Chapter 90 The Bait and the Bluff
In her past life, Eliza remembered Tyson as a ruthless man.
The Hayes family had many extended branches, but Tyson was one of the rare legitimate heirs.
+8 Pearls
By rank, Tyson was technically Nolan’s uncle. But in age, they weren’t that far apart–he was only about twenty–three. Thanks to excellent genes and early acceleration in school, Tyson had advanced quickly.
Nolan had graduated at nineteen and taken control of part of the Hayes family business. But most of the major operations were still under Tyson’s control.
In theory, they should’ve had a good relationship. They certainly weren’t supposed to be enemies.
“You’re that curious about our family business?” Nolan asked flatly.
“I didn’t mean it like that…”
“He’s not a good person. Stay away from him,” Nolan said coolly. “Language class is this afternoon. It’s weakest subject. Don’t skip it.”
Then he turned and walked ahead.
Eliza hurried after him. “At the New Year’s gala… was that you helping me?”
Nolan had somehow gotten hold of a black evening gown for her.
your
Eliza wasn’t stupid. Since he was also from the Hayes family, how could he not have known Tyson would be the VIP guest that night?
“No.”
“Then the gown…”
“It has nothing to do with helping you.”
Nolan stayed silent the whole way back, clearly not in the mood for conversation.
When they returned to school, Eliza noticed Zayden standing outside Class 6.
Nolan stopped.
Zayden looked straight past him to Eliza. “I need to talk to you.”
Naomi, sitting nearby, instinctively glanced at Nolan.
This time, he said nothing and walked into the classroom.
Eliza had no idea what was eating him again.
She honestly didn’t have anything to say to Zayden anymore.
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Chapter 90 The Bait and the Bluff
“If you have something to say, say it here. Class starts in six minutes.”
“I’m breaking off the engagement with Naomi,” Zayden said.
“Breaking off?” Eliza frowned.
He had always liked Naomi. What could’ve changed?
Then again, whether he did or didn’t–what did it have to do with her?
If he wanted to end things, so be it. As long as he didn’t cause trouble for her, she didn’t care.
+8 Pearls
“Eliza, I know you still have feelings for me. I know I let you down before, but I’ll change. This time, let me be the one to chase you–okay?”
His eyes were filled with sincerity.
Eliza stared at him in disbelief.
Where did he get the idea she still liked him?
What was he even talking about?
“Eliza! Class is starting! Get in here already!”
Henry was waving at her from inside the classroom, shooting her panicked looks.
Stop talking! You’re going to get Nolan killed!
As she turned to enter the classroom, Eliza tossed over her shoulder, “Sorry. I don’t like you anymore. Don’t chase me. It won’t go anywhere.”
She walked in, leaving only her back for Zayden to stare at.
He tried to call after her, but the English teacher had arrived. “Zayden, wrong class? Class One already started.”
Zayden had no choice but to head back.
Inside, Eliza took her seat in front of Nolan–and immediately felt the room temperature drop.
Henry leaned over and whispered, “So what did Mr. Tyson want? Nolan’s been totally silent since he got back.”
“He just treated me to lunch.”
Henry sniffed the air. “Wait… is that wine?”
“We had a glass.”
“You drank?!”
“Just one.”
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Chapter 90 The Bait and the Bluff
“Why would Mr. Tyson give you alcohol?”
“…I ordered it.”
Henry’s jaw dropped. “You… you were trying to get him drunk?!”
“No.”
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“Then what?! You’re a high school girl drinking with an older man! If the media catches wind of this, you’re toast!”
Older man…
Technically, Tyson wasn’t that old.
“Seriously,” Henry said. “People are already jealous about you getting the overseas spot. If they see you getting cozy with Tyson, there’ll be rumors.”
“Relax. I know what I’m doing.”
Eliza had only gone to see Tyson because he was Nolan’s uncle.
She just wanted to figure out what he was really after.
And now, she knew–Tyson was trying to use her to provoke Nolan.
Every move at the table, every overly familiar gesture, had been calculated. Even offering her a spot at Claire University was bait.
Eliza thought to herself. Tyson, in his own way, was Nolan’s rival.
For now, Nolan wasn’t enough of a threat to earn real hostility. But that wouldn’t always be the case.
88
