Half-Million Dollar Bait： Campus Belle’s Hell

Fresh out of college, I somehow scored an internship at a major multinational corporation.

But before I could even set foot overseas, someone had already put a target on my back—half a million dollars on the Dark Web.

The three-year pandemic had crushed small businesses left and right.

While my classmates were grinding for grad school or cramming for civil service exams, I landed a sweet gig at a global company—thanks to my fluency in a rare foreign language and, let's be honest, my looks.

Coincidentally, my boyfriend, Ethan Lowell, worked there too.

If everything went according to plan, we'd be reunited in Mandalay in a week, finally starting our life together.

But just before graduation, Professor Vincent Roscente—a man with a reputation—suddenly slid into my DMs with offers that screamed shady.

His intentions? Obvious. Just another guy obsessed with my face.

Our university had this ridiculous "Campus Queen Ranking," and I was always in the top three. Naturally, I spent four years fending off admirers.

"Sophia," Vincent purred, his gaze lingering a little too long, lips curling into that slimy smile of his. "I know talent when I see it. A corporate job? Solid choice."

I stayed quiet, watching him like a hawk.

He leaned in, voice dripping with fake concern. "But you should know—my family runs an import-export business. Jade, gold mines, timber—all in Mandalay. Join us, and I'll double your salary. The career opportunities? Unmatched."

Vincent was in his fifties, always dressed like a GQ model, but his eyes gave him away. Guys like him—rich, predatory—always had a thing for young, pretty college girls.

And he'd had his eye on me for a while.

The rumors about him weren't exactly subtle. Students called him a wolf in professor's clothing, a guy who preyed on naive girls.

I'd always kept my distance. But now, with graduation looming, he'd finally made his move.

When he suggested I join his "family business," I didn't even hesitate.

"Thanks, Professor, but no. I'm going to Mandalay to be with my boyfriend. We work for the same company."

I emphasized boyfriend—a clear back-off warning.

Ethan had done two tours in the Special Forces. Humble background, but with a face that made him the campus heartthrob.

I'd been nagging him for months to buy a house—our future home.

Fresh out of college, his salary wasn't exactly rolling in, and his family couldn't help. Asking him to buy a place so soon was unfair, but I needed security.

Vincent didn't even flinch at my rejection.

He just smiled, oozing fake warmth. "Congratulations, then. Working with the one you love—what a blessing. I wish you all the best."

"Thanks," I muttered before walking out.

A week later, passport in hand, I booked the earliest flight to Mandalay after Ethan sent me his address.

Broke and fresh out of school, I took the cheapest route—train to Kunming, then a budget flight.

Ethan was too swamped to pick me up.

So there I was, alone, boarding a bus to his place.

And then—fate threw me a curveball.