Chapter 17
Nina turned toward the voice. A tall guy in a basketball jersey leaned casually in the doorway, arms crossed over his chest, giving her a lazy half–smile that was both inviting and challenging.
As she looked at him, a strange familiarity struck her–he hore a light resemblance to Clifford. Yet, where Clifford exuded a quiet maturity and self–restraint, this guy railiated cocky defiante.
A wild thought crossed her mind: Could he be related to Clifford?
“Your last name Snee?” she asked.
The guy, Oliver, raised an eyebrow with a trace of arrogance. “Do I know you?”
“Nope.” Nina replied curtly, though she felt certain she knew someone close to him.
With that, Oliver’s gaze swept dismissively over her, then shifted to the red–eyed girl sitting at the front–Jessica.
With long strides, he moved toward her, stopping by her side, and gently brushed a hand through her hair.
“What’s up with the red eyes?” he asked softly. “Who made you cry, hmm?”
“Olihh… The classroom buzzed in reaction. Everyone knew that Oliver and Jessica went way back to high school. They’d been close for years, both teasingly circling around something more.
Hey, someone’s picking on your girl, Oliver!” someone called out, adding fuel to the fire.
Jessica shot the guy a death glare. “Quit talking nonsense! Who’s his girl?”
Oliver, unfazed, asked again, “Who upset her?”
The guy pointed subtly in Nina’s direction and whispered, “The Princess
uver’s gaze sharpened as he shifted his focus to Nina. He strode over, towering over her with an imposing look, his voice low and commanding. Apologize
Nina might’ve been shorter, but she refused to back down. She raised her chin defiantly. “You got issues?”
Oliver’s smirk turned cold. “Do you think I can’t get you kicked out of Lyceum?”
Nina shrugged. “Go ahead. I’d love to see you try.”
Oliver chuckled, clearly entertained. “Alright. You’ll find out soon enough.”
The class watched their exchange, muttering among themselves.
“She’s really ticked off Oliver.
“Think she’s got any chance against the Snee family?”
“No way. You think ‘Princess‘ can compare to that?”
“She’ll be gone by tomorrow.”
Meanwhile, the guidance counselor stood frozen in the middle of the two ‘connected students, probably wishing they’d stop and settle down.
As Oliver turned to leave, Nina called after him. “Wait.”
M
19:54 Sat, Nov 30 G GD
Chapter 17
He ignored her, but she pushed on. “What’s your connection to Clifford?”
At the mention of the name, Oliver’s steps faltered. Jessica’s eye lickered in surprise. ‘How does she know Clifford? she wondered, glancing at Nina.
Clifford was a legendary figure, not just in the Snee family but in elite circles all around. The youngest son of the Snee patriarch, Clifford had single–handedly saved the family business during a major crisis, steering it to new heights.
Later, he’d left to join the military, returning with a decorated record and even more respect.
The young people idolized Clifford; he was the person everyone wanted to emulate–a powerhouse of skill, influence, and wealth.
“Why do you ask?” Oliver’s gaze narrowed.
Just curious if you two are related, Nina replied nonchalantly, noting their shared last name and slight resemblance.
“You know Uncle Clifford Oliver shot back.
Nina shook her head quickly. “Nope!” Given her cover as a country girl, knowing Clifford would’ve raised questions.
But her instincts were right; ‘Clifford had a nephew this big? Too bad Clifford wasn’t interested in me, or I could’ve had fun teasing Oliver about being my ‘nephew‘ someday, she thought.
Then why do you care?” Oliver’s eyes narrowed, sensing she wasn’t being honest.
Nina kept her poker face. “I saw his picture somewhere. You two look a bit alike, that’s all.”
Oliver felt a flicker of doubt. ‘Saw his picture? Uncle Clifford’s hardly in the public eye. Where could she have seen him? he wondered.
Still, uninterested in Nina’s curiosity, Oliver dismissed it. He walked over to Jessica and sat down, slinging his arm casually over the back of her chair, looking completely at ease.
Jessica tried to shift away, whispering, “Stop it…
Unfazed, Oliver leaned closer, keeping his voice low. “Not interested in hearing about Uncle Clifford anymore?”
Jessica froze, a flicker of longing in her eyes. She glanced at Oliver, clearly eager for any hint about Clifford.
Oliver’s gaze grew dark. Even after just one brief meeting with Clifford, Jessica had been captivated, always looking for ways to find out more about him.
Despite knowing her heart wasn’t truly his, Oliver couldn’t help it. He despised this vulnerable side of himself, but love had trapped him.
Nina had it out for Oliver.
Everyone was rooting for Oliver to put this arrogant princess in her place, but Nina? She couldn’t wait
Resting her chin in her palms, she watched him with a sly, crescent–shaped grin. In truth, she was hoping Oliver would hurry up and get her expelled. That would shut up Darell and Clifford once and for all.
What’s taking him so long? Isn’t he supposed to be good at this she wondered.
“Hey, Oliver, Nina’s been staring at you,” one of the guys in his circle remarked, nudging him.
273
Chapter 17
“She’s not falling for you, is she?” someone else teased.
“Dude, probably! Ten–to–one she’s never been smacked down by reality. All that cocky swagger! Oliver’s the first guy to shut her down–she’s gotta think he’s special or something!”
“Hal Straight out of some cheesy billionaire romance novel!”
Oliver turned his head, locking eyes with Nina. “Look somewhere else, he said flatly.
Nina blinked, unfazed. “Why should I?”
The guys around Oliver murmured, barely suppressing their laughter.
“Oh, it’s starting. Playing hard–to–get to grab his attention.”
“Classic move.”
“She’s totally into you.”
Oliver smirked coldly. “You’d better keep that attitude. Don’t back down now.”
Nina, positively glowing at the thought of her possible expulsion grinned back at him. “Back down? I’ve got no reason to! Arrogance is my thing, remember?”
She absolutely had the capacity to be haughty.
The boys around Oliver exchanged knowing glances. ‘Nina, you’ve got it bad for the wrong guy, they all thought.
Across the room, Lynn watched Nina’s antics with a sour expression. “Jessica, Nina is shameless! She knows Oliver likes you and she still won’t stop hanging around him. What a snake!”
Jessica wasn’t thrilled either. Watching Nina and Oliver go back and forth made her seethe. “What’s wrong with that girl? Why does she always want what’s mine?” she wondered.
Yet, her primary concern lay not with Oliver but with the enigma of Clifford. With a determined stride, she approached. Oliver.
SEND GIFT
