Chapter 200 Quentin Wants to Pursue Amelia?
Amelia's relationship with Michael had finally, at least partially, won the reluctant approval of her brothers.
It didn't mean Michael could stroll into her bedroom at night—he still had to scale the wall like a burglar if he wanted to see her after dark—but in daylight, he could walk through the gates of the Martinez family estate without anyone glaring him into dust.
On Monday morning, Amelia stepped through the tall iron gates of Prestige High School and instantly felt it,that prickling awareness of being watched. A faint crease formed between her brows. At first she thought she was imagining it, but the truth hit her the moment she walked into her classroom.
Her usual quiet corner had been transformed into a burst of color. Roses—hundreds, maybe thousands—crowded the space, their petals flushed a deep, almost theatrical red, each one beaded with droplets that sparkled like tiny crystals. The scent was overwhelming, thick enough to cling to her skin.
On her desk sat a square box wrapped in red velvet, topped with an oversized bow that looked like something from a jewelry store display, not a high school classroom.
Who would pull a stunt like this during first period?
The display was impossible to ignore. Students were peeking over from other desks, whispering behind cupped hands. Out in the hallway, students from other classes had gathered, stretching to get a better view. This was the kind of spectacle that would ripple through the school in minutes.
She glanced at Leroy, her deskmate. He'd arrived to find the flowers already there and simply shook his head, a silent signal that he wasn't the culprit.
Without a word, Amelia brushed aside the roses blocking her path, walked up to her desk, picked up the velvet box, and turned toward the trash can. She dropped it in without hesitation.
The reaction was instant.
"Wait!"
Quentin, who had been watching from the front of the room, shot to his feet and crossed the space in a few long strides. He snatched the box from the bin, his movements quick and almost desperate.
"You didn't even look at it before throwing it away?" His voice carried disbelief, tinged with a sharper edge.
"A gift?" Amelia's tone was cool, her brows drawing together. "These flowers,are they from you? What exactly are you trying to do?"
Her question seemed to catch him off guard. A flush crept up his neck, and for a moment he looked like he'd rather be anywhere else. A boy presenting flowers and a gift in front of the entire class didn't need much explanation, and the watching students were already connecting the dots.
Whispers spread like wildfire. Quentin was supposed to be with Rachel,Amelia's younger sister. But Rachel was overseas now, and here he was, making a public gesture toward Amelia. Had they broken up? Was he trying to pursue her instead?
It was the perfect setup for a messy love triangle,one everyone could gossip about for weeks.
"I..." Quentin faltered under her steady gaze, his words tangled before they could form. Finally he managed, "My grandfather said you saved his life. I just wanted to thank you, so I sent the flowers and the gift."
He flipped open the box. Inside lay a ruby necklace, the stone catching the classroom light in a blaze of crimson. It was elegant, expensive—far beyond what a student would normally give.
"I had it brought in from overseas. I thought it would suit you. And you just tossed it without even looking."
So this was about Vaughn.
Amelia's brow furrowed deeper. Ever since Vaughn's birthday party, Quentin had been acting strangely. In class, she'd catch him watching her, only for him to snap his gaze away the moment she noticed. The attention was unwanted, and now he'd escalated to this—flowers, jewelry, and an audience.
They weren't close. They barely spoke. What was he playing at?
"I helped Mr. Williams because he once helped me," she said, her voice still cool, each word precise and clipped. "I don't need you to thank me on his behalf." Her gaze flicked to the necklace, then back to him. "I won't accept it. And these flowers,please remove them. They're in the way."