Ch. 441..450

Chapter 441

“Yeah. I’m aware.” Bonnie turned to Reece and said, “I’m sorry, Professor Reece. I was away to deal with an urgent matter. That’s why I’m late to class.”

Reece regarded her. She seemed so friendly and approachable that he wasn’t sure what to feel.

“What are you talking about? All of us saw you chatting with a security guard at the library. Are you swooning over him? Why don’t you guys get a hotel room already?” Frankle lashed out at her.

She looked at him coldly. She was about to say something when Reece roared furiously. “That’s enough,

Frankie! How could you say such filthy things in the lecture hall?

“I heard about your squabbles with Bonnie. It was not her fault, but you kept picking fights with her repeatedly. I want you to apologize to her right this instant. Otherwise, I’ll tell your dad about this and have him lecture you good and proper!”

That stunned Frankie. ‘Why would Reece defend Bonnie?‘

“What a dumbass!” Natalee cursed internally. The others might not know that Bonnie’s the new president,

but I do.

“There was a big meeting this morning. Given Reece’s standing in the university, he must’ve joined in. He’s only defending Bonnie this much because he learned about her real identity.”

Natalee had only gotten half of it right. Reece was this defensive about Bonnie because he also

suspected that she could be someone far more important than everyone thought.

“What are you waiting for, Frankie? Apologize to her right now. Otherwise, you can leave the hall now!” He gave the young man an ultimatum.

Naturally, Frankie’s pride couldn’t let him do it. He left the lecture hall and found his dad immediately.

“Huh? Why aren’t you in class at this hour? What’s the matter?” Corbin asked.

“You have to stand up for me, Dad!” He gritted his teeth as his face turned red.

“What happened? Did anyone pick on you?”

“It’s Professor Reece! One of my classmates was late to class, and I brought it up to him. Not only did he

let my

classmate off, but he asked me to apologize to her. He told me to leave his class if I didn’t. Don’t you think that’s outrageous?!”

“Are you serious?” The story did not make sense to Corbin. “Reece is known for being strict. How could he have done something like that?”

Frankie put a hand on his chest and said, 1 swear, if I’m lying to you, then may Heaven curse me so that ! can’t bear any children in the future!”

“Why would you say something like that, you punk?!” Corbin smacked his son on the head.

Frankie rubbed his head. “The point is, I’m telling you the truth. You can ask him about it if you doubt me!”

Corbin looked at his son, exasperated. Then, he gave Reece a call and told him everything.

“So, that’s what my son said to me. What on earth is going on here, Reece? This isn’t like you at all!TM

Reece was standing in the hallway with his phone. “Do you have any idea who your son crossed?”

That stunned Corbin. “Is she some big cheese’s daughter or something?”

Recce responded, “Her name’s Bonnie.”

“Good grief!”

Corbin quickly hung up the phone, dazed.

“How did it go, Dad? Did Professor Reece agree to give her hell?” Frankie asked eagerly.

The next thing he knew, his dad shot up from his chair and smacked him hard on the head.

“Ouch! It hurts!” Frankie yelled out of pain. His father didn’t smack him hard, but he certainly meant it this

time!

“What the hell, Dad?”

“Serves you right! Instead of focusing on your studies, you’re going around starting fights and making a mess of things. From today onward, I’m going to hire three professors and have them take turns tutoring you!” Corbin said it angrily.

His son was meant for greater things, but the young man wouldn’t get his stuff together.

Frankie looked at his dad incredulously “You’re out of your mind! You have never hired this many

professors when I was preparing for the entrance exams”

 

Chapter 442

7 have made up my mind,” Corbin said matter–of–factly.

H–Hold on, Dad. I don’t…”

“Shut up!”

“What about Bonnie…?”

Smack! His hand landed on his son’s head again.

Frankie wailed like a banshee.

As usual, Ivor came to pick Bonnie up from school when her class was over. They drove back to her villa

in Lenfield Resort

Ged, who was used to having free meals here, helped her out with setting up the dining table. Ivor gave him a frustrated sidelong glance, but he pretended he didn’t see it and continued helping Bonnie.

