Chapter 3

Jack Stevens had always been sharp.

In the next second, our eyes met.

Panic rose in me, and I quickly turned to leave.

I heard a chair scrape against the floor inside, followed by hurried footsteps.

Just as I was about to walk away, Jack grabbed my arm.

"Mr. Stevens," I muttered, looking down.

My eyes fell on the red string around his wrist.

It looked completely out of place.

"Nina, what are you doing here?"

I sniffed. "Can’t you see for yourself, Mr. Stevens?"

Victor and Cindy had followed us outside.

"No, I must be blind."

Their stares made me feel humiliated.

The slogan on my blue delivery uniform was clear for all to see.

Jack furrowed his brows, while Cindy stomped her foot.

"Jack, don’t tell me you actually like her?"

Like she was scalded, Jack instantly let go of my hand.

Then, he pulled a card from his pocket.

"It’s a supplementary card, linked to mine. Take it."

I didn’t take it, just stared coldly at the card.

"Mr. Stevens, what’s this? Compensation?"

I scoffed, "The shabby things in my studio flat aren’t worth enough for you to use that card."

Jack grew more irritated.

"Then what do you want?"

What do I want?

How could he have the nerve to ask?

I nearly doubled over with laughter, coldly addressing him and the two people standing behind him.

"I told you, Jack Stevens, I hate being lied to."

Cindy curled her lips.

"What a hassle."

Her voice wasn’t loud, but it was just the right volume for me to hear.

She was speaking to me.

"Cindy, don’t say things like that," Jack snapped, like he was scolding a spoiled child.