Ch. 11..20
Chapter 11
When they heard what she said, Ivor and Ged looked at Bonnie.
“You know that?” Ivor asked with a frown.
“Uh–huh,” Bonnie replied.
The old professor at the research institute had texted her the date this morning
He had asked if she was okay with the 28th of this month and offered to change it if she wasn’t.
“Oh? How did you find out?” Ivor narrowed his eyes.
“Well…”
Bonnie frowned. “I can’t tell you the specifics. All I can say is that It’s set for the 28th.”
Ged pulled Ivor aside and whispered, “I really can’t stand her, you know! Yes, she’s pretty, I’ll give her that, but she’s so full of shit!‘
Ivor rubbed his chin and looked at Bonnie.
He had always been good at reading people.
But he couldn’t seem to detect any hint that she was lying, which puzzled him.
“My dad says every major corporation in Pyralis–no, I mean in all of Arvandor–is eager to work with Ms. Bonita’s research team to secure exclusive rights to the new nanomaterial. Isn’t your company interested in it too?
“It’s a brand new nanomaterial! You’ll make a killing once it starts being used in manufacturing and research. I’m sure it’ll help drive many advancements in technology too,” Ged spoke excitedly.
“Of course we’re interested, but we might not be able to secure the rights to it, even if the Knight family is the richest in Pyralis. Many major powers in Arvandor will be after it.”
Bonnie looked at him as he finished his sentence.
“You’re interested in securing the rights to the new nanomaterial?”
Ivor asked, “Why? Can you help?”
Bonnie nodded. “Since Sigmund saved me once, I can help you if that’s what you want.”
Ged couldn’t take it anymore.
“Thanks, but no thanks! I’m sure Ivor doesn’t want to trouble anyone.”
“It’s no trouble at all. I just need to let the team know,” Bonnie said, casually.
Ged shot to his feet and raised his voice.
“Stop pushing it, okay? If you weren’t a girl, I would have”
“Enough, Ged.”
Ivor stood up as well.
“But she’s so-”
“We never have to see her again after the one month engagement. There’s no point getting angry
with her.”
But Ged was still upset.
Bonnie could tell that they didn’t believe her.
She didn’t mind, since her parents had never believed her either.
There was no point wasting her breath.
“I always keep my promises. The research institute will announce its collaboration with the Knight Group on the 28th.”
Then, she got up and left.
“I feel sorry for you, Ivor. You’re stuck with her. Having a wife who’s such a show off like her, even for
a month, will embarrass you forever!” Ged stared after Bonnie and shook his head.
Ivor looked away from her. “Have you talked to the Shepherd’s friend?”
Ged took a sip of water to calm himself down.
“Yeah, the Shepherd wants a showdown with you after the press conference about the nanomaterial.”
“Why after?” Ivor was puzzled.
Ged thought about it and said, “Do you think the Shepherd will be at that event? Could he be interested in securing the rights to the nanomaterial too?”
Ivor thought it was possible.
If that was the case, maybe they could meet him during the press conference.
A few days later, Ged rushed into Ivor’s office.
“Holy shit, Ivor! Something incredible has happened.
Ivor stopped working and looked at Ged.
“Are you talking about the press conference?”
“You know?” Ged took a deep breath and said, “I can’t fucking believe it. It really is on the 28th!”
Ged had heard his parents talking about the date of the press conference while he was having
Chanter 11
breakfast with them.
And it was indeed on the 28th!
“Bonnie was right!”
Ivor steepled his fingers and thought about the moment when Bonnie told them about the press conference.
She hadn’t seemed like she was lying. His hunch had been right.
“How did she find that out even faster than we did?” Ged was bewildered.
“Maybe my grandpa found out and told Bonnie,” Ivor ventured a guess.
“Oh, yeah!” Ged said angrily, “That must be it. How else could a high school student know something like that? Sigmund must have used his connections to get the information so he could tell Bonnie and help her impress you!”
Ivor thought so too.
“Has Sigmund asked you to take her to the press conference? If he does, I strongly suggest you say no. Every major power in the country will be there. If she starts talking nonsense again, it’ll be really embarrassing for you!”
“My grandpa didn’t say anything about that.”
“That’s good.”
Ged was relieved. “If Sigmund insists that you bring her, you need to find a way to get rid of her.”
**
On her way home from school, Bonnie sneezed.
She had a strange feeling that someone was talking about her.
Suddenly, a luxury sports car approached with a load of red roses in the back seat.
It pulled up right in front of her. The driver handed her a large bouquet of roses.
“Care to join me for lunch, Bonnie?”
As he spoke, Dwayne brushed his hair.
