Chapter 606

I wrapped my hands around the hot water, took a couple of sips to steady myself, and finally told him everything that had happened.

Edward’s expression turned icy, his voice low and cold. “I never thought Isabelle would be so calculating for someone her age.”

I let out a helpless sigh. “She really likes you. She’s young, hot-headed… Honestly, it kind of makes sense she’d freak out when she found out the guy she liked was taken.”

“Yeah, this is all on me,” Edward said suddenly, his gaze meeting mine, serious and intense. “I’m the one who started all this.”

I was caught off guard. I hadn’t expected Edward to own up to it himself–it made me see him in a new light.

Edward’s eyes darkened as he said, “We’ve gathered all the evidence against Isabelle. The only thing missing is a witness. I’ve already sent someone to track down that waitress from the teahouse.”

Hearing this, a wave of gratitude washed over me. I said softly, “Edward, thank you for everything you’ve done for me. I honestly don’t know what I would have done without you.”

Edward said, sounding guilty, “This all started because of me, so it’s only right that I take responsibility.”

Knowing he was willing to take responsibility made me feel a lot more at ease.

The atmosphere froze for a moment.

I toyed with my cup, sneaking a peek at Edward–only to catch him watching me too.

My cheeks burned, and I hurriedly blurted out, “Didn’t you say you were going abroad? How come you’re still here?”

Edward lowered his gaze, a wry smile tugging at his lips. “I was planning to leave tomorrow, but looks like that’s off the table now.”

I stiffened, guilt washing over me. Was it the mess I made in Braylin that threw off his schedule?

“I’m sorry,” I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper.

Edward shook his head. “Stop apologizing. Once this is sorted out, it won’t be too late for me to go abroad.”

I nodded, suddenly at a loss for words.

It was strange. With Nathan, Ryan, or even Jared, I could always find something to chat about. But with Edward, my mind just went blank, and I kept thinking anything I brought up wouldn’t interest him anyway.

Actually, with those three, I could tease them, throw in some flirty banter.

But Edward was like a dangerous tiger–definitely not someone you mess with easily.

“Are you really feeling okay?” Edward finally spoke up, clearly a bit bothered by how quiet things had gotten.

“Just a little tired, and after that cold shower, my head’s still kind of woozy,” I answered softly.

“If you’re not feeling well, do you want to go home and rest?” Edward asked, concern clear in his voice.

I shook my head. “I don’t want to go back yet. Mind if I stay a little longer? If you’ve got things to do…”

“Not at all,” Edward replied, his voice deep and steady.

My eyes darted nervously from side to side, and I twisted my fingers together.

Edward suddenly laughed. “Why so quiet around me?”

I gave an awkward smile. “I guess I’m kind of scared of you.”

Edward paused, then gave me a helpless look. “Come on, I’m not a monster or anything. What are you so afraid of?”

“No idea,” I just blurted out.

Edward let out a soft laugh. “We haven’t known each other that long, but for some reason, being with you just feels so familiar–like we’ve known each other forever.”

I stared at him, stunned. “Seriously?”

Edward nodded. “Yeah, sometimes that feeling hits me so hard, I end up looking for any excuse just to see you.”

His words made me think of that whole charity thing, and something stirred inside me.

“So, was it really your doing–the donation to my old high school?” I asked softly.

Edward looked a bit flustered, as if I’d just uncovered his secret. A faint blush colored his handsome face as he nodded. “Yeah, it was me.”

“So why did you do all that?” I asked, curiosity written all over my face.

Edward held my gaze for a moment, then gave a gentle smile. “I guess I just needed something to hold onto, that’s all. Nothing more to it.”