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Novel Catalog
Chapter 91
students and faculty here are up to your expectations,” Mr.
Ellison said, shifting his gaze from the window to Jared.
The older man’s tone was light, yet there was a certain weight to it, as if he were inviting Jared into a world that could either offer great potential or lead to unexpected complications.
Jared nodded, his expression still unreadable as he processed the offer.
He had no interest in the surface-level charms of a school like Royal Creek Institute.
He was here for business, not to be impressed by grandiose displays or beautiful surroundings.
But he could see why Mr.
Ellison would think a tour would help solidify his decision.
After all, this was a prestigious institution, and its reputation was not to be dismissed lightly.
“I appreciate the gesture, but I’m more interested in what goes on behind the scenes,” Jared replied, his voice steady.
“I want to know about the people, the potential.
Not just the facade.”
Mr.
Ellison chuckled, clearly understanding Jared’s perspective.
“You’re a sharp one, Mr.
Johnston.
That’s exactly what I want to show you.
Come, let’s take a walk and you’ll see for yourself.”
As they left the office, Mr.
Ellison led Jared through the halls of the school, pointing out various areas of interest along the way.
Despite the grandiosity of the buildings and the apparent wealth of the institution, Jared couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something more here—something beneath the surface that was worth his attention.
Meanwhile, outside, Nicole had her own thoughts about the events unfolding.
She had seen the way Harvey had interacted with Snow, the way everyone fawned over them.
But Nicole wasn’t easily swayed by appearances.
She had her own reasons for being skeptical of Harvey and his seemingly perfect persona.
She had already formed an opinion about him based on that brief interaction earlier in the day, and nothing she saw now was changing her mind.
Lulu, on the other hand, was still fascinated by Harvey’s charm.
“I don’t know, Nicole,” she said as she watched him from a distance.
“He’s really something, isn’t he?”
Nicole’s eyes flicked briefly toward Harvey, her gaze cool and uninterested.
“He’s just another rich boy who thinks he’s special because of his looks and name.
Trust me, he’s not someone to idolize.”
Lulu looked at Nicole, a little surprised by her blunt assessment.
“But…
he’s Harvey Riddle.
His family’s well-known.”
Nicole shrugged, not fazed by Lulu’s surprise.
“So what? That doesn’t mean he’s worth anything more than his family’s wealth.”
Lulu didn’t know how to respond to that, so she simply nodded, still unsure of what to make of Nicole’s opinion.
But she respected Nicole’s judgment, even if she didn’t completely agree.
As the flag-raising ceremony continued, the students’ eyes were on Harvey and Snow, whispering and gossiping, while Nicole stood off to the side, quietly observing.
She wasn’t interested in being part of the crowd or the spectacle.
Her focus was elsewhere.
There was more to this place than the people it attracted, and she had her own goals in mind.
Back in the principal’s office, Mr.
Ellison and Jared continued their conversation as they toured the campus.
Jared, though still distant and analytical, couldn’t help but be intrigued by the small details Mr.
Ellison pointed out.
There was something different about the school, something more than just its reputation.
But as they walked, Jared’s mind occasionally drifted back to the earlier encounter—Nicole.
Her face, her stance, the way she had disregarded him in that brief moment.
It was rare that someone so easily brushed him off, and it had unsettled him more than he cared to admit.
Harvey Riddle may have been the golden boy of the school, but Nicole was a mystery he couldn’t quite understand, and that was exactly what intrigued him.