Filed to story: That Campus Prince Is a Girl
Her features were incredibly delicate. She had short hair, and her skin looked so tender. It was almost identical to Milena’s face. Her beauty was breathtaking.
Xander murmured, half-dazed, “You’ve got one hell of a face.”
Cameron frowned, “Have you even been listening?”
“Of course I have!” Xander regained focus.
Cameron narrowed her eyes. “Then tell me where I left off.”
Xander hesitated. “I forgot.”
Cameron sighed, “Forget it. That part is on the house. And don’t bother asking for more tutoring. It’s just a waste of time.”
“Come on.” Xander leaned close to the camera. “I’ll listen carefully.” He wasn’t about to give up the chance to see that stunning face.
Cameron crossed her arms. “Then pay attention this time.”
Xander sighed, “Fine.” For once, he decided not to push his luck. And surprisingly, he actually listened.
An hour later, as Cameron’s throat burned, a glass of water materialized at her elbow.
It was Bradley. He didn’t speak but only made a knowing tilt of the chin toward the glass.
“Thanks.” The water soothed Cameron’s voice.
Xander’s suspicion crackled through the speakers/”Hey, who are you talking to over there?”
Cameron glanced at Bradley, who shook his head. She said, “None of your business. One hour is up. Let’s pick up later this afternoon.”
“Cam-” Before Xander could speak, Cameron ended the call. speak,
Bradley settled into the chair opposite, his fingers tapping lightly on the armrest. “If Xander finds out where you are now, it won’t be long before Eli and the others come.”
Cameron nodded. “Yeah, just keep it quiet.” Elijah wasn’t a big problem, but Xander was too noisy.
Bradley leaned forward slightly. “You’ve been staring at a screen for an hour. Let’s take Pearl for a walk outside?”
Cameron set the glass down. “Good idea.