Ivor shook his head helplessly and looked at her instead. 1 heard that you have a new university president today. Did you see her?”

Raising her brows, she asked, “Why do you ask?”

“You might not like the answer.”

She noticed how he was stammering and took a guess. “Are you planning on sending her some gifts or something?”

He

glanced at her lovingly and said, “There’s no one else who knows me better than you do, Bonnie.”

She was used to such sweet words, and she wasn’t about to comment on that.

“Forget about it. Pyralis University is going to be a different place from here on out. They will not allow the wealthy and powerful to enroll their children through gifts or donations. This way, middle– class families will stand a chance at getting in as well.

“With that in mind, Pyralis University will clamp down on these loopholes. That’s going to prevent the ordinary family from selling away their entire properties or assets just to get their children into the university

Ivor’s eyes sparkled a little. “Listen to yourself. You sound more like a president than a student.”

“I’m just telling you the truth,” she said with a shrug.

Then, Ged chimed in, “My grandpa’s birthday is around the corner. How about you guys attend his party together?”

“When is it?” She asked.

“It’s right after the holiday.”

She thought, ‘That reminds me, I have to take Ivor back to my hometown. I need to let Mom and Dad know who he is to me. It’s a good thing the party didn’t clash with my trip.

“With that said, Ged’s grandpa is also a professor at Pyralis University. I’ll have to be careful not to reveal my identity as the president.”

“What are we waiting for?” Ged said, “Hurry up and eat. Bonnie prepared the dinner tonight. I’m practically drooling now.” He couldn’t wait to taste her cooking.

“Go on.” She picked up the cutlery and was about to scoop some of the dips, but Ivor gave her a bunch of peeled shrimp.

“I peeled these for you. Go ahead and eat them.”

Ged clicked his tongue before he continued to eat the food.

Back in the Shepard Villa, Trina wore a distressed expression.

“What’s the matter, Trina? Why aren’t you eating?” Vera asked.

Trina’s eyes turned red immediately. “Did you see the official announcement made by Bonita Research

Institute, Mom?”

 

Chapter 443

“What do you mean?”

Now that she had her parent’s attention, Trina said with a choked–up voice, “The Bonita Research Institute released an official tweet, saying that the winner of Pyralis University’s Scientific Research Competition will be offered an internship at their institute.”

“What? Are you serious?!” Vera and Gresham were shocked by this news.

“Uh–huh. There’s more. If the intern managed to excel, they might consider letting her work at the

Institute.”

Tears began flowing down her cheeks.

“What should I do?! I would still be studying at Pyralis University if I hadn’t offended Bonnie. You know how talented I am in scientific research. I stand a really good chance of winning that competition and getting an internship at Bonita Research Institute.

“This is all Bonnie’s fault. She ruined my bright future!” She cried her heart out.

“It’s alright, Trina. Stop crying. You’re breaking my heart. You’re one of the most talented people I’ve ever seen. I’d even say you’re born to do it. Don’t worry, I won’t let your talent go to waste.”

Vera looked at her husband and said, “You need to figure something out, honey.”

Gresham breathed out a puff of smoke, his face looking distressed.

“How am I supposed to do that? I warned Trina not to cross Bonnie again, but she wouldn’t listen. I event released a video on my Twitter account earlier. Now everyone knows Bonnie has nothing to

do with met and the Shepards. Furthermore, I said we’d never look for her again.

“Don’t you see that you’re making me humiliate myself by asking me to talk to her? What’s more, you know how Bonnie is. She’s going to let me have it. No way! I’m not going to look for her!”

Trina cried even louder at that. “I’m sorry, Dad. I promise I’ve learned the error of my ways. You have to help me. I swear I won’t ever pick a fight with Bonnie anymore. I beg you. I’m going to repay you guys when I find success.”

