Chapter 69

Katniss, driven by sheer survival instinct, whipped out her phone and dialed a number from her contacts.

Desmond was the first name on her speed dial.

The phone buzzed, and Desmond paused, seeing Katniss's name flash on the screen.

Just as he was about to pick up, Lucas turned around and asked why he was lagging behind.

"Katniss is calling," Desmond said, showing Lucas the screen.

Lucas squinted at the name, "So, she's finally caving in and calling for mercy? Wasn't she all tough, wanting to ditch the Manners family, and now she's back to bugging you?" Desmond might've agreed with Lucas before.

But after their last rough conversation, Desmond wasn't so sure.

Lucas, though, snatched Desmond's phone, hung up, and turned it off.

"If she wants to beg, she better show some real effort. Don't go soft on her!" Lucas patted Desmond's shoulder, "Come on, today's deal is crucial. You've put in so much work, don't let it go to waste."

Lucas added, "Seal this deal, and your grandpa will see you differently. You'll have a say in your marriage with Clara."

Desmond hesitated for a moment, but hearing Clara's name, his expression softened, and he pocketed the phone.

Lucas was right. For his future with Clara, he had to nail this deal.

Katniss's call could wait.

brotherly bond and Lucas's network, Desmond's preparations paid off,

drove to her school to wait for her after

found his car,

symbolizing purity and cleanliness, like an angel. She ran towards Desmond, "Desmond!

passenger seat, looking at him

her favorite treats, "Slow

dessert bag, her eyes lighting up at the sight of

my favorite

forget what you like!" Desmond glanced at the time

waiting for Clara, he had tried calling Katniss back,

and shook her head, "No, you know Katniss doesn't like me much. I try to steer clear of

happy and not fight because of me." Clara lowered her head sadly, looking like she blamed herself. Desmond's heart ached, and he held Clara's small hand. "Clara, that's on her, not you. Let's not

down a big contract. This means I can join

whispering, "Desmond, there's no rush. I'll wait for you, no matter how

her scent filling his senses with just a slight

who wore old, faded clothes and smelled like the cheapest

delicate arms wrapped around him, her eyes shyly meeting Desmond's,

in his arms. Desmond's Adam's apple bobbed, his

lips met, and

suddenly felt even

panted softly, then boldly wrapped her arms around

heart raced, his strong arms tightening around

Juniper looked around, noticing everyone had left, but there was no sign of Katniss. Unable to hold back, she asked someone if they had seen Katniss, only to be told she hadn't come to class at all. Juniper's face changed. Katniss didn't attend

she wasn't answering her phone. Could something have happened to

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