Chapter 3

Lynn's POV

The air seemed to freeze in that instant.

Alexander turned around. A flash of barely concealed panic crossed his eyes, but he quickly regained his composure.

He walked back, gripping my shoulders with both hands, his tone carrying helplessness and reproach.

"Lynn, what are you talking about? Victoria is Lucas Ford's girlfriend. What could I possibly have with her? It really is my professor. There's an urgent issue with the project."

When he lied, his eyes always habitually focused on the tip of my nose.

I used to think this showed his concentration. Now I knew it was proof of his guilt.

"Really?"

I looked straight into his eyes, not missing the evasiveness in their depths.

"But I just heard her voice."

Alexander's expression stiffened. Then he sighed and pulled me into his arms.

"You heard wrong. Lynn, have you been too tired lately? You're always so paranoid. Once I finish with this busy period, I'll take you out to relax, okay?"

He was always like this. Using the gentlest tone to push all the blame onto me.

I didn't struggle, letting him hold me.

"Okay, go ahead. Don't keep your 'professor' waiting."

Alexander breathed a sigh of relief, dropped a hasty kiss on my forehead, turned and quickly left the apartment.

The moment the door closed, I took out my phone and looked at the date circled in red on the calendar.

Fourteen days until departure.

That afternoon, I received an unexpected call. It was from Victoria.

"Lynn, I'm having a birthday party tonight at 'Nightshade.' Alexander will be there too. If you know what's good for you, come see for yourself and recognize your place."

The voice on the other end was arrogant and full of malice.

I was about to hang up, but then thought better of it and replied with one word: "Okay."

At eight PM, at the most exclusive private club "Nightshade."

I wore a plain white shirt and jeans, completely out of place among the wealthy heirs surrounding me. As soon as I walked in, I attracted quite a few contemptuous stares.

Victoria wore a haute couture gown. Like a proud princess, she stood in the center of the crowd on her boyfriend Lucas's arm, smiling radiantly. And Alexander, wearing that faded cheap casual outfit, stood not far away, his gaze glued to Victoria the entire time.

Seeing me appear, a triumphant gleam flashed through Victoria's eyes.

She deliberately pulled Lucas over to Alexander and said coyly, "Lucas, I'm thirsty."

Before Lucas could move, Alexander had already reflexively picked up a glass of juice and handed it over.

The people around burst into laughter.

"Mr. Blackwood's service attitude is even more professional than the waiters."

"Well, it depends on who it's for."

Only then did Alexander seem to wake from a dream. He jerked his hand back, his expression ugly.

He turned his head and met my gaze directly.

Panic flashed through his heart. He strode over and grabbed my wrist.

"Why did you come? This isn't a place you should be. Let me take you home."

"Let go."

I looked at him.

Just then, a server wheeled over a massive multi-tiered cake.

As Victoria was cutting the cake, whether intentionally or not, her foot twisted. Her whole body lurched forward, and the wine glass in her hand flew straight at me.

Almost instinctively, Alexander shoved me aside and rushed forward to catch Victoria.

"Victoria! Are you burned?"

He held Victoria tightly, the concern and heartache in his eyes impossible to hide. Even his voice trembled.

Meanwhile, I fell hard onto the floor covered in broken glass. The one he'd violently pushed aside.

Sharp glass shards pierced my palm. Blood immediately welled up, staining the white sleeve of my shirt.

The surroundings instantly quieted. Everyone looked at me sitting in a pool of blood with eyes full of mockery.