Vera wiped her daughter’s tears, pursed her lips, and made a decision. “Don’t worry about it, Trina. I’m going to help you and get over this hump!”

“What do you think you’re doing?” Gresham asked, “Are you honestly going to look for Bonnie? It’s pointless. You know how she is.”

Clenching her fist, she said, “That’s right! I’m going to look for Bonnie! If she refuses to let Trina return to the university, I will get down on my knees in front of all the students and professors. She has to agree to it, then.”

Trina beamed as soon as she heard what her mother said. ‘Bonnie has to let me return to Pyralis University now. Otherwise, everyone’s going to reprimand her for making her own mother kneel before her.

“That’s outrageous! It doesn’t matter what happened between us, you are her biological mother. You’re going to humiliate yourself!” Gresham vehemently disagreed with the way she was going to handle it.

“Hmph!” Vera grunted coldly. “Trina is our daughter, and she’s immensely talented. As her parents, we must ensure her academic life and career are smooth sailing.

“You won’t do it. So, I’ll have to do it myself. I’m going to Pyralis University first thing in the morning!”

The next morning. Bonnie had just arrived at the university when Vera stood in front of her.

Is there anything I can help you with, Vera?”

Vera wasn’t bothered by Bonnie’s disrespectful tone. The way she saw it, their blood ties were as good as nonexistent.

“We’ve heard about the collaboration between Bonita Research Institute and Pyralis University. The winner of the university’s research competition will win an internship at the institute. Trina is immensely gifted. She deserves to have a shot at it.”

Bonnie’s delicate brows furrowed slightly as she spoke. “Are you trying to make me reinstate her status as a student here?”

Before Vera could say anything, Bonnie continued, “That’s not going to happen. Back when she was expelled from the university, I said explicitly that I wouldn’t do it again, provided she didn’t cross me

again.

“However, she didn’t learn her lesson. She kept bugging me and got expelled again. She did this to

herself.”

Vera was beside herself with rage. Noticing that more onlookers were gathering around them, she cried out at the top of her lungs.

 

Chapter 444

“Ruining someone’s future is wicked. Only the people who are rotten to the core can do something like this! You don’t have to go this far, Bonnie! I’m here, and I’m going to get her back to Pyralis University.

“If you’re not going to agree, I’ll get down on my knees in front of everybody!”

The onlookers were muttering and pointing at Bonnie, but she simply stood where she was and remained unperturbed.

On the other hand, Avril was so angry that her neck turned red. “I’ve never seen a mother like you. This is entirely Trina’s fault. Instead of lecturing her, you’re trying to push everything on Bonnie again.

“What did Bonnie do to deserve a family like the Shepards? How could you treat her like this?! Here’s a question for you. How would you feel if your own mom did this to you?”

Vera wasn’t in the mood to listen to all of this. She merely stared at Bonnie and said, “All I care about is if you’ll let Trina go back to Pyralis University!”

Bonnie hated it when someone threatened her. With that said, it was her mother who was doing it this time. She wouldn’t have tolerated such impudence if it were anyone else.

“Fine! If you’re not going to do anything, then I guess I’ll have to do it!”

Vera looked around her and noticed that there were many onlookers now. So, she gritted her teeth and

decided she’d do it.

However, her knees had just bent a little when a security guard wearing a mask dashed to her side and pulled her up, ruining her plans.

“Let me go right now! Don’t make me call the police!” Vera roared.

⚫Jim gripped her arms and didn’t let go. “You’ve got some nerve stirring up trouble on our campus. Leave

now. Otherwise, I’ll send you to the police myself.”

“Say what now? You’re nothing but a security guard. How will you justify sending me to the police?”

“How about harassing a student at Pyralis University? How does that sound?”

Vera sneered and looked at Bonnie. “I’m her mother. What do you think getting the police involved is going to achieve?”

“Didn’t you disown her? How could you claim to be her mother still?” That was all it took for Jim to stump

Vera,

He brandished the stun baton and tried to intimidate her. “Cut your crap and leave now!”

