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.