Chapter 70: Apologize or Repay?
After all, none of the classmates could fathom that James would spread such a sensational rumor about Ashley.
The idea that Ashley would undress in a hotel and actively try to sleep with James seemed utterly implausible.
A beauty like Ashley would never consider sleeping with James; even the most average-looking girl in the class wouldn't dare to approach him in such a manner.
Moreover, Ashley had always disliked James; it was inconceivable for her to engage in such behavior.
Ashley's eyes widened as she stared at James, barely able to conceal her shock.
At that moment, she deeply regretted why she had agreed to go to a hotel room with James.
She had never expected James to reveal their rendezvous in front of everyone.
Initially, James had no intention of disclosing this matter, as abhorrent as he found Ashley's actions. Even though Ashley had her faults in James' eyes, they were still classmates, and divulging this information would have significant repercussions for her.
Today, James' mood was already sour, and Ashley's constant provocations made him to reveal the truth in front of the entire class.
"James, what are you talking about?" At that moment, a tall, muscular student rushed toward James from the front of the classroom, shouting with great agitation.
This student, Elbert Perry, a member of the class sports committee, was tall but not particularly bright.
Elbert's affection for Ashley was no secret; he had made numerous advances toward her in the past, only to be rejected each time.
Though Ashley wasn't interested in Elbert romantically, she kept giving him hopeful and treated him as a backup option.
Every time Elbert considered giving up pursuing Ashley, she would offer him a glimmer of hope, encouraging him to persist.
Now, when he heard James claim that Ashley had willingly undressed and begged him for intimacy, Elbert took the statement as an insult to Ashley and a personal affront.
"I am not making this up."
James raised his gaze to Elbert and calmly remarked, "Whether I am lying or not, ask Ashley, and you'll know!"
Upon hearing James' response, the classmates turned their heads to Ashley.
Still in a state of shock, Ashley didn't know how to explain herself.
"Ashley, quickly tell everyone that what James said is false. If you speak up now, I'll help you punch him!" Elbert shouted at Ashley with his eyes wide open.
Ashley stood still for a full minute, then burst into tears without offering any explanation.
Jennifer saw Ashley crying and quickly approached to help her up.
Then she turned to James, her tone icy, "James, since you claim Ashley willingly sought intimacy with you, do you have any proof?"
"Such matters do not require proof."
James replied indifferently.
"If you have no evidence, then I have every reason to believe that you are lying. A man who bullies a woman like this does not deserve to be called a man. You need to apologize to Ashley now!" Jennifer asserted directly to James.
"If you want me to apologize, Ashley will have to pay back the $50,000 I lent her. You can now go ask Ashley if she wants an apology or to repay her debt!" James said coldly.
Upon hearing this, Jennifer paused and turned in Ashley's direction, puzzled as to when Ashley could have owed James $50,000.
"Ashley, do you owe him money?" Elbert asked Ashley softly.
Tearful and hesitant, Ashley was at a loss to explain the situation to everyone.
Just then, the class bell suddenly rang.
"Alright, don't linger here; settle whatever it is privately! Teacher Carter will be coming in soon; seeing you like this will surely upset her!" Donna, the class monitor, spoke abruptly, seemingly wanting to defuse the situation for James.
As Donna finished speaking, the crisp sound of high heels against the floor echoed outside the classroom.
Guidance counselor Janet, dressed in a provocative outfit, appeared at the classroom door.
Upon seeing counselor Janet enter, the classmates settled back into their seats.
Jennifer, Elbert, and the others hesitated, choosing not to press James further about the recent events, and dispersed.
Ultimately, no one was able to determine if Ashley had indeed spent the night with James or if her supposed desire to sleep with him was real.
Furthermore, the reason why Ashley owed James $50,000 remained a mystery, as such a sum was substantial for university students.
And the most perplexing aspect was how a poor person like James could possibly possess $50,000!
James returned to his seat alone, while Tyler and Paul looked at him with puzzled expressions.
"James, was what you said earlier true?" Tyler whispered to James.
"Would you say it was true or false?" James replied casually.
"Ashley wouldn't actually want to sleep with you willingly, would she?" Tyler expressed his shock, curiosity written all over his face.
James smiled faintly at Tyler, choosing not to elaborate further.
James had only revealed the incident to make Ashley reconsider her behavior and to vent his frustration at her. Now that his purpose had been accomplished, he had no intention of pursuing the matter with Ashley any further.
Tyler and Paul, although curious, refrained from probing deeper as this was Janet's class and chose to remain silent as the lesson began.