Vera realized that she couldn’t mess with Jim.

‘Fine. I’ll leave for now. A wise woman knows when to choose her battles. I’ll be back tomorrow. I’m going

to bend her to my will eventually.”

Chopin: 444

Avril realized Vera was going to leave. Her eyes rolled, and then she called out to Vera.

“Wait a minute.”

Both Bonnie and Vera glanced at her. They weren’t sure what she was up to now.

She walked over to Vera and said, “Bonnie will let Trina return to the university if you agree on one simple

condition.”

“What makes you think you can speak for her?” Vera asked.

She turned around and looked at Bonnie, who nodded at her.

“Did you see that? She has just agreed to it.” Avril lit up. She knew Bonnie was going to trust her.

“Well, then. What is it?”

 

Chapter 445

“My term is simple. I want you to swear an oath right now. I want you to swear that you’ll never find

Bonnie or talk to her again. This goes without saying, but you can never act so shamelessly and guilt–trip her anymore. How about it? Do you agree to this term?”

Vera was beside herself with rage at what Avril said.

‘How dare she accuse me of being shameless? Damn it! I would just as soon slap her if I weren’t here to help Trina!‘

“Fine!” Vera said it with a strained voice.

Avril pointed at the video she had just recorded and said, “I’ve recorded everything. I won’t hesitate to release it on the internet if you go back on your word.

“One more thing. I want you to remember that you can’t keep abusing the fact that you’re Bonnie’s biological mother and keep blackmailing her. If I see you doing it again, I will upload the video onto the

internet.

“It doesn’t matter if Bonnie tries to stop me. I’m her best friend and her family. I won’t listen to her if she’s trying to protect someone who harms her! This is my oath, and I intend to keep it!”

Bonnie felt moved when she saw Avril’s seriousness.

‘Avril really thinks of me as her family. She’d do anything it takes to keep me safe,‘ she thought.

“Don’t worry about it. I promise I’ll never disturb Bonnie again as long as Trina gets to return to Pyralis

herself, University. Should she cross Bonnie and get herself expelled again, she would’ve brought it upon like you said!” Vera said it through gritted teeth.

Avril nodded. “I’ve also recorded that. Even someone who lacks a moral compass would know better than to do something so pathetic and despicable.”

“Why, you….” Vera was so upset that she was quivering with rage.

Avril took Bonnie’s arms in hers and said, “Let’s go. We’ll be late for class.”

“Okay.” Bonnie walked calmly to campus as if nothing had happened at all.

The moment Trina saw her mother was home, she asked hastily, “How did it go, Mom? Did Bonnie agree to let me return to Pyralis University?”

Vera let out a heavy sigh. Then, she looked at her daughter solemnly. “Listen to me, Trina. I sacrificed my pride to get you this opportunity. Never cross Bonnie again! If you see her on campus, you’ll hide or pick

another route!

“I don’t care how unpleasant she makes you feel, you can never approach her again. In fact, stay three feet away from her. I don’t want her to have any excuse to fight with you again. If I should find out that you’re the one who started it, I will never help you ever!”

Judging from Mom’s tone, she must’ve had a rather unpleasant converantion with Bonnie,”

“Understood, Mom. I swear I’ll never cross paths with her and that I’ll keep three feet away from her. I’ll do you one better. I’ll stay thirty feet away from her at all times!”

Even Gresham was wearing a sour face. “I hope you can keep the promise you made to your mom. If you get in a mess again, we won’t clean it up again!”

“Okay.” She nodded solemnly.

I’ve learned my lesson twice now. I’m freaking scared of Bonnie. Now that Mom has given me a second chance, I won’t squander it by doing anything that might undermine me again.

I’ve lost Hadwin. That means I can’t fall back on the Rhodes anymore. I’ll have to make something of

myself in my career.

‘Still, that doesn’t mean I’ll let Bonnie walk away scot–free. I’m going to deal with her again when I’m massively successful. I’ll let her taste the kind of humiliation she put me through a hundred fold. That’s a

promise.

