Chapter 177
“Look, I’m telling you, but don’t let this slip, or we’ll alert the big shot,” Justin warned.
“Got it, I’ll keep it under wraps,” Sharon replied, dead serious.
Justin dropped his voice further. “Have you ever heard of Solar Flare? They used to be well–known on Hunter Forum back in the day”
“Uh, maybe once or twice,” Sharon mumbled, her throat going dry as her eyes flickered nervously.
“Word is they replaced a freshman to sneak someone in, probably planning something shady,” Justin said, leaning in with a mysterious tone.
Sharon’s gaze darted around. She’d always known this day might come. But she wasn’t there to cause trouble. She was a law–abiding citizen, for god’s
sake!
She took a sip of hot milk. “Aren’t you worried about breaking protocol by telling me this?”
“Nah, you’re the last person I’d suspect,” Justin shrugged.
Sharon coughed. “Why’s that?” She felt the weight of his trust, wondering, ‘What if Justin finds out my secret later? Will he flip out?”
“Because you got Dalton’s invite at ten. His background checks are airtight, right?”
Sharon nodded solemnly, thinking, ‘I might as well let Mr. White take the blame.‘
Nevertheless, she’d met her companions and established the Solar Flare after turning ten. Talk about a mix–up, but maybe it was for the best
She sipped her milk calmly, every movement elegant. When in doubt, stay cool and sip your milk.
“Zero, what are you drinking? I could use a sip,” Justin said.
“Go for it. Cup’s over there,” she offered generously.
Unseen by her, Caesar caught the moment, his gossip instincts blazing.
He hurried to Nicholas‘ side. “Dude, check out your fiancée being all,chummy with Justin. Isn’t that the drink you gave her? Now some other guy’s drinking it.” His tone was practically triumphant like he’d uncovered a scandal.
Nicholas turned to look, and his gaze instantly turned icy.
In the distance, Justin suddenly shuddered. It was pretty hot outside. Why did the back of his neck feel icy all of a sudden?
The next second, his shoulders tensed as Caesar gave him a sly grin. “Tasty milk?”
“U–Uh, sure. A bit sweet,” Justin stammered.
“Of course, it’s sweet. That’s Nicholas‘ special blend for his fiancée. It must be sweet.” Caesar cackled. He thought, ‘This is going to be enter
Justin nearly choked. He quickly set down the cup just as Nicholas walked into the break area, his gaze sharp and cold as a blade.
“Heh, Justin, you actually drank the milk Nicholas made? Aren’t you scared of facing death?” Caesar teased,
Justin swallowed hard. “I, uh… have something urgent. Gotta go.” Better to retreat than face the wrath.
Sharon held her cup, blinking innocently with wide eyes. “What brought you here?”
Nicholas unbuttoned his collar, frowning, slightly. If he’d delayed, the drink he’d prepared for her would’ve been stolen by someone else.
1/2
Chapter 177
The atmosphere felt tense. Sensing trouble, Caesar slipped away. He wasn’t about to stick around for the fallout.
Nicholas checked her cup. “Do you like it?”
Sharon replied, “Yeah, it’s good.”
“Too sweet?”
“Just right, actually.”
He refilled her glass with warm water, his expression composed. “Weekend leave starts early. You don’t need to stay here wasting time.”
“Why the early holiday?”
“I need to take care of some business. Go home tomorrow and rest.”
Nicholas didn’t elaborate. But Sharon had a feeling. She was curious and eager to see how things would unfold. It had been ages since she’d met a worthy adversary.
Her eyes lit up with excitement. This was exhilarating. Until the end, no one could predict the outcome.
Suddenly, Nicholas crouched in front of her, his gaze intense. “This milk was for you. If others want a drink, make them get their own.” His tone was domineering yet awkwardly tender.
Sharon smiled, “Okay.”
He brushed her tiny earlobe, thinking, ‘Gosh, she’s perfect like she’s been designed just for me!‘
AD
