The Years Between Signing and Seeing novel Chapter 65

Mia shook her head. “You’re so nice, Suzie. Come on, lunch is on me today. And tomorrow, I’m buying you a really pretty new lunchbox.”

Suzie smiled faintly, shook her head, and followed Mia toward the cafeteria.

Mia cheerfully grabbed two trays, handing one to Suzie.

They split up almost immediately, as Mia headed straight for the meat section while Suzie was craving something light.

Suzie was admiring the beautifully prepared dishes behind the glass when, without warning, a large hand seized her arm. A gasp caught in her throat as a powerful force yanked her to the side.

An instant later, a loud clatter echoed through the hall as a tray and a pile of dishes crashed to the floor right where she had been standing, the sound of shattering porcelain filling the space.

In the chaos, Suzie looked up and met the eyes of the person who had pulled her away.

“Oliver! What are you doing here?” Suzie’s eyes were wide with confusion, her voice trembling slightly.

Oliver was staring at a spot not far away, his serious expression tinged with anger. “Suzie, stay right here. Don’t move,” he commanded in a low voice.

Without further explanation, he quickly moved past Suzie and strode over to where the tray had fallen. A girl was on the floor, struggling to get up.

Oliver’s steps were firm as he stopped in front of her. He leaned down, his gaze sharp and piercing. “Tell me,” he said, his voice cold. “Why did you try to hurt Suzie? Who put you up to this?”

His chilling words reached Suzie’s ears. Her gaze darted around, noticing that many employees had stopped getting food to watch the scene unfold.

Mia followed Suzie’s gaze to the girl, who was just getting to her feet and dabbing at the soup stains on her clothes. Her eyes kept flickering toward Suzie.

It was a strange look—as if she knew Suzie, feared her, and hated her all at once.

What was that about? Suzie frowned. She didn't even know this girl.

Remembering Oliver’s cold, harsh demeanor toward the girl, Suzie realized something more must have been going on.

But before her confusion could settle, Oliver was already pulling her toward the exit.