Betrayed, Then Back For Blood

Beatrice understood exactly what Halle meant by “greet her.” Beatrice said, “Okay, Mom. I’ll wait for Briar at the school gate.”

“And I can even show her around campus,” she added. Both of them smiled, sharing the unspoken understanding.

Meanwhile, Briar, weaving through traffic on her motorbike, received a call from Ashton. “Briar, don’t forget to register at school today.”

“Of course not. I’m on my way now,” Briar answered, her gaze fixed ahead. Her voice came soft and low from inside her helmet, surprisingly

gentle.

Realizing Briar was riding, Ashton asked, “Going alone?”

“Yeah,” Briar answered.

“Poor thing, need a ride?” Ashton inquired. The rift between Briar and the Jennings family was common knowledge. He knew Edgar wouldn’t bother seeing her off.

“Nah, I’m not that fragile.” Briar chuckled, turning down his offer.

Ashton didn’t push. “Alright, dinner tonight then?”

This time she didn’t refuse. “Sounds good. You pick the spot.”

confirmed. After a brief exchange, they ended the

nearing the entrance of Shoneport University. Shoneport, a century–old institution spanning nearly a thousand acres, had

entrances.

front gate, Briar rode her motorbike through a quieter side

who’d arrived earlier, waited at the main gate until registration closed,

she texted Halle: [Mom, registration just ended. I’ve been at the gate this whole time–no sign of Briar, Maybe she’s

[Then stop waiting.] And she was simultaneously relaying

acceptance letter from Shoneport University,

her motorbike when she spotted a man in a grey suit, with white hair but a vigorous demeanor, emerging

and down, then offered a warm,

black–rimmed glasses. Apart from her imposing black motorbike, she

model student.

politely, tucking her keys into her backpack and hugging

girl with a soft, pleasant voice and impeccable manners–Marvin’s impression of Briar

real talent in traditional medicine–and she seems so well–behaved. Surely she won’t stir up

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Chapter 34