The story continued at the front gate of Riverside University, one of the most prestigious campuses on the West Coast.
A black luxury sedan rolled to a smooth stop by the curb. The door opened, and Evan stepped out, dressed sharply, his expression cold. Several subordinates followed behind him as he walked straight toward the girls' dormitory area, drawing more than a few curious glances from passing students.
Evan couldn't openly defy his grandfather—but the more he thought about the sale of Moonrise Island, the angrier he felt.
It wasn't about the money.
Growing up in extreme wealth, a few hundred million dollars meant nothing to him. What truly bothered him was face. The island hadn't been sold willingly—it had been bought outright by Jason with cash. To Evan, that was humiliation.
And now the deal was done. There was no undoing it.
After stewing over it for days, Evan finally came up with a plan.
If Jason can humiliate me with money, he thought, why can't I humiliate him the same way?
Money could buy assets.Money could also buy people.
If he stole Jason's woman, Jason would lose far more than an island—he'd lose face.
Of course, Evan had standards. He didn't want women Jason had already touched. After weighing his options, his gaze settled on one name:
Clara.
According to his investigation, Jason had once bought a top-tier Steinway piano just to pursue her. Yet after a few lessons, he still hadn't succeeded.
If I take her down, Evan sneered inwardly, Jason will explode.
Soon, they arrived at the girls' dormitory area.
Evan sat down casually in the small courtyard outside the campus convenience store and said flatly,"Have Clara come down to see me."
One of his men nodded and headed toward the dorm entrance. He contacted a female student he knew and asked her to pass on the message.
At Dorm 408 of the Music Department, the girl knocked and said excitedly,"Clara, Evan from the will family is looking for you. He's waiting downstairs."
Her eyes were filled with curiosity—and envy.
The will family was one of the top financial families in the city. For their young master to come personally to campus was a huge deal.
Clara's two roommates immediately leaned in, gossip written all over their faces. Her best friend, Lily, looked confused.
"Clara, since when did you know someone like him?"
Clara shook her head calmly."I don't know him."
Lily blinked."Maybe he saw your performance at the Bay City Open and got interested? Are you going to meet him?"
"No," Clara replied without hesitation.
Lily smiled helplessly and shook her head. For a moment, she had thought Clara had changed after what happened with Jason—but it seemed she was still just as distant as ever.
Clara turned to the girl who delivered the message."Thanks for letting me know, but please tell him I don't know him."
The girl sighed softly."She really is on another level."She nodded. "Okay, I'll pass that on."
When the response reached Evan, he laughed.
"Just like the rumors—cold and proud," he said leisurely. "That makes it more interesting."
He leaned back in his chair, eyes narrowing.
"Tell her this," he continued calmly."If she doesn't come down, her father's company might not survive the year."
His subordinates stiffened—but obeyed.
Evan smiled faintly.
Some women resisted money.Some resisted charm.
But very few could resist pressure.
And Evan was very patient.
A few minutes later, Clara came downstairs.
She wasn't alone—Lily was with her. The two didn't step out of the dormitory compound, stopping just inside the wrought-iron gate. Through the black railing, Clara looked at Evan with an expression colder than winter. Her usual calm aloofness was gone; what remained was pure ice.
Evan didn't seem offended. If anything, he looked amused. He took a few steps forward and chuckled."Isn't it awkward talking through iron bars? Come out. I'm not going to eat you. And about mentioning your dad earlier—relax, that was just a joke. I only wanted you to come down."
Clara didn't laugh.
Her eyes carried unmistakable disgust.
Evan shrugged, unfazed."I hear your dream is music. Piano. Becoming someone recognized on the world stage." He smiled faintly. "Coincidentally, I love music too. I recently bought a Steinway for my villa. I was planning to give it to a girl worthy of me."
He paused deliberately.
"If I like someone, I can send her to the best conservatory in the States, hire top-tier pianists as private mentors, arrange international competitions—no problem at all. So, Clara… would you consider giving me that honor?"
