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.”

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

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

entrances.

rode her motorbike through a quieter side entrance, pulling right

arrived earlier, waited at the main gate until

chatted with passing classmates, she texted Halle: [Mom, registration just ended. I’ve been at the gate this whole

she was simultaneously relaying Briar’s no–show

concluded Briar had been all talk. Without a transfer acceptance letter from Shoneport University, there’s no way

spotted a man in a grey suit, with white hair but a vigorous

up and down, then offered a warm, kindly

low ponytail, and black–rimmed glasses. Apart from her imposing black motorbike,

model student.

meet you. I’m Briar,” she said politely, tucking her keys into her backpack and

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

so well–behaved. Surely she won’t stir up trouble

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Chapter 34