Chapter 7 Extra Fifteen Thousand

I glanced at Tiffany beside me. It was clear that she hadn't originally wanted to pay off Colin's debt—after all, the money was supposed to go to me. After hearing me say that if Colin paid the debt, we would be even and have nothing to do with each other, she was obviously tempted. After all, what girl would want her boyfriend entangled with his ex? Given her ability to afford Armani and Hermès, even if they were discounted items, she should have no problem covering Colin's debt. "Alright, I'll pay you back for Colin. From now on, you're not allowed to contact him again." Sure enough, she decided to pay off his debt. "Tiffany, thank you. I know my family has been a burden on you." Colin cupped Tiffany's face in both hands and gazed at her deeply. "Everything you've done for me, I'll repay double after I graduate. I'll treat you well for a lifetime." Colin really should have applied to a film academy. That devoted gaze fooled me back then. Tiffany was equally moved. "Colin, you don't have to be so polite with me. Of course, I'm willing to help you. Just remember that I love you." As she spoke, her face flushed, and she lowered her head. Around us, classmates started whispering. "I always thought Colin and Marcella were a couple. Turns out they're just childhood friends?" "Yeah, I thought he cheated on Marcella after spending her money, but it turns out he just borrowed from her. And now that he's in a relationship, Marcella is pushing him to repay the debt. Looks like she actually likes him. That's kind of aggressive." "I don't think Marcella is in the wrong. They weren't even dating, so why should she have lent him so much money? Over 15,000 dollars. She's not some rich daughter, and she probably scrimped and saved her monthly allowance to lend that 450 to him. Too bad her feelings were wasted." I ignored the chatter. Getting back the money I had given away over the past three years was good enough. Then, I saw Tiffany pull out her phone and dial a number. A few seconds later, the call connected. "Dad, I found a necklace I really like. It costs 18,000," she cooed. On the other end of the call, I didn't know what was said, but Tiffany's face lit up with joy. "Got it! I'll study hard, don't worry." After hanging up, her phone quickly chimed with a message notification. She smirked and said smugly, "It's just 17,550. Is that even worth fussing over? Give me your account number; I'll transfer it now." I immediately pulled out my bank card from my bag and handed it over. The thought of 17,550 hitting my account made my heartbreak from last night disappear without a trace. So, these past three years, I wasn't supporting a boyfriend—I was saving money! If it weren't for Colin being my personal piggy bank, how else would I have managed to save up such a large sum? Now, I could finally go out and eat and drink with Yara to my heart's content. I was even thinking about planning a short trip next weekend. Then, I heard the notification for the incoming transfer. With a happy smile, I opened my banking app—only to be stunned. The latest deposit was indeed 17,550, but why was my balance 32,760? That was an extra 15,000?! Where did this money come from? My mom was always worried I'd spend recklessly, so she would never transfer such a large amount in one go. My dad, on the other hand, often secretly sent me small amounts, like 1,500 or 3,000 at a time, just in case I was short on cash. But all the family's finances were managed by my mom, and most of his "private stash" had already ended up with me. It wouldn't be easy for him to send 15,000 without anyone noticing. I immediately went upstairs and returned to my dorm. Yara wasn't there. We shared a two-person dorm, unlike the four-person ones that were also available on campus. Students from slightly better-off families usually opted for the two-person rooms—they were more spacious and made it easier to sleep without being disturbed. I hung my bag on the rack by the door, changed into my loungewear, and flopped onto my bed. Opening my banking app, I checked the transactions. Early this morning, there was a transfer of 15,000 dollars. The sender was Sergio Wagner. I froze. It was him?! The transfer was made a little after 8 a.m. I hadn't woken up until nearly 10. He went through my bag while I was sleeping! But why didn't I receive a notification? Then it hit me—of course, he deleted the notification! I was a deep sleeper, the kind who wouldn't wake up even in a thunderstorm. Unlocking my phone with my fingerprint would've been a piece of cake for him. But seriously, what kind of person sneaks 15,000 dollars into someone's account like a thief? Looking at the two transfer records on my phone—one from Tiffany Wagner, the other from Sergio Wagner. Do all people with the surname "Wagner" spend money so recklessly? Same surname, both wealthy ... Could they be related? I gave it some serious thought. They didn't look alike, so they probably weren't immediate family. Given Sergio's age, he was a bit too old to be her brother and too young to be her father—maybe an uncle or a cousin? Whatever. It didn't matter. I probably wouldn't have anything to do with the Wagners again. Just then, the dorm room door opened. Yara walked in and looked surprised to see me. "When did you get back?" "Why didn't you come back to the dorm last night?" I asked her seriously, trying to bluff. I had a strong suspicion she hadn't returned either. "I went to an all-night movie with Owen," she muttered, sounding a little deflated. One hand rubbed her neck, the other her waist—she looked exhausted. "Just a movie? Nothing else?" I wasn't convinced. She let out a long sigh. "No, really, just a movie." She dropped her bag, sat down beside me, and suddenly hugged me tightly. "Marcella, do you think I'm not attractive?" Seeing her so full of grievance, I was stunned. "Wait, don't tell me Owen actually resisted your charms? No way. Is he gay?" I mean, who could possibly resist this fiery mixed-race beauty? Even as a completely straight woman, I sometimes thought, Thank God Yara likes men. Otherwise, I might've been turned lesbian by her already.