‘My first step on my quest for revenge is to become the winner in the research competition. That’ll get me into Bonita Research Institute.”

Trina clenched her fist. ‘I will be the winner! No one can stop me!”

In the blink of an eye, the holidays were here.

Ivor drove Bonnie back to her hometown in the countryside. It took him five hours to get there.

She noticed that he wasn’t looking too hot. “Are you tired? How about you let me drive?”

“Not really. It’s just that….” He trailed off into silence.

“What is it?”

His brows knitted tightly. For a moment, he didn’t know how best to tell her.

However, she has extensive medical knowledge. All it took was a brief observation and she knew what

was bothering him. The realization almost made her laugh out loud.

 

Chapter 446

“So, you need to use the restroom. There isn’t one around here, though. How about you relieve yourself at a tree? This is how they do it in the countryside. There’s nothing embarrassing about it.”

Ivor turned his head sideways and looked at her. “You just said this is how they do it in the countryside. Are you going to tell me you’ve seen it?”

“If Bonnie has truly seen it, then I’m going to suss out these uncultured men. How dare they let her see their private parts? I’m going to make them pay. Not even I have shown her my private part.”

Bonnie knew what was on his mind. Her lips twitched a little.

“Things are different in the countryside. There aren’t as many restrooms here as there were in the city. Look, are you going to hold it in until we’re at my parents‘ place? Or, are you going to relieve yourself at a

tree?

“Here’s the thing. There’s a solid 50–minute drive until we reach my parents‘ place. Are you sure you can

hold it in?”

At first, he thought he’d hold it in. However, he made a snap decision to relieve himself at a tree as soon as he heard what she said.

He got out of the car and said to her, “Keep an eye out for any strangers. I don’t intend to reveal my private part to any lady but you.”

She didn’t know what to say.

“Alright. Just go. Do it now.”

After she pushed him forward, she turned around and saw a Volkswagen driving toward her. It didn’t take more than a second to know that Jim was behind the wheel.

‘Sheesh. I told him he didn’t have to follow me. For Heaven’s sake, I’m just going back to my hometown.

Then, she composed a text and sent it to him.

“Keep yourself hidden. Don’t let anyone find out about you. It’ll be very hard to spin a story if Ivor sees

you.”

Jim replied to her text promptly. “Don’t worry about it. It won’t happen.”

“Who are you texting?”

She was startled by Ivor. “My family. I’m telling them that we’ll be there soon.”

There was no reason for him to be suspicious. So, he said, “Alright. Come on. Let’s hit the road.”

50 minutes later, they arrived at her parents‘ place.

Benedict, who came back a day earlier, saw them and rushed over to help them with their suitcases.

“Mom, Dad. Bonnie and Ivor are here!”

Ivor reached out and patted Benedict’s shoulder. Then, he gave the latter a handsome amount of pocket

money.

“I appreciate it, Ivor.”

Gerald and Welma heard him yelling and came out of their house.

Bonnie didn’t realize that all her relatives were there until she entered the house. Even her distant

relatives were here. All of them showered her with praise.

“Your kids are doing extremely well, Gerald! Benedict holds a high position at Tang Fusion Studios, while Bonnie got herself the richest man in Pyralis.”

“Exactly! His kids are thriving! I’m afraid my kids aren’t as successful!”

“You guys are such a perfect match, Bonnie. I’d even say you’re a match made in heaven!”

Ivor did not hesitate to take Bonnie’s hands and lean in close to her.

 

Chapter 447

“How shameless are you?” Bonnie was a little speechless, but she did not withdraw her hands.

She knew, from experience, that it wouldn’t help at all. Every time he grabbed her hands, it was as if he wanted to win an arm wrestling match. She could never pull her hands back.

“I don’t think there’s anything shameful about it. We’re boyfriend and girlfriend. It’s not like we’re having an affair or anything,” he said matter–of–factly. “Wait a minute. I need to get something from the trunk.”

