"Raymond, call all our n across Scotland and inform them, we have a big mission to accomplish!" Mr. Frederick’s voice bood with authority, his eyes fierce and unblinking.
The mont the command left his lips, Raymond sprang into action. He gave a respectful nod and quickly left the room to carry out the urgent task.
Left alone, Mr. Frederick stood by the window, clenching his fists as he looked out over the distant hills.
"This is war," he muttered to himself. "And I need to do everything in my power to rescue Elijah Simons. Getting him out of that death sentence is risky... but the thought of him fighting on our side, it’s worth every gamble."
---
The Next Morning, Maria woke up early. Though her body still ached from the injury, her mind wandered to college. She missed her friends, their laughter, and the small comfort of routine.
But she knew today wasn’t the day to return. There were already too many plans in motion with Bernard and his parents.
Instead, she reached for her phone and dialed Cassandra’s number, hoping to remind her of their secret arrangent regarding Bernard. The phone rang once, no answer. She sighed. Then tried again.
This ti, Cassandra picked up. Her voice ca through, bright but questioning. "Sorry for missing your call... I was in the bathroom. But where have you been? You’ve missed college for days! And your number’s been off. What’s going on?"
Maria let out a tired breath. "Calm down, Cassandra. I’ve not been feeling well lately, and I won’t be at college today either. I only called to remind you about the plan with Bernard. He’ll be the only one coming to college today. Please keep it going."
"Oh, I’m sorry you’re not well," Cassandra said, her voice softening. "But don’t worry—I’ve been working on him. I’m confident he’ll be completely under my control soon. Everything we need from him will be in our hands in no ti."
Maria ended the call just as she heard footsteps outside her door. She tensed, listening closely. A knock followed.
"Co in. The door isn’t locked," she said, adjusting her pillow behind her back.
To her surprise, Bernard stepped in. He was already dressed for college, his posture calm, and his voice softer than usual.
"Good morning, Maria. How are you feeling today?"
"I’m fine, thank you," she answered, her eyes narrowing slightly. There was sothing about his tone that didn’t sit right with her.
"I just wanted to check on you before heading to college," he said, stepping into the room. "And to ask how your injury is healing. Do you need a doctor? I can arrange soone right away."
His concern sounded genuine but Maria wasn’t convinced. Her gaze sharpened.
"Why are you acting like you care? We both know you don’t," she said bluntly, watching him closely.
Bernard didn’t flinch. Instead, he smiled, as if hurt but understanding. "I do care about you, Maria. You just don’t trust —and that’s sothing I wish I could fix."
"If I have trust issues, it’s because of things you’ve done," she replied coldly. "Let’s not pretend now. Just focus on your mission."
Bernard lingered a few more seconds, his jaw tightening when he saw the dismissal in her eyes. He turned to leave, but paused at the door.
"Maria, before I go, just know this, you need . And you always will."
He walked out, leaving Maria staring at the door, her thoughts swirling.
Why did Bernard really co here today? What is he up to? she wondered, suspicion burning in her chest. I need to stay alert and patient. The truth will co out eventually.
Just then, her phone rang again. This ti, it was from an unknown number. She hesitated, but curiosity won.
"Good morning, Miss Maria," a deep masculine voice said. "I’m sure you’ve heard the na—Mr. Frederick. He’s the one who bought your parents’ forr ho. Find a way to et him. Ask your questions. He will answer."
Before Maria could say a word, the caller hung up.
She stared at the screen, her mind racing. Who was that? And how did they know so much? I do have questions for Mr. Frederick, but how will I reach him? She thought of Laura. Yes, she promised to get access to him. I’ll wait until things with Elijah Simons settle down.
With that in mind, she got out of bed and headed to the bathroom, her mind still clouded with unanswered questions.
***
Bernard arrived at the college looking sharp and composed. Students turned to stare as he stepped out of his vehicle, it had been a while since they’d seen him on campus.
As usual, Bernard ignored the whispers and curious eyes. He walked with quiet confidence straight into the classroom and took his seat, his eyes glued to his phone.
Cassandra had just arrived too. She spotted Bernard from across the crowd and felt a wave of excitent. She dropped her bag on her seat and walked over to him slowly.
When Bernard noticed soone approaching, he lifted his head—and smiled. It was rare to see that kind of smile from him.
"Wow," Cassandra said with a grin. "I’ve never seen you smile like that before."
"Yeah?" Bernard chuckled lightly. "That’s because you’re special. Your presence makes happy."
Cassandra blushed slightly. "I hope you an that, because the author of such sweet words deserves to stay in my life forever."
"I an every word," Bernard said smoothly. "I don’t say things I don’t feel. I owe no one anything... I say what I want, when I want."
Cassandra leaned in, tilting her head slightly. "What’s going on with Maria, though? She hasn’t been in school. Her number’s been unreachable."
Bernard’s expression didn’t change. "She’s been dealing with so health issues, but she’s recovering well. She’ll be back soon."
He quickly shifted the topic. "Let’s talk about you and instead. Did you miss while I was away?"
"Of course I did!" Cassandra replied eagerly. "That’s why I rushed over to you the mont I saw you sitting here."
As Bernard chuckled and leaned in closer, Cassandra kept her smile, but her mind was sharp.
It’s obvious Bernard is falling for . This is my chance to get into his head... and take everything I need.
"Why are you staring at like that?" Bernard suddenly asked, narrowing his eyes at her.
Cassandra blinked, snapped out of her thoughts...
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