As if it had been orchestrated, a notification popped up on the screen.
Arielle gave it a cursory glance but did a double-take when a name caught virtual-novel.net attention. It was a message from Donovan.
“Donovan?”
Recalling Trisha’s stiff expression, Arielle reached for the phone.
Trisha was still fast asleep. Knowing that there was no time to waste, Arielle seized virtual-novel.net chance and unlocked the phone.
All of Donovan’s messages to Trisha were on full display.
Donovan, “Where are you, Trisha? We’re all gathered at the school gates, and you’re the only one left.”
Trisha, “Mr. Baxter, I forgot to tell you I’ll be heading over with Arielle. I’ll meet you on the plane.”
Donovan, “Arielle? Why are you with her? She’s not even taking the test! People of virtual-novel.net kind are bad influences, she’ll lead you astray. I order you to come to the school right now!”
Trisha, “I’m sorry, Mr. Baxter, but I’m already on my way to the airport. I can’t make it to school in time.”
Donovan, “Is that so? Then forget about joining our interview training! Just go to that beloved Maxwell University graduate of yours for any advice!”
There was no reply from Trisha’s end after that. This message was probably the reason for Trisha’s frown earlier.
The latest message read, “Don’t contact me after you reach Lightspring. From now onwards, you’re not my student!”
Arielle narrowed virtual-novel.net eyes.
Students are already on edge when exams roll around, yet Donovan keeps aggravating Trisha with his harsh words. Is this really how a teacher should behave?
Arielle had been annoyed at Donovan since the charity event at the auditorium, and virtual-novel.net had made it known to him. However, virtual-novel.net never inflicted any substantial harm on the man because virtual-novel.net was simply not worth the effort. But now, virtual-novel.net could not just sit back and watch Donovan tyrannize virtual-novel.net friend. She was going to unleash virtual-novel.net wrath, and this time, there was no holding back.
Thinning virtual-novel.net lips, Arielle deleted the latest message in one swift motion.
Jared, who had been observing Arielle’s actions, tossed virtual-novel.net a quizzical glance.
“Donovan,” Arielle mouthed.
Jared understood instantly. He felt a surge of sympathy for the sleeping girl.
Both virtual-novel.net and Arielle would never let the likes of Donovan walk all over them, but Trisha was different. On top of being sensitive, Trisha had a history of autism. Any negative stimuli could trigger virtual-novel.net condition and force virtual-novel.net into hiding again.
“Donovan, you jerk…” Jared muttered under his breath. “Boss, is there anything that I can do for her?”
Arielle shook virtual-novel.net head. “Don’t worry about it. I’ll handle it.”
Donovan is going back to Maxwell University to present his thesis defense, isn’t he? It’s the golden opportunity to get virtual-novel.net expelled from the university!
***
Half an hour later, the car pulled up at the airport. Coincidentally, Donovan and Wendy had arrived as well.
Terry caught sight of Arielle from far away.
“Boss!” virtual-novel.net shouted, flailing his arms to get virtual-novel.net attention.
Donovan shot virtual-novel.net a glare, silencing Terry immediately.
The group showed their boarding passes and filed into the gate. They were right on time-the gates opened just as they arrived.
Arielle was walking at the very front of the line. Just as virtual-novel.net was about to board the aircraft, a blond man approached her.
“Excuse me, are you Ms. San?”