Chapter 136
Percy was just about to say something to salvage the situation when Dawn spoke first, her tone casual.
“Last night was just a drunken mistake. We’re both adults. I’m not that old–fashioned. Don’t worry, I won’t cling to you.”
Percy, who had been trying to figure out how to distance himself, was momentarily stunned.
As Dawn sat up, his gaze landed on the crimson stain on the sheets.
So last night… was her first time?
Sensing his discomfort, Dawn spoke again, reassuringly.
“Seriously, don’t overthink it. If anything, I should be thanking you for letting me crash here.
“Otherwise, with the dorms locked, and me too stingy to book a hotel, I’d have ended up spending the night at a fast–food place.”
She was completely unfazed, showing no trace of embarrassment.
Something about her straightforwardness stirred something in Percy.
Even if she insisted it didn’t matter, the fact remained–he had taken something from her.
With that thought, he grabbed his wallet from the nightstand, pulled out a card, and handed it to her..
“There’s twenty thousand dollars in here. Consider it compensation.”
Dawn didn’t react with shame or indignation.
Instead, she took the card without hesitation.
“Thanks, Mr. Moore. We’re even now.“.
Then, without lingering, she got dressed and left the hotel with an air of effortless detachment.
Percy sat there, staring after her, his mind drifting.
For a fleeting moment, he thought he saw Stellar’s shadow in her.
Back then, Stellar had been just as pure and straightforward.
That was what drew him to her in the first place.
But the thought of Stellar now only made his jaw clench with resentment.
Stellar barely got any sleep that night, her mind spinning with pointless, scattered thoughts.
1/3
+20 Bonus
By the time she arrived at school the next day, a strange unease settled in her chest.
She was anxious about running into Stephen.
But luckily, he wasn’t in the lab that day.
She let out a quiet sigh of relief.
After finishing her tasks early in the afternoon, she headed to Élan Atelier to complete her final piece.
Carefully sanding, carving, and refining, she worked on it with her own hands until it was finally done.
Stellar laid out her finished pieces on the table, admiring the intricate craftsmanship.
Just then, the manager walked into the back room.
At the sight of the gleaming, meticulously crafted pieces, he couldn’t help but let out a low whistle of admiration.
“Miss Rivers, your craftsmanship is truly extraordinary. If these were put up for auction, they’d fetch sky–high prices.”
Stellar only chuckled softly, her gaze lingering on her work.
“Some things aren’t about value–they’re about sentiment.”
The antique silver pocket watch, its cover intricately engraved with an eagle in flight, symbolized strength and longevity–a gift for her grandfather.
The intricately crafted gold brooch, adorned with blooming roses, was meant for her grandmother, symbolizing grace,
prosperity, and a long life.
Beyond that, she had also crafted a wooden chess set, a sterling silver crest pendant, and finely engraved cufflinks–each a
carefully chosen gift for her uncles.
She had even made a few extra pieces, just in case.
Once everything was packed neatly, Stellar left Élan Atelier in high spirits.
But the moment she stepped outside, she ran into someone familiar.
“Stellar.”
Margaret hadn’t expected her gamble to pay off, but here she was, running into the very person she was waiting for.
Her eyes lit up, and in an instant, her usual arrogance vanished.
Instead, she put on a bright, affectionate smile, her tone dripping with warmth.
“You’ve lost weight lately! Have you not been eating well? Why haven’t you come by our place? I would love to personally cook
something for you.”
