The Inescapable Celibate Heir Chapter 72: Lily Causes Trouble

Eric rolled his eyes and kept quiet. When things went south between him and Lily, his family had given him an earful. 

But it was just young love, no one got seriously hurt, so soon enough, everyone acted like it never happened.

Lily walked over with the dance club members, and Nick shot Eric a knowing look. "Looks like Lily hasn't forgotten about you."

By the time Lily walked in, she had composed herself. Her tone was calm. "Hey everyone, long time no see." Though she greeted the group, her eyes were locked on Eric.

Eric frowned slightly, not wanting to stir things up with Lily again, and stayed silent. 

Ethan watched Victoria across the room. She was nibbling on a piece of cake, avoiding eye contact, but her eyes were darting around, lost in thought. 

Sensing the awkward atmosphere, Nick spoke up. "Lily, you're finally back. How was Rexdonia?"

Roy chuckled. "You left so suddenly and were gone for so long, we thought you weren't coming back."

Lily's smile was tinged with sadness. "Rexdonia was nice, but without family and friends, new friends just aren't the same as old ones. Anyway, I'm back now. Aren't you happy to see me?"

"Of course we are." Lily and Nick had grown up together, playing as kids. Though their bond wasn't as strong as with Eric, there was still some friendship there.

"Eric, who's this?" The dance club members had already told her about Victoria, but Lily wanted to see how he would introduce her.

Eric's tone was distant. "This is our new member, Victoria."

Victoria gave a friendly smile and looked directly at Lily. "Hi, Lily."

Lily shot her a cold glance. "Just a new member? Newbies now think they can push around our dance club members? Quite the nerve."

Eric's brow furrowed, his tone growing impatient. "Lily, if you have a problem, take it up with me. Don't take it out on Victoria."

"Already defending her?" Lily sneered. The two locked eyes, neither backing down.

Everyone could see now that Lily saw Victoria as a rival in love. Nick subtly tugged on Victoria's sleeve under the table, giving her a look. Victoria just rolled her eyes and stared up at the ceiling in silent resignation.

Vivian, who had been standing for a while in her high heels, was getting tired. She called out to Charlotte. "Where's the service here? Can't you see we need chairs and tables?"

Charlotte approached apologetically. "I'm sorry, but we don't have enough seats for such a large group. How about ordering to-go?"

Vivian looked annoyed. She couldn't mess with the snooker club members, but she had no qualms about a dessert shop employee. "Do you know who our president is? You're making her stand? Clear out some other customers, and there'll be enough room."

Charlotte looked troubled. "I can't do that. Everyone here is a customer."

Vivian shoved Charlotte, causing her to hit the edge of a table. "Don't be so ungrateful!"

Charlotte cried out in pain, clutching her back. Victoria immediately stood up, helping her. "Are you okay?" She then glared at Vivian, her tone stern. "Apologize!"

Vivian rolled her eyes. "She just lost her balance. I barely touched her. She's trying to scam us for money!"

Victoria stepped forward and gave Vivian a hard shove, sending her stumbling back and falling to the ground. 

Vivian's tailbone throbbed with pain, tears springing to her eyes. "Victoria, you crazy woman! Mind your own business, and now you're hitting me!"

"I barely touched you. You're the one who fell on purpose, trying to scam me, right?" Victoria shot back, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

Vivian was livid, her pain only fueling her anger. "Victoria, you violent witch! Just because..." She trailed off, noticing the cold stares from Ethan and the others. 

Remembering how Wendy got expelled for insulting Victoria, she swallowed her words and turned to Lily with teary eyes. "Lily, look how she's bullying me right in front of you!"

Lily had thought Vivian's push was rude, but Victoria's retaliation annoyed her more. It seemed Victoria was indeed throwing her weight around at Nexus College, backed by Eric. 

She stepped in front of Vivian. "Victoria, you have no manners! Didn't your parents teach you to respect others?"

"Encouraging your members to bully others, is that your idea of manners?" Victoria's eyes were full of disdain. 

Initially, she had some sympathy for Lily, understanding that breakups were tough on girls. 

But seeing her defend Vivian's bullying of Charlotte, she felt no need to be polite.

Eric shook his head, looking disappointed. Lily's fingers trembled with anger. This Victoria was cunning, pretending to be kind and just in front of Eric, but she was just a lowly shop employee! 

She gritted her teeth. "Who do you think you are, talking to me like that?" She raised her hand to slap Victoria.

The onlookers watched with bated breath, excited by the drama. Nick stood up, trying to intervene but was a step too slow. Victoria, helping Charlotte, didn't dodge in time. 

Just as the slap was about to land, a strong hand grabbed Lily's wrist. Ethan's cold voice cut through the tension. "Lily, have you lost your mind?"

Lily's fingers shook, disbelief in her eyes. "Ethan, what did you say?" Their families had been close for generations, and she knew all too well the Smith family's background and Ethan's usual indifference. He had never stood up for anyone before, and now he was threatening her for Victoria!

Ethan released her wrist with a harsh shove. "Enough of this. Get out!"

"Fine, Victoria, I underestimated you." Seeing the men clearly siding with Victoria, Lily knew she couldn't win today. 

She left a parting shot. "I heard you're aiming for the best performance at the Thanksgiving show. I'll be watching!" 

With that, she stormed out, the dance club members following. Vivian, clutching her backside, shot Victoria a venomous look before hobbling away. 

Ella, blending into the crowd, saw that even Lily didn't dare challenge Ethan and grew more envious of Victoria's luck. She'd have to make sure Victoria embarrassed herself at Thanksgiving to make Ethan and the others lose interest in her once and for all.

With everyone gone, Eric quietly said, "I'm sorry, Victoria. She only came after you because of me."

Victoria shrugged. "It's not your fault. Back then, you were just playing along with me." When the rumors first started, she had fed Eric meat in the cafeteria to spite Ella. Who knew he had such a bold ex-girlfriend?

Ethan gave her a helpless look. "You should have chosen me from the start."

"Don't you have ex-girlfriends? I bet more women like you than him." Victoria eyed him suspiciously. His earlier outburst had been intimidating, a stark contrast to his usual demeanor with her.

Ethan locked eyes with her, his tone serious. "Not a single one."

Victoria turned away from his intense gaze. "Fine, no exes. Why so serious?"