Chapter 38
Jayden took a deep breath, trying to appear calm. “Lindsey, stop messing around. Where else would you go if you don’t join my mom’s birthday party?”
Lindsey couldn’t help but laugh. It sounded like he was saying she had nowhere else to go if it wasn’t the Parker family’s celebration.
“Jayden, don’t flatter yourself. I’m not interested in getting involved with the Parker family, your mom included. Definitely you too!”
She pulled at her wrist, but Jayden only tightened his grip.
She frowned, clearly annoyed. “Let go!” she snapped.
Jayden gave her a teasing smile. “Lindsey, stop being so stubborn.”
Lindsey was on the verge of cursing. She thought, ‘ Does he really not understand what I was saying?‘
“Lindsey wants you to let go, Jayden. Forcing her isn’t cool. Right now, she’s my girlfriend, and you’re out of line,” Shawn said.
He draped an arm around Lindsey’s shoulder while pushing down on Jayden’s wrist.
Lindsey was taken aback. “What are you doing here?”
“Didn’t we have a date today? I came to pick you up,” Shawn said, his eyes sparkling as he looked at her, his voice softening.
Jayden found the whole scene unbearable, wanting to interrupt, but suddenly his wrist throbbed in pain. Shawn was squeezing harder!
He gritted his teeth, fighting back the urge to yell out.
Lindsey pulled her hand back and rubbed her wrist. Her skin was so delicate that any little bump left a mark, and now her wrist was red.
“Does it hurt?” Shawn asked quietly, concern written all over his face.
Lindsey pouted, thinking how good he was at acting. She lowered her gaze. “A little.”
“Should I rub it for you in the car?” Without waiting for anyone’s response, he pulled Lindsey along with him.
Once they got into the car, Lindsey was surprised to find Matt sitting in the back.
“Ms. Riley, fancy seeing you here! What happened to your hand? Someone take a swing at you?” He glanced at Shawn with a smirk.
Lindsey hurried to explain, “No, it’s not what you think! I just ran into a jerk earlier. By the way, what are you doing here?”
Shawn’s timing was way too convenient.
Matt scratched his nose, “Well, I’m staying nearby with Shawn’s team.”
Lindsey’s eyes widened. This area was a mid–range neighborhood. Given Shawn’s status, there was no way he would live here.
It was like Matt could read her mind. “I actually bought a villa around here, just moved in recently,” he added quickly.
Then he stole a glance at Shawn and whispered to Lindsey, “Shawn kind of forced me to move here, you know how he is.”
Matt raised an eyebrow in a mischievous way, making Lindsey roll her eyes internally.
“Hey, Matt, there’s a project in Africa that just opened up. Want to give it a shot?” Shawn’s voice was ominous, sending a chill down Matt’s spine,
Matt immediately shut up and focused on driving.
Lindsey stared out the window, her ears turning slightly pink.
“Take me to Themiro,” Shawn instructed.
Lindsey froze. That was exactly where Mr. Grier lived.
Matt frowned. “That place is so remote. Why would you go there? You could take Lindsey to the mall instead if you want a date.”
1/3
Extra Check–in
Vouchers
Ad–Free Reading
Exclusive Profile
Badge
2:07 PM
Chapter 38
Shawn shot a cold glare at the back of Matt’s head, causing him to shut up immediately.
Back at the Riley residence, the atmosphere was anything but pleasant. Jayden sat silently on the couch, a dark expression on his face, not uttering a single word.
“Jayden, I’m really sorry. I don’t know what’s up with Lindsey lately–she’s been acting like she’s out to get me. But don’t worry, once she’s back, I’ll personally drag her to the Parker house to apologize.” Anthony said, trying to calm the situation.
Jayden rubbed his wrist and waved his hand dismissively. “Forget it. You guys in the Riley family look down on us in the Parker family, so I guess I was just fooling myself.”
Hearing that, Anthony’s expression turned sour.
“Jayden, that’s not what I meant. You know Lindsey just started dating someone new, right? I feel like her behavior is all because of that guy. I’m going to make sure they break up fast.”
Jayden smiled; Anthony’s words hit home. “Well, it seems you really understand. I also think that Lindsey’s boyfriend isn’t good enough. I really like Lindsey, and I don’t want to see her jump into a pit. But right now, she… well, she has a pretty big misunderstanding about me.”
Jayden’s eyes showed a mixture of helplessness and affection, as if he genuinely cared for Lindsey.
But still, that boyfriend of Lindsey needed a reality check; he was always butting in.
Anthony couldn’t let such a promising son–in–law slip away, so he quickly added, “Misunderstandings can always be cleared up! Right now, it’s just Lindsey acting childish. You don’t need to worry, Jayden. I’ll make sure to talk with her.”
Jayden politely acknowledged, “I’d appreciate your help. But you know, I came here to pick up Lindsey, and now she’s gone. If I go home alone, my mom might not be too happy…”
Anthony paused, then his eyes landed on Sheila. “How about we send Sheila with you? She’s smart and responsible; she can definitely charm Mrs. Parker.”
Jayden thought it over and reluctantly agreed.
As the two got into the car, Jayden pulled Sheila into his arms. “Babe, I’ve missed your scent.”
Before he could finish, he leaned in and kissed her, his hands slipping under her shirt. Lost in the moment, they ended up in the backseat, tangled up together.
Meanwhile, Shawn’s car rolled to a stop in front of Mr. Grier’s house. Lindsey got out, waved goodbye to Shawn, and turned around to knock on the door.
The door swung open to reveal Jeffrey, who lit up at the sight of her. “Lindsey, you’ve finally arrived!”
Then he noticed Shawn’s car parked out front. “Bro, come on in!”
All he got back was the sound of engine fumes. Jeffrey scratched his nose awkwardly and led Lindsey inside. “Lindsey, I made a bet with Grandpa. I bet you wouldn’t pass your exam today.”
Lindsey looked at him and thought, ‘He is really straightforward‘
She then said, “you’re gonna lose today.”
She smiled as she asked, “So, what was the bet?”
Jeffrey scratched the back of his head, looking a bit embarrassed. “Well, my girlfriend Quinci Lane has been dying to learn Grandpa’s secret technique–the Thirteen Needles of Heavenly Precision. But no matter what she does, grandpa won’t teach her.”
Lindsey paused, her interest piqued. “Secret technique? Well, if it’s a secret, he definitely won’t just hand it over. And your girlfriend–you’re not talking about the famous jewelry family, the Lane family, from Jovencia, are you?”
Jeffrey nodded eagerly. “Yep, that’s them! Quinci’s super passionate about medicine, and I just don’t get it. Isn’t the point of studying medicine to save lives? What’s Grandpa hiding from her?”
“You don’t get it. Some people study medicine to save lives, but not everyone has that intention.” Mr. Grier shot a glare at Jeffrey, adding with a huff, “You better watch your mouth.”
2/3
