The Girl They Ignored Returned as the Woman Seven Men Would Die For novel Chapter 27

"Mika said you got hurt."

Standing at the foot of the bed, James first swept his eyes over Seraphina's bandaged ankle before his gentle gaze settled on her pale face.

"Why didn't you tell me?"

His voice was warm and gentlemanly, yet it carried an undeniable undertone of asserting ownership.

As if no matter what happened to Seraphina, it was her absolute duty to report it to him first.

"It's just a minor sprain," Seraphina smiled helplessly. "You're so busy with work. You really didn't have to rush over."

"I always put you first."

James naturally pulled up a chair and sat by her side, glancing around the room.

"Why are you staying in here? I'll have you transferred to a VIP room. It'll be much quieter."

"There's no need," Seraphina pointed at her ankle. "I'm just resting here temporarily. I can be discharged and head back to campus tonight."

"Alright, as long as you're comfortable." James offered an indulgent smile.

It wasn't until this moment that he seemed to finally notice Jude's presence.

From behind his gold-rimmed glasses, his mild eyes calmly shifted to Jude.

"And who is this?"

The confession caught in Jude's throat was entirely derailed by the sudden intrusion. His hand, still holding the jewelry box, hovered awkwardly in midair.

Snapping out of his daze at James's question, he finally realized his position.

From the very first second he laid eyes on James.

Jude could acutely sense that the man standing before him was lightyears ahead of him in both financial power and social status.

An uncontrollable wave of awkwardness and panic surged within him, making him feel like a clown trapped in a dilemma.

Mika's calm voice suddenly echoed in his ears—

"Seraphina has no shortage of suitors. Guys who are handsome, fit, rich, guys who can help her academically..."

"What makes you think you can win her over so easily?"

"He's Mika's boyfriend," Seraphina hastily chimed in, breaking the suffocating tension.

"Because I love Mika, I, um, I wanted to thank Seraphina, her best friend, for taking care of her when I'm not around. It's really just a thank-you gift..."

Given a perfectly justifiable excuse, Seraphina breathed a sigh of relief and smiled as she took the box from Jude's hand.

"You're too kind. Mika is my best friend, so of course I'll treat her well. But thank you anyway. I really love the gift."

Watching Seraphina take the box, a rapid flash of deep hostility flickered in James's eyes, though he asked with feigned casualness.

"Speaking of which, why isn't Mika here?"

Seraphina froze, a sliver of guilt creeping into her voice.

"Because my sprain was an emergency, Jude carried me down first. Mika is still on the mountain, slowly bringing all our bags down."

"I see." James nodded, turning a look of gentlemanly concern toward Jude.

"Since you treat Mika's friends so incredibly well, surely you wouldn't feel comfortable... leaving your own girlfriend alone on a mountain?"

The implication was brutal—

James was here now. Jude could get the hell out.