Chapter 347 1/1
I let out a cold laugh, unsure of what to say, while the woman behind me grew visibly more irritated.
“I don’t have time for your high-minded speeches. Let’s leave it at that-I’m done here,” she spat before turning on her heels, continuing to shout insults as I walked away. There was nothing more she could do anyway. When I returned to campus, a familiar figure caught my eye in the distance.
Ethan suddenly approached, his gaze intense as he looked at me. “I heard you were hurt. How are you feeling now?”
I smiled gently, trying to seem as composed and strong as possible. “It’s nothing, really-just a minor injury.”
Ethan clearly wasn’t convinced. His brow furrowed with concern. “Are you sure? If you need help, you have to let me know.”
I nodded, feeling a warmth bloom inside me.
Having someone who genuinely cared for me in such a complicated world was always comforting. I wasn’t as sharp or guarded as I had been before, and my defenses weren’t as high. “Thank you. I’ll be careful.”
It seemed like he had more to say, but just then, my phone rang-it was Kevin.
“Hello? Kevin, what’s up?”
“Come here now! You need to see this!” His voice had an edge of excitement and tension.
“What’s going on?” I asked, curious.
“I was going through the evidence we collected, and I think I uncovered an important lead. It could tie directly to Mr. Barnes’ crimes,” he said urgently.
I felt a surge of determination and immediately decided to go see him. “Alright, I’ll head over now.”
I hung up and quickly apologized to Ethan before rushing off.
I knew leaving him behind like that would make him uncomfortable, but I didn’t have the luxury to explain everything right now.
When I arrived, I realized the situation might be more complicated than I had imagined. The evidence we found did indeed point to Duncan’s past wrongdoings, but it wasn’t enough to bring him down completely.
“If we want to make this airtight, we’ll need more proof. I suspect we’ll get additional evidence in the next three days,” Kevin said, his words measured yet hopeful.
I nodded in agreement. We had a chat about the competition and our strategy going forward before Kevin drove me back to campus.
As I reached the entrance, Kevin received a call and hurried off, leaving me alone as dusk settled over the campus. The grounds were growing quieter as fewer people were around. Just then, I noticed Ethan approaching me. His eyes were red, and his expression was laced with a hint of displeasure.
“So, you left me behind just to be with him?” His voice dripped with jealousy, catching me off guard.
I stopped in my tracks, staring at him as I tried to explain. “Kevin and I were just talking about the competition and the situation with Mr. Barnes.”
He stepped closer, his eyes locking onto mine as if he were trying to read my thoughts. “Is that really all? Is there nothing more between you two?” he asked, his voice heavy with suspicion.
I nodded, looking at him earnestly.
“We’re just friends, nothing more. But even if something is going on between me and him, how does that concern you?” I asked, throwing the question back at him He froze, clearly not expecting me to be so straightforward.