Chapter 36

“Don’t worry, I’ve got it under control. Thanks anyway,” said Debra, adjusting her backpack and leaving the classroom. Randy was right. She had deliberately approached Jordan. Everyone knew how ruthless Andrew was, but few knew that Jordan would become someone even more formidable. Making friends with Jordan early on would pave the way to her future success.

But Jordan was different. He abhorred flattery and forced friendliness. In essence, Jordan was like Juan. She had tried so hard to please Juan, only to be despised by him. But if she ignored them, they would pursue her relentlessly. So, Debra took another path to avoid meeting Jordan.

As dusk fell, Debra woke up feeling groggy, only to discover it was pouring outside. Being prone to illness since childhood, rainy days always triggered a fever. Preparing to buy medicine, she noticed a note on the bedside cabinet detailing the medications inside. Opening the drawer, she found cold, fever, and pain relief medicine neatly arranged. She wondered if they had been prepared by Marion, too.

Just then, her phone rang. She answered, and Juan’s cold voice came through. “Where are you?”

“I started school today and moved out,” Debra replied.

“Who allowed you to move out?” Juan’s tone carried icy anger. Debra didn’t want to clash with Juan and chose to hang up.

After taking the medicine, she drifted back to sleep. The next morning, she still had a pounding headache. The rain persisted, but on her second day, Debra didn’t want to be late. Approaching the entrance of Building #2, she felt dizzy and breathless in the damp air. Suddenly, someone grabbed her and pinned her against the wall.

Dazed, she looked up to see Jordan staring coldly at her. His tone was unfriendly. “Where were you yesterday?”

“Yesterday?”

“Don’t try to play dumb. I told you to wait for me at the exit.”

“I don’t recall promising to meet you,” Debra replied weakly, struggling to stay conscious.

Jordan persisted, “No one has dared to play me like this. Debra, right? Believe it or not…”

Just as he was about to intimidate her, Jordan was taken aback when Debra blacked out and collapsed into his arms. Confused, he shook her. “Hey, Debra? Don’t give me that.” But her body was limp. Touching her burning forehead, he realized she was running a fever. Without wasting any time, Jordan scooped her up, but before he could take a step, a voice behind him froze him in place.

“Put her down.”

The chill in the man’s voice sent a shiver down Jordan’s spine.

Chapter 37