Chapter 154

“Yeah.”
She owned up to it without hesitation, not a trace of last night’s sweetness left in her voice.
“Oh Anthony’s smile grew wider, his dark eyes narrowing as he leaned in, getting closer to Charlotte, who looked as calm as ever. His words carried a teasing edge. “So you only like my hand?”
Up front, Hans’s eyes went wide. He glanced back, curiosity written all over his face as he watched Anthony.
Charlotte didn’t say a word. She just stared at Anthony, her eyes clear and steady, never looking away.
Out of nowhere, Anthony remembered what happened last night. His throat felt suddenly dry.
After a moment, he cleared his throat and reached out, smoothing her hair. His voice softened. “Liking my hand is fine, too.” He figured it was only a matter of time before she liked the rest of him.
“Go on,” Anthony said, passing her the bag. “Tonight, I’ll introduce you to someone.”
“Okay.”
Charlotte nodded, grabbed her bag, and bent down to step out of the car.
She was wearing the same outfit again. The skirt was short, and with her long legs, it barely covered above her knees.
Anthony’s eyes turned cold. He tried to keep his voice even as he asked, “Did you handle that emergency uniform donation for Vanguard High?”
“Last night, sir. We rushed it. Unless something went wrong, the uniforms should already be there,” Hans answered, respectful as always.
Anthony had lost his mind a little, ordering an entire batch of clothes just so no one else would stare at Ms. Main’s legs. More than that, he’d made sure all the skirts were replaced with pants. The students at Vanguard High were probably losing their minds over it.
“Anthony, are you sure Ms. Main will be okay for the test today?” Hans asked quietly. “If she doesn’t place second, she’s out. It’s serious.”
He sounded honestly worried for her.
“She’ll be fine.”
Anthony lit a cigarette, lounging back in his seat, that lazy confidence all over him. A faint smile tugged at his lips. Lottie… she wasn’t ordinary.
…
The school grounds were packed with students, noise and energy everywhere.
Charlotte walked toward Class C with her backpack slung over one shoulder, her eyes lowered, her face unreadable.
At the stairs, she ran right into Olivia,
who was tocked arm-in-arm with Nancy. They were laughing, but the second they saw Charlotte, they Stopped and blocked the stairway, refusing to move. ‘
“Well, if it isn’t Vanguard High’s little hero,” Nancy said, lifting her chin, voice dripping with sarcasm. “What, did
shirley give you an award fo
getting Dennis kicked out?”
Dennis had always been close with those two. Now that Charlotte had gotten him expelled, they were still fuming.
Charlotte looked up, a thin layer of anger clouding her usually calm eyes. Her stare was icy, sharp as glass.
“I’m going to count to three. If you’re still in my way, I’ll toss you both out that window.”
Her voice was quiet but carried a force you couldn’t ignore.
“Three… two
Olivia and Nancy glanced at each other, then looked out the window behind them. The restroom building was right below.
Annoyed, Olivia squeezed Nancy’s
arm, then stepped aside just in time. She put on a sweet smile. “Charlotte, good luck out there. Hope you get second place
Nancy snorted, unable to hold back a laugh. Charlotte? Second place? What a joke.
She’d have better luck just going to beg Mr. Lee for forgiveness.