Chapter 152-1
Not A Small-Town Girl
Jaden was surprised by Xavierâs proficiency in combat.
"Xavier frowned at Jaden, trying to read the strange expression on his face. Had Jaden been angry that heâd driven the woman away? The more Xavier considered it, the more likely it seemed. "Youâre furious I hurt her feelings..." he said, widening his eyes at Jaden.
Jaden didnât react for a while.
"Iâm done. Eat it yourself." Xavier stormed off when Jaden didnât react.
Jaden quickly stood, gripping Xavierâs arm, and stammered, "I froze for a second. She was just a blind date my family set me up onâI turned her down afterward."
"On his last blind date, Jaden rushed through the meal and declined a second date afterward. He hadnât been on one since.
"If the people around Jaden saw him like this, theyâd be shocked. He usually barely said a word in a month, but during this meal, he was patiently explaining things like never before.
"Let me go," Xavier pouted, his voice sharp with indignation. "I bet you loved it when she was talking to you. Look how happy you are.
"Xavier was afraid to meet Jaden a few days ago, but today his attitude shifted dramatically, and he became sarcastic at times.
âDo you think Iâm happy? I was smiling at you, not her," Jaden explained patiently, his tone as gentle as possible. "How about we sit down and eat first? Itâs all your favorite food."
"Hmph, I let it go for the foodâs sake." Xavier looked at the table full of delicacies and swallowed.
"Well, I know," Jaden said in acknowledgment.
"Jaden kept peeling shrimp, cutting steak, and picking up vegetables for Xavier, but he barely touched his own food.
*****
Moreno University.
At the Counselorâs office.
"Nancy and Ava, their faces bruised and covered in soup, tearfully accused Danielle of assault.
âMr. Langley, please help us. Danielle is very aggressive. She threw food at us from a plate, hit and kicked me, and slapped me many times," Nancy cried.
Nancy sobbed, her words slurred from the beating that had knocked out two of her teeth.
She added, "Mr. Langley, she must be expelled for bullying. If we donât take action now, other students will suffer the same way."
"Weâve let her parents know," said Kaden.
He saw the two girls in front of him, badly beaten. It was summer, and the soup that had been poured over their heads flowed down their bodies, attracting flies to their wounds. Their faces were ghastly.
"He called the first three contacts listed for Danielleâs parents because the school had requested contact information, but their entry had too many names.
*****
Charrington Groupâs Conference Room.
"David, seated at the head of the table, commanded authority as department heads took turns delivering their reports.
His expression was indifferent, and a tense atmosphere filled the conference room.