Chapter 193
193 Stumbles and Suspicions
“Whatever you decide is fine,” Jack grinned.
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“Pixel, let me translate that for you,” he said, chuckling. “Basically, if it’s someone you like, then we’re all friends. Translation over. Full marks!”
“Come on, let’s head to the seminar.”
He called out to them before dashing off.
Scarlett stared after him in confusion.
What did they serve at this seminar–adrenaline?
Jack was so hyped it was like he’d swallowed a whole batch of magic mushrooms.
“Mr. Jasper, are you absolutely sure this seminar isn’t some kind of death trap?” she joked, eyeing Jack’s energy with suspicion.
Jasper turned to look at her.
Maybe he was still in post–interview mode–his expression was still a bit tense .
But his eyes were unusually bright.
In those glassy pupils was a distinct confusion, like a deer that had just stumbled into the human world.
Something brushed against his heart.
Even his throat felt a little dry.
“It’s a normal seminar. If you’d rather not go, that’s fine.”
Scarlett, ever the realist, immediately said, “If you arranged it, Mr. Jasper, then even if it’s a trap, I’d gladly risk my life to keep you company.”
Jasper paused, startled.
His gaze warmed with something harder to describe.
Scarlett felt awkward under the weight of it.
She glanced down at herself.
“Do I need to change?”
“No.”
Jasper quickly looked away.
He seemed calm on the surface.
But if one looked closely, his ears were tinged faintly red.
It wasn’t obvious .
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193 Stumbles and Suspicions
But Scarlett felt unsettled.
She walked a little absentmindedly, and as she descended the stairs, she missed a step.
That one misstep instantly sent her mind into alert.
Thanks to a bit of self–defense training, she instinctively grabbed the railing and braced herself to split her stance and absorb the impact.
However
Before she could land, a broad palm caught her waist , steady and sure.
Jasper’s distinct clean scent cut through the tense air, surrounding her in a dizzying cloud.
She ended up half–leaning against his arm.
It took her an extra beat to realize-
He was holding her.
In that split second-
The warmth of his hand, even through her clothes, radiated through her whole body.
Her breath caught.
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Jasper’s features were sharp and handsome, calm and unreadable.
But still-
His breath fell gently on the top of her head.
Her body temperature rose again.
Just when she was on the brink of losing her composure completely, Jasper’s hand tightened slightly and pulled her upright.
She found her footing again.
He withdrew his hand.
“Watch your step.”
Scarlett’s face turned beet red.
Practically dripping blood.
“Ahem… yeah… thank you.”
She let go of the railing, her palm drenched in sweat.
Jasper nodded. “You’re welcome.”
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193 Stumbles and Suspicions
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Scarlett ducked her head in embarrassment, eyes locked on her feet like they held the meaning of life.
“ Were you studying your shadow?”
Jasper turned around after a few steps and suddenly asked.
“Huh? ”
Scarlett jerked her head up, only now realizing what he meant.
She must’ve looked like a quail a second ago.
“No, the floor’s just really shiny. Got curious.”
As soon as the words left her mouth, she wanted to bite off her tongue.
What a terrible excuse.
Jasper gave a faint nod.
“Donated by Fletcher Corp.”
She got it instantly.
Cue the flattery.
“Wow. Mr. Jasper isn’t just brilliant, he’s a philanthropist too.”
“This floor really does look better than the rest. You’ve got great taste!”
“The pattern’s a classic spiral, right? Anti–slip, aesthetic, and a touch of elegance. Win–win–win.”
Jasper turned back around and resumed walking.
He didn’t reply.
But his pace slowed just enough for her to catch up and walk beside him.
Scarlett exhaled quietly.
Note to self: Think before speaking next time.
The other three teams weren’t nearly as cheerful after getting their scores.
Normally, Jalindale University took home the championship.
Their resources were top–tier. No one could compete. So people accepted it.
But Trenwyn?
Tiny school, unknown names, weak faculty–how did they end up crushing everyone else?
It was outrageous.
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193 Stumbles and Suspicions.
Impossible to accept.
Dreame grabbed Aurora’s arm.
“Be honest with me. Did the Lane family help Scarlett cheat?”
Aurora’s eyes were red.
Her voice trembled with grievance.
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“I’m just someone barely tolerated under their roof. How could I possibly know something so confidential?”
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