Wendy froze, unsure of what he meant."


    Wasn''t the ruby ne meant for Jessica?


    Why was he asking if she liked it?


    Could it be that he bought two-one for Jessica and one for her?


    It wasn''t entirely impossible. He had the money, after all.


    Wendy found it almostughable. No matter his intentions she wasn''t going to keep second-guessing him or chasing after him anymore. That night on the highway had ready settled everything between them-they no longer owed each other.


    She put her phone away without replying."


    Just then, Jessica walked over with a bright smile on her face. "Wendy, you''re here too?"


    Her mood was clearly great, likely because she''d heard Stanley was giving her a ruby ne. She was someone who loved luxury, and knowing about that gift had clearly made her day.


    Wendy nodded. "Just came by to hang out."


    "Stanley''s nning a trip with me and Sienna to a resort in a couple of days. It''s famous for its hot springs, and we''re going to rx in the baths. You and Nathan shoulde too!"


    Wendy knew Jessica wasn''t being entirely sincere. Ever since Nathan''s birthday party, Jessica had been making


    her move.


    Wendy met her gaze and smiled slightly. "Sounds good. I have time, anyway."


    After Wendy and Halsey returned to the dorm, Wendy took a quick hot shower. By the time she was done, her phone rang.


    It was a call from Stanley.


    Her heart skipped a beat as she picked it up, hearing his deep, maic voice from the other side. "Come outside."


    He wanted her toe out.


    Wendy hesitated for a moment before throwing on a jacket and heading out.


    The Rolls-Royce Phantom was parked at the gate, just likest time. As she walked out, she saw him leaning against the expensive car, looking as sharp as


    ever.


    Stanley had returned from his business trip, wearing a ck, thin coat over a white shirt and a ck business vest. He looked every bit the sophisticated businessman. Students passing by couldn''t help but nce at him, some even turning around to take a second look.


    It was said that CEOS like him had a thing for young students, but honestly, how could these fresh-faced girls not be drawn to a wealthy, handsome boss like Stanley?


    This was the second time he had parked his car at vendale University''s gate. Lately, he had beening by


    more often.


    Wendy jogged over. "Hey, Mr. Hawk."


    Stanley straightened up, his gaze falling on her face. "Why didn''t you respond to my text?"


    He was referring to the WhatsApp message about whether she liked the ne.


    Wendy decided to lie. "I didn''t see it."


    Stanley''s expression grew slightly colder. Without saying another word, he opened the passenger side door and pulled out a bag, handing it to her. "Here."


    Wendy saw the Alber logo on the bag. Inside was the ruby and diamond ne.


    Right after returning from his trip, he came to give her the ne.


    Wendy didn''t take it. "Thank you, but I can''t ept this."


    Stanley''s eyes narrowed slightly. She had just showered, her long ck hair cascading down her back in soft waves, her face fresh and unmade-up-smooth, wless skin like a peeled lychee.


    She looked so pure, so innocent, that it was hard not to be drawn in.


    As she spoke, she looked up at him with those watery eyes, the same way she


    had that night in the car-soft, sweet, and obedient.


    Stanley''s voice dropped, a bit colder this time. "You don''t like it?"


    Wendy shook her head. "Mr. Hawk, you don''t have to give me gifts. I told you that night-please don''te looking for me again."


    His expression darkened in an instant. He sneered, a bitterugh escaping him. Without another word, he tossed the bag into a nearby trash can.


    Stanley got into the Rolls-Royce, mmed the door shut, and with a press of the elerator, sped off.