The Nerd Who Stole The Quarterback (Astra and Zayne) novel Chapter 126

Chapter 126

Chapter 126

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Maya Whitmore sprawled across the massive cream-colored sectional in the Whitmore family’s opulent living room. her long legs draped over the armrest as though she owned the mansion-which, in her mind, she did.

She scrolled idly through her phone, perfectly manicured nails tapping against the screen.

Above her, an enormous crystal chandelier scattered light across the polished marble floor, but Maya paid it no attention.

She was waiting.

“Where the hell is my iced matcha?” she snapped without looking up as one of the housemaids hurried past. “I asked for it twenty minutes ago. Are you all slow or just incompetent?”

The maid stopped immediately and bowed.

“My apologies, Miss Maya. It’s coming now.”

“It better be.”

Less than a minute later, another member of the household staff emerged from the kitchen carrying a silver tray. She carefully set the iced matcha latte on the marble coffee table.

“Your drink, Miss Maya.”

Maya picked it up without acknowledgment and took a sip.

Her expression soured instantly.

“This is disgusting.”

She placed the glass back on the table with a sharp clack.

“Too sweet. And the foam is flat. Take it away and have the kitchen make another one. Properly this time.”

“Yes, Miss Maya.”

The maid quickly collected the tray and disappeared into the kitchen.

A moment later, the family butler appeared in the doorway.

Reginald had served the Whitmore family for over fifteen years and carried himself with the quiet confidence that came from decades of loyal service.

He inclined his head.

“Miss Maya.”

She barely glanced up.

“What is it?”

“There is a visitor requesting to see you.”

She sighed.

“Who?”

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Chapter 126

“A Miss Astra Hawthorne.”

Maya’s attention sharpened and a slow smile curved her lips.

“Well…”

She set her phone aside.

“That’s unexpected.”

Reginald remained still.

“Shall I send her away?”

A soft laugh escaped her.

“No.”

Her expression turned almost eager.

“Show her in.”

“As you wish, Miss.”

A few minutes later, the front doors opened.

85 vodun

Astra stepped inside in her school uniform, shoulders drawn tight. Her eyes were swollen from crying, and she held her backpack against her chest as though it could shield her.

Maya rose from the sofa at an unhurried pace.

“Well,” she said, wrinkling her nose. “Look what the cat dragged in. Take your shoes off. I’d rather not have the floors cleaned twice in one day.”

Heat flooded Astra’s face, but she silently slipped off her shoes and placed them neatly beside the door.

“Much better,” Maya said. “See? You can be trained.”

She closed the distance between them, her gaze settling on Astra’s reddened eyes.

“Oh? You’re crying already?” she asked with mock sympathy. “How disappointing. I thought you’d at least try to keep your dignity.”

Astra swallowed hard, her hands curling into fists.

“Maya… please.” Her voice trembled despite her effort to steady it. “Don’t involve my mother. She’s all I have. I’m staying away from Zane. I swear I am. Please… don’t do this. She’s sick. She doesn’t deserve it.”

Maya studied her in silence.

Then she laughed.

The sound was cold enough to make Astra’s stomach twist.

“You’re actually begging?” She brushed an imaginary tear from beneath one eye. “God, you really are pathetic. I warned you, Hawthorne. I told you to stay in your lane. But the little pig never learns, does she?”

She leaned in until only inches separated them.

Chapter 126

“Your mother’s hospital bed?” she said with a scoff. “That was just the beginning. I told my father you were a greedy little gold-digger, always sniffing around rich families and trying to worm your way into the Ashtons’ lives. He made one phone call… and suddenly the hospital remembered its policies.”

A satisfied smile touched her lips.

“Funny how that works, isn’t it?”

Astra’s vision blurred.

“Please,” she whispered, her voice fraying. “I’ll do anything. Just leave her alone. She’s innocent.”

Maya’s expression hardened.

“Anything?” A quiet laugh escaped her. “Too late for that. You should’ve thought about your poor mother before you opened your legs for Zane like a desperate whore. Before you decided to go after what belongs to me.”

She leaned in until only inches separated them.

“Enjoy watching your mother suffer, piggy. That’s what happens when trash forgets its place.”

The last of Astra’s strength vanished.

She sank onto her knees, hands clasped tightly together.

“Please…” she choked out. “Maya… please.”

Maya looked down at her with open satisfaction.

Before she could answer, the sharp click of heels echoed through the hallway.

“What is going on here?”

Catherine Whitmore entered the living room in a tailored cream dress, pearls resting elegantly at her throat. Her gaze swept over the scene before settling on Astra.

A faint smile touched her lips.

“Well,” she said smoothly. “What do we have here? The little charity case reduced to begging.”

Astra lifted her head.

“Mrs. Whitmore… please.”

The words caught in her throat.

“I’m sorry. For the gala… for everything. I never meant to cause trouble. Please don’t punish my mother.”

Catherine regarded her with cool detachment.

“So you finally learned how to apologize.”

Maya folded her arms.

“She says she’ll stay away from Zane.”

A soft laugh escaped Catherine.

“As though that’s enough.”

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Chapter 126

She stopped directly in front of Astra.

“If you’re going to apologize, do it properly.”

Astra lowered her head.

“I’m sorry for attacking Maya… and for ever thinking I belonged anywhere near your family.”

Mother and daughter exchanged a glance.

“Maybe…” Maya said thoughtfully, “…we’ll consider it.”

Hope flickered across Astra’s face.

“Thank you…”

“But first.”

Maya extended one perfectly pedicured foot.

“Kiss it.”

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