Chapter 155
In the Midnight Scent, Cordelia, and Everard had just wrapped up a hearty breakfast of hash browns when her phone buzzed with a message.
A quick glance revealed it was from a guy she knew as Jungler, “Duo for a game?”
Cordelia typed back swiftly, “Sorry, but I have class now.”
The two had fallen into a routine of gaming for a couple of hours each night. To keep in touch, they exchanged numbers and became fast friends on WhatsApp.
Jungler seemed puzzled, “It’s Saturday, what class could you possibly have? We’re just three wins away from reaching Champion rank. The game changes completely at that level, don’t you want to see it?”
Tempted by the promise of a new gaming experience, Cordelia still knew better than to skip her responsibilities. She was about to decline again when Everard interjected, “What’s up?”
Looking up, a playful idea struck her, “Do you play POT?”
Everard leaned forward, resting his chin on his hands with a smirk, “Yes.”
“I’m three games away from Champion. You think you could step in for me?” she asked, hopeful.
Before he could agree, she added, “I’ve got someone to carry me, and he’s really good. You’d just need to follow his lead.”
“Really?” Everard’s eyes narrowed with a hint of mischief, “How good?”
“Better than me now, but give me a couple more days, and I’ll surpass him,” Cordelia said confidently.
Everard said nothing.
Cordelia was a quick learner, mastering the strategies of the game with just two hours of play each night. After their exchange, she messaged Jungler, “I do have class, but I’ll have a friend duo with you in my place.”
“Sure, no problem,” Jungler replied.
Once everything was set, Cordelia cheerfully dug into her breakfast, polishing off three hash browns before heading to school.
At nine sharp, Everard logged into the game.
Jungler was online too, and soon they were deep in ranked play.
Everard played hard for Cordelia.
Everard, though out of practice, played with a focus that belied his casual demeanor, securing wins with ease. As they waited for the third match, Jungler struck up a chat.
“Can I ask you something?” Jungler typed.
“Sure,” Everard responded.
“Is Learner really pretty in real life?”
“What?” Everard’s curiosity was piqued, he typed a question mark in return.
“Her voice is so nice, so I can’t help but think she must be a hottie. What do you think about me pursuing her?”
Everard’s reply was cold, “Not a good idea. She’s taken.”
Jungler seemed incredulous, “Come on, man. If she had a boyfriend, would she be gaming with me every night?”
Everard was angry as he caught the implication of those words, “Every night?”
13:13 @
Chapter 155
“And she never mentioned a boyfriend.” Jungler replied, “So, she’s definitely single. Are you into her? Is that why you’re saying this? She’s pretty, right?”
“If you send me her picture, I’ll give you five hundred bucks. How about it?” Jungler continued.
Everard’s expression grew icy.
As the next game started, he played mechanically, securing Champion rank for Learner’s account. He was about to log off when Jungler messaged again, telling Everard his account and saying, “Add me, send her picture, and I’ll give you a thousand.”
Everard stared at his ID, then firmly replied, “No.”
Exiting the game, his mood was dark. What kind of questionable friends was Cordelia making online?
Meanwhile, Cordelia was blissfully unaware of the online drama.
During her second class of the day, her math teacher, Latham, called her to his office. “The prestigious Winter Math Camp is starting to enroll. It’s focused on training for the national Olympiad in November. The school has reserved a spot for you. Will you attend?”
Cordelia weighed the offer, “Do I have to?”
“It’s not mandatory, but the camp is crucial for the competition,” Latham advised.
“I’ll think about it,” she decided after a moment’s thought.
Latham nodded, “Remember, the camp starts mid–month. And don’t slack off on your Olympiad prep. The national Mathematics Olympiad is coming up.”
“Got it,” Cordelia affirmed.
The end of the school day approached swiftly.
As if on cue, as soon as the final bell rang, Yates was waiting at the classroom door, his presence so imposing that none of the other students dared to move. This left Cordelia, who’d been leisurely packing her things, to be the first to step out.
Yates fell into step beside her, “I heard that Merry is back at the Jordan’s. She got home this morning. Let’s surprise her with a visit.”
“Sounds good,” Cordelia agreed.
Since they were visiting Merry, Cordelia hadn’t arranged for Larry to pick her up. Instead, she rode in the Griffin family car, which stopped by Midnight Scent so she could retrieve her phone from Everard.
Everard, ever observant, noticed the different car. Handing her the phone, he casually inquired, “Busy tonight?”
“Yes,” Cordelia hummed in confirmation, “I’m going to see Little Parrot.”
“Little Parrot?” Everard thought, recalling the flamboyant girl from before.
His gaze lingered on the unfamiliar car, asking, “Who are you going with?”
“Little Flame.” replied Cordelia.
Everard couldn’t help but chuckle at the array of peculiar nicknames. But knowing Cordelia, he could match the quirky monikers to her circle of friends.
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