Chapter 482

Chapter 482

“Why would I be?” Josh asked calmly. “We’re both under pressure, just in different ways p>

Eli let out a long breath. “I… I never wanted to force things like this. But-” She trailed off, lowering her head again.

Josh nodded in understanding. “I get it. How about we change the subject p>

Eli finally laughed. “Yeah, sure. But before that-thank you, Josh. I really appreciate your help p>

They went back to talking about school. Even though their schools were rivals, academically and otherwise, the competition was fairly healthy. In the middle of their conversation, Josh’s phone rang loudly, prompting him to reach into his pocket at once.

“Oh, my mom,” he said, glancing at the screen. “I’ll talk to her for a moment p>

Eli nodded. Josh rose slightly from his chair and turned away so his voice wouldn’t carry. He answered the call, his expression immediately softening.

“Yeah, Mom,” he said quietly.

Eli hadn’t meant to eavesdrop, but Josh’s voice carried clearly-maybe because the restaurant was nearly empty. From the relaxed way he spoke, punctuated by light laughter, Eli could tell how close Josh was to his mother. His face looked easy, cheerful. He stood by the window, one hand tucked into his pocket, shoulders relaxed, occasionally laughing between explanations.

“I’m fine. The security uncle is right outside, guarding the entrance and waiting for me,” Josh continued. “I’m at a restaurant near school… yeah, with a friend p>

He nodded several times, murmuring “yeah” and “just a bit longer.” After a brief pause, he added, “Not long. If you’re already nearby, I’ll just head home with you, Mom p>

mom’s on her way p>

The call ended. Josh turned back and smiled faintly at Eli. “My mom’s

“Oh,” Eli nodded. “Okay p>

A few minutes later, the restaurant door opened. Althea walked in with purposeful strides, her eyes immediately scanning the room for Josh. When she spotted her son, her expression softened-only to pause when her gaze shifted to Eli, seated across from him.

For a split second, shock flickered across Althea’s face. She hadn’t expected the friend Josh was meeting to be Eli. Since when had the two of them grown close?

“Mom,” Josh greeted, rising to his feet.

Althea walked over. “Hi.” Her gaze returned to Eli, this time more focused. “I didn’t realize you two were meeting p>

Eli stood up at once, polite and composed. “Good afternoon, Aunt Althea.” She smiled-warm, yet careful. “We were… just having a casual meet-up p>

Althea returned the smile-thin, measured, nothing excessive. “Good afternoon. It’s nice to meet you.” Her tone was relaxed, even though questions were already forming in her mind. Still, this wasn’t the moment to lose focus. She had too much to think about. Turning to Josh, she asked, “Are

you done p>

“Yes,” Josh replied. “We were just talking about school, and I think… we’re finished p>

1/3

Chapter 482

+25 Bonus

Althea nodded. “All right. Shall we head home p>

Josh grabbed his bag. Before leaving, he turned back to Eli. “Thank you for being someone I could talk to p>

Eli nodded. “Thank you too, Josh p>

Althea gave a small nod in farewell and turned to leave with her son. But just before they could walk away, Eli’s phone rang sharply. Seeing her mother’s name on the screen, she answered at once.

“Yes, Mom,” she said quickly.

The voice on the other end was high-strung and tense, barely pausing for breath. Eli straightened, her expression hardening.

“I’m coming home now,” she said shortly. “Yes. Right now p>

She ended the call and grabbed her bag in a rush. Any hesitation in her steps vanished-she only wanted to get back to the apartment as quickly as possible.

Her mother was angry. She knew it.

Selena had found out… that she’d met Josh.

“What happened?” Josh asked, puzzled by the sudden change. Moments ago, Eli had looked cheerful; now her face was pale, almost frightened.

“It’s nothing,” Eli forced a smile. “I’ll head home first; Josh. Be careful on the way. Good afternoon to you too, Aunt Althea p>

And then she was gone-hurrying out of the restaurant and flagging down a taxi the moment she stepped outside.

She left behind far too many questions in Josh’s mind.

What happened to Eli?

P

ENJOYING THE BOOK p>

Give it a rating to show your support!

Comments

Support

A

ST

Mark