al steps, she stumbled

wn, she was left speechless

gaze shifted to Ethan beside him. He parted his

e, making a gentlemanly gesture. "Miss Cooper, please

a's heart raced as she glanced at the man inside

le and cleared his throat

g her lips, she replied, "If it's about

there might already be reporters on their w

tering smile. "Mr. Darwin, why didn't you give me a heads-

re for Ethan's parent-teacher meeting

ipal rubbed his hands nervously, only then noticing Maya

eeting, surprised that he eve

academic performance with Mis

"Miss Cooper, you won't need to return to school this afternoon. Take the time to have a good t

was using Maya as a stepping stone, Maya thought to hersel

ious. No matter how many classes she had, she needed to prioritize Mr. Dar

aya could respond, Ethan opened the back door, pressed down on her shoulder, and shoved her inside. He

his seat with his eyes closed, his gaze drifting over Maya. The pressure

even dare

sity of Charles's presence seemed to grow stronger. Even without mo

ale restaurant. Inside the elegant and lavish private room, each of them had a

Maya only wanted to leave this place as quickly as possible, repeatedly declining and making excuses. But her refusa

ly filled the private room. Charles' gaze fell on her, studying her for a few seconds befo

feel a bit out of place. Maya had no choice but to awkwardly take a se

ocating silence. "Is there something you want

ine, making an excuse. "I need to use the restroom." As

then turned his attention back to her. "What do

felt her guard drop and nodded in agre

e air, "It seems that you have

arily as she straightened up

picked up his glass and took a slow sip

ve the time," she replied

much of your time, j

s; I truly don't have any spare time," sh

tirely, his lips curling into a slight smile a

was determined to erase all memories of that night, not wanting any further entanglement with hi

r with the principal of your school?" There was undoubtedly a hint of threat in his words. Given the principal's earlier beh

seat. "Why do you insist on me?" Countless people wanted to be a

replied, a light smile dancing in his eyes. He chuckled softly,

m in shock as the word es

f embarrassment rose from deep within her, and her face involuntarily flushed red.