Chapter 67
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The next day at noon, in Block 4 of Area A at Regal Villas, Lenore showed up on a video call with her purple hair in two high ponytails, rocking a tie–dyed denim jacket that made a bold statement, exuding a captivating vibe.
The backdrop was a sea of wine, and the music was so loud that it shook the sky. Carrying a glass of red from the bar, Lethe found a slightly quieter
corner,
She said, “I flew to Orinadia yesterday; it’s in chaos. Are you really just going to sit this one out?”
Lenore leaned back, her legs casually propped on the table, radiating a carefree and commanding presence.
She glanced at Bonnie, who was diligently working on her homework by the floor–to–ceiling windows, her eyes cold before she masked them with indifference. “I’m staying out of it,”
Even though the chaos handed the bigwigs a reason to put the squeeze on 319 Biomedical Engineering, they wouldn’t risk dragging their feet too long, worried about the potential fallout.
Lethe sipped her wine and smiled. “By the way, the man from last time was Silas, right? How did you two end up together?”
Lenore nonchalantly replied, “He appreciates my car repair skills and asked me to fix his ride.”
Lethe thought, “The man who rules Denisville is short on a mechanic? And who would dare to treat the mighty Sonic like a mechanic?‘
The wine Lethe had just sipped sprayed out, and she scrambled for a napkin to clean up. “It’s a bit of a humblebrag. I’ve got a job today, and I’ll swing by Senanville to see you once it’s done.”
She found the intrigues of the Heartland Chamber of Commerce quite entertaining. After the call with Lethe, Lenore’s phone buzzed with a message.
Silas: [You missed class today?]
Lenore: [I had something come up, so I took some time off.] She had taken a week off, including Bonnie.
Jonas approved her leave after hearing that she intended to catch up on the missed lessons later.
On the other hand, Esther took a half–month leave to apprentice under a renowned artist, aiming to join the National Academy of Choreographic Art, which would make her a dancer of national standing.
Even if Esther skipped school, Lucille felt it would be a matter of pride to talk about her future achievements. She approved Esther’s leave because there was still Bonnie in the school, who was just as well–known as Esther.
But now Bonnie wanted a week off, too. At that time, Lucille refused sharply, her words cutting.
She said, “Esther dances; she practices every day, and now she’s taking leave to learn from a mentor! I haven’t seen you dance; if you take leave, are you going to tell me you’re off to Senanville to learn from a mentor, too?”
Lenore bypassed her, slapping the leave note in front of Zell.
Zell signed it without hesitation, even considerately asking, “Is a week enough, or do you need more time?”
Lucille had been so angry that she had to pop several nitroglycerin pills to calm down.
Outside Greenvine High School, Silas withdrew his gaze from the car window, twirling his pinky ring absentmindedly, his eyes dark. [I’m leaving Jinslenburg for a few days; you can call me if you need anything.] The next message was his phone number.
From where Lenore sat, she could see the balcony of Block 3 of Area A through the window. Lush green plants fluttered against the white railings in the wind, with no signs of anyone inside.
Her eyes flickered with thoughts. After a moment, she texted back. (Okay.]
The afternoon flight took over three hours, and she landed at Senanville Airport by 8:30 pm.
Lenore, clad in black, moved with long, confident strides. Her remarkable composure and formidable presence were clear as day, even with a black fisherman’s hat casting a shadow over her face.
Joseph Chapin, who was waiting at the airport, rushed to greet her. “Ms. Smedley.”
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Chapter 67
Lenore rolled her eyes. “What brings you here?” Her tone was laced with disdain.
Last time in Jinslenburg, he hadn’t dared to even roll down the car window, acting as if he couldn’t bear to be seen. Now, on his home turf in Senanville, he was here to pick her up, only to be treated like dirt.
Joseph’s handsome face twitched, his eyes filled with a mix of respect and apprehension. “Anyone else picking you up would be beneath you, wouldn’t it?”
Lenore gave him a sidelong glance, pulling the brim of her hat lower to shield her face, and she walked toward the exit with her hands in her pockets, her silhouette exuding an air of cool detachment.
Joseph followed in silence like a quiet shadow behind her.
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