Her lips twitched when she saw the trunk brimming with gifts.

“Why did you prepare this many gifts?”

“I prepared gifts for your whole family. I even prepared some for your neighbors and the village elders…”

The more he spoke, the more speechless she got.

“I even prepared pocket money for the kids.” Then, he showed her piles of envelopes that were stuffed

with cash.

There were no words that could describe what Bonnie was feeling at this moment

“You’ve Investigated quite thoroughly, it seems. I’d even say you did a better job than a detective.”

She noted, ‘These gifts were bought according to my friends and family’s preferences. He has done some homework before today.”

Looking at her lovingly, he said, “You’re the most important person in my life. I’m more than happy to do this for you. As long as you’re happy, I’m happy

“Why do I get the feeling you’re trying to bribe everyone I know in the countryside?

What she said was on point, but his face didn’t even turn red. Instead, he said matter–of–factly. “This isn’t bribery, Bonnie. It’s about making people like me.”

He paused a little before he stared at her.

didn’t just say a bunch of honeyed words to you. I mean it from the bottom of my heart. I want to win your heart and be the only man who has a place in it. I also want everyone around you to wish nothing but

the best for us.

“I don’t regret doing all of this for you.”

His voice was so deep and charming. At the same time, his eyes were brimming with so much love. It was true. He was smitten and would love her and only her.

It wasn’t that easy to make Bonnie fall in love with someone. However, her heart could just melt at that

moment.

“Let’s head inside.”

He could sense that something had changed within her. He was so overjoyed that he wanted to do

nothing but lift her and spin her in circles. However, she would never want him to do something like the, given their current situation. So, he had to hold it in.

At the same time, the Shepards staying in Pyralls received news about Bonnie.

“What? Did you say Bonnie has the richest man in Pyralls for a boyfriend?!” Vera was talking with a friend

on the phone.

“Exactly. A relative of mine knows an aunt who resides in the same village as Bonnie. She heard the

Bonnie brought home a boyfriend and that the man was the richest person in Pyralis!”

 

Chapter 448

Gresham and Trina were listening to Vera’s phone conversation.

“That’s impossible.” He then asked, “What’s the guy’s last name?”

“It sounds like… Knight.”

“The Knight family!” He was shocked. Any Pyralian worth his salt was aware that the Knights were the city’s wealthiest family.

Then, Trina chimed in, “Perhaps it’s just a coincidence. Or Bonnie made it up. She likes to boast, after all.”

“I agree with Trina. Bonnie has always loved making up stories when she was still a part of our family. Sometimes, she claimed that she had won some big award in a certain field. Other times, she said that she was talented,” Vera said.

“You say that, but…” Gresham frowned. “Whatever she said in the past has proved to be true. She won the Best Scholar Award. She’s the miracle doctor. There’s also the fact that she’s extremely close to the president of Pyralis University…”

The hatred that was burning furiously within Vera and Trina’s hearts fizzled out as soon as they heard

what he said.

Vera didn’t find her voice until after a long time.

“You’re right. Her words have been proven to be true, but are you seriously going to tell me that you guys believe her when she says stuff like ‘classified information‘ and ‘scientific research?”

“Well, I certainly don’t buy it. So I will not believe her when she says she bagged the richest man in Pyralis. She would have boasted about it a long time ago. Why would she only tell the poverty– stricken countryfolk who aren’t well–informed?

“I’ll tell you why. It’s because she knows it isn’t true and that the countryfolk are morons,” Vera analyzed.

“I think your theory is right on the money, Mom.” Trina sighed. “I just don’t get it. Why does Bonnie have to bluff this way? She could’ve made up any story about her supposed boyfriend but that. Why does she have to pick the richest man in Pyralis?

“If the Knights learn about this, then she could be… Geez. Why can’t she think about how it might end sourly for her? She won the Best Scholar Award, and she’s the miracle doctor. Why can’t she just appreciate what she has?

