"I think Autumn James has lost her mind. Does she really think flattering them will work?!"
"And when she encounters something she doesn't understand, doesn't she rely on us to tutor her?!"
William Moore spoke with indignation, a rare emotion on his usually indifferent face.
In the past, he always appeared calm and aloof in front of others.
Anna Hawthorne heard William's words, pressed her lips into a straight line, stifling a laugh while replaying all the upsetting events in her mind.
William actually had the nerve to talk about tutoring? Just relying on that hand-written vocabulary book?
However, Ethan James clearly didn't think that deeply—William's words immediately resonated with him.
Since childhood, their father had been busy with work, and Autumn James had been raised by Ethan himself, hand in hand.
From babbling to adulthood, he had witnessed it all.
He even delayed starting school by two years to ensure he and Autumn could attend the same school.
Never would he have imagined that now she would flatter others like this—true sincerity wasted on dogs.
Anna Hawthorne observed their indignation, a slight curl at the corner of her lips revealing her satisfaction.
Autumn James, look at this—that carefully nurtured bond of family and friendship? Fragile beyond repair.
Daniel Grant noticed her subtle expression and immediately saw through her intent.
He could only smile indulgently and put a dish onto Anna's plate.
"Eat more."
Anna Hawthorne smiled sweetly. "Thank you, Daniel!"
Daniel patted her head.
Angry yet eating quickly, the group finished their meal faster than usual.
After finishing, they carried their empty trays to the conveyor belt.
Passing by Autumn James, Ethan James couldn't hold back, speaking sarcastically: "Some people really are ungrateful wolves; they rush to please new masters the moment they leave."
William Moore, standing beside him, was startled.
How could Ethan say such things? It was too hurtful.
In fact, he regretted the words the moment they left his mouth, but the arrow had been loosed—there was no turning back.
Though regretful, he couldn't help but wonder about Autumn's reaction, even if it was anger.
All eyes instinctively turned to Autumn James.
Unexpectedly, she didn't even lift an eyelid.
"Go left out the door for two hundred meters, then turn right for fifty meters."
Everyone froze, unsure what she meant.
Luke Warren leaned back against the chair.
"Didn't understand, idiots? She's telling you to go see the school doctor."
"Can't understand this? Intelligence like this really needs a doctor," Luke murmured.
Ethan's face darkened, and a ripple appeared in William's usually indifferent eyes.
"Luke, shut up. Since when was it your turn to speak?"
"You really think someone who goes around fighting will have anyone like them?"
Luke didn't react much, only a trace of mockery passing through his deep peach blossom eyes.
He lifted his head, staring William down without fear. "Who are you to say anything? Do you even have the right to talk?" He paused, then glanced at William's tray, mocking, "That meal must have hurt your heart, huh?"
William Moore and Luke Warren were half-brothers.
William's mother had married Luke's father.
They only met midway through life.
When their father brought Auntie Zhang and William home, Luke had outwardly welcomed him—rare to have a playmate.
At first, he treated William as a brother, but he never expected William would plot behind his back.
When asked to play, William shook his head and went to inform their father, performing earnestly before him.
This even got Luke scolded.
To win their father's attention, William even wore clothes until faded, refusing any family money, insisting he could earn through tutoring classmates.
Because of all this, their father became increasingly biased against Luke.
Combined with his mother's manipulations, it was a mess.
Now, their father was still clear-headed, but if things went on, the inheritance might fall to outsiders.
Seeing William again, Luke couldn't give him a good look.
William's thoughts were pierced; his indifferent face flushed crimson. He clenched his fists, trying to maintain calm.
"I'm your brother! Shouldn't you speak politely?!"
Luke ignored him, coldly tossing out three words: "Weak bro."
Even Autumn James at the table couldn't help laughing, nearly choking on her food.
Humiliated, William's face grew redder.
After hesitating, he could no longer stay and stormed off.
Anna Hawthorne followed, disappointedly glancing at Autumn. "Autumn, William helps you with tutoring. Even if he gains no credit, he's putting in effort. You shouldn't let your friends humiliate him like that."
Without waiting for a reply, she chased after William.
Autumn James sluggishly lifted her head from her meal, looking bewildered at Anna leaving. Seriously, is she crazy?
"William, don't be angry. That was just Autumn's friend. I'm sure in the future, if something like this happens, Autumn will step in like before."
Anna tugged William's sleeve, her soft voice soothing as they exited the cafeteria.
William Moore's heart turned colder.
Yes, if someone had insulted him before, Autumn James would have stepped up and dealt with them immediately.
She wouldn't have let him endure such humiliation.
It was Autumn's tolerance and inaction that caused this.
Otherwise, how could someone like Luke Warren dare to yell at him?
William clenched his fists, eyes blazing red.
Autumn James, you've really outdone yourself!
He took a deep breath, forcing calm.
A gentleman can wait ten years for revenge.
Once he inherits the Warren family fortune, Luke Warren will not escape!
Several thoughts flashed through William's mind, then he forced himself back to calm.
Back in the cafeteria, Autumn and the others finished eating.
Returning to the classroom, only a few students remained, dozing over their desks for lunch.
Only Vlad Bundy sat upright in his chair.
Although the weather had cooled slightly, autumn still carried some lingering warmth.
Vlad pulled his uniform jacket up tightly.
Sitting straight and stiff, despite being in his own class, he appeared extremely tense.
His black-framed glasses obscured most of his features, long bangs hanging down, hiding his emotions.
From past experience, Autumn knew this person was dangerous. Extremely dangerous! Better to keep as far away as possible!