"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.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABEL
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: The Girl They Ignored Returned as the Woman Seven Men Would Die For