Chapter 83
Sophie nodded, recalling how Nichole had pleaded with her earlier.
“Where did she get a boyfriend from?” Adler asked, puzzled.
“How should I know?”
“And she’s still hung
ng up on James even though she has a boyfriend? This woman is something else.” Adler expressed his disdain for such behavior.
“She says those things for others to hear. I don’t believe she has any boyfriend other than James, Sophie said, putting down her fork and gathering the empty plates in front of her. Tim done eating, you guys take your time.”
Sophie stood up to leave.
Harold also put down his plate, saying, “I’m done too.”
Adler was still munching. “Just a sec, I’ll join ya
In the evening. Nichole checked the recent quiz results in the dormitory, and her heart skipped a beat.
She had always been a top performer, but her grades had plummeted this time.
Her roommate, glancing at the score, gasped, “Nichole, how come you’re ninth in the department? You’ve always been at the top, never slipped this much before.”
Nichole quickly tucked away the results, forcing a smile, I wasn’t feeling well during the last exam, so I didn’t do too well. It’s just a pop quiz, no big deal
Hearing this, her roommate nodded, “I knew there had to be a reason. It’s not like you!
you to score so low.”
Nichole struggled to keep smiling, dreading what James would think if he saw her grades.
Suddenly, Nichole’s phone rang. It was Colt on the line, his voice calm but with a hint of coldness, “Ms. Nichole, please come down.”
“Is Mr. Burke there to see me?” Nichole felt a flutter of excitement. It had been days since James had last thought of her
“Mr. James is here. Please come down,”
Nichole steadied herself and said, “Tll be right there.”
As Nichole turned to leave, she saw Krystal and Tina glance at her briefly. Since the incident earlier that day, they hadn’t spoken to her. Sure enough, when they saw Nichole, they quickly looked away.
Nichole didn’t bother with them and went straight downstairs.
James‘ car was parked in front of the female dormitory.
Nichole rushed forward, wearing only a thin nightgown, looking rather frail. “Mr. Burke, you’re here.”
Nichole missed James dearly.
James‘ expression remained indifferent, but seeing Nichole’s nose red from the cold, he softened, “Next time, wear more clothes when you come out
–
“I was just in a hurry. I will next time,” she replied, her cheeks flushing with his concem. She had been worried that James might still be upset about the incident at the party a few days ago, but it seemed he still cared about her.
“Mr. Burke, did you come to see me about something specific today?” Nichole asked.
“The dean called me.”
Nichole’s heart sank
James watched her and sighed, “Have I been spoiling you too much lately?”
“Mr. Burke, I… Nichole hesitated.
James continued, “Your professors told me you’ve been frequently missing classes and having others sign in for you. Besides that, your grades have dropped significantly.”
Nichole tried to explain, but James cut her off, “You are a talented student, but that doesn’t mean you can neglect your studies.
