Chapter 58 A Deeper Truth
+5 Free Coins
Chapter 58 A Deeper Truth
Ethan had been born and raised in Ashford, so of course he’d heard of Trinity High.
The worst high school in the entire city–full of kids who were just killing time. The school itself was a mess.
Out of all its students, barely any ever managed to score high enough on the SAT to get into a top university.
He and Xavier might not have matched Stella academically, but both had graduated from Ashford High.
He had gotten into a top–ranking university. Xavier had passed his arts exam and entered Ashford College of Music,
So how had Louis ended up in a place like Trinity High?
Had he been adopted? Or had he grown up in an orphanage?
Ethan stepped outside the school gates and called Tina. “Look into a student at Trinity High named Jimmy.”
Tina had her own network for these kinds of things–people who gathered information for a price.
Stella was digging on her own because she wanted to find the answers herself.
But that didn’t mean Ethan could just sit back and do nothing.
He stopped by a little shop near the school gate and picked up a few drinks.
When he returned to the tree, he saw Stella chatting and laughing with the green–l
-haired
That was just the kind of person she was–she could strike up a conversation with a stray dog.
Sunlight filtered through the branches, casting dappled shadows across her delicate face. The breeze lifted the fine strands of hair on her forehead. She looked ethereal.
It was a good thing Ethan knew what she was doing. If he’d just walked up and seen her getting this cozy with some green- haired kid, he really wouldn’t have been pleased.
“Drinks,” he called.
He walked up, offered the bottles to Stella first, and then handed one randomly to the green–haired kid.
The black rosary on his wrist caught the sunlight, casting rainbow flecks under the tree.
It just so happened to be a Coke–green–hair’s favorite. “Thanks, man.”
Stella had gotten most of what she wanted. She opened her bottle of flavored water and took a sip. Thanks for sharing all that with me, handsome. I’ve got somewhere to be. See you around.”
The green–haired guy looked genuinely disappointed. “See you, gorgeous. My name’s He Hehe. If you ever come back to Trinny High, just drop my name?
Stella blinked. “And what would that do?”
He grinned. I’ve got clout.”
Stella burst out laughing. “Deal I’ll leave tomorrow’s breakfast at the corner shop. You can buy it for a couple bucks”
He Hehe laughed too.
Back inside the Bentley. Ethan rested one hand on the steering wheel. “What did you find out?”
The green–haired kid had been an open book–he’d told Stella everything he knew
She started with what they already suspected. “Louis is basically the king of this school. He became famous after knocking out two of the principal’s teeth.”
1/2
3:53 PM
Chapter 58 A Deeper Truth
Ethan lightly pressed the gas, steering them out of the school lot. What did the principal do wrong?”
+5 Free Coins
Louis wasn’t the kind of kid who’d hit someone for no reason. And the fact that he hadn’t been expelled made it clear the principal had something to hide.
Of course, most teachers and principals were good people–but there were always a few exceptions.
Stella replied, “He Hehe didn’t know the exact details. He just said Louis wasn’t expelled because his mom came to the school and made a scene.”
The mention of Louis having a mother stirred something strange in Ethan’s chest.
But mostly, he felt relieved. It meant Louis hadn’t grown up in an orphanage–he’d had family.
“What kind of scene?”
Stella rubbed her nose. “Rumor is she took a dump in the principal’s office–twice. Said if they expelled him, she’d come back and do it every day
The car went quiet.
Stella had also gone silent when she first heard it.
But she quickly snapped out of it.
“That probably means Louis’s mom isn’t mentally well. He Hehe also mentioned that people say she’s got psychological
issues
Ethan tapped his fingers twice on the steering wheel, brow furrowed tightly.
“So he doesn’t want to come home because he’s afraid his adoptive mom will drag us down?”
Ethan knew how considerate Louis had always been.
Stella had the same theory. That’s probably it. He’s being stupid. Our family’s not struggling. One more mouth to feed wouldn’t bankrupt his adoptive mom.”
It seemed like she’d treated Louis well. And in that case, their family owed her a great debt.
Even if she did have mental health issues, they wouldn’t turn their backs on her.
But Louis was only seventeen. Emotionally, he was still a kid. His fears were understandable.
It was hard to imagine what life had been like all these years for Louis–growing up with someone mentally unstable. How had they even survived, let alone kept him in school?
Ethan’s grip on the steering wheel tightened. “I’ve already asked Tina to look into him. Once we get his home address, we’ll go there in person.”
