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.”

the address later,” Ashton confirmed. After a brief exchange, they

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

entrances.

the crowded front gate, Briar rode her motorbike through a quieter side entrance, pulling right up to the president’s

main gate until registration

with passing classmates, she texted Halle: [Mom, registration just ended. I’ve been at the gate this whole time–no sign

stop waiting.] And she was simultaneously relaying Briar’s

Briar had been all talk. Without a transfer acceptance

just parked her motorbike when she spotted a man in a grey suit, with

warm, kindly smile. “You must be Briar? m

Apart from her

model student.

I’m Briar,” she said politely, tucking

voice and impeccable manners–Marvin’s impression of

Ashton, Briar has real talent in traditional medicine–and she seems so well–behaved. Surely she won’t stir up trouble everywhere

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Chapter 34