Chapter 55
Frankie didnât hold this little girl in contempt.
After all, she was just a high school student. It would be normal for her to struggle with the problem. But deep down, he harbored a glimmer of hope
He was getting on in years, and his progress in the realm of mathematics had plateaued. He was eager to nurture more new talents
As the leading math wizard in this country, Frankie had once encountered a prodigy in the field, someone he thought could shine in the world of mathematics, Unfortunately that individual shrouded in mystery and burdened with heavy responsibilities couldnât drop everything to pursue math
Frankie had reluctantly let go, or rather, he didnât dare disturb him. He had thought that after so many years, he might have found another
After all, anyone who made it into that group chat was extraordinary.
He chuckled at himself, thinking perhaps he was the one who was delusional
That little girl hadnât claimed to be good at math. It was Frankieâs desire to take on a student that had led him to test her with a mathematical problem. If her piano skills were as impressive as they said, how could she also be a math whiz?
As the academic conference drew to a close, Frankie was about to leave when a professor from the math department at Top Crest Academy approached him. âDid you hear about the winner of this yearâs Galaxy Math Whiz Competition?â the professor asked.
Superiority College and Top Crest Academy were the two top institutions in the country, both located in Ontoky City. They were both competitors and collaborators.
place?â
Frankie shook his head, replying. âIsnât there always a first pl
The man couldnât wait to share the news. âShe scored a perfect score at the Galaxy Math Whiz Competition!â
To Frankie, competitions like the Galaxy Math Whiz were , and he never took them seriously. That doesnât prove anything. The real test is the National League.â
At Greenmeadow.
By midâSeptember, air had turned brisk. One could feel the chill in the morning and evening, prompting Cordelia to don her school jacket over her uniform.
With her white cap perched atop her head and a hefty backpack slung over her shoulders, she stepped off the bus in front of Midnight Scent.
Autumnn was approaching, and the leaves along the roadside were beginning to turn yellow. At this hour, vendors were hawking breakfast on either side of the street.
Cordelia was a headâturner. Wherever she went, she drew attention. She tugged at her cap, ignoring the gazes around her, and made her way into Midnight Scent.
Immediately upon entering, she felt something was off.
The usually empty shop now occupied by a motley crew of seven or eight men with buzz cuts and an assortment of attire. They all turned to look at her as she entered.
The , a man with a scar slashing across his face, fierce and foreboding, paused when he saw Cordelia and tried to muster a conciliatory smile.
Cordelia was momentarily confused.
These seemed to be the local toughs who demanded protection money. Was the leaderâs grimace a warning for her to stay out of it?
Her gaze instinctively drifted to the counter
Bock
Everard the usual picture of letharger elegance at in the glen night, a biok in hand Gempita meraty being the proprietor of a small shop, he carried an air of neity that outshone the wealthy gentry
nunchione
But at that moment, his chiseled face was set in a frown, his jaw clenched, his deep eyes clouded with displeasure Clearly, he was not pleased
No one would be happy about being extorted for protection money.
Under the watchful eyes of the men, Cordelia sidled over to a shelf as if to browse, signaling that she w
in customer
She didnât really notice what was on the shelves and her attention was on Everard
At that moment, a thought sprang to mind
If Everard was to be killed by these thugs, would the curse she bore be lifted?
As the thought flickered through her mind, a sharp pain seized her chest, more intense than any sheâd felt before. It felt as if even breathing hurt!
Damn it! Of course, it wouldnât work.
Despite her usual indifference, she couldnât help but curse inwardly.
How could she stand by and watch the person she loved be harmed? The mere thought caused her unbearable
pain
Taking a deep breath, though she seethed inside, Cordelia stepped towards Everard and positioned herself in front of him, asking, âShort on protection money?â
Everard was never penniless a member of the Watkins family. So hearing her question, Everard was shocked When he didnât respond she took it as an admission, âThen give it to me.â
Everard, about to explain, snapped his mouth shut at her words.
She then turned to the thugs, her voice cool and deliberate, âMy boyfriend is a bit timid, so if you have any business, itâs with me.â
After speaking, Cordelia took a step back, leaned forward slightly, and raised her fists, ready in a boxing stance. Her face was tense, as if she were about to take on the thugs herself.
From Everardâs angle, he could see her perfect profile beneath the cap, the delicate nose, the slightly curled lashes, the moist and cherryâred lips. She looked impeccable.
Everard, who earlier seething over the incompetence of his underlings, felt his anger melt away at the sight, his stern facade relaxing into a faint smile.
The wouldâbe thugs were baffled. They glanced between Everard and the girl, completely flabbergasted. What had they just witnessed? Did the girl just call their boss her⦠boyfriend? And did she just say he was⦠timid?
They all cast wary glances at Everard, only to see the man, usually feared by everyone, lazily lean his arm on the table, his face resting on his . At that moment, his eyes shimmered with a mix of fierceness and allure as he spoke softly, âYes, Iâm scared. They do seem quite frightening.â
The rest of the people present were all silent.
âGirl, protect me, please
Those thugs were stupefied. How could their boss have no shame? They thought so.
While they were zoning out, Cordelia sprang into action as soon as Everard confirmed that the goons had come to collect protection mone
11:15
Chante t
The rear faced man was hurt by a series of swift jabs straight from a military manual and went down hard on
the pavement
rest of the crew shuddered and took a few steps back, watching as the petite girl approached with expression as cool as a cucumber. They wanted to say, âHey, lady, listen, weâre just here to pay the dues!â But whether they spoke up or not, they were in for a beating. If not from fierce Cordelia, then from their boss
After a quick costâbenefit analysis, scrambled away in a less than dignified manner
Cordelia rubbed her knuckles and flexed her wrists, giving Everard a sidelong glance. Theyâre gone.â
Everard hung his head and sighed, âTheyâll be back.â
Cordelia paused for a beat, âFine, you can call me if you need to.â
Then she glanced at the breakfast spread that was already out on the table and said to Everard, âLetâs eat.â But Everard didnât move.
With a puzzled look, Cordelia turned towards him, just in time to hear him say in a âweakenedâ voice, âIm.. traumatized.â
Cordelia was speechless.
âMy legs are like jelly, I canât walk.â His tone was ambiguously flirtatious and lazily nonchalant, âGuess I need. someone to help you over there.â
Chapter 56
Chapter 56