Chapter 30
Nina and the others turned toward the commotion.
Not far off, the crowd parted like waves, and Clifford strode through, exuding an almost blinding brilliance. Surrounded by admirers, his every step radiated elegance as he approached the officers‘ mess.
Jessica spotted him instantly. Her heart raced, thundering in her chest like a trapped bird.
‘Clifford! Clifford is here!‘ she screamed inside.
She could barely contain herself, every fiber of her being yearning to rush to his side. But then reality hit–he didn’t know her. Running up uninvited might only earn his scorn.
Desperate, Jessica turned to Oliver beside her.
“Oliver…” she called, barely able to hide the urgency in her voice. She needed him to take her to Clifford immediately.
But before she could finish, Nina was already bolting toward Clifford, her movements completely unhesitating.
“Mr. Snee!” Nina’s clear, lilting voice rang out, brimming with familiarity.
Jessica froze, her eyes widening in utter disbelief.
What on earth is Nina doing? How does she dare march right up to Clifford like that?Who gave her the courage?’ she wondered. ‘Someone- anyone–should stop her!‘
Jessica’s jaw dropped as she watched the others make way for Nina. “They’re just going to let her get to him?‘ she thought, her mind racing. It was as if they were all hypnotized, unable to see the threat that Nina posed.
Jessica seethed, her teeth grinding as she watched helplessly. Anger and frustration churned within her. She clung to the faint hope that Clifford would greet Nina with a frosty glare or, better yet, tell her to leave his sight entirely.
But no.
The moment Clifford saw Nina, his godlike features softened into a smile. Warm and dazzling, it was the kind of smile that could thaw glaciers. His rich, velvety voice carried effortlessly as he said, “Captain Brown told me you worked hard this morning.”
“Of course! It was so exhausting!” Nina replied without pretense. She never sugarcoated her feelings, and with Clifford, she was even more unapologetically herself.
Clifford chuckled warmly. “How about some good food for lunch?”
“Yes, please!” Nina grinned, her excitement bubbling over. She was ready to feast and recover every ounce of energy she’d spent that morning.
By then, Oliver and Jessica had reached them.
“Oliver.” Clifford turned, offering a polite smile. “What was this morning’s training?”
“Shooting drills,” Oliver replied. He cast a sidelong glance at Nina before reaching out to tug her closer. “Nina, come here.”
“Why?” Nina protested, clearly irritated at being pulled.
Oliver was speechless. ‘Is this girl out of her mind?‘ he thought. ‘Acting so casual with Clifford in front of everyone? Clifford’s only being polite because of the crowd, but here she is, pushing her luck like she owns the place!
Meanwhile, Jessica’s rage had reached a boiling point. Watching Nina shamelessly cozy up to Clifford made her stomach turn.
Jessica’s face twitched with suppressed anger, but she forced herself to smile. Turning to Nina, she said sweetly, “Nina, Mr. Snee is incredibly busy. Don’t bother him.”
“I’m not bothering him,” Nina replied bluntly, rolling her eyes.
‘Seriously?‘ Nina thought. ‘Jessica sure loves sticking her nose where it doesn’t belong.
“You don’t even realize when you’re being rude!” Jessica snapped, her tone self–righteous. “I don’t know how you behaved back in the countryside, but here in the city, you need to follow proper etiquette!”
Then, as if seizing the perfect opportunity, Jessica stepped forward with a bashful smile. She fluttered her lashes at Clifford, her voice soft and
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apologetic.
“I’m so sorry, Mr. Snee. My sister grew up in the countryside and lacks proper manners. If she’s offended you, I sincerely apologize on her behalf. Please, don’t hold it against her.”
Jessica had inherited her mother Rachel’s expertise in playing the angelic victim. Lesser men might have fallen for her syrupy tone and carefully
veiled insults.
But Clifford was no ordinary man.
His sharp gaze swept over Jessica, cold and detached. His lips curved into a faint smile.
That smile, though subtle, nearly sent Jessica into a swoon.
She couldn’t help but think, “This guy is so perfect! If he were my boyfriend, all the women in Moonhuntland would be green with envy
Jessica’s reverie was shattered by Clifford’s low, amused voice. “Miss,” he said coolly, “this is the main building. Who gave you permission to be
here?”
“W–what?” Jessica’s face went pale.
She stared at Clifford, her mind racing. His smile was forced, and his eyes held a glint of steel. “This is a restricted area,” he said, his voice low and menacing. “How did you get in here?”
“I… I…”
Jessica stammered, panic rising like a tidal wave.
She hadn’t expected that her little performance had completely failed to impress Clifford; instead, it seemed to have drawn his attention to the fact that she had snuck in. She had no idea what to do next.
Her head swiveled toward Oliver, seeking rescue.
Oliver stepped in front of her, blocking her from Clifford’s piercing gaze. “She’s my classmate. She came to see me, and since the instructors weren’t around this morning, I let her stay.”
Clifford’s expression didn’t change. “Oliver,” he said calmly, “this isn’t the Snee family estate. I may indulge you elsewhere, but here, you will follow protocol.”
Though Clifford’s voice remained measured, the authority it carried was unmistakable.
Even Oliver, usually so composed, felt sweat prickling at his brow.
Oliver had always said it: Clifford rarely got angry, but when he did, it was terrifying.
Jessica, overwhelmed by the heavy atmosphere between the uncle and nephew, was on the verge of tears. She hadn’t realized sneaking into the main building would lead to such severe consequences–or make him so angry.
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‘Oh no, oh no… If I’d known, I wouldn’t have come in here at all!‘ She was a mess, her mind scrambling for a way out.
Then, suddenly-
‘Grrrrr… A loud stomach growl echoed in the tense silence.
The atmosphere shattered like glass.
All eyes turned toward the culprit. There stood Nina, holding her stomach, looking utterly pitiful as she weakly muttered to Clifford, “Mr. Snee, I’m starving. When’s lunch?”
Captain Brown had half–persuaded, half–tricked her into working all morning, and now she looked like a wilted flower. Clifford’s stern expression softened immediately. The corner of his mouth twitched, and then he let out a low chuckle,
“Heh, I suppose it is time to eat. Come on, let’s head to the senior officers‘ mess.”
The oppressive tension melted away, leaving everyone in the vicinity feeling like they could finally breathe again.
Nina seized the opportunity to pile on her demands. “I worked so hard this morning; I need to make up for it at lunch! Yesterday’s roasted chicken was amazing. I want it again today!”
Clifford saw the eager sparkle in her eyes, and despite himself, he smiled again. “Alright, I’ll have the chef arrange it.”
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Chapter 30
“Yes! Woohoo!” Nina practically bounced back to life at the promise of good food.
“Hurry up, let’s go, let’s go!” she chirped, already darting toward the senior officers‘ mess.
Clifford followed at a measured pace but stopped briefly to glance back at Oliver. His smile faded into a cool, detached expression. “I’ll let this slide, but don’t let it happen again. Escort your classmate out–she’s not allowed back in here.”
“Yes, sir.” Oliver lowered his head, obedient and subdued.
Even as the distinguished heir of the Snee family, Oliver knew better than to cross his uncle.
Jessica, however, was utterly humiliated. Her cheeks burned, and her eyes rimmed red as she felt the weight of everyone’s stares–mocking, amused, and pitying. The shame was suffocating.
But what hit her harder than the embarrassment was the sight of Nina walking away with Clifford, to eat lunch together.
As she watched them get further and further away, Jessica’s self–control shattered.
She couldn’t take it anymore. “Wait!” she screamed, her voice desperate and raw, chasing after them.
