Natalie's gaze was filled with perplexity as she studied the man occupying the driver's seat. He was none other than Daniel Murphy, a figure of popularity within the walls of Ardentia University.
Daniel was a young man of considerable wealth, yet he had no known ties to Natalie. The only reason she was acquainted with him was due to his recent, unrelenting pursuit of her attention.
"Natalie, you're walking at quite a pace. Are you in a rush?" Daniel's voice broke her train of thought as he rested one hand on the window frame, a smile playing on his lips. "Do you need a lift?"
A frown creased Natalie's forehead. She was reluctant to engage too deeply with someone of his nature, but it was clear that even if she were to catch the bus now, she would be late.
After a moment's hesitation, she made her decision and climbed into the car. "Thank you," she murmured.
With that, the audacious red sports car roared to life and sped off.
Inside the car, Daniel stole a glance in the rear-view mirror. "You still haven't told me where you live."
"Paradise Villas Area," she replied.
Daniel's eyebrows shot up in surprise, thinking what a coincidence it was. He offered her a smile but refrained from probing further.
Half an hour later, they pulled up to Paradise Villas Area. "Natalie, which building is yours?"
"Thanks. You can just drop me off here," she responded.
Daniel, however, had no intention of stopping the car; he was curious to know where Natalie lived. "If you don't tell me, I'll just keep driving around here."
Natalie felt a sense of helplessness wash over her. "That one, Building 7."
Building 7...
Daniel's eyes narrowed slightly, as if lost in thought.
The car came to a halt in front of Building 7. Natalie exited the car, expressing her gratitude to Daniel. As she was about to enter the building, a black Bentley pulled up, blocking Daniel's car.
Upon seeing this, Daniel switched off the engine, stepped out of the car, and waved to the occupants of the Bentley. "Adrian, Rachel, you guys are pretty punctual," he called out.
Natalie had not expected to encounter Adrian so directly, let alone discover that Daniel was acquainted with him.
Adrian emerged from the car, his gaze briefly meeting Daniel's before settling on Natalie. She felt as if she had been frozen in place.
She had forgotten to wear a mask!
In a hurried attempt to introduce them, Daniel spoke, "Natalie, this is my cousin Adrian and my cousin Rachel."
He turned to them, "This is my...classmate, Natalie."
"Natalie..." Adrian echoed the name, his mind drifting back to the maid who had reminded him of a startled little animal that day.
"Do you two know each other?" Daniel asked, surprise evident in his voice, even as Rachel Howard found herself unable to resist stealing a few more glances at Natalie.
Adrian approached her, tilting his head slightly as he scrutinized Natalie with a probing gaze.
Natalie and Alice bore a striking resemblance. Had he not witnessed it himself, he would have found it hard to believe that two people could look so alike.
Under his intense scrutiny, Natalie trembled nervously, fearing he would recognize her as the woman from the other night.
She quickly denied, "No, I don't know him..."
Adrian raised an eyebrow, his gaze deepening as he observed the woman who was clearly terrified yet trying to maintain a smile. "What's your relationship to Alice?" he asked.