Chapter 18
I was instantly intrigued by Jason’s suggestion. We hid and watched Lucas and his team fight the monster. Big bosses are difficult, requiring team coordination. By the end, everyone is usually critically injured. Usually, no one dares to steal a boss from a famous team. But there are exceptions.
I’d studied this boss’s attack patterns. I knew the perfect moment to strike. Jason and I worked flawlessly together, landing the final blow at the last possible second. We successfully stole the boss.
A world chat announcement appeared:[Congratulations to SweetyLimeCrisp for defeating the Peach Blossom Spring Boss!]
Lucas exploded in his headset, “What are you all doing? How did someone steal our boss?”
Sophie added fuel to the fire, “Those two are new accounts. Don’t they know who we are? How dare they steal our boss!”
Lucas roared, “Kill them!”
However, soon, Lucas’s game screen went black, and his teammates collapsed. Lucas looked at the name “SweetyLime,” finding the play style familiar. It was like Lina! Had she deliberately created a new account to steal his boss? No, Lina wasn’t that
skilled yet…
Meanwhile, Jason and I had acquired the boss’s loot, but nothing compared to the joy of defeating Lucas and Sophie! My wolf roared excitedly in my mind, full of power and grandeur.
After a while, our takeout arrived. Jason paused.“Let’s eat first.”
I noticed a small cake, the same brand as the one Sophie received earlier. I looked at him.“Why did you buy a cake?”
“Don’t girls like these? It’s a reward for your excellent score. You didn’t disappoint me!”
I felt a surge of emotion. Jason looked uncomfortable, adding curtly, “The takeout delivery included it.”
This cake was for me. I took a bite, my emotions overwhelming me. Jason watched me silently.
He cleared his throat. “Is the cake bad?” It shouldn’t be; this is supposedly the most popular flavor.
I nodded.“It’s delicious. No one has bought me a cake specifically for a long time.”
Since my parents died, I hadn’t celebrated birthdays. My brothers never remembered I liked this cake; it was never for me.
Jason’s gaze lingered on me.“You didn’t eat cake on your birthday?”
I was silent for a moment.“My parents died in a car accident on my birthday. They were the previous Alpha and Luna of First Quarter Pack. After they passed away, the entire Pack’s mood was low on their anniversary. Even though it was my birthday, everyone only cared about their memorial. I haven’t celebrated since.” It was also their death anniversary. The atmosphere at home was always somber on that day. I didn’t feel entitled to celebrate my birthday.
Jason felt a sharp pang in his chest, short of breath. He turned his head, his lips pressed into a thin line, his expression a mix of anger, guilt, and remorse. His hand clenched, veins bulging on his knuckles.
Sensing the shift in mood, I feigned indifference. “I don’t care about birthdays; I don’t feel like celebrating anyway.” It was my parents‘ death anniversary. What right did I have to celebrate?
Jason controlled his emotions. Seeing her pale, quiet face, so docile, he felt a mix of anger and helplessness. He sat silently, almost invisible. Her maturity was both infuriating and heartbreaking. His wolf wanted to protect this fragile little girl.
He cleared his throat, his voice hoarse.“It’s getting late. Children shouldn’t stay out late.”
“I know. Can I come here again to see you?” I asked, uncertain.
His eyes were dark as ink.“You trust me so easily. Aren’t you afraid I’ll deceive you?”
< Chapter 18
I don’t have anything worth deceiving you for,” I replied frankly. “Master, you’re my only friend right now.”
A friend? He thought, then said with mock seriousness, “Don’t trust people easily, especially men.”
I know. I’m going now.”
waved and left the infirmary. After I left, Jason sat there, staring at the cake, remembering the smashed cake at the accident cene. A sharp pain pierced his head. He hadn’t eaten cake since that accident.
while later, he received a call.“Sir, Miss Ashford has arrived home safely.”
le hung up, his figure stretching long in the setting sun.
Jack at the Ashford home, I found Nathan waiting. His expression was uncertain as he looked at his estranged, rebellious ister. He knew I had shown great improvement, and he suspected cheating. But it was real. My scores had always been verage. Why the sudden improvement?
He saw a significant change in me. It wasn’t about defiance; it was genuine change. He was both happy and disheartened. The ister who used to revolve around him was gone! She’d worked hard for her good grades, not out of spite.
Nathan reflected on his own biased view of me, compounded by Lucas’s actions at school. He’d overlooked my feelings. Was hat why I’d changed so much?
His tone was complex. “You’re back late. Were you studying at astudy room again?”
Yes.”
Nathan sighed. “Isn’t home better than astudy room? It’s unsafe out there. Don’t study outside anymore.” He had made a decision for me again.
He continued, “Since Sophie’s scores dropped significantly, I hired a tutor for her. You should join. If she doesn’t understand omething, you can help. You’re classmates; take notes for her when she’s absent.”
My gaze was sarcastic. It was for Sophie’s sake.
straightened my back.“I refuse.”
Lina, I know Lucas was wrong at school, and you proved yourself. But we’re family. Sophie’s scores dropped because of the team competition. Since you’re not participating, you should help her improve her scores. You have the experience.”
I found this ridiculous.
I said no!” That was all I said. Any further explanation was a waste of breath. I need to protect my wolf, like she did in past life.
Lucas stormed in, pointing at me.“Lina, do you have any conscience? You’ve eaten and lived off the Ashford family, yet you haven’t contributed anything! Are you ashamed?”
I felt a surge of irony. I had worked tirelessly for the Ashford family in my past life, honing my gaming skills to win
hampionships. But what did I get in return? Sophie, with a few tears, easily replaced me, stealing the victory.
This time, I wouldn’t repeat that mistake.
replied calmly, Fine. From today, I’ll move out and won’t use a single cent of the Ashford family’s money.”
The break started now.
