Chapter 34 William Dropped Out
Azalea couldn’t suppress the wave of envy that washed over her as she watched.
I know I’ve probably thanked you too many times already, but I really mean it.” Regardless of Hubert’s true reasons, she still owed him a lot right now.
If he ever asked for something later, and it wasn’t too much, she’d do her best to return the favor.
Azalea quietly made a vow to always return kindness. But if anyone tried to hurt her or take advantage, they’d pay for it–big time, like ten or even a hundred times over.
Hubert waved his hand like it was no big deal. “So, what are you thinking now? Judging by how the Larks acted, they’re not just gonna let things slide.”
“Can you check something out for me?” Her eyes gleamed with determination. After everything that happened tonight, she couldn’t let Sydney get away with it. If she didn’t push back, Sydney would just keep walking all over her.
“Sydney took my place at the Jubilee Academy. She’s not good enough and is probably getting kicked out. Ivy once asked me to take Sydney’s entrance tests for her. I turned her down, so they must’ve found someone else to cheat for her.”
She needed proof.
Back then, when Bastian used her spot, she didn’t say anything–partly because she wasn’t focused on art, and partly because she figured she could use it someday.
If Sydney had just stayed out of her way, Azalea wouldn’t have cared. She might’ve even considered it fair, after everything the Larks gave her for three years. But after all the times Sydney pushed her, this was the perfect chance to fight back.
“I’ll help you,” Hubert replied, lifting a brow. “But you know me–I’m a businessman. And every deal has its price.” It was a simple favor for him, but he wanted her to get it–there’s no such thing as a free lunch.
Azalea didn’t hesitate. “What do you want in return?”
“Buy me a meal.”
“Done!” she agreed in a heartbeat. Honestly, she didn’t know what he was getting out of this.
L
But a meal? That she could handle–especially since he didn’t say it had to be fancy.
He just said “a meal,” not “a five–star restaurant.”
A small, sneaky grin spread across her face.
“How about tomorrow? I’ll swing by your school to pick you up,” he said, clearly reading her mind.
A mischievous sparkle showed up in his eyes.
Standing nearby, Ace and Deuce suddenly felt chilly.
Seriously, Mr. Hubert should see how he looks right now.
He was glowing like a man in love.
Even though it was almost fall, it felt like spring had arrived early.
Everything that happened that night had also shaken Hubert. If he hadn’t shown up when he did, Azalea might’ve been taken away by the Larks for good.
“Want me to assign someone to keep an eye on you?” he asked like he was just suggesting a snack.
Azalea had a feeling he already had people watching her–but she hadn’t expected him to be so open about it.
She paused, thinking it over, then gave a small nod.
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Chapter 34 William Dropped Out
Mainly because she couldn’t predict what the Larks would try next.
She hadn’t even seen tonight’s ambush coming.
Finished
“He goes by Hex. Starting tomorrow, he’s your new driver.”
With that, the room went quiet.
Azalea glanced around, then gave Hubert a look like, So… aren’t you leaving?
He got the message.
“You little brat.” He chuckled, messing up her hair before finally heading out with his crew.
Once he got into the car, Hubert leaned back and laughed to himself.
She was already treating his place like her own home.
Up front, Ace and Deuce shivered again. The vibe in the car was just … creepy.
But once the engine started, Hubert’s happy face turned serious. His tone was sharp. That guy–whatever his name is. Look
into him.”
On Tuesday, Azalea showed up to school like always.
She had just sat down when Riley walked over and said, “William from the Honors Program just dropped out.”
William had always been one of the school’s best students, so news of his sudden withdrawal spread fast. Even the school staff tried to convince him to stay, but it didn’t work.
Azalea blinked in surprise. Did Hubert do something?
Then Riley added, “They’re saying the Larks had something to do with it. Because of you.”
Azalea was stunned. “What’s this got to do with me?” The Larks were seriously losing it. First, they tried to come after her last night, and now this?
Riley shrugged. “It’s connected. He accused you of copying someone’s work.”
Now Azalea was really confused. Sure, William had something to do with the cheating incident–but he was just a pawn. The school had already dropped the case, and there wasn’t any proof. So why would he quit now?
Perhaps the Larks had another motive.
Azalea couldn’t figure it out, so she decided not to waste her time on it.
It wasn’t her problem, anyway.
After that, the day moved on like usual. School ended, and nothing else major happened.
Hubert was efficient. That morning, Hex had already shown up as her driver. Since Azalea had done fine at the last training. she didn’t need more practice for now.
Hubert was coming to pick her up after school to get the meal she owed him.
As Azalea walked out of the school gate carrying her backpack, she saw Cassius a short distance ahead.
Send Gifts
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