"Alright."

Anthony scooped Charlotte up like he was handling something precious, carrying her back to her bedroom. He set her gently on the big bed, pulled the blankets up around her, and before leaving, he gave her cheek a light pinch. "Remember to wear shoes next time," he said, his tone half teasing, half serious.

Charlotte just pressed her lips together and nodded.

He ruffled her hair with a small, knowing smile. "See you soon," he said, then headed out.

When the door clicked shut, Charlotte touched her cheek where his fingers had been. Her gorgeous face was tinged with a soft blush. She turned on her iPad, quietly unblocked Anthony, and added him as a friend again.

Nine: "Tell me what you need."

Anthony saw the message and arched an eyebrow, a little surprised. So, after one successful hack, she was suddenly playing nice? He smirked and sent over his request.

"Al robotics database, security system development plan..."

Charlotte glanced over the files and typed back, "I'll need two days."

She waited for his reply. When "Okay" showed up, she finally closed the chat, her eyes crinkling with a quiet smile.

The next morning, Anthony drove Charlotte to school, just like always.

When she got out of the car, her long limbs were swallowed up by the oversized school uniform. Still, nothing could really hide her natural poise. Her face was impossible to miss in the crowd, and it didn't take long for a few boys to start sneaking glances her way.

Anthony leaned his arm on the window, his gaze fixed on her as she walked away. There was a trace of annoyance in his eyes. "They don't make uniforms that cover your face, too?" he muttered.

Hans, behind the wheel, nearly did a double take. Was Anthony really wishing for a uniform that would hide her entire face? This man's possessiveness was wild.

"Clear my schedule for the day," Anthony told him. "Put someone on the school. If anything happens with Lottie, I want to know right away."

"Yes, Anthony," Hans answered, all business. He remembered that the results of the physics exam were coming out today. If Ms. Main didn't score second in the whole school, she'd be expelled. S to'FindNovel.net

Anthony dropping everything had to mean he was ready to step in for her, no matter what.

In Class C, Charlotte walked to her

seat with her eyes lowered, not

showing any emotion. She'd

overheard some kids from Class A

saying the physics scores were

being tallied and would be

announced in half an hour. Once the

results went up, her time at

Vanguard High might be over.

Her classmates could sense the heavy mood around her. Nobody dared say much, only sneaking worried looks her way.

“Charlotte.....” Shirley hurried over and pulled a piece of bread from her bag. “Here,

eat this.” Her voice was soft, as if she was afraid Charlotte might break.

Even Andrew, who was usually

joking around, pulled up a chair

tel

beside her and got serious. “Don't worry, Charlotte. Even if you end up dead last again, with my big brother on your

ide, the school won't dare kick you out."

"I'll help too," Parrish chimed in.

Charlotte arched an eyebrow and gave them a lazy, easy smile. "Thanks, guys."

Thirty minutes later, the classroom suddenly buzzed with excitement.

"The rankings are out!" someone shouted. "There's been a big shake-up this time. And I heard some people cheated... more than one, actually!"