Bonnie glanced at the roses and slowly said, “Are you trying to date me?”
“Smart girl! What can I say? I really love smart women.”
“You’re Sacha’s boyfriend. Are you sure about this?”
“Well, I can break up with her if you want.”
Dwayne looked very pleased with himself. He thought he was so charming and wealthy that Bonnie would throw herself at him.
But Bonnie just frowned and said coldly, “What do I care if you guys break up? Do you think every girl will throw herself at you just because you’re rich? Just seeing your face makes me want to puke.”
Dwayne’s sports car and wealth had failed to impress Bonnie.
After all, she wasn’t hurting for money.
Dwayne immediately thought of the man who had picked her up at the school entrance and the limited–edition Maybach.
“Do you think I don’t know you hired that guy to pick you up the other day, Bonnie?
And you must have borrowed the car. Wait, did you sleep with someone to get it-
Before he could finish, Dwayne suddenly shrieked in pain!
Chapter 12
Bonnie had given Dwayne a hard slap across his face. She glared at him.
Dwayne glared back. “What the fuck?”
He tried to grab her angrily.
Bonnie swiftly slapped him again and again.
She hit him so hard that Dwayne spun around like a top, and his cheeks started to swell.
“Motherf-“Dwayne shouted.
“Yes? Do you want more?”
Bonnie raised her hand, and Dwayne cowered.
Bonnie snorted, then turned and left.
Dwayne grit his teeth and glared after her with bloodshot
eyes.
“Just you wait, bitch!
“You’re so going to regret this!”
It was the 20th, a few days before the press conference.
Every major news outlet had been taken over by news about the new nanomaterial breakthrough.
As they dined that evening, the Shepards were watching the news on TV.
“Earlier this month, the research team headed by Ms. Bonita successfully developed a new nanomaterial after a year of relentless experiments. This has caused a sensation in Arvandor and sent shockwaves around the world!”
Gresham admired the news and said, “That’s quite an achievement, isn‘ new nanomaterial within a year.
“I hear Ms. Bonita is very young. She’s only around Trina’s age.”
“Really?”
Trina was astonished.
it? To be able to develop a
Vera passed a piece of roast beef to Trina. “You’re already an overachiever, honey. There’s no need to compare yourself to Ms. Bonita, who’s in a league of her OWN.
“Your mom’s right. You need to study hard now, so you’ll be able to join Ms. Bonita’s research team during your junior year internship.” Gresham passed Trina the mashed potato.
Chan 12
“Don’t worry. I’m president of the Scientific Research Club right now, and everyone knows I’m great at research.
“Even my professor told me I was talented and offered to recommend me to Ms. Bonita’s research institute for my internship.”
Trina turned to look at Bonnie with a scheming look on her face. “Bonnie’s doing pretty well too.”
Gresham and Vera looked distressed as Trina mentioned Bonnie,
Vera frowned and asked, “Why do you say that?”
“Because she’s ambitious! Didn’t you say she was going to get Into Pyralls University?”
“And she wants to be top scorer in the entrance test too. What a goal!
“Me? I just barely made it into college.”
Trine pinched her own thigh as she mocked Bonnie to stop herself from laughing.
Vera turned grim, and Gresham fell silent.
Trina continued, “Haven’t we been invited to the press conference? We should bring Bonnie along to broaden her horizons.”
“Well…”
Gresham and Vera hesitated.
They knew what Bonnie was like.
She often skipped classes, got into trouble for fighting, and loved to show off.
She had once shown them a trophy from an international competition and claimed she had won it.
She had done the same with a chess competition medal and many others.
If they did bring Bonnie to the press conference, she might get into trouble there.
Vera said sternly, “The college entrance test is just around the corner, Bonnie. Don’t even think about going to the press conference, okay? Just stay at home and study.”
Bonnie raised an eyebrow and looked at Vera as if she was an idiot, but she didn’t say a word.
The 25th was Sacha’s birthday.
Dwayne had booked the most expensive VVIP room at Regal Karaoke.
Eda Howard held Bonnie’s hand and said apologetically, “Sorry for making you come, Bonnie, but I’d be so bored without you.”
“Come on, what are friends for?”
W/A
As soon as Bonnie said that, Tilda Garraway mocked, “Stop acting like you’re better than us, Bonnie.
“So what if you’re pretty? If it weren’t for Sacha, we would never be able to hang out at such a fancy place.” Some other students chimed in, trying to butter up Dwyane
“Give her some credit. The guy who picked Bonnie up the other day drove a Maybach, didn’t he?”
