Chapter 304 Three Men
"Weren't you busy dancing with your girlfriend? How do you have energy to pay attention to what's happening over here?" Marcus asked.
Leopold crossed his arms, his smile not quite reaching his eyes. "Hard to miss such a scene."
Marcus shrugged indifferently. "I expected as much. It's not like I haven't been rejected before. You know Camilla's personality better than I do."
Leopold's face remained expressionless, half of it hidden in shadow under the dim streetlight. "I told you that you wouldn't have a chance."
Marcus smirked. "Actually, I find it quite fascinating. You know me—the more challenging the mountain, the more determined I become. One failure doesn't mean I'll always lose. Eventually, I'll reach the summit and look down from the top."
Leopold let out a derisive laugh. "You might fall to your death on the way up."
"That's fine too. Dying halfway up would still be dramatic—neither laughable nor tragic. You know what's truly tragic?"
Leopold sensed the conversation was about to take an unpleasant turn.
"What's truly tragic," Marcus continued, "is when someone doesn't even have the opportunity to be rejected. When they have to pretend to be carefree and put on an act. Unfortunately, no matter how convincing the performance, nobody really cares."
With that, Marcus pulled out his car keys and slid into the driver's seat.
Before driving away, he deliberately rolled down his window and called out with a smile, "Don't forget to walk your girlfriend back to her dorm and give her a couple of goodbye kisses. If you're going to put on a show, at least be thorough about it, right? Keep it professional!"
Leopold watched Marcus's car disappear into the night, his fists clenched tightly.
Soon after, Azalea found him.
"Why are you out here? Isn't it cold?" she asked.
"Just needed some air," Leopold replied.
"The event's over. Thanks for accompanying me tonight."
"Let's go."
Azalea looked confused. "Where to?"
"I'll walk you back to your dorm."
Leopold started walking ahead.
Azalea caught on, a fleeting smile crossing her lips.
"Wait for me," she called after him.
That night, what had been an ordinary social event left three men tossing and turning, unable to sleep.
Camilla, however, was different. She had left early and gone straight to the Excel Business University laboratory. She completed two sets of data analysis before heading home.
Once home, she took a shower and contentedly climbed into bed.
She leisurely browsed her phone, checked the news, and when sleepiness came, she simply turned off the lights and drifted off.
The next morning, she woke up before her alarm went off for her early class.
She got up, freshened up, and changed her clothes.
With no groceries in the fridge, she decided to have breakfast at the university cafeteria.
There, she ran into Hestia.
"Morning, Camilla!" Hestia called out.
"Morning!"
They approached the counter together.
"One sandwich, one waffle, and a glass of milk, please," Camilla ordered.
"What about you?" she asked Hestia.
Hestia pointed to Camilla's tray. "I'll have the same!"
"Coming right up!"
Camilla looked at her in surprise. "Is something wrong? Stomach upset?"
Hestia appeared confused. "No, my stomach's fine."
"Then why are you eating so little? You usually eat at least three times this amount. Why so little today?"
"I'm just not that hungry today, thought I'd eat light. Come on, Camilla, we're going to be late."
"Alright."
They headed to class and settled in their seats before starting their breakfast.
Camilla glanced at the meager portions on Hestia's tray.
This definitely wouldn't be enough for Hestia.
She'd probably be complaining of hunger within two hours.
Surprisingly, after two classes, Hestia showed no signs of wanting a snack.
Camilla was shocked.
Was Hestia really not hungry?
The truth was, Hestia was already feeling dizzy, her stomach growling. She was craving chips, cookies, cake...
She was dying for food!
But she had to resist!
Camilla, completely unaware of Hestia's suffering, assumed she truly wasn't hungry.
However, when Hestia ate the same minimal amount during early class the next day, Camilla suddenly realized what was happening.
"Hestia, are you on a diet?"
"Yes! Camilla, why is it so hard? We eat the same amount, but you're not hungry at lunchtime while I'm starving within half an hour."
It seemed so unfair.
"Why the sudden interest in dieting?"
This wasn't like the Hestia she knew.
The Hestia she knew never worried about her figure or cared about others' opinions. She ate what she wanted, drank what she wanted, and lived for enjoyment!
But now...
Camilla's gaze deepened. "Have you started dating someone?"
This question made Royce, who was sitting in front of them, turn around sharply, his eyes intense. "Who?"
Hestia quickly waved her hands. "No! Absolutely not!"
Camilla pressed on. "Then is there someone you like?"
When a girl suddenly became conscious of her appearance, it usually meant she was interested in someone.
"No, how could there be?" Hestia's tone lacked her previous conviction.
Royce frowned deeply, looking her up and down. "Don't let someone take advantage of you."
Hestia bristled. "As if! Who do you think I am?"
Camilla sighed. "That's not how dieting works anyway. Even if you want to reduce your food intake, you should do it gradually. Otherwise, your body can't handle it."
Hestia patted her stomach. "I think I'm getting less hungry now. I must be adapting to the feeling of hunger."
If Hestia hadn't been staring intensely at the small cake she'd brought today while saying this, Camilla might have found it more believable.
Meanwhile, Liam was deeply concerned.
Hestia was their only daughter, and even before they became wealthy, they had given Hestia the best.
So Hestia never lacked for pocket money growing up. When she needed more, Liam provided without hesitation.
As for people calling Hestia chubby?
That was nothing to worry about—being plump made her adorable!
Anyone who criticized Hestia was clearly just jealous!
But something had felt off since last week.
Hestia's living expenses were deposited into her account monthly, and going over budget was never an issue—the family could afford it.
Yet since last week, Hestia's daily expenses had dropped from five figures to four. This was alarming!
He called to check if she was sick, only to hear the word "diet."
Liam had been drinking tea at that moment and sprayed it everywhere as he jumped to his feet. "What? You're on a diet?"
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