Chapter 1204

Cassandra: What the...?

Weren't they supposed to help her?

Were they here just to stir up trouble?

With everyone watching, Cassandra could feel her pride crumble.

Mandy let out a breath, relief washing over her. The crowd really could see through everything.

Cassandra had no choice but to go back and help with the investigation. In no time, someone had posted a photo online of her being escorted away. For anyone not in the know, it looked like Cassandra had just been arrested—like this was the end for her.

Josefina watched the whole mess play out. Caiden was still hanging around.

Mandy and Damita hurried over, Mandy looping her arm through Josefina's like it was the most natural thing in the world.

"That was so satisfying! Cassandra totally got what was coming to her!" Mandy said, grinning.

Damita chimed in, "Finally, our Medical Society gets to hold its head high again!"

Compared to Cassandra's cluelessness, everyone else looked like a genius. Honestly, anyone here could outsmart her with their eyes closed. And really, who would bother arguing with someone who just didn't get it?

Mandy's gaze flicked over to Caiden, lingering on his face.

Whoa. Now that's a good-looking guy.

Without realizing it, she squeezed Josefina's arm a bit tighter.

Josefina noticed. Wait, did Mandy just develop a crush right in front of her?

Smiling, Josefina made the introductions. "This is Caiden," she said. "Caiden, this is my cousin Mandy, and my classmate Damita."

They all exchanged quick hellos.

"I've got something to take care of, so I'm heading out,” Josefina said. She really did need to swing by the National Security Bureau-Brett and his crew were overdue for another round of questioning. After everything they'd been through, now was the perfect time to crack them open. If not now, then when?

Honestly, she was already itching to leave.

Caiden offered, "Want me to give you a ride?"

Josefina shook her head, already making her escape. "No need, I drove myself, and

it's not exactly on your way. I'll see you all later."

She slipped away without a backward glance.

Mandy looked at Caiden, then at Josefina. Was there something going on between those two? She could almost smell the gossip-but she didn't dare push it Oliver wasn't exactly the brother-in-law you joked around with.

Josefina was halfway down the hall when Caiden called after her.

"Josefina."

She stopped, and he caught up, a soft smile in his eyes.

"Are you trying to avoid me?" he asked.

"What? Of course not! I really do have something to do, I'm not

running away from you." Jäsenet

grinned. You're not scary, you know Why would I be afraid?"

Caiden's smile grew even gentler. "For a second there, I thought you were just eager to get away from me."

He laughed. "But if you're busy, go ahead."

Josefina laughed too, nodded, and headed off.

Caiden watched her until she got in her car and drove away. Only when her car was

out of sight did he finally look away himself.

He started to leave, but someone called out to him.

"Hey, senior?"

He turned to see a girl he didn't recognize.

She walked up, smiling, but as she got closer, Caiden took a few steps back, keeping his distance.

Lydia's smile faltered, embarrassment flashing across her face-did he really think she was contagious or something?

"I'm not your senior," Caiden said, cool and direct. "We've never met."

Lydia was left speechless. Was he always this blunt? She hadn't even gotten to

what she wanted to say, and he'd already shut her down.

"I just thought you were a student here," she tried again. "You look older than me so I figured you must, be my senior. Senior, are you* Josefina's new boyfriend?

Caiden: ?