<b>Chapter </b><b>202 </b>
“I’ll send awyer over, and I’ll make sure you have someone waiting for <b>you</b>! abroad. But remember what you said today–don’t forget it.”
As soon as the five minutes were up, Alessia gently pushed Lucy’s hand aside and stood to leave. Lucy just sat there in a daze, only snapping back to reality when Alessia opened the door–she realized, with a sudden jolt of relief, that Alessia had agreed to help her!
“Ileana hates seeing you in the spotlight. If she’s asking you to meet her at the <b>gym</b><b>, </b>she’s probably hoping you’ll miss the next round of thepetition!”
Alessia didn’t reply. She simply closed the door. On the other side, Lucy felt as if a weight had been lifted from her chest. She copsed back onto the bed, exhausted but grinning in satisfaction.
Meanwhile, just outside the doorway, Alessia nearly bumped into Cole Whitley, who had appeared out of nowhere. He was leaning against the wall, straightening as soon as she stepped out.
Startled, Alessia flinched. Cole reached out, ruffling her hair in a soothing gesture, then gently took her arm–the one Lucy had gripped so tightly moments ago.
“It’s all red,” he muttered, his voice tinged with annoyance.
“It’ll be gone in a minute.”
He didn’t argue, but there was real concern in his eyes.
“There are plenty of ways to get ahold of those shops she owns,” Cole said quietly.
Because they were still on school grounds, they simply walked side by side, careful not to draw attention or get too close.
Alessia knew he was still upset about the marks Lucy had left on her arm. She smiled, brushing his hand in a fleeting, hidden gesture–subtle, teasing, and yet filled with the shy affection of youth.
“The shops are only part of it,” she admitted.
Cole’s ears turned pink. He pressed a fist to his lips and cleared his throat. “Is it because of her dad?”
Alessia nodded. “Watching that cheating jerk strut around like he owns the ce–it’s infuriating.”
Cole <b>nodded</b><b>, </b>just <b>as </b><b>frustrated</b><b>. </b><b>“</b>You heading over soon? <b>I’ll </b><b>go </b><b>with </b>you.
<b>Now </b>that Alessia <b>knew </b>Ileana was nning something, backing <b>down </b><b>wasn’t </b>an option. Cole was grateful he’d decided to stick around–knowing Alessia<b>, </b><b>she’d </b>march right over the moment the time came.
“Finished everything you needed to do?” Alessia asked, remembering he still <b>had </b><b>a </b>lunch meeting and more appointmentster in the afternoon.
“Nothing that can’t wait.” Cole shrugged, knowing Alessia wouldn’t buy it if he said he was done so he didn’t even bother trying to sound convincing.
“It’s no big deal. I’ll take care of it quickly.”
Alessia understood: she didn’t want anyone else getting involved.
“At the very least, I’m waiting outside. Keep your phone on. If you hang up, I’ming in–no questions asked.”
She knew this was as far as Cole wouldpromise.
They were both willing to make small concessions for each other, but only as long as their safety wasn’t at risk. If it was, there’d be no negotiating–no matter what either of them said.
Alessia nodded, agreeing to his n.
“Oh, by the way,” Cole said, suddenly mysterious, “after the track meet wraps up tomorrow, I’ve got something for you.”
“Something?”
“Yeah, but it’s a secret for now.”
Alessia raised an eyebrow and decided not to press.
When they got back to the field, they split up without a word–Cole returned to the investor’s section, and Alessia slipped back into her seat from earlier.
Their timing was perfect. Ste Laine was just lining up for the final heat of the day–a qualifier for tomorrow morning’s fifty–meter dash. Running it now would be too exhausting, so they’d saved it for the next day.
As soon as Alessia sat down, Ste seemed to sense her presence. She nc over, gave a little wave, and Alessia nodded, returning a brief wave in kind.
And just like that, the morning’s events came to a close with Ste securing her spot in the finals.