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


    From N?velDrama.Org.


    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 tes in front of her. Tim done eating, you


    guys take your time.”


    Sophie stood up to leave.


    Harold also put down his te, 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, ncing at the score, gasped, “Nichole, howe 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 thest 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, pleasee 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. Pleasee down,”


    Nichole steadied herself and said, “Tll be right there.”


    As Nichole turned to leave, she saw Krystal and Tina nce 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 youe 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 youe 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 muchtely?”


    “Mr. Burke, I… Nichole hesitated.


    James continued, “Your professors told me you’ve been frequently missing sses and having others


    sign in for you. Besides that, your grades have dropped significantly.”


    Nichole tried to exin, but James cut her off, “You are a talented student, but that doesn’t mean you


    can neglect your studies.