Chapter 173
“I’m not busy. I can head out later.” Nicholas stayed seated, making no move to leave early.
Sharon finished her pottage and set the cup down. “I’m ready.”
She eyed the containers on the table. These were the Vance family meal boxes. Was he just going to abandon them?
“Someone will handle the thermal boxes. Don’t worry about it,” Nicholas said, guessing her thoughts.
At the door, Nicholas addressed Margaret. “Go on ahead. I’ll join you shortly.”
“Yes, Mr. Baxter.” Margaret’s expression shifted with mixed feelings. She turned and strode away, composing herself.
She should have known better–in Nicholas‘ life, Sharon was in a league of her own.
As a girl, Sharon instantly picked up on Margaret’s unease. She spoke tentatively, “You two are close?”
“Hmm?” Nicholas replied evenly, “She’s the student council secretary. Reminding me of meetings is part of her role.” The subtext was clear–their connection was strictly professional.
Sharon nodded. By now, it was getting late. The pathways were nearly deserted, most students already back in their dorms.
Sharon suddenly remembered her question. “Are you slammed with work at the House of Obsidian?”
“Not especially.”
“I recall when my family was taken away, you left for an urgent mission. Are those kinds of tasks common?” Justin had mentioned House of Obsidian members had daily assignments. Maybe Nicholas took them on too.
“Occasionally. That was just a standard mission.”
“What about beyond the standard ones?”
Nicholas looked down at her. “Interested?”
“Yeah, I’ve always been curious. Mr. White once told me the House of Obsidian holds all the answers I seek. But my brothers won’t let me go anywhere
near the place.”
“They care about you. They don’t want you getting mixed up in something so grueling.”
Sharon halted in her steps. “Then tell me.”
“Not the right time yet.”
“Can’t you leak even a tiny bit now?” She widened her innocent eyes, gazing up at Nicholas earnestly, hoping her cute act would yield results.
Nicholas reached out to ruffle her hair. “Sorry, no can do.”
Her hair now disheveled, Sharon deliberately turned her head away, refusing his touch. If he wouldn’t talk, he wasn’t getting any more pats.
Nicholas retracted his hand hanging awkwardly in the air.
They resumed walking, and he said, “A month goes by fast. I’ll fill you in then.”
“Okay.” Sharon knew further prodding was useless. Justin was equally tight–lipped. The more they clammed up, the more intrigued she grew.
After seeing Sharon safely back to her dorm, Nicholas turned toward the meeting venue.
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Chapter 173
Margaret was already waiting at the door. At the sight of him, she exhaled in relief. “Mr. Baxter, everyone’s here,”
“Right. Have you kept an eye on the girls? Noticed anything off?” Nicholas asked.
“Not yet. Apart from Lydia and Vivian, who stand out, the rest are pretty average. No red flags so far.”
Nicholas nodded. “Stay vigilant. We can’t let the other side penetrate the House of Obsidian. The repercussions would be dire.” This wasn’t just about reputation–safety was on the line.
“Yes, I’ve got it covered.”
They entered the conference room together. Rufus was present, along with several unfamiliar figures.
“Nicholas, come here. Let me introduce you. These are inspecting leaders from higher up, here to observe our freshman training,” Rufus said.
Nicholas nodded impassively at them.
One of the men spoke up. “Nicholas, we watched this morning’s freshman training. Their morale is top–notch. Under your guidance, we’re bound to get another crop of stellar recruits.”
Nicholas lifted his gaze. “Just doing my job.”
“Funny thing, though–I heard a rumor. Solar Flare has snuck into the freshmen. Are you aware of this?”
Solar Flare?
AD
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