Chapter 556
557
557
At 4 p.m., Aria had just stepped out of the office building when she unexpectedly came face to face with Elmore.
He wore a simple white shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, holding a few lab reports in his hand.
Upon seeing Aria, Elmore gave a slight nod and greeted her. “Ms. Saxon, finished with your classes?”
Aria nodded. “Yeah, just wrapping up for the day.”
Elmore smiled. “Same here.”
Effortlessly, the two of them fell into step and walked side by side toward the side gate.
Elmore remarked casually, “Hey, I heard Richard Lloyd was giving you trouble?”
“He just said a few words and left,” Aria said calmly. “Nothing serious.”
Elmore’s face grew solemn. “I’ve heard he holds grudges. Be careful around him.”
“Yeah, we’re in different departments-hardly ever run into each other,” she replied.
Elmore nodded. “That makes sense.”
Changing the subject, Elmore said, “The shooting range just got some new firearms. I’ve tried them-they handle really well. You should check them out when you’re free.”
That finally piqued Aria’s interest. “Oh? What model is it?”
Elmore said, “It’s a modified HK416-the recoil control is excellent…”
By the black sedan in the parking lot, a tall, slender figure stood silently by the university gate.
Students coming in and out couldn’t help but exclaim, “What a hottie!” as they whipped out their phones to snap photos.
One of the students nudged her friend and urged, “Go ask for his number!”
“Are you nuts? He’s just standing there, obviously waiting for someone-he must already have a girlfriend,” her friend scoffed.
“Right,” the first girl sighed. “All the good-looking guys are taken.”
As they chatted, they caught sight of two figures at the entrance. Excited, they quickly aimed their phones at them, ready to snap a photo. “Look! It’s Ms. Saxon and Mr. Balton! Are they dating? They’re such a perfect match!”
Another girl exclaimed, “Oh, my god, they’re the hottest teacher couple on campus! If they don’t end up together, I swear I’ll never rest in peace!”
One of them shouted, “Wow, they’re even wearing matching outfits!”
The whispers reached Owen’s ears with perfect clarity.
Aria was wearing a plain white tee today, while Elmore had on a crisp white dress shirt,
Owen was also wearing a dress shirt to work today.
He glanced down at himself, pressing his lips.
1/2
‘Come on, if anyone’s wearing matching outfits, it’s us,’ he thought, a little annoyed.
Owen turned and got into the car without another word.
Aria and Elmore were already the center of attention just by walking together. If Owen showed up too, tomorrow the campus forum would be flooded with all sorts of wild gossip that could harm Aria’s reputation.
Owen silently rolled up the car window, shutting out the hushed whispers outside.
Soon, the car door swung open, and a gentle, sunlit fragrance drifted in.
“Been waiting long?” Aria buckled up, noticing Owen’s gaze lingering on her face.
Owen shook his head while starting the car. “No, I just got here myself.”
Once they’d left Mandino University behind, Owen, as if casually, asked, “Madelyn, are you close with Mr. Balton?”
“His name is Elmore Balton-he’s Martin Schmidt’s nephew. I’ve only met him a couple of times,” Aria replied instinctively
Realizing what she’d just said, she suddenly turned to him. “You know him?”
Owen nodded, his voice slightly muffled with emotion. “I overheard some students talking… about you two…”
His voice lowered. “They said you’re a perfect match.”
Aria detected the jealousy in his tone, and a hint of a smile flickered in her eyes.
With a teasing smile, she said, “Is someone getting jealous?”
Owen didn’t deny it. “I’m just jealous he gets to walk out with you.”
Aria chuckled softly, “If we really became colleagues, I’d be miserable.”
Owen turned to her, curiosity in his eyes. “Why’s that?”
Aria blinked. “You’re right here before me, but all I can do is look, not touch.”
Owen kept his eyes on the road, a smile tugging at his lips despite himself. He cleared his throat and said, “I’m really not jealous.”
Elmore was just a professor, but Owen was her one and only boyfriend.
Aria leaned in closer, tilting her head with a playful smile. “Really not jealous?”