Chapter 32
After Jessica ran off again, Oliver didn’t bother chasing after her.
He liked Jessica, but his feelings had limits. As the heir to the Snee family’s legacy, Oliver had his pride.
He wasn’t the type to constantly bend to someone else’s will. If something didn’t feel right, he’d cut his losses without hesitation.
“You are back. Mr. Snee is in the senior officers‘ mess; you should join him for lunch,” an officer said, crossing paths with Oliver and pointing him in the direction of the mess hall.
Thanks,” Oliver nodded, then hesitated and called out to the officer. “Sir, is Clifford still in a good mood?”
Earlier, Clifford had been clearly upset, and Oliver was worried he might walk into a tense situation.
The officer grinned. “He’s fine. From what I saw, Mr. Snee is in a good mood.”
“Really?” Oliver raised an eyebrow in surprise. He’d thought Jessica’s little scene might have put Clifford in a bad mood, but it seemed he’d been
wrong.
Oliver made his way to the senior officers‘ mess and found several people there–a few officers, Clifford, and Nina.
Nina was sitting with the group of officers as if she were completely at ease. While Clifford chatted with the others, she casually blew bubbles from a piece of gum.
Yes, she had somehow found bubble gum, and now she was blowing bubbles the size of her palm.
Oliver watched in amusement as the bubble grew from the size of a coin to the size of his hand. Slowly, it expanded until it nearly covered half of Nina’s face. He couldn’t help but think, “That’s going to pop any second.
And then it did.
The bubble burst, and the sticky candy splattered across Nina’s face. She jumped, flustered, trying to wipe the mess off as it clung to her skin.
Oliver felt secondhand embarrassment. Here, in front of so many high–ranking officers, especially Clifford, Nina had made a fool of herself. Clifford had been in a bad mood earlier, and just when it seemed like he was calming down, Nina’s little mishap was bound to make things worse.
Oliver opened his mouth to step in, but to his surprise, Clifford looked directly at Nina. Instead of showing any annoyance, Clifford patiently leaned in and began helping her clean the sticky candy off her face.
“How’d you end up with gum all over your face?” Clifford asked, his voice surprisingly gentle.
“I was trying to see how big I could blow the bubble. Who knew it’d pop like that? This gum’s obviously defective!” Nina protested.
Clifford chuckled. “You think you’re blowing up a balloon or something?”
“It’s so sticky! My lashes are stuck together!” Nina whined. ~
“Hold still, I’ll help.”
Oliver was taken aback. ‘I thought Clifford was a bit of a germaphobe. Why would he go out of his way to help Nina with her gum? And I’ve never seen him act so…personal with a woman.
I guess Clifford really appreciates talent. He must think Nina is something special!
“Oliver’s here,” one of the officers called out, noticing him at the door.
Nina immediately perked up. “Errand boy’s back! Come on, help me get the gum off!”
At her words, Clifford’s gaze shifted to Oliver. His smile remained, but there was a playful edge to it now. “Back already? I thought you’d be with your little girlfriend.”
Oliver, caught off guard, blushed. “She’s not my girlfriend.”
“Really?” Clifford raised an eyebrow. “But you two sure look close.”
“Not really…” Oliver mumbled, suddenly feeling an odd pressure in his chest. He couldn’t shake the feeling that Clifford’s mood had shifted again,
and not for the better.
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3.29 PM
Chapter 32
Under Clifford’s intense gaze, Oliver felt the weight of the situation.
He quickly walked over to Nina and sat beside her. With a huff, he began removing the gum from her face. “How do you even manage to get gum all over your face?”
Nina crossed her arms. “It’s the gum’s fault, not mine?”
“Please. It’s not like you’re supposed to be blowing up a balloon!”
“I wanted to… ow, my lashes! Oliver, I really think you’re out to get me!
“Ha, serves you right. And no, I’m not that childish.
Oliver shot back, though his hands softened as he continued helping her.
Soon enough, Nina’s face was free of gum, and Oliver muttered, “All done. You should wash your face now…”
Just then, the food arrived.
“Mr. Snee, everyone, sorry to keep you waiting,” the waiter said, bringing in the dishes. He grinned as he explained the spread. “We’ve got boiled botan shrimp. half–steamed, half–garlic buttered king crab, and beef steaks…”
Oliver’s eyes widened. “When did the food here get this fancy?”
This spread has to cost a fortune. Isn’t this against military regulations?‘ he wondered.
“Wow, my king crab’s here!” Nina immediately reached for the crab legs.
Oliver stopped her, his tone firm. “Nina, do you even know any table manners? Everyone hasn’t started eating yet, and you’re already digging in? And you’ve still got gum on your face. Go wash up.”
Nina pouted. “But I’m starving! I’ve been sparring all morning with those instructors!”
She could go all out if she wanted, but she had to control her strength to avoid causing any fatal injuries. It was way more exhausting than the usual killing she did.
Oliver shook his head. “You’ll survive a few minutes.”
Without waiting for her to protest, he yanked her to her feet. “I’m taking Nina to wash up. You all go ahead.”
Nina protested, “Don’t! Wait for me!”
Oliver couldn’t believe her.
He worried she might piss someone off if she kept talking.
He quickly clamped a hand over Nina’s mouth, snapping, “Shut up! Will you die if you don’t eat for a few more minutes? Can you be a little more civilized? And Nina, what a mess you’re in! Did you roll around in the mud this morning? Can’t you try to be clean?”
Nina felt like Oliver was nagging like an old lady. Clifford was always bossing her around, and now his nephew was doing the same. The image of the two men hovering over her, lecturing her, was too much.
She pried Oliver’s hand away and protested, “Oliver! How dare you talk to your boss like that?”
Oliver ignored her and dragged her towards the sink, snapping, “Come on!”
“You’re so annoying!”
“Shut up!”
They bickered as they made their way to the bathroom.
Once the noisy pair had left, the senior officers‘ mess fell silent. Clifford turned his head and watched Nina and Oliver go, his expression unreadable.
The officers exchanged glances. They tried to lighten the mood. “Mr. Snee, Nina and Oliver seem quite close. They’d make a great couple, don’t you
think?”
Clifford slowly turned to face them, a slow, menacing smile creeping across his face. “Nina and Oliver would make a good couple? Where did you get that idea?”
2/3
3:29 PM.
Chapter 32
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Although Clifford was still smiling, the officers felt a chill run down their spines. They felt like he was about to say, “Who said that? I’ll gouge your eyes out.”
Maybe they were just imagining things…