“I’m going to become the winner of the Scientific Research Competition and get into the Bonita Research Institute. I promise you guys that I’ll never do the things she’s doing now. I’ll work hard and earn Ms. Bonita’s respect. I’m going to become the pillar of the nation.

Vera looked at her daughter gratefully and said, “Attagirl. You have my full support. Bonnie is the perfect role model for how you should never act. Don’t lose your way and do something that’d tarnish your

reputation.

“Okay! Leave it to me, Mom. I won’t forget my principles”

“That’s quite enough” Gresham was starting to have some headaches. “It’s fine for you guys to talk about yourselves, but there’s no need to talk badly about Bonnie.

“Til have you remember that you wouldn’t have been able to return to Pyralis University if she hadn’t decided to show you some mercy, Trina. You’d never have the chance to participate in the competition,

then.

“Also, both of you have to keep in mind that Bonnie Isn’t related to us anymore, So stop talking about her all the time. It doesn’t matter if she doon well or badly in her life. In fact, I don’t want to hear her name in my villal

Snuffing out the cigarette, he climbed the stairs, looking troubled.

“Mom. What’s wrong with Dad…?”

“He’ll be fine, Trina. Don’t worry about it. I can see where he comes from. I think you could too. We should do what he says and avoid talking about Bonnie in this villa, especially not in front of him.

“I’ll also call my friends and relatives about this so they don’t bring her up in front of him. Your dad is right. Bonnie has nothing to do with us now. Talking about her won’t help us in any way.” Vera held Trina’s hands and comforted her..

“Okay. Anything you say, Mom,” Trina was overjoyed and thought, ‘It looks like I’ll always be the only daughter in the Shepard family.‘

The evening rolled on. Bonnie looked for Ivor everywhere. In the end, she found him in the watermelon patch.

‘Wait a minute. What’s Amy doing there with him?”

 

Chapter 449

Bonnie didn’t go over there in a hurry. She sensed that something was off between Ivor and her cousin, Amy Howard.

She was kind of far from them and couldn’t hear very clearly. So, she snuck in closer and pricked her ears.

Amy’s face was red when she looked at Ivor. “Um… I love you! I want to be your girlfriend!”

That stunned her.

‘I know I have to watch out for other women, but I didn’t count on Amy confessing her love to him. She has some good looks, too. I wonder how Ivor’s going to respond to her?”

Casting a glance at Ivor, she noticed how he carried the usual coldness in his expression. At that moment, he was the elusive man who always escaped a lady’s grasp.

“I would not have talked to you if you weren’t Bonnie’s cousin.”

Amy clenched her fists and pursed her lips. “Bonnie was just slightly prettier than me. She’s not cute, and she doesn’t like relying on men. A–Also, she’s always cold and distant. Are you honestly going to tell me that you want to spend your time trying to make her happy every day?”

“What a coincidence. I love it when she’s cold and distant to me.” Ivor’s eyes were unwittingly filled with

affection when he spoke.

Amy didn’t think this would be his answer. “He’s the wealthiest man in Pyralis, for Heaven’s sake! I didn’t count on him being this obsessed with his girlfriend.‘

“What are you doing here, Ivor?” Bonnie acted as if she had just arrived at the watermelon patch.

The moment he saw her, he decided he had to explain what went down between him and Amy right away.

“Don’t misread the situation, Bonnie, I’d rather die than have any feelings for her. You’re the only lady I’ll

ever love.”

Amy felt as if someone had stabbed right through her heart.

Bonnie didn’t know if she should laugh.

“There’s no way Ivor would fall in love with Amy in the first place. So, nothing’s ever coming out of it. I didn’t intend to expose anything.

‘I didn’t count on him being so worried about me misreading the situation, though. He was very brutal with the way he handled things with Amy.”

“Oh. Let’s go. My dad wants to see you.”

“Sure.” He took brisk steps forward and took her hands firmly.

She had gotten used to it by now.

‘I might as well let him do what he wants. He’s going to let me go as soon as he has his fill.”

