Betrayed and Dumped: She Rose Stronger Than Ever novel Chapter 111

Rebecca gave a small smile. “You’re welcome.”

Just then, a breeze swept by and sent her straight, dark hair tumbling around her shoulders. She ducked her head, smoothing it back with quiet composure.

Paul couldn’t look away. His throat tightened and he just stood there, rooted to the spot.

“Goodbye, Mr. Larson.” Rebecca opened her car door and got in, pulling away without looking back.

Paul stayed where he was, staring after her long after she’d gone. Only then did he finally unlock his own car.

On Saturday, Paul headed out to pick up Judy, just like he always did, only this time he left home half an hour early. He’d actually put some extra effort into his appearance for once.

His mom, Alexis, noticed and raised an eyebrow at her husband. “Look at your son, suddenly all dressed up for no reason. I bet he’s got a girl on his mind.”

Tanner barely glanced away from his soccer game, but he did look up just long enough to catch Paul leaving. “Well, well. Maybe he’s finally figured it out. You might actually get that grandchild you keep wishing for.”

Alexis just sighed. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.”

At Larkhaven College, Paul parked and went straight to the third floor of the library. He scanned the room until he finally spotted Judy. He pulled out a chair and sat down next to her, but he couldn’t find the person he really wanted to see.

“Hey, what brings you here so early?” Judy looped her arm through his, grinning up at him.

Paul flicked her forehead. “Behave. We’re in a library.”

He tried to sound casual. “Studying by yourself today?”

“Yeah. Just me.”

Paul pressed his lips together, saying nothing.

Judy’s round, dark eyes darted back and forth. Suddenly, she caught on. “You’re wondering where Rebecca is, right?” Her long lashes fluttered as she looked up at him, a little too innocent.

Paul grabbed a book and flipped it open, pretending to read. “No.”

He closed the book and set it down. “But if you wanted to tell me, I guess I’d listen.”

Judy almost laughed. She couldn’t believe how annoyingly reserved he could be. Classic Scorpio energy.

Instead of answering, she pulled out her phone and shot him a link. “Fine, I’ll spill, but you have to buy me this first.”

“Rebecca and Caleb went to see Dr. Palmer.”

Paul frowned. “Rebecca knows Dr. Palmer?”

“Of course she does. You didn’t know? She was his star student back in undergrad. She earned all sorts of certificates and patents under his guidance. She even got into his grad program but ended up turning it down. He’s been regretting it for years. But now, it looks like she’s finally changed her mind.”

Paul took it in, surprised. He’d never known about Rebecca’s history with Dr. Palmer. It did explain a lot.

“Judy, you need to keep this to yourself.”

Judy blinked at him. “Seriously? Are you working for the CIA or something? Why is everything always top secret with you?”

Paul reached over and ruffled her hair. “I can set it up so you get a photo with Drake at the concert.”

Judy’s eyes went wide.

“Deal, Paul. No problem. Consider it done.”