Unemployed Family? Hidden Tycoons Dote On Her novel Chapter 160

Chapter 160 The Unwanted Shadow

Chapter 160 The Unwanted Shadow

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“Don’t stress–wiping out is totally part of the process. Just shake it off and try again,” Naomi said, her tone reassuring. She knew exactly how Ruby felt; after all, she’d had her own messy crash just a few minutes earlier.

“Yeah, no big deal. Let’s hop back in and give it another shot,” Kyle added, trying to sound encouraging.

Ruby gave Kyle a half–hearted look, then let her gaze drift past him, searching for Lucas. She frowned slightly when she didn’t see him or his friends around. Maybe they’d already called it a day.

After scanning the room, she finally spotted Lucas and Arabella settled in one of the lounge areas at the back, deep in conversation and sharing a laugh.

The sight immediately soured her mood. Here she was, shaky and sweaty from a simulator crash, while they were lounging around, having good time.

Still rattled from the scare, Ruby seized the moment. “I think I’m done practicing for now–I need to take a breather too.”

It just didn’t feel fair, watching them enjoy themselves while she struggled.

“Ms. Peterson, you’ve only run one scenario and just had a crash. It’s usually better to keep going while everything’s still fresh in your mind. Kyle pointed out as she started to step away.

“I’ll practice again in a little bit. I’m just not feeling great right now–I really need to sit down. and calm my nerves,” Ruby insisted.

She even turned to Naomi. “Naomi, do you want to come take a break with me?”

Knowing Ruby was probably just looking for an excuse to get closer to Lucas, Naomi shook her head. “No, you go ahead. I’m gonna put in a few more runs.”

“Suit yourself. I’m going to rest.” With that, Ruby made her way toward the lounge.

“Lucas, I actually had a question about the simulation–do you mind if I ask you something?” Ruby said, sliding into the seat next to him.

Lucas was mid–sentence with Arabella. He glanced at Ruby, his expression polite but distant. “You should really check with your instructor if you’re having issues. I’m kind of in the middle of something here.”

Then he immediately turned his attention back to Arabella,

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Chapter 160 The Unwanted Shadow

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The blunt dismissal made Ruby’s smile fade. She tried again, nodding toward Arabella. “Are you, like, tutoring her or something?”

“Something like that,” Lucas replied, figuring the excuse might get her to back off.

“Oh, perfect! I hit a rough patch during my last run. Do you mind if I sit in and listen?” Ruby pressed, edging even closer.

The more Lucas seemed to avoid her, the more determined she became to stay–she wasn’t about to give Arabella uninterrupted time with him.

Lucas hadn’t expected her to invite herself into a “lesson“. A flicker of irritation crossed his face.

Truth was, he and Arabella had just been casually talking about hobbies and interests. He’d been slowly working up to asking her out, and now Ruby had to show up and derail everything. She really had a talent for ruining the moment.

Seeing Ruby plant herself firmly beside Lucas, Arabella quickly lost interest in continuing the conversation.

She stood up smoothly. “I’ve rested enough–I should get some more practice in.”

Using that as her exit, Arabella headed back toward the simulators.

The moment she left, Lucas made a move to follow, but Ruby stopped him.

“Hey, Lucas, not so fast–you never actually gave that lesson,” she said, blinking up at him with exaggerated innocence.

Good. At least Arabella knew how to take a hint. Now maybe she could finally have Lucas to herself.

“My student left, so there’s no lesson to give. If you need help, your coach is right over there,” Lucas said, his tone making it clear he had no intention of sticking around to chat.

Seeing he was still set on leaving, Ruby scrambled for another excuse. “Kyle’s busy helping my cousin right now–he doesn’t have time.

“Arabella seems like she’s already got the basics down. How about you spend a little time teaching me instead, Lucas?” Ruby pushed, still hoping to keep him there just a bit longer.

“Ms. Peterson, let me be clear–you’re not my student. I don’t have any obligation to teach you,” Lucas replied, his expression turning serious.

“Then what would it take? Seriously,” Ruby asked leaning in eagerly.

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