Chapter 171

Jameson hadn’t anticipated that Shermaine would agree so readily. However, since she had spoken with such confidence, she must have been well-prepared to handle the situation. Yet, he couldn’t believe she would genuinely be able to get in touch with Oliver. Perhaps she might find a stranger to impersonate Oliver, counting on the fact that Amelia wouldn’t expose her, which was why she could act so recklessly.

To tell one lie, one needed countless other lies to cover it up. ‘I’ll see just how many lies she’ll need to concoct to back up such a bold claim,’ Jameson thought to himself. With a cold expression, Jameson said, “I’m waiting.”

Shermaine took out her phone and opened Skype, an app she hadn’t used in a long time. Skype was a global, free voice communication software, similar to WhatsApp, which was more widely used abroad. She hadn’t logged in for quite some time and had numerous messages from various people. The most recent ones were from Trance, just twenty minutes ago.

Trance: [Sheary, I’ve come to Wallington to find you.] Trance: [I miss you.] Trance: [Danielle told me that after you returned to your country, you found your family, and today is your birthday. I want to wish you a happy birthday in advance. Also, I’ve prepared a surprise for you, so wait for me.]

Seeing Trance’s messages, Shermaine pursed her lips. She looked up at Danielle. Danielle innocently blinked and nonchalantly shrugged her shoulders, explaining, “A while ago, Trance applied for a leave of absence. He immediately contacted me to ask about your whereabouts after you returned to your country, so I told him some things about you.” She glanced at her wristwatch. “Trance should be landing about now.”

Trance? Upon hearing this name, everyone felt a sense of familiarity, as if they had heard it somewhere before. The King of Football seemed to have the same name. ‘Could it be that the Trance Danielle mentioned is the same Trance who is an idol in many people’s hearts, including Joshua’s?’ they wondered. Trance was incredibly popular, not just among female fans but also male fans. There had been instances where female fans fainted in the stands because they were too excited after he scored a goal. In fact, it wasn’t just one or two; security had to carry several of them out. Trance’s popularity wasn’t solely due to his exceptional football skills but also because of his strikingly handsome face. He had a large following in Wallington as well. Moreover, he wasn’t just a great football player; he was also a noble from Ustrana, from a wealthy and prestigious family, comparable to the York family in Basterel. ‘Is the Trance Danielle mentioned really such a person, or is it just a coincidence with the same name?’ they pondered.

“Alright,” Shermaine sighed. She longed for love. Most of the time, when she hadn’t met someone who truly caught her eye, she would be very lazy and simply refuse any advances without giving any chances.

Chapter 171

Joshua was the only man she had encountered who had stirred some compassion in her. Even though he had initially said something that wasn’t related to romantic love, Shermaine had a very positive feeling toward him. She hadn’t expected that while she was always being sensible and keeping her boundaries, Joshua would be the one to step over and break the nominal engagement between them. She subconsciously liked him. That was why she felt delighted after Joshua confessed his feelings.

Trance’s feelings for her were indeed intense and sincere, but love was such a peculiar thing. If she didn’t feel it, she wouldn’t be moved by someone’s strong affection for her and then consider responding out of sentimentality.

Shermaine wouldn’t do that. She was rational enough to believe in a lifelong commitment to one person. She would only treat the one she liked differently and indulge only that one man. Thus, for other suitors, it was a fatal blow. Before returning, Shermaine had clearly told Trance that there was no possibility between them, but it seemed that Trance hadn’t taken it to heart.

‘If he’s coming, then so be it. I can handle it, and I’ll have a serious talk with Trance,’ Shermaine thought to herself. ‘What I need to do now is contact Oliver and get that birthday wish.’ Shermaine found Oliver in her contact list and clicked to make a video call.

The video call was answered almost instantly, and a lively, middle-aged man with a bushy beard appeared on the screen. Before Shermaine could say anything, Oliver’s voice came through. “My goodness, Sheary, you’ve actually taken the initiative to contact me. I’m absolutely delighted.”

“Long time no see, Oliver. How have you been?” Shermaine asked. “I’m doing well, and you?” Oliver replied. “Not bad,” she said.

He spoke very quickly. “That’s great. Wallington has always been a place I’ve wanted to visit, but I’ve been too busy to find the time. When I do get the chance, I’ll definitely take a trip there. And dear Sheary, happy birthday. I’ve already asked Trance to deliver your gift. Have you seen him yet?”

Shermaine didn’t even need to ask for a birthday wish; Oliver had already wished her a happy birthday. She simply thanked him and then answered Oliver’s question. “I haven’t seen Trance yet.”

‘He hasn’t arrived yet. Trance is really taking his time,’ Oliver thought to himself. Oliver really hoped that Trance would be able to win over Sheary, such a lovely, beautiful, intelligent, and talented young woman. Unfortunately, Sheary had repeatedly rejected his passionate pursuit. ‘Will this trip to Wallington be successful for him? And will there be any particularly strong rivals in Wallington? If there are, Trance might be out of luck,’ Oliver thought.

At that moment, as everyone watched Shermaine converse in perfect Ustranasion with the person on the other end of the video call, they were envious. Her fluency and accent were something many people struggled to achieve. Jameson’s expression changed slightly. Just by hearing the voice, he couldn’t tell if it was Oliver. Anyway, he didn’t believe that she was really chatting with Oliver like an old friend; it had to be fake. Jameson glanced at Amelia, and seeing her calm demeanor, he became even more convinced of his suspicion.

‘It’s fake. Shermaine must have found someone to pretend to be Oliver. He’s acting so convincingly. I have to admit, I’m impressed. She was really...'

Chapter 171

'No wonder she could make Wendelyn lose so badly and even make Joshua go to any lengths to deal with the Wright family. It shows how deep her scheming and cunning are,’ Jameson thought.

In reality, Amelia was just putting on a brave face. Inside, she was starting to panic, her limbs growing cold. ‘I’ve worked so hard to build my reputation here, and it can’t be ruined now, especially in front of Ross,’ she thought.

After chatting with Oliver for a while, Shermaine got down to business and asked, “Oliver, I heard you’ve taken on a student from Wallington?” “Where did you hear that?” Oliver expressed his confusion. He hadn’t taken on any students from Wallington, or any other country for that matter; in fact, the only student he was interested in taking on was Shermaine.

Shermaine turned her phone to face Amelia and Jameson. “See the lady in the white dress? She says she’s your student.”