When I got back to the dorm, I found my roommate Jennifer and Lyla Monroe chatting excitedly about the Osborne fan meet-and-greet event.

Osborne had just launched his own streetwear brand, and his online store sold out in a flash.

Many fans were heartbroken over missing out, so Osborne decided to hold a fan event to make it up to them and promote his brand. The event would be held in our school's music hall.

As I walked in, I caught Jennifer gazing dreamily at a photo of Osborne.

"I can't believe I'm finally going to see my idol in person! I'm so excited I might not sleep tonight!"

Lyla sighed beside her, "Even though the meet-and-greet is at our school, we don't have tickets. The most frustrating thing is being just a hundred feet away from my idol and not being able to see him."

When Jennifer saw me carrying my packages, her adoration instantly turned into disdain.

"I wish I could get my hands on some of those clothes from his brand instead of having to deal with fake stuff, like some people who pretend their clothes are signed by him. What a load of nonsense!"

Before Osborne's brand even launched, he had given me a few sample items, complete with his autograph.

He claimed they were priceless, but I teased him about it for a while.

People saw Osborne as a god-like figure, but he was actually a bit of a softie when it came to his daughter.

To protect me and my mom, he only let the public know that he was married but didn't expose our existence.

Osborne always treated me like I was the most precious thing in his life.

I was proud to have such a dad. Although I joked about his idol persona, he truly was the best father in my eyes.

One day, after showering, I decided to wear one of the sample outfits he had given me.

Jennifer spotted it and got all worked up. "Lillian, is that one of the clothes from my idol's brand? And it's the signed version! It's not fake, is it?"

I chuckled at her excitement. I hadn't expected to find a fan of my dad in the dorm.

I rummaged through my suitcase and pulled out another piece of the collection, handing it to her. "Of course, it's not fake. I have an extra one that's never been worn, so you can have it."

Jennifer squealed with joy, hugging me and thanking me repeatedly.

But now, she'd tossed that same piece of clothing in the trash, claiming it was fake and the signature was just a joke.

It seemed human nature really couldn't handle the scrutiny.

Like a balloon, it popped completely with the slightest prick.

Shaking my head in resignation, I ignored her snide comments and reached into my packages to retrieve a beautifully wrapped envelope.

Inside was a ticket to the fan event.

I wasn't originally planning to attend, but Osborne insisted. He rarely got to see me.

Since he was coming to our school for work, I couldn't pass up the chance.

So, thanks to Osborne's persistence, his manager, Amy Dent, had sent me a front-row ticket.

Just then, my phone rang. It was Osborne.

"Hey, sweetheart, did you get the ticket? I made sure Amy saved the best seat for you. You've got to come!"

Looking at the ticket, I smiled and playfully replied, "Don't worry, Dad. I'll definitely be there."

Jennifer, with her ears perked up, overheard my phone call and saw the ticket in my hand. A hint of envy flashed in her eyes, and she started to speak sarcastically.

"Oh, look at you, with a sugar daddy who can get you tickets so easily. Must be nice, huh? Unlike us, even if we adore our idol, we can only love him from afar."

She continued, her tone dripping with disdain, "But you know, someone as outstanding as our idol probably wants his fans to come see him through legitimate means, paying their own way, rather than using some sugar daddy's money."

Lyla chimed in, adding to the negativity, "Yeah, exactly. Acting like she's so high and mighty, even though they're broke. She's just trying to maintain a rich-girl image by finding a sugar daddy. Pathetic, really."

The conversation between Jennifer and Lyla was carried over the phone line to Osborne. I could hear the irritation in his voice as he responded.

"Lillian, are your roommates talking about you?

"How dare they slander you like that? I was thinking of having you bring them along, but clearly, that's not necessary anymore.

"You need to tell me exactly what they said. My daughter isn't going to be the target of these petty, rumor-spreading brats."

I quickly made my way to the balcony, holding the phone and trying to sound as sweet as possible.

"Oh, Dad, didn't you always tell me not to waste my time with foolish people?"

Why should I bother wasting my energy on a bunch of neurotics?

But my doting father wasn't about to let me stay there without his watchful eye.

"So, Lillian," he said with fatherly concern, "summer break is just around the corner, and I'm not too busy myself. How about I come pick you up and we visit the hot spring village we're planning to sign with at the company? Your mom mentioned that the village has hot springs known for their beauty benefits. It might be a good chance for you to relax and clear your head."

Even though Osborne claimed he wasn't busy, I didn't quite buy it.

Still, I could tell he was genuinely worried, so I decided to go along with his plan.

Besides, My mother had recently shown interest in a plot of land there, saying it would be ideal for a wellness resort investment. I was eager to check it out myself.

So, I cheerfully accepted his offer.

"Thanks, Dad, you always know what's best for me. Love you lots!"

As I spoke, I glanced through the window and saw Jennifer making a disgusted face as if she were about to vomit.

"Ugh, who's she smooching up to now?"

Lyla shot a disdainful look toward the balcony.

"Who else could it be? Obviously, it's another sugar daddy footing her bills. It's just gross."

The next afternoon, I packed my travel essentials into my suitcase and headed downstairs.

Initially, I intended to grab a cab and meet up with Osborne myself, but he insisted on sending his driver to pick me up.

Outside the dorm building, a Rolls-Royce Phantom was parked right at the entrance.

It was such a conspicuous vehicle that it quickly attracted a crowd of onlookers.

Whispers began circulating—everyone was guessing whether the car was there to pick up a wealthy heiress or a mistress.

When the chauffeur got out of the driver's seat, the crowd was taken aback to see it was indeed a pickup for a mistress.

As the campus' notorious figure, I slipped into the backseat of the car amid the gossip and stares.

Seeing me get in, the students surrounding the car sneered with disdain.

"Wow, Lillian's hypocrisy is off the charts. Just a few days ago, she was putting on a show in front of her boyfriend, and today she's hopping into her sugar daddy's car. What's she playing at?"

Photos of me in the luxury vehicle were quickly snapped and posted on the school forum.

I found the baseless rumors a bit amusing. It seemed like people felt emboldened to spread nonsense with no real cost or consequences.

I shrugged off the criticism, not wanting to get caught up in a cycle of proving myself.

However, Osborne's reaction was more serious.

He looked troubled as he gently patted my head and spoke with a solemn tone.

"Lillian, I've always told you that a clear conscience needs no defense, but the power of public opinion can be overwhelming. After years in the entertainment industry, I know just how damaging these rumors can be.

"Even though I don't want you to stir up trouble, we won't ignore it either. I can't stand by and let you suffer these slanders without a word.

"Leave this to me. I'll handle it."

Seeing Osborne's worried expression, I was touched.

To others, he might be a towering figure in the entertainment world, but to me, he was simply my beloved father, free from any of those glamorous facades.

Still, considering his high-profile career, I decided it was best not to add to his burdens. I could deal with these troublemakers myself. I was an adult, after all, and handling a few petty gossips was within my capability.

But just as my relaxing trip was about to begin, I unexpectedly ran into my ex, Lawson, in the hot spring village.

After finishing my dip in the hot springs, I planned to head to the hotel pool for a swim.

However, I ended up taking a wrong turn and stumbled into the neighboring hot spring pool instead.

There, I saw Lawson wrapped around a girl in an intimate embrace. The scene was quite explicit, and a few familiar classmates were lounging in the nearby pool.

As I focused, I realized the girl in Lawson's arms was none other than Linda Cooper, the campus beauty.