Chapter 40

Drax and Jaden got into the black SUV and pulled off from the school parking lot, the tires rolling smooth over the sunlit asphalt.

Drax leaned back in his seat, grinning as he turned the wheel. "By the way, Boss... I got you a new place."

Jaden turned to him, brow raised. "A place?"

"Yeah," Drax nodded proudly. "A beachfront mansion, just outside Ravenmoor. Figured it was time you stopped jumping between hotels like some traveling assassin. You've got roots here now."

Jaden scoffed lightly. "You decided that for me?"

"Well, you told me to be useful. I'm just being useful in advance," Drax said with a wink.

Jaden smirked. "You'll be staying with me then. I'll need eyes I can trust."

Drax's grin widened. "Yes, Boss!"

Meanwhile, back at Silvercreek High School, Julie sat at her desk, carefully arranging her textbooks. She was humming quietly when her friend poked her head in through the door.

"Hey Julie, the English teacher asked to see you in her office."

Julie blinked. "Ms. Winston? Alright, thanks."

She slid out of her seat, walked across the hallway, and gently opened the office door before stepping inside.

"Ms. Winston, did you call for me?"

Hannah Winston was seated behind her desk, dressed in a sleek navy suit that fit her sharp, professional look. She had the kind of posture that said she was used to being respected-and the kind of smile that said she didn't smile easily.

"Yes, Julie. Come in."

Julie stepped forward, a little curious now. The door clicked softly as it closed behind her.

Hannah's lips curled upward. "Where's your brother, Jaden?"

Julie's eyes narrowed slightly. "How did you know he was back?"

Hannah let out a small breath, trying to remain composed. But her cheeks betrayed her, blooming with a faint blush. "I just... want to see him. That's all."

Julie folded her arms, stepping closer with a teasing grin. "Ms. Hannah, are you... blushing?"

"I'm not!" Hannah straightened quickly. "Don't tease your elders."

"of course I'm not?" Julie tilted her head. "But I'm just saying, it's easy to fall for my brother you know?"

"Julie..."

Julie laughed, enjoying the rare moment of flustering her composed teacher. "always knew you liked him. You've been treating me like royalty ever since he disappeared. I Just didnt know you were holding out for him this whole time.

"I said stop teasing!" Hannah snapped, but even she couldn't help a soft chuckle. Just then, the door swung open.

In walked Mr. Harrison—the tall, smug physics teacher who carried himself like he was the hottest thing to walk into the school building. His eyes locked immediately on Hannah.

"There you are, Ms. Winston," he said, stepping in like he owned the room.

Julie's smile faded, sensing the shift in the atmosphere.

"What do you want, Mr. Harrison?" Hannah asked, already irritated.

Harrison ignored her tone and looked straight at Julie. "I overheard something. You were saying something about your brother bothering Ms. Winston?"

Julie blinked. "What? No-! You must've heard wrong, sir."

"Julie," Hannah interjected calmly. "Return to your class."

Julie nodded slowly. "Yes, Ms. Hannah.” Latest content published on Find✶Novel.net

As she walked past Harrison, he shot her a glare. She didn't return it—just closed the door quietly behind her.

Harrison turned back to Hannah. "There's a new Hollywood blockbuster this

weekend Thunderbolt. Huge release I got.us two premiere

smiled as if that would

melt her defenses. "I'll pick you up Saturday night. My car's just been washed."

tickets. He smenet

Hannah raised a brow. "I'm busy."

"You've been rejecting me for over a year, Ms. Winston," he said with frustration building in his voice. "This is the hundredth time. Don't you get it? I like you. I'm not giving up."

She folded her arms. "And that's supposed to impress me?"

"Is it because of him?" Harrison's tone turned bitter. "Julie Hale's brother? That's

it, isn't it? He shows up, and suddenly I'm invisible."

“This has nothing to do with Jaden," Hannah replied sharply. "I'm here to work. Not to be pursued by a desperate man with a hero complex."

Her tone sliced deep. Harrison's jaw tightened, his hands balling into fists at his side.

"If you have nothing else to say," Hannah said, voice cold as ice, "get out of my office."

Harrison turned without a word and stormed out, slamming the door behind him.

In the hallway, he paced back and forth like a madman.

"That little brat Julie Hale... she ruined everything," he hissed. "She brought her brother here, set him up with Ms Winston-and now she's playing matchmaker like some goddamn queen til make her regret it make him regret it."