Two Reborn, One Throne novel Chapter 18

When Amber returned to the classroom hugging the scholarship forms, she saw the same classmates who had been mocking her earlier now swarming around a radiantly glowing, designer-clad Joanne.

"Wow, Joanne, you really are the prettiest girl in school! Clothes really do make the woman. We're totally blown away. Lucian, you certainly spared no expense. We're all so jealous!"

Amber wasn't sure when Lucian and Joanne had slipped back into the classroom.

First, she was mildly surprised. Wasn't Lucian supposed to be out busy playing the doting boyfriend on his first day reborn? Second, taking one look at Joanne's new leather skirt, necklace, handbag, and shoes, it all clicked into place.

Ah. So instead of coming over to apologize and freeload off her family's dinner, he had been out buying Joanne designer goods.

Hah. The irony was almost suffocating.

In their twenty-odd years together in her past life, Lucian had never once taken her shopping or bought her jewelry, let alone luxury brands.

But wait—where on earth did he get the money for all that?!

Lucian was thoroughly enjoying the classmates' awe and praise until he caught sight of Amber walking in. His expression instantly darkened.

He hadn't planned on returning for study hall at all, preferring to find a quiet spot to spend some quality time with Joanne. But after Arthur's meddling ruined the mood, Joanne insisted that as the top student, he couldn't afford to skip.

So, Joanne hailed a cab and accompanied him back.

Joanne never attended evening study hall, but she made an exception for him tonight.

Although the school strictly forbade flashy clothing, Joanne was clever. She wore her uniform jacket over the designer clothes on her way in, slipping it off only once she was safely inside the classroom, looking as glamorous as she did right now.

Watching Joanne bloom under the attention like a beautiful flower, Lucian felt every penny was worth it.

His Joanne was absolutely stunning.

But Amber was like a fly in the ointment. His good mood had lasted barely a few seconds before she showed up.

He had heard from his classmates that the very first thing she did was move Joanne's desk next to his. Hah, at least she had the self-awareness to know her place.

But what was this nonsense about a bet?

Was she just trying to save face?

Joanne bit her lower lip. She hadn't planned on picking a fight with Amber, but the sheer humiliation of the insult stung. Yet Joanne was smart—she knew better than to stick her own neck out.

When a woman wanted a man to show off for her, she had to let him play the hero. Playing the victim was the best way to secure a good life.

"Amber, if you drop to your knees and beg me right now to help you pass that interview, I might just consider it. After all, you're still useful for doing mine and Joanne's homework, standing in line at the cafeteria, and running our errands."

In their past life, Amber had done every single one of those menial tasks for him.

Lucian felt his mother had been completely right. Having someone wait on him hand and foot was fantastic. More importantly, he deeply wanted to see Amber reduced to being Joanne's servant.

"Lucian, you really think highly of yourself, don't you? You played me like a workhorse for a lifetime, and now you expect me to serve you and your little sidepiece again? And all because you rank first in class?"

She wanted to laugh in his face. Did he really not realize exactly how he had maintained that number one rank?

"If not my number one rank, then what? Your pathetic tenth place?" To maximize his mockery, Lucian leaned in close to her ear. "You don't seriously believe that just because you have memories of my interview, you can actually steal my corporate sponsorship, do you?"

"If you're trying to prove you were right in our past life by taking my place, don't bother. I'm not a totally unreasonable guy. As long as you promise not to interfere with me and Joanne, and you continue to serve me perfectly just like before, I'll still reward you when I become a billionaire."