A Life Beyond Limits novel Chapter 278

At that moment, no matter how naive Bella was, she could tell that her mother had other intentions when she invited her and Jack to join the dinner banquet. Her mother wanted her to see how much potential these other men had. She also wanted Jack to feel self-conscious and break up with her of his own accord.

Arianna's smile didn't quite reach her eyes when she said, "The man Bella chose to be her boyfriend must be extraordinary. Tell us, Jack, you must be a reputable figure in school. Or are you a member of the Entrepreneurs Association?"

Panic gripped Bella's heart. The interrogation had begun. She glanced at her mother, only to see that Clarice was watching Jack with a tight smile as if telling him to show them what he was truly capable of.

Bella said softly, "Jack's amazing. He's part of the university basketball team. He was also the top scholar for his state when he took the university entrance exam."

Murmurs of surprise spread through the crowd after Bella spoke. Compared to being a member of the basketball team, the elders were much more interested in Jack's title of top scholar. It proved that Jack was well-learned and was above the other students.

However, it didn't take long before there was a voice of dissent. Arianna said with disdain, "Basketball? How common. What boy doesn't know how to play basketball? Being a top scholar is fine and all, but many top scholars are from distant villages. They had no choice but to study hard because their living circumstances pressured them to.

"But once they get into university, they would lose their edge. The difference in quality between scholars would become too big to overcome. Many of them would even be pushed to their breaking point."

Michelle also jumped in at the opportunity to give Jack a hard time. "Bella, why does he keep talking about his past? What about now? Is he a class representative? Or maybe he's part of the student council or Entrepreneurs Association? Has he ever considered going abroad for his studies?"

Bella shook her head. Jack wasn't a class representative or a member of the student council. He wasn't even a dorm representative. As for going abroad to further his studies, it was probably impossible considering Jack's financial background.

Unexpectedly, help came from Clarice. "Studies have shown that the students who achieve the status of top scholar are extraordinary individuals. We can't use one failed example to generalize them all. Most of them will still go on to lead successful lives."

Even though Clarice disapproved of Jack, she couldn't bear to see her daughter forced into a corner.

The other parents conceded to Clarice's words. Ray and Hunter were displeased but there wasn't much else they could do. After all, Clarice was the host of tonight's banquet. On top of that, they had to respect Clarice's position.

The atmosphere was awkward for a while. It only turned lively again when someone changed the topic to travel and business.