, I hope you can forgive me.”
Martin and Heidi sat in stunned silence.
‘Expelled? What exactly has she done?”
Whatever it was, they honestly didn’t care.
What did matter was that the Young family had shown up in person to apologize.
Ever since the Chapman family broke off the engagement with the Wallaces, they’d been losing ground socially.
Sure, the Youngs weren’t in the same league as the Chapmans, but they were still several notches above the Wallaces.
Having the Youngs come knocking? That was a win.
Martin offered a warm smile. “No need to cry. Teenagers argue and make mistakes. It’s Cameron who overreacted, getting you expelled like that.”
Tessa’s eyes lit up. “So, Mr. and Mrs. Wallace, does that mean you’re willing to forgive Skyler?”
Heidi smiled graciously. “You’re being too formal. It was a minor issue. Cameron’s just a bit immature. I’ll talk to him.”
Mark quickly followed up, “Since that’s the case, would you mind speaking with your son-ask him to help smooth things over with Mr. Moore? We’d really appreciate it.”
Martin blinked.
‘Mr. Moore? That… That Moore?!’
Heidi frowned. “I’m sorry, but could you explain what you mean?”
Tessa laughed awkwardly. “Oh, Mr. Wallace, Mrs. Wallace-you’re truly blessed. Your son is close friends with Elijah Moore. Because of this whole situation, Elijah-yes, that Elijah-had the Moore family terminate all business with us. We were hoping Cameron might help us salvage things…”
By the end of her explanation, the embarrassment on her face was impossible to hide.
Mark didn’t look much better.
Years of carefully built partnership with the Moores-gone in a flash, all because Cameron had Elijah’s car.
Martin and Heidi were both stunned.
That Elijah Moore ended a business relationship over Cameron? Does Cameron really have that kind of pull?”
From their expressions, it was clear they’d had no idea.
That explained why they’d been so quick to forgive.
Mark pressed on, “Mr. Wallace, would you mind giving Cameron a call? See if he’ll cool off. We’re willing to offer any compensation-just ask. As long as he’s willing to put in a good word with Mr. Moore.”
