Chapter 41 Back to Ashford
Chapter 41 Back to Ashford
Nathan’s long, dark lashes lowered as he stared into his bowl. “Mm. I remember.”
For Stella, the memory didn’t feel that long ago.
5.Free Coins
I remember you signed up to play, right? When I heard you were going to be in the game, I was actually a little happy”
“Is that so?” Nathan’s gaze lifted to her face again, a flicker of delight in his eyes.
“Of course. If you were training for the game, you’d have less time to study. That was my perfect chance to get ahead.” She
arched a brow.
“But when I went to watch, you weren’t on the court. I only saw Lucas and the others. Why didn’t you play?”
Nathan adjusted the silver frames on his nose, hiding the brief flash of sharpness in his eyes before answering with a smile. I was afraid you’d overtake me.”
Stella picked up a piece of tender beef and popped it into her mouth. “I knew it
When two rivals were evenly matched, even one extra problem set could tip the balance. Of course they’d think the same
way.
“All right, I’m done. I’m heading out. If I get there early, I can grab a good seat.”
She set her empty bowl in the kitchen and waved to Nathan and the butler.
Nathan rose, dabbing his mouth with a napkin in unhurried precision. “I’ll go with you,” he said, his tone casual but with a hint of probing. “I’ve got the day off too, and it’s been a long time since I visited Ashford High School”
“Sure!” Stella’s eyes lit up. “I didn’t ask Ethan to pick me up today, so I can ride with you.”
Otherwise, she would have had to call a cab. Ever since the accident, she’d been reluctant to drive alone.
Hearing her easy agreement, a flicker of excitement passed through Nathan’s eyes. “I’ll just go change.”
Upstairs, he set his glasses on the desk, the depth of his gaze turning cold and unreadable.
Pulling off his white shirt, he revealed a lean, defined torso, his pale skin marred by several harsh scars across his abdomen.
One hand reached into the closet for clothes, while the other typed into his phone::
“Find out Lucas’s schedule for today.”
Downstairs, Stella sat on the couch, replying to a message from Quinton asking when she’d arrive.
“In a bit.”
Quinton replied quickly: “All right, your loyal servant will wait at the school gate”
The message made her laugh. “No need. I’in driving straight into the school. Just save me two good seats.”
“Two?”
“Mm. I’ve got a friend coming with me
“Fine”
Footsteps came from the stairs, and Stella looked up.
1/2
Chapter 41 Back to Ashford
+5 Free Coms
The handsome man had traded his white shirt and tailored slacks for a white hoodie and matching sweatpants, the fresh, casual look softening his usual sharp presence…
His hair, unstyled, fell easily over his forehead, and the silver frames still rested on his nose, adding a touch of scholarly air,
Her heart skipped without warning, and for a moment she saw him as the thin, quiet boy she remembered from school. Eleven years had passed, and so much had changed–yet somehow, not much at all.
“With looks like yours, walking into Ashford High School…”
The way her bright, intent gaze locked on him made Nathan tense, his back going rigid. His voice came out less steady than usual.
“Let’s go.
The butler, sharp–eyed, couldn’t help noticing his employer was walking almost stiffly–same arm, same leg
“Mr. Foster could pass for a high school student today,” Stella teased as they climbed into the car.
It was a discreet silver Alphard. With the driver off for the day, Nathan took the wheel himself.
One hand resting lightly on the steering wheel, his voice was warm and smooth. “As long as no one mistakes me for your parent, 111 be fine.”
Eleven years on, with wealth and power behind him, his confidence had grown. But the thought of walking beside her on campus still brought back the faint sting of the old inferiority he’d once felt.
Now, the age gap between them loomed like a wall. The fact that he could joke about it at all was progress.
She had a way about her–like sunlight warming even the coldest corner, coaxing out new growth where there had been
none.
Stella burst out laughing. “Don’t say it. Really, don’t.”
In a tailored suit, he looked mature and imposing. But in the hoodie, his whole presence softened, and with those silver glasses, he looked almost bookish.
2/2
