Chapter 155
“This doesn’t concern you, does it?” Sean took a step closer, staring at Aiden with disdain. “Isn’t it a bit late to start caring about her now?” With that, Sean left.
“Aiden?” Natalie felt a surge of hatred; Aiden was actually concerned about Josie. “Jaden seems very upset. Do you want to go check on him?”
Aiden withdrew his gaze from Sean, his eyes lowering slightly to conceal the fleeting coldness within them. “Let’s go.”
“Aiden,” Jaden lowered his head and said, “Josie said that ever since you asked her to make a public apology, everything about her no longer has anything to do with us.”
“Are you blaming me?” Aiden frowned. “I did misunderstand her about that incident, but the decision to have her apologize was agreed upon by all of you. Natalie is here too. Are you going to blame her?”
Natalie’s face turned pale. “I… I am also a victim. I’m sorry!”
“Enough. The matter is over; do not bring it up again.” Aiden, somewhat annoyed, added, “If today’s events were not embarrassing enough for you, feel free to continue making a scene with Josie.” After finishing his remarks, he left the auditorium.
Gavin and Vincent also didn’t dare release their grip on Jaden as they pulled him toward the exit of the auditorium. “Can’t you just stay calm? You know Josie always responds better to kindness than to force. I really regret letting her go. You need to work on your attitude.” Gavin was absolutely furious. “I’ve never met anyone as reckless as you.”
“She will not forgive us again.” Vincent’s expression was grim. “She never intended to forgive us again.”
“Josie is soft-hearted. I didn’t believe that if we coaxed her, she could keep refusing to forgive.” Gavin had noticed this too. Although Natalie came from a distinguished family, her learning ability did not match that of Josie. With Josie on the team, everyone had been able to work more easily.
He turned to look at Natalie. “Natalie, as a girl, you surely understand what Josie needs. Please think carefully—how can we coax her to come back?”
“Josie doesn’t like me. If she finds out this was my idea, she will be even more displeased.” Natalie silently cursed, ‘Is he a fool? Why should I help them coax Josie into coming back?’
Gavin paused momentarily and said, “That’s true, but letting things stay this tense isn’t a solution either. How about you go apologize to her again and ask her to forgive you? She’s a quick learner, and getting along with her wouldn’t do you any harm. What do you think?”
Natalie looked embarrassed; Gavin’s words clearly implied that she was not as capable as Josie. She said, “I’ll follow your advice. If I get the chance, I’ll apologize to Josie—I’ll make sure to apologize properly.”
“That’s good to hear.” Gavin pulled Jaden along and walked off together with Vincent.
Natalie stood motionless, her hands tightly intertwined, a flash of malice flickering in her eyes. ‘Josie, one day I will make you live a life worse than death. Let’s let these people see for themselves which one of us is really better!’ she fumed inwardly.
“Are you really going to apologize to her?” Kyle, who had been quiet until now, walked over to Natalie.
Natalie snorted, “Do you think that if I apologize, she will forgive me? Josie will never forgive me, nor will she forgive any of you—especially you, Kyle.” Natalie reached out and tapped him.
“Don’t say I didn’t warn you: the award ceremony is over, and soon Josie’s papers will be published in the campus journal. You’re on the brink of social ruin!” Natalie’s smile grew colder. “Especially now, after her latest success, there’s no telling how many people will rush to read her work. When that happens, you might become someone everyone looks down on. Are you willing to risk that?”
“If I can’t accept this, what other options do I have? Am I really expected to take that step?” Kyle looked bitter; Natalie’s suggestion from over a month ago still lingered in his mind. He had thoroughly researched the issue, yet even now, after all this time, he remained indecisive.