His tone was casual.The words were brutal.
This was how Evan always operated—money, resources, power, laid bare. No pretense, no romance. Just overwhelming advantage.
And it worked—often.
Countless beautiful women had folded the moment they heard the numbers. Even the ones who pretended to be aloof usually softened once the price was high enough.
But Evan forgot one thing.
Casting a wide net worked when you didn't care who you caught.It didn't always work on a specific target.
Clara, for instance.
Her material desires were minimal. Her future path had already been secured through a partnership with Jason. More importantly—Evan's earlier "joke" about her father had crossed a line.
That was her sore spot.
Clara replied coldly,"No need. I've already signed a cooperation agreement with Jason's company. Please don't involve family in your jokes. I hope you won't bring that up again."
With that, she turned around to leave.
Evan's smile thinned."Working with his company compares to me personally supporting you?" he said sharply. "He buys a Steinway and puts it in a piano room. I buy one and hand it directly to you."
"I hope you can see the difference," he continued. "Work with me, and ten pianos won't even be an issue. Your music dream will be smooth sailing."
Clara didn't stop.
Evan's expression darkened."Do you know who I am?" he said coldly. "If you don't give me face and actually anger me, I guarantee your music career ends here. And that joke about your father—might not stay a joke."
Clara stopped walking.
Her face turned even colder.
She pulled out her phone, instinctively wanting to call Jason.
Somewhere along the way, she had begun to rely on him—without even realizing it.
But her finger hovered over the screen.
Although she had signed a contract with Jason—he provided capital and protection in exchange for a majority share of her future income—this wasn't a business matter. Evan was threatening her family. That was private.
It didn't feel right to drag Jason into something like this.
In the end, she put the phone away.
Ignoring Evan completely, she turned and walked back toward the dormitory.
Clara didn't ask Jason for help.
But that didn't mean the incident went unnoticed.
Students had already seen everything. Members of the Student Union. Administrative staff. Even people who wanted to curry favor with Jason. Messages spread quickly.
Before long, the news reached Jason through multiple channels.
After all, Riverside University was practically his territory.
Jason frowned slightly and immediately messaged Clara.
Jason:"Why didn't you tell me when Evan threatened you? The contract clearly states I'm responsible for protecting you."
Clara:"This isn't related to piano cooperation. It's a private issue. I didn't want to trouble you."
Jason's reply came quickly.
Jason:"He's targeting you to get back at me. The timing isn't a coincidence. Don't pay him any attention—I'll handle it. And don't worry about your father. Even if his business collapses, I'll just buy him a new one."
Clara felt warmth rise in her chest.
Clara:"I won't pay attention to him. I'm not interested in him at all."
After sending the message, she realized it sounded suspiciously like an explanation between a man and a woman. Her cheeks warmed slightly.
Jason then made a call.
"Victor," he said calmly, "you're fairly close with Evan, right? Any deep business ties?"
Victor's heart skipped."…Not really. Why?"
"If you don't want to lose future collaborations," Jason said evenly, "cut ties. Immediately."
Victor's expression changed instantly.
Holy hell.
Is Jason going after the will family?Didn't the Moonrise Island deal go smoothly? Why escalate now?
No matter the reason, Victor didn't dare hesitate."Got it. I'll start distancing right away."
After hanging up, Victor quickly looked into the situation and soon discovered the truth—Evan had gone to Riverside University and threatened Clara.
Victor nearly cursed out loud.
Evan, are you insane? Are you asking to die?
Jason paid a premium of three to four hundred million to acquire Moonrise Island. The will family made an absolute killing. Was that still not enough?
Did Evan really think Jason bought it at that price because he was afraid of the will family?
Has he not asked around?
In just one month, Jason had crushed multiple companies in coordinated financial strikes.
If Jason decided to move seriously—
Was the will family actually confident they could survive it?
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