Riley shoved the bouquet back into Eamon's arms. "I don't want it. If you're so touched, you keep it!"
Then she hugged her stuffed bunny tight and ran off without looking back.
She honestly hadn't expected someone this clueless to exist around Adrian.
Sending me flowers on campus?
Is he trying to roast me alive? Haven't I made enough enemies already?
Left holding the flowers, Eamon stood there in defeat, shoulders slumped as he trudged away.
Did I say something wrong?
Or… was my hint not obvious enough?
My very first assignment after returning to the capital—and I'd already failed.
This is so depressing.
Meanwhile, the onlookers nearby were staring, eyes practically popping out.
Celeste clicked her tongue. "Who would send flowers to Riley? Don't they know she's a fool?"
Hearing that, Felicia felt even more irritated.
Right now, she felt like a clown who had just been publicly humiliated—her face burning with embarrassment.
Miranda coughed awkwardly. "Sorry, Felicia. I thought the flowers were for you, so I told you to go accept them. That's my fault. Don't feel too bad—haven't you been getting flowers every day lately? It's just a bouquet of baby's breaths. How could Riley even compare to you?"
But could any of those flowers compare to the one just now?
Wrapped in gold thread. Air-shipped from overseas.
They had all heard it clearly.
Celeste chimed in, trying to comfort her. "Exactly, Felicia. And I think I just saw Riley get into a luxury car. Do you think she might've hooked up with some rich guy? Maybe that's why she's been absent these past few days?"
Felicia suppressed the jealousy bubbling inside her and let a trace of sadness show on her face. "I'm not sure… but I think I've seen my sister get into a luxury car before too. Ah! Did I say something wrong? No, no—you didn't hear anything. My dad's here to pick me up. I'll go first!"
She covered her mouth as if she had let something slip, waved at them, and hurried out of the campus.
Left behind, Miranda and Celeste exchanged a glance—both seeing the same spark of gossip ignite in each other's eyes.
***
After getting into the car, Riley shut the door with a satisfied thud. The vehicle started smoothly.
She gazed out the window, still in high spirits—until she suddenly realized something was off.
"This isn't the way back to Clearbrooke Estate, is it?"
The driver in the front coughed lightly. "We're not heading back yet. Master Adrian is waiting for you somewhere else."
Riley nodded and didn't ask further. Hugging her stuffed bunny, she began humming to herself—loudly and completely off-key.
Before long, the car stopped in a secluded area.
Riley stepped out.
"Madam, Master Adrian is waiting inside. Please go in alone." The driver stood by the car, expressionless.
A chill crept up Riley's spine.
What is Adrian up to now?
Don't tell me he's planning some kind of surprise…
She shook her head immediately, playing dumb. "Nope. It's too dark. I'm scared."
The place was dim and desolate. No lights anywhere—except for a flickering green bulb above a worn-out doorway, casting an eerie glow over the surroundings.
Before she could say anything else, the driver got back into the car and drove off.
"Seriously?!"
Clutching her stuffed bunny, Riley cautiously stepped forward.
She wasn't exactly timid—but she wasn't fearless either. Any normal girl would be scared walking into a place like this alone.
This is basically a haunted house!
Riley silently cursed.
Whoever's behind this better not fall into my hands later…or they're absolutely done for.