The Inescapable Celibate Heir Chapter 26: Treasure Hunt in the Mountains

"Hey, Victoria," Mira said eagerly as she got back to the tent, "Ella was saying you gave her a laxative at the welcome party. She's totally trying to frame you!"

Victoria chuckled, "She offered me coffee, but I didn't drink it. I just swapped our cups."

Mira grinned, "So Ella got what she deserved. You're a genius, Victoria!"

Victoria shrugged, "After going through enough crap, you get smarter." In her past life, Ella had tricked her. If she hadn't been reborn, she wouldn't have known so much.

Mira hugged her arm, "I get it now. Ella's just a faker. From now on, I'm with you, and I'll do everything to protect you."

Victoria felt a warm glow inside; Mira was genuine, and she could feel it.

"Alright then, let's get some sleep."

The two yawned and drifted off.

The next morning, Ella got up early to wash up. When she saw the dead snake and a pile of bugs at the entrance, she turned pale and screamed so loud it woke up most of the camp.

"What the heck happened?"

"It's so early, can't we get some sleep?"

Heads popped out of tents, even Dean came over.

"Why are there so many bugs here, and a snake?"

"It looks dead. Isn't that Ella's tent? Who's so mean to scare a girl?"

Soon, a crowd gathered to watch the drama.

As the crowd got closer, the bugs scattered, leaving just the dead snake and a dirty yellow sachet.

Ella then noticed it was the sachet she had given to Victoria!

She thought, 'How did it end up at my tent entrance? Damn Victoria, does she realize something is up so quickly? And she threw a dead snake over, is it a warning?'

"What's in this bag? It looks kinda fancy."

Luckily, the girls from yesterday hadn't noticed it was the sachet Ella gave to Victoria.

"Ella, did you hear anything weird last night?" Dean asked, looking concerned. 'Why does something always happen to this girl?' he wondered.

Ella, pale and biting her lip, said, "No, I don't know who did it either. It's so scary."

She didn't dare point fingers at Victoria. If she did, they'd connect it to the sachet she gave her.

Victoria and Mira stood not far away, watching coldly.

"Mr. Palmer, can you help me get rid of it?" Ella looked pitifully at Dean.

"No problem, but we need to investigate this!" Dean picked up a stick and carried the snake away.

Ella quickly followed, "Mr. Palmer, no need to trouble yourself. Everyone's busy and tired, no need to go out of your way for me. I can handle it."

Seeing her troubled face, Dean guessed there was more to this. It seemed Ella not only knew who did it but also wanted to cover for them.

"Then I won't interfere. Ella, you should get along with your classmates."

Ella replied, "Thank you, Mr. Palmer, I will."

After everyone dispersed, Ella quickly picked up the sachet and threw it far away, destroying the evidence.

For the next few days, Ella stayed quiet.

On the last day of military training, the head instructor announced, "You've all trained for two weeks, and it's time to test your skills. Our final project—a treasure hunt in the mountains! The instructors have hidden treasures at ten secret spots on Sunrise Peak. We'll give out treasure maps, and you'll form teams of four. The first team to reach the finish line with a treasure wins."

The head instructor added, "The top ten teams will get prizes ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, and priority in choosing dorms!"

Hearing this, everyone got excited.

Not everyone was loaded. For many students from regular families, $100,000 was a huge deal.

And the priority in choosing dorms was a big perk. Nexus College had single rooms, double rooms, and multi-person rooms. 

Those who could snag a single room usually had better family backgrounds. If there was a chance to get into a single room, it was a great opportunity to make connections!

Everyone wanted to pick strong teammates.

Victoria was the standout in training; she had great endurance and agility, so many boys lost to her during training.

Because of her beef with Ella, everyone had been giving Victoria the cold shoulder lately, and now they felt awkward about asking her to team up.

Mira was the first to break the ice, grinning, "Victoria, can you lead me?"

Victoria kept a straight face, "Sure."

After two weeks of hanging out, Mira had figured out that Victoria was just a bit aloof but actually a good person.

Seeing Victoria didn't turn her down, a bunch of girls rushed over, but unfortunately, Victoria was no longer welcoming.

Mira nudged her, "Pick two more; if they get randomly assigned later, it might be worse."

Victoria nodded and let Mira choose two, Daisy Lynn and Clio Webb.

The two were thrilled to join Victoria, "Victoria, we'll give it our all. With you, we can definitely place!"

Victoria said calmly, "I can't promise that, but I'll do my best."

In her past life, her bank card was frozen by the Scott family, and she really needed the money. But now, she wasn't short of cash; she just wanted to enjoy a different experience.

Ella was fuming seeing Victoria so popular.

She thought to herself, 'These people are so shameless, switching sides so quickly, chasing after benefits. $100,000 isn't even enough for my monthly allowance; what a bunch of poor folks!'

"I already have a single room, so I won't compete with you. Good luck, everyone!" Ella seemed to be cheering everyone on but was actually showing off her spot.

"Ella, you're such a true heiress, already securing a single room?"

"My parents just love me more; everyone can get one if you try hard!"

A group of girls started fawning over her again, and Ella soaked it up.

After the teams were set, Dean dropped another bombshell. "We've invited the top team from two years ago to share their experience! They also hold the record for this treasure hunt."

Ethan, Nick, Eric, and Roy walked onto the stage together.

"It's the Charming Four from the Computer Science Department!"

"Oh my god, it's Nexus College's most charming guy, Ethan. He's so handsome!"

The four were all big shots at Nexus College, especially Ethan. He and Dennis, with their contrasting vibes, one cool and the other warm, were equally captivating, making it hard for anyone to choose between them. They were the most charming guys at Nexus College.

Ethan spoke first, his voice clear like ice in summer. Victoria looked over, and he happened to look her way, their eyes locking.

In her past life, she remembered these four weren't at the military training. Was it because she was Nick's cousin that they showed up this time?

These four had looks, family backgrounds, and charisma, but standing together, the most dazzling one was undoubtedly Ethan.

After the speech, everyone started packing and getting their treasure maps.

Victoria was packing when she saw a pair of long legs appear in her view. Looking up, she saw Ethan.

He had a barely noticeable smile, "Surprised?"

"More than surprised, I'm shocked," Victoria replied.

Nick and the other two also came over, "Victoria, since you're at the military training, we had to come cheer you on."

Victoria smiled helplessly, "Don't we have a WhatsApp group chat? No need to be so high-profile."

Nick held out his hand, "High five! Good luck!"

Victoria smiled and high-fived him, "Alright! Wait for my good news!"

They high-fived one by one, and finally, Ethan tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, "I believe in you."

Victoria felt a bit warm, and replied softly, "Okay."

After the four left, everyone started buzzing.

"How come they seemed familiar with Victoria? Isn't she the poor, lonely girl with a bad temper?"

Mira also asked quietly, "Victoria, are you close with them?"

Victoria replied, "Not really."

They had only hung out for two days, not really close.

Hearing this, those who were envious and jealous felt satisfied, "I knew it, they are just acquaintances. What level is Victoria at, how could she possibly know the Charming Four!"

Ella also breathed a sigh of relief. With Ethan's status, there was no way Victoria could know him, so it must be a misunderstanding!