ter 37
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Right then, Russell’s phone buzzed. He glanced at it and nearly jumped out of his chair.
“She accepted! Dr. Bennett accepted my friend request!” he blurted, grinning from ear to ear.
Tobias raised his eyebrows. He leaned over, checked Russell’s phone, and saw it was true, “What did you say when you sent it?”
“I told her I was your friend, and she accepted. See? I’m just that charming,” Russell said with a smug smile.
Tobias had his doubts. “Maybe she meant to reject it but hit the wrong button.”
“You don’t believe me, huh?” Russell frowned.
“If you’re that confident, why not send her a message and see if she replies?” Tobias said.
Russell hesitated, wondering what if she deleted him after he texted her.
Tobias noticed it and smirked. “Forget it. Don’t message her. You’ll just feel bad if she removes you.
Russell knew Tobias was just trying to egg him on, but he still decided to take the risk to save face. “I’m not scared. I’ll do it right now!”
He typed: [Hello, Dr. Bennett.]
Almost instantly, his palms got sweaty.
Tobias shook his head and went back to work.
Then a notification sound popped up. Tobias immediately glanced at Russell’s phone.
Russell’s eyes lit up as he shoved the screen in Tobias’s face. “Look! She replied. She said hello! I told you–she accepted me because of my charm!”
Tobias rubbed his chin, still not convinced she was that easy to talk to,
Right then, another message popped up from Dr. Bennett.
[Do you play League of Legends?) Kaia asked, remembering she’d seen Russell play before.
“Oh my God! She’s starting a conversation with me! Russell said, pacing around the office like an
excited kid.
He quickly typed back: Yeah, I play League of Legends. I’m really good at it!]
Kaia replied: [Want to play together?)
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Chapter 37
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Russell practically bounced out of his chair. “Holy crap! She wants to play with me! This is amazing! I’ve gotta post this on Instagram and make everyone jealous!”
Tobias watched him, still wondering why a world–famous scientist wanted to play games with him.
Kaia ended up gaming with Russell all afternoon, then worked at the research center for a bit before heading out.
The evening air was cool, so she decided to walk home instead of grabbing a cab.
Partway there, she felt someone trailing her. “Who’s there?” she called, turning around.
Casey stepped out with a few rough–looking guys holding weapons.
“What’s this about?” Kaia asked, her voice steady.
“Kaia, you’ve got guts. Still acting calm right now, huh?” Casey sneered.
“If you came just to waste my time, forget it,” Kaia said flatly. “Just spit it out.”
“You seriously don’t get it, huh? Your life’s in my hands, and you dare talk to me like that, huh?” Casey’s eyes went wide.
Kaia sighed, “More pointless talk.”
“You—” Casey’s face turned red, but she forced herself to calm down. “Fine. I’ll keep it simple—stay away from Philip.”
Kaia got it now. “Oh, come on. You’ve got it backwards. He’s the one chasing me. He’s just a spoiled rich kid who’s been with a ton of women. I wouldn’t touch him with a ten–foot pole, so I’m definitely not trying to steal him from you.”
“How dare you talk about Philip like that!” Casey snapped.
“Isn’t he? You know exactly what he’s like. With his track record, I don’t get it–you’re smart, and you’ve got a good family. Why be with a guy like that? Don’t you feel gross?” Kaia asked,
Casey’s fists clenched. “Don’t play innocent. You’re just trying to rub it in my face so I look small, and then marry Mr. Snyder yourself.”
Kaia shook her head. “You’re hopeless.”
“I’m helpless, hub?” Casey shot back.
“Isn’t that what you’re being? You’ve got everything going for you, but you’re throwing it away,” Kaia said with a shrug.
“That’s it! I’ll ask one more time–are you still going after Mr. Snyder? Are you trying to take my place as Mrs. Snyder?” Casey demanded.
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Chapter 37
Kaia let out a short mocking laugh and started walking away.
“Stop right there!” Casey shouted.
Kaia didn’t even slow down.
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Casey’s face twisted in frustration. “Get her! If she doesn’t stop, rough her up. Don’t worry–no cameras around here.”
The hired men circled Kaia. “Sorry, miss. We don’t really want to hurt you, but we’re getting paid,
so-”
Another one grinned. “Shame, though. You’re gorgeous. I never hit someone as pretty as you. I wonder what that’ll be like.”
Kaia narrowed her eyes and motioned them closer. “If you’re gonna fight, stop talking and do it.”
“Still mouthing off, huh? No wonder the boss is mad,” one said. “Alright, let’s take her down, guys.”
They moved in, eyes gleaming with bad intentions.
However, within moments, Kaia dropped every single one of them.
Casey stood frozen, totally stunned. She’d seen Kaia toss Philip around before, but these guys were real fighters. She couldn’t believe they went down so fast.
Suddenly, police sirens wailed. Moments later, Kaia, Casey, and the men were surrounded by cops.
E