“Oh, please! We would have known if he was really her boyfriend. Anyone with a brain can tell what that was all about.
“Bonnie must have hired him to put on a show for all of us. Why hasn’t he shown up these past few days?”
“Dwayne booked the fanciest VVIP room at the most luxurious karaoke joint in Pyralis. I bet Bonnie would have done anything to be here.”
Bonnie glanced at the room at the end of the corridor.
That VVIP room? She had been here plenty of times.
Dwayne saw Bonnie looking at it and thought she was longing to go inside.
He felt pleased as he was certain she was going to throw herself at
him soon.
At that moment,
the manager arrived.
“I’m sorry, Mr. Dwayne, but someone else has booked the VVIP room.
Π
Sacha, who was nestled in Dwayne’s arms, said, “Oh, no. I promised my classmates we’d get that
room.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll handle it.” Dwayne gave her waist a playful pinch, then glared at the manager. “I made a reservation in advance. That room is fucking mine!”
“I’m sorry, but a VVIP is using it. How about you take another room?”
“A VVIP? Aren’t I a VVIP too?” Dwayne retorted.
The others backed him up..
“Yeah, Dwayne’s dad owns the Caesar Hotel, okay?”
“Just get out of our way if you want to keep your job!”
“Ignore him, Dwayne. Let’s just go in.”
Dwayne looked at others, and his gaze lingered on Bonnie.
He clenched his teeth, went around the manager, and threw the door open.
“I’m taking this room. Get the hell out-”
When he saw who was inside, Dwayne stopped short in alarm.
The other students looked in, puzzled..
There were several men and women on the sofa. An arrogant–looking young woman stood up.
“Dwayne Moss? What the fuck are you doing?”
Dwayne paled.
He approached her obsequiously. “I’m sorry, ma’am. I didn’t know you were here.
“I deserve to be punished, don’t I?”
Dwayne punched his own face.
Sacha and the other students lowered their heads.
Even Dwayne didn’t dare mess with that woman!
As they wondered who she was, the young woman looked at them and was stunned.
“Is that you?”
She hurried over to the girl standing behind them and held out her hands earnestly.
“Please be my mentor, ma’am!”
Chapter 13
Mentor?
They looked at the person Kay Steele was talking to and realized it was Bonnie!
Everyone, including Dwayne, widened their eyes in astonishment.
Bonnie recognized Kay. She was the girl who had wanted to learn kickboxing from her.
“Just give up, okay? I’m not going to teach you anything.”
Kay looked at Bonnie desperately. “Come on. I promise I’ll be a good student. Please? I’m begging you!
H
Everyone looked at Bonnie in disbelief.
Was the VVIP who had terrified Dwayne really begging Bonnie for something?
Your mentor?”
“What’s this about, Ms. Kay? Why do you want her to be Dwayne asked tentatively.
“It’s none of your goddamn business!” Kay rolled her eyes at Dwayne and continued to plead with
Bonnie.
“Please, Ms. Bonnie. If you agree to mentor me, I’ll do anything you say.” Her abrupt change of attitude showed how little regard she had for Dwayne.
“I told you
you, I’m not taking students,” Bonnie said with a frown.
Kay dropped the subject when she saw that Bonnie was getting impatient with her. “Are you here for karaoke? Why don’t you join us?”
“She’s the birthday girl. You should ask her.”
Bonnie looked at Sacha.
Kay shot Sacha a meaningful glare.
Sacha shuddered. “Since Ms. Kay has invited us to join her, why not?“.
Kay chuckled. “She said yes, Ms. Bonnie.”
“Alright then.”
Kay sat beside Bonnie and started talking nonstop.
Sacha felt a little neglected. It was her birthday, after all.
“Are you okay, Sacha?” Tilda asked, concerned.
Sacha played the victim and shook her head with tears in her eyes. “I’m fine.”
But anyone could tell she was not fine at all.
Sacha’s friends whispered among themselves.
“Bonnie is so inconsiderate! She knows it’s Sacha’s birthday, but she’s trying to steal the limelight.”
“But why would Bonnie know a VVIP like Ms. Kay?”
“She must have done something sneaky to meet her, of course. What a conniving, shameless bitch!”
Kay heard them.
“Hey, assholes! If it weren’t for Ms. Bonnie, you wouldn’t be able to have your party here.
Since Kay had said it herself, the others could only lower their heads.
“You’re the ones who were being inconsiderate, you idiots!”
Kay looked at Bonnie.
“Do you mind if I kick them out?”
Bonnie raised her brow and said, “Go ahead.”
“How could you,
you, Bonnie? They were just talking. Don’t be so petty.” Sacha spoke up.
Bonnie smiled at her. “You’re done? Good. You can leave now. You too, Dwayne.”
Dwayne, Sacha, and others were exasperated.
“Hey, what are you waiting for? Get lost!”
Kay waved, and several bodyguards marched toward them.
Dwayne and others quickly hurried out of the room.
‘Do you like the way I handled that?” Kay asked Bonnie.
“Thanks for getting rid of them. I don’t like to owe anyone favors.”
“So will you mentor me?” Kay asked excitedly.
“I need to check with the guy who taught me kickboxing first.
“Who is he? I bet he’s a master!”
“His last name is Burns. He lives in the mountains.”
Kay’s eyes went wide.
“Are you talking about Cary Burns, the guy who’s over a hundred years old?”
“Uh–huh.
“Oh my God! He’s the greatest kickboxer in the country. So that’s why you’re so good! I heard that all his students are kickboxing experts.”
At that moment, Bonnie received a text from Cary that read, “I don’t mind if you start teaching.”
Kay heard the message notification, craned her neck to look, and leapt to her feet in excitement when she saw what it said.
The phone dinged again as another message from Cary popped up.
“My second student has just returned to Arvandor. You should meet up with her.”
His second student? Bonnie had never met her before.
She had only heard Cary say that her senior was an amazing kickboxer.
“Okay, I’ll go see her when I’m free.‘
And so she agreed to teach Kay kickboxing.
On the 28th, the press conference for the new nanomaterial was about to begin.
Bonnie arrived at the venue early in the morning. Just as she was thinking about going backstage, Vera stopped her.
“Bonnie? How on earth did you get in here? You didn’t sneak in, did you?”
Vera grew worried. “You should leave right now. Ms. Bonita and her team will be holding the press conference here later. This is no place for you to fool around.”
“I didn’t sneak in, okay?”
Bonnie needed to rush backstage. Many industry leaders had arrived, and reporters were armed with their cameras and microphones, ready for the press conference to begin. As the leader of the research team, she had to give a speech.
“Why do you lie so much? You-”
The voice of the host on stage interrupted Vera.
“The press conference is about to begin. Please be seated, ladies and gentlemen.”
As she saw the VIPS taking their seats, Vera glared at Bonnie.
“What are you standing there for? Go find a seat!”
Bonnie frowned. “I have things to do.”
“Just come with me!”
Vera grabbed Bonnie’s wrist and pulled her toward the seats.
The host continued, “It’s time to begin the press conference, ladies and gentlemen. Ms. Bonita will start us off with some opening thoughts.”
Chapter 14
As he said that, everyone looked expectantly at the stage.
“Ms. Bonita’s going to show up any time now, Ivor!” Ged could hardly contain the excitement in his voice.
Ivor looked calm, but his gaze betrayed his true feelings.
Trina palmed her chest. “I’m so nervous, mom! My greatest idol is about to appear.”
Vera’s hand started to sweat as she anxiously tightened her grip on Bonnie’s wrist.
“Stay calm. We’ll go talk to her after she’s done.”
Bonnie tried to pull her wrist from her mother’s hand. “I need to go to the restroom.”
“What? Ms. Bonita is about to go on stage, and you want to go to the restroom now?”
“I really need to go.
“You’re going nowhere, young lady.”
A minute passed, but Ms. Bonita still didn’t show up.
“What’s going on? Where’s Ms. Bonita?”
The crowd whispered among themselves.
The host sweated profusely. Just as he was about to go backstage to ask about Bonnie, he spotted her sitting among the attendees.
What on earth?
What was she sitting there for?
Bonnie frowned and glanced at Vera, who was holding onto her tightly.
The host caught on and quickly arranged for someone to help her.
Very soon, an elderly professor walked toward the family.
“Hello, I’m Professor Terry. I’m a researcher working for Ms. Bonita.”
Gresham and Vera were surprised that he would come over to talk to them.
“It’s an honor to meet you, Professor Terry. What can we do for you?”
The couple were excited, but they kept their cool.
Professor Terry wasn’t as esteemed as Ms. Bonita in Arvandor, but he was a heavyweight in the academic world.
Someone like him wouldn’t just come over to talk to them for nothing.
“I’m here for…” Professor Terry looked at Bonnie.
Trina was standing next to Bonnie, so the couple thought he was referring to their adopted daughter and felt proud.
“You’re here because of Trina, aren’t you? She’s famous at her college, but we didn’t expect you to have heard about her as well.”
“It’s Trina’s dream to work for you. She’s planning to apply for an internship at the research institute during her junior year. We hope you’ll look out for her when the time comes.”