Chapte 449

Her phone vibrated. It was William

‘Hasn’t he returned to the SR League’s headquarters? Why is he calling me out of the blue? It’s midnight

where he is right now.”

“Hello?” She said into the phone.

“You need to watch your back, Bonnie,” he said in an uncharacteristic, serious tone.

“What’s the matter?”

“My league received a quest moments ago. Someone put a very high bounty on your life.

“Someone’s out to kill me?” She had completely forgotten that Ivor was next to her until she blurted it out.

e was grim. It felt

“What on earth is going on? Who dares try to kill you?” His voice was deep, and his tone as if the temperature around them had dropped.

 

Chapter 450

“It’s nothing. I heard it wrongly.”

She walked to the side and continued the phone conversation with William.

Tell me everything.”

He responded, “I’m not talking about you, Bonnie. Someone is out to kill your other identity, Ms. Bonita.” Her face grew grim immediately. After all, this was a serious matter. She couldn’t afford to take it lightly.

“Do you know who put up the quest?”

1 don’t have the specifics yet, but there’s one thing I’m sure of–they’re not from Arvandor.”

She started to analyze the situation.

“If someone’s after Bonita’s life, that means the latest nanomaterial I developed recently has threatened them. It could be Auguste Ludovici. He has the same prestigious standing in the world of scientific

research as I do.

‘He has been the most prestigious figure in the field before my arrival. As far as he was concerned, I dethroned him and took his place.

‘Moreover, the latest nanomaterial I developed has all but solidified my standing. I still remember when I first met him. He might’ve been exceptionally talented in the field, but he was so petty and spiteful that he couldn’t share the glory with anyone.”

“You have to listen to me and stay safe, Bonnie. I’ve told Jim about this and asked him to ensure no harm) comes to you. Hey, how about I send Jacques to protect you too?” William asked.

“Don’t do that. You’re just giving away my identity to them if you send Jacques to my

side.”

“You have a point. Well, what are you going to do? You can always hole up in the SR League. You’ll be safer here than anywhere else.”

“I appreciate it, but that’s not what I want to do. First of all, I don’t want to leave my nation. I also don’t know who’s coming after me or when they’ll do it. If I go into hiding, I will lose my freedom.”

Before he could say anything, she added, “Alright. I appreciate that you’re concerned about me, but I handle myself. Also, are you forgetting that I have Jim watching over me?”

Talking about Jim made her have a headache at once.

‘Now that he knows about this, he won’t remain calm. I just know he will ignore my orders to keep his

distance from me.‘

“I see you’re back at the village too, Bonnie.” Jim feigned surprise and walked toward her.

She held her forehead, trying to rub her headache away. ‘Speak of the devil.”

“Gee. You’re here, too, Ivor.”

can

Chapte 450.

The man in question stared at Jim.

“What are you doing here?”

“A relative of mine stays here. I decided to drop by and visit her. Bonnie knows about this too. Why? Didn’t she tell you about it?” Just like that, he threw the ball into Bonnie’s court.

She gave him a frustrated look before she faced Ivor and started explaining. “It’s true. He did have a

relative here in this village.”

“Oh. That’s great. I’m curious, though. Just how close are you to your relative to be visiting them during the holidays? Don’t you have a hometown of your own?” Ivor pressed.

Anyone would know he was probing Jim.

“My hometown is too far away. As you know, I’m Ms. Bonita’s bodyguard. You could say that I’m the only

back. person who’s keeping her safe. So, I can’t always apply for off days and go

“It just so happens that this relative of mine is ill. So, my parents called and asked me to swing by and check on her on their behalf.”

Jim’s answer was flawless, but it made her headache worse.

‘He made all of this up. All it takes is for Ivor to investigate a little and he’ll know that Jim doesn’t have a relative staying here.”

“You can ask Bonnie about it if you don’t believe me. Am I right in saying that you’ll trust what she says?” Just like that, he threw the ball in her court again.