Chapter 34
Keane zoomed in on the footage until the lines were sharp. The pattern Valerie had drawn looked eerily like a Lodism sigil, and the ink was the distinct red cinnabar used by Lodists.
Keane and Lucius stared at each other for a long beat before Keane finally found his voice. “Did Ms. Collins’ thank-you gift save my life?”
He wouldn’t have believed such miracles could happen to him if he hadn’t lived through it. To say that he wasn’t shocked would be a lie, but on second thought, how could a young lady in her early 20s possess such abilities?
Ignoring Keane’s reaction, Lucius continued reviewing the security footage, including
Valerie’s exchange with Hannah, and the way she’d nonchalantly twirled the priceless puzzle ball between her fingers.
Unaware that the protective talisman she’d casually given Keane had caused a stir, Valerie was currently dealing with another matter.
To keep her from skipping classes this year, Philip had come up with a tailor-made attendance system just for her, dead set on not letting her disappear like last year.
So, left with no choice, Valerie had to drop by school just to check in, or he’d act like he was on the verge of a meltdown, ranting that she had no respect for her professors.
After the first class, Owen mysteriously tugged her toward a quiet corner of the campus. “I’ve got some big insider news. Are you interested?”
Valerie glanced at him. “Are you and Aurelia announcing your engagement?”
His expression twisted like he’d just swallowed a fly. “That joke isn’t funny at all.”
“I’m not joking. Everyone’s saying you two are secretly dating.”
Compared to Sonia’s carefully sculpted face through surgical means, Aurelia was naturally attractive and earned her the title of Arcton University’s Campus Queen.
Owen rolled his eyes. “She’s just a classmate, and all that gossip is baseless.”
It was true that he’d once found her attractive when they first enrolled in school. But after getting to know her for a while, he realized that she’d been using her good looks to psychologically manipulate her admirers. She accepted their gifts and flattery while maintaining her aloof image.
As both were members of the student council, they’d organized several events together, which
fueled rumors among the gossipy, ignorant students on campus that they were a couple. And since Aurelia never denied the rumors, they unwittingly became the campus’ publicly
recognized couple.
With the White family’s influence in Windmere, Owen had little choice but to let the talk spiral
unchecked.
“Valerie, you don’t follow the campus forum, do you? The number one spot on this year’s Arcton University’s Campus Queen list has changed.”
Well, it was true. Valerie had never bothered with the campus forum. She quipped, “Who is it?”
Owen shot back with just one word, “You.”
Her expression faltered. Borrowing his earlier line, she said, “That joke isn’t funny at all.”
“Why would I joke about that? The people have eyes and can see for themselves. Even with all the money Aurelia spent to get votes, it doesn’t change the fact that she was knocked off the list.”
Valerie almost rolled her eyes helplessly. “Is that your mysterious big news you’ve been wanting to tell me?”
He finally realized that she’d completely sidetracked him. “Have you ever heard of the Eternal Project?”
The words snapped her out of absent-mindedness and tugged her mind back into focus.
Claim Bonus For Free Every Day>>
Claim