“Uh, is she? She needs to work hard then…”
Professor Terry cleared his throat and tried to play along.
In her eagerness to talk about Trina, Vera had forgotten all about Bonnie.
Bonnie seized the opportunity to head backstage.
The host sighed in relief. “Sorry about that. Without further ado, let’s give a warm welcome to Ms. Bonital”
Bonnie took the stage in a surgical mask and hat.
She took the microphone and deepened her voice as she said, “This breakthrough in the new nanomaterial was the result of the collective effort of the whole team. So please, give each and every
one of them your warmest applause.
Bonnie looked at a group of professors sitting in the front row and started introducing them one by
one.
“Professor Jamie Harper.
“Professor Riley Chambers.
“Professor Charlie Knowles…”
The crowd applauded as they were introduced.
The old professors were moved to tears as they received Ms. Bonita’s gratitude.
“Don’t you think Ms. Bonita looks like Bonnie, Ivor?” Ged asked, puzzled.
Ivor shook his head and said, “You’re imaginative, I’ll give you that.”
Ged chuckled. “Anyway, Bonnie said they would announce their collaboration with The Knight Group. She’s so full of shit.”
Just as he finished saying that, Bonnie continued. “Next, I’m going to announce something important.
Curious, everyone listened attentively.
Bonnie looked at Ivor.
“Hmm?” Ivor noticed her gaze and was puzzled.
“What’s the matter, Ivor?” Ged looked over his shoulder and asked.
‘Ms. Bonita seems to be looking at me…!
“I’m glad you haven’t lost your sense of humor.” Ged chuckled.
Ivor frowned. Could he have been mistaken?
Bonnie continued, “I know many of you have come here to secure the rights to the new nanomaterial, but I’ve already decided which company we’re going to work with
A commotion broke out.
“What? She’s already decided? I wonder who that lucky son–of–a–bitch is!”
“I tried to get as much funding as I could just so the research institute would choose my company. I guess all my efforts were useless!”
“Don’t keep us in suspense, Ms. Bonita. Tell us which company you’re going with
Bonnie announced, “I’ll be working with the Knight Group.”
Ivor was stunned.
Scenes of Bonnie showing off flashed across his mind.
“Holy shit! Did I just hear that? That’s… that’s…” Ged was stupefied.
“It looks like there’s more to Bonnie than meets the eye, Ivor!” Ged did not think that this was a coincidence.
Bonnie had been right about the date of the press conference.
And now the research institute had announced their collaboration with the Knight Group just as she said they would!
Ivor was a smart man, and he shared Ged’s opinion.
When the press conference ended, Ivor noticed the Shepards were all present except for Bonnie.
He grew thoughtful.
Suddenly, he got up and walked toward the stage.
Bonnie was mobbed by the crowd as soon as she left the stage.
The security guards tried to hold them back in vain.
“Stop pushing! Get more guards over here to protect Ms. Bonita!”
“Ms. Bonita, what do you plan to research next?”
“Ms. Bonita, our TV network would like to invite you for an exclusive interview. Could you spare us some time? It won’t take long.”
“Care for dinner with me, Ms. Bonita?”
The situation started growing out of control as everyone tried to get to her.
“Get out of the way! I want an autograph.”
Bonnie was a good fighter, but there was nothing she could do in a situation like this.
Suddenly, something unexpected happened!
A camera that was thrust upward tipped her hat, and her long hair fell out.
Bonnie’s mask was nudged off her face too.
Chapter 15
Oh, no!
Bonnie was alarmed.
It was a huge crowd, and many reporters were broadcasting live.
If anyone found out her true identity, she would be embroiled In International disputes and targeted by assassins.
Just as she was panicking, someone covered her head with a jacket.
She heard a steady and familiar voice.
“Please make way,” said the voice calmly and authoritatively.
The man who was protecting her was the King of Combat, Jim Ray, who served as Ms. Bonita’s. bodyguard.
Bonnie smiled.
“When did you get back?”
“I just did.” Jim frowned. “Sorry, I should have been here earlier.”
“It’s not your fault. So, how was the International Fighting Championship? Did you win?”
Jim took out the champion’s medal from his pocket and placed it in Bonnie’s hand.
“This is for you.
Bonnie wasn’t surprised that he had won.
“Are you sure? It’s the champion’s medal.”
“Well, consider it a congratulatory gift for the nanomaterial breakthrough.”
Bonnie pocketed the medal.
“What do you want in return? You know, for winning the championship.”
“A treat will be fine,” Jim answered readily.
“Deal.”
The crowd watched them leave.
Ivor frowned as he watched Bonnie go.
“What are you standing there for, Ivor? Ms. Bonita is leaving. Didn’t you have something to ask her?” Ged nudged Ivor, puzzled.
Ivor thought for a moment and said, “We caught a glimpse of her face. Don’t you think she looks a lot.
like someone?”
“Who?”
“You know.”
“Huh? Who are you talking about?”
As he saw Ged’s bewildered look, Ivor wondered if he might have made a mistake.
After all, based on his investigations, Bonnie used to live in the countryside, where she often skipped school and scored zero on her exams. And she hadn’t graduated from high school even though she
was 20 years old.
There was no way she could be Ms. Bonita.
They might look alike, but that didn’t mean anything.
“Come on.” Ivor dismissed the possibility and hurried after Bonnie.
“Please wait, Ms. Bonita.”
Bonnie looked over her shoulder at Ivor with a frown.
Why was he here? Had he seen her face? Was he beginning to suspect who she was?
Bonnie remained calm.
“Yes, Mr. Ivor, what can I do for you?”
“I don’t believe we’ve ever met. Could you tell me why you’ve chosen to collaborate with my company?
Ivor narrowed his eyes and studied her discreetly.
Chapter 16
“Well, I’m from Pyralis like you. And on top of that, you’re the richest guy in the city. Why wouldn’t I work with you?”
Ivor was stumped.
“If there’s nothing else, I’ll get going,” Bonnie said dryly.
Before Ivor could ask any more questions, Jim put himself between him and Bonnie.
“You heard her, Mr. Ivor.”
Ivor could tell Jim was trying to get rid of him.
Worried that Ivor might upset Bonnie, Ged quickly whispered, “Ms. Bonita isn’t a very social person. You should be glad she even talked to you, okay? We should leave now.”
But Ivor had a strange feeling that he would be able to solve this puzzle if he continued to pursue the
matter.
“Anything else we can do for you?” Jim said, icily.
“No, no, we’re leaving.” Ged pulled Ivor away.
“What’s gotten into you, Ivor? Everyone knows that Ms. Bonita doesn’t like talking to anyone.
Besides, her bodyguard is Jim Ray, the King of Combat. I heard he just won the International Fighting Championship. We don’t have our bodyguards with us right now. He’ll kick our asses if
things turn ugly!”
Ivor looked away from her. “Do you see Bonnie anywhere?”
“Bonnie? Why?” Ged looked around. “Come to think of it, it looks like she left a while ago.
Ivor grew pensive again when he heard that.
Meanwhile, Vera and Gresham were looking for Bonnie.
“How strange. Did she get lost on her way to the restroom?”
“I’d rather she go missing than embarrass us in front of everyone.”
They looked at Trina. “Trina, you need to make every effort to meet Professor Terry’s expectations. and secure a place at the research institute during the internship recruitment next month, okay?”
“I’ll do my best and make you and mom proud!” Trina was both pleased and excited as she thought she had caught Professor Terry’s attention.
“If you can get into Ms. Bonita’s team, we’ll throw you a fancy party and invite everyone to attend.”
“Thanks, mom!”
At the hotel, Jim frowned, upset.
“Are you really going to get engaged to Ivor? He doesn’t deserve you!”
He thought no one was good enough for Bonnie.
Bonnie took a sip of juice and shrugged. “You know I don’t like owing anyone any favors. And anyway, Sigmund did once save me and my foster parents.”
“Even so, you’d be making a huge sacrifice!”
“Sigmund is adamant that I repay him this way. Besides, it’s only for one month. After that, I don’t have to see Ivor ever again.”
“Even if it is for one month, I would-
“Hey, don’t dwell on him. Let’s talk about you instead. Did anything interesting happen during the championship?”
Jim felt a little better as he saw that Bonnie wasn’t taking Ivor seriously.
‘Bonnie’s right. We don’t need to keep talking about an outsider.‘
The next day, Ivor came to pick Bonnie up after school.
“We’re getting engaged tomorrow. Grandpa wants you home to get ready for that,” Ivor said impassively.
“Sure.” Bonnie’s tone was equally dry.
Ivor studied her face in the rearview mirror. After a moment of silence, he asked, “How did you know Ms. Bonita would choose to work with my company?”
Chapter 17
Bonnie looked up when she heard his question.
She knew Ivor would ask her that, so she had prepared an answer.
“I know someone who works at the research institute.
“Who? He must be someone important if he found out the news so early,” Ivor said.
“You could say that. But I can’t tell you who he is right now.”
Ivor narrowed his eyes. “That day, you told me you could help me secure the rights to the nanomaterial. It sounded like you were the person in charge.
Bonnie didn’t respond.
Ivor chuckled. “Ged says you’re full of shit. I heard that’s why your parents don’t like you.
“The collaboration didn’t happen just because you said it would. You knew Ms. Bonita would work with my company, which was why you told me that the other day.
“Well, you can think whatever you want,” Bonnie said nonchalantly.
Ivor was a little upset that she was dismissing him.
“Was that really what happened?”
Bonnie was getting impatient. She frowned. “What does it matter? You said you didn’t want to have anything to do with me when we first met. Why are you so interested in me now?”
“I’m not.”
“Good. Like I said, you’re not my type. You’d better not fall for me.”
The car grew quiet again as they ignored each other.
Bonnie’s phone dinged. It was a text from Heath that read, “Are you done with work? The Knight wants to have a game with you.”
Bonnie replied, “I’ll do it the day after tomorrow.” She would be tied up with her engagement.
tomorrow.
“Okay, I’ll tell him that.”
Ivor’s phone dinged as he received a text message.
It read, “The Shepherd says the day after tomorrow.”
Ivor was elated.
Bonnie looked up and saw him smiling in the rearview mirror.
She was surprised that a man like him could smile like that.
It did make him seem pretty charming.
When Bonnie arrived, she saw Neville waiting anxiously in the doorway. He dashed over when he saw
her.
“You need to leave now! My mom’s back. She’s going to give you a hard time!”
Neville tried to push Bonnie away.
“Huh? I don’t even know her! Why would she do that?” Bonnie was puzzled.
“Because she doesn’t approve of your marriage with my brother! My mom’s a fierce woman, and she doesn’t listen to anything my grandpa says. She came back from overseas just to get rid of you!”
Bonnie was suddenly reminded of what Heath had told her about the Knights.
As the wife of Sigmund’s second eldest son, Ivor’s mother was a tough cookie.
She had never been afraid of the wealthy Knight family. Five years ago, she had given Ivor’s father Willard Knight, a good beating before she left the family and went abroad.
Just as Bonnie remembered that, a woman dressed in a nun’s habit emerged from the house.
“Are you Bonnie Shepard? You’re quite pretty, I’ll give you that. But you and Ivor hardly know each. other. I’ll never approve of your marriage.
Chapter 18
Bonnie looked at the woman who was dressed in a non’s habit.
Was this Ivor’s mother? Had she become a nun?
“I don’t care who you are, Bonnie, but you need to leave Tvor alone. You’d better leave town while you can and never set foot in Pyralis ever again!” said Maisie coldly
Undaunted, Bonnie said, “I agree with you. This is absurd, boot and I don’t have feelings for each other, and I don’t want to marry him. But I owe Sigmund, since he saved me and my foster parents. If you want to stop the engagement, you’ll have to talk to him. And if you want me to leave Pyralis, you’ll have to make me.”
“Hah! You say you don’t want to marry my son? Swear on your mother’s life then!” Maise glared at Bonnie.
“Not everyone wants to marry your son, okay?” Bonnie was upset. “And why should i swear on my mom’s life?”
She glanced at Ivor.
“If you need proof, I don’t mind kicking your son’s ass in front of you.”
Ivor narrowed his eyes.
“Looks like you’re just as difficult as my investigations said you were. I’m definitely putting a stop to this marriage!”
“You can’t! They’re getting engaged tomorrow.” Sigmund emerged from the house, leaning on hisnoveldrama
сапе.
“Have you lost your mind, Sigmund? How could you ask my son to marry a woman like her?”
Maise looked at Bonnie disdainfully.
Sigmund furiously rounded on his second son, Willard. “Aren’t you going to tell your wife to behave?” Willard looked scared. “You know she doesn’t listen to a word I say, dad. She wouldn’t have been gone for five years otherwise!”
“And you call yourself a man? Don’t be such a pussy!”
“You can’t blame me for this, dad! It runs in the family, doesn’t it? When mom was still around, you used to grovel at her feet all the time!”
“I” Sigmund flushed. He was stumped, but collected himself and tapped Willard with his cane.
“Your elder brother has more guts than you!”
“Come on. He got kicked out of the house by his wife and had to sleep in the office just two days ago. How is he better than me?”
Sigmund was exasperated.
He regained his composure after a while and looked at Maise.
“I’ve made up my mind about the engagement, and there’s nothing you can do about it. Anyway, I haven’t been feeling well lately. I’d better go back to bed.”
He quickly fled upstairs.
“Coward!” Maisie was used to Sigmund pretending to be sick. She turned and glared at Bonnie.
“I’m warning you. You’ll be sorry if you show up tomorrow!”
Bonnie wasn’t afraid.
“It’s up to me whether I show up or not. I’m not afraid of you.”
Maise narrowed her eyes. “Oh, yeah?”
Bonnie raised an eyebrow and sneered.
Maisie snorted. “Just you wait!”
“Whatever.”
As he saw his mother and Bonnie arguing, Ivor started to feel worried.
The next day, Bonnie was stopped by Maisie and her bodyguards when she tried to leave home.
Chapter 19
“I told you you’d be sorry if you showed up.”
Bonnie looked calmly at the two burly bodyguards.
“Do you think they can stop me?”
“Why not? They’re the best of the best. You’d better come with me now, and I’ll let you go after the engagement party. If you don’t cooperate, we’ll show you no mercy.”
Bonnie checked the time. “The party’s starting soon, and I’m never late to anything. You’d better leave with your men now, or I’ll show you no mercy.”
“Fine. You asked for this!”
Maise took two steps back and looked at the bodyguards. “Seize her, but try not to hurt her.”
“Yes, ma’am.” The bodyguards reached out with their thick arms and tried to grab Bonnie.
Bonnie threw a roundhouse kick and sent one of them tumbling over the other. The bodyguards fell on the ground, groaning.
Maise’s eyes went wide in surprise. “You know kickboxing?”
Bonnie raised her brow. “Are you sure your bodyguards are the best of the best?” she taunted.
“They let their guard down, that’s all. It doesn’t mean you’re any good!”
“Get up!” Maisie shouted at the bodyguards who were still lying on the ground.
The men scrambled to get up. They had underestimated Bonnie and let their guard down. They knew they had to redeem themselves now, or their reputation would be at stake.
The bodyguards stopped holding back and attacked Bonnie from both sides.
Bonnie darted behind one of them with lightning speed.
“What the fuck?”
Before the man could respond, Bonnie knocked him out cold.
Astonished, the other bodyguard stood frozen.
“What are you standing there for? Attack!” Maise shouted.
The man pulled himself together, growled, and threw a punch at Bonnie with all his might.
She dodged easily and kicked him in the stomach.
The bodyguard flew backward and crashed onto a wall as if he had been hit by a train and passed out.
Maise widened her eyes in disbelief.
Chuutor ve
Boune marched over to her. “Will you get out of my way now?”
“I most admit I underestimated you, but I can’t let you go no matter what.”
“Do you think you can stop me?”
Chapter 20
“Lean try.”
Bonnie narrowed her eyes and stepped forward.
Maisie held out a hand against Bonnie’s shoulder. “Don’t make me do this. You might have been able to defeat those clowns, but you’re no match for me.”
Bonnie was taken aback. She hadn’t expected Ivor’s mother to be a fighter.
“We’ll see about that.”
Bonnie grabbed Maisie’s arm, stepped across her, and yanked her out of the way in a diagonal motion.
‘She was holding back while fighting the bodyguards! She’s more powerful than she wanted me to believe,‘ thought Maisie in alarm.
“You leave me no choice, young lady!”
Maisie held up her fists in a steady fighting stance.
Bonnie was surprised when she realized that Maisie was a skilled kickboxer.
They charged and fought fiercely in a flurry of blows.
At the Knight Residence, the engagement party was
full swing.
Sigmund looked at the gate with a frown.
“Why isn’t Bonnie here yet? Why hasn’t she answered my calls?”
Ged said, “Maybe she realized she wasn’t good enough for Ivor.”
Sigmund smacked the back of Ged’s head. “One more word from you, and I’ll throw you out!”
“Hey, that hurt!”
Sigmund snorted and asked the butler. “I told you to send someone to look for Bonnie. Is he back yet?”
At that moment, the servant hurried over.
“Bad news, sir! Mrs. Maisie and Ms. Bonnie are fighting.”
“What?!” Sigmund, Ivor, and Willard shouted at the same time. Ivor and Willard exchanged a glance.
“Where are they?” Sigmund quickly got to his feet.
“I’ll take you there.”
Ged whispered to Ivor, “Your future wife is something else. Is she really fighting with your mom? She’s a goddamn kickboxing expert!”
Ivor frowned and got into the car. He was also surprised that Bonnie could fight.
Meanwhile, Bonnie and Maisie had exchanged several strikes, but no one could gain the upper hand. In the end, they pushed each other away and stumbled back, astonished.
“Do you know Cary Burns?” Bonnie and Maisie asked at the same time. Stunned, they stepped closer to each other in excitement.
“Are you Cary’s second student?”
“You must be Cary’s last student!”