The Year She Stopped Being Crazy for Him novel Chapter 13

"Get in," he said evenly, acting as though nothing had happened, seemingly certain she would just be waiting for him a short distance away.

She slowly stood up. "No, thanks. Nancy's coming to pick me up."

At the mention of Nancy's name, he didn't visibly grimace, but Natalie knew he had always looked down on her friends. He considered them aimless underachievers who couldn't compare to his elite social circle, which was packed with renowned prodigies and industry titans.

"Natalie, don't waste my time," he replied, his tone smooth and utterly devoid of emotion.

"I'm not throwing a tantrum, nor am I begging for your attention," she said, lifting her chin to the side. "She's already here."

With the screech of slamming brakes, a sapphire-blue Ferrari halted right in front of the Maybach.

Hassan glanced at the sports car with sheer indifference, then looked back at Natalie. After a brief silence, he gave a curt nod and ordered his driver to pull away.

Nancy hopped out of her car in a flash, marching over to grab Natalie's wrist. She glared at Hassan with open hostility, her lips curling into a sneer. "Our Nat doesn't need to trouble Mr. Carlson. After all, who knows what kind of filth has been sitting in your car? She prefers to keep things clean."

Hassan, never one to engage in petty bickering, simply rolled his window back up.

Nancy tugged Natalie away, practically shoving her into the passenger seat before hopping behind the wheel. She revved the engine and sped off, blowing past the Maybach and leaving it in the dust.

After driving for a while, they arrived at a highly classified, remote location. Nancy couldn't get clearance to drive any further, so she parked outside. "Go on. Call me when you're done."

Natalie nodded and stepped out of the car. As she approached the entrance, she pulled out her phone to text the professor, only to be intercepted by an unwelcome face.

She ignored him and texted Professor Adler directly. [I'm here.]

[Professor Adler: Great, I sent someone out to wait for you at the entrance. Do you see him? He'll bring you inside.]

Natalie looked around. Besides Marvin, there was absolutely no one else in sight.

Meanwhile, Marvin, who had just texted Hassan to say he bumped into Natalie, glanced down at his watch and muttered, "Why isn't he here yet?"

"Are you waiting for someone?" she asked tentatively.

"None of your damn business." Already impatient, seeing her only fueled his irritation. "Are you going to leave, or do you want the armed guards to throw you out? Loitering isn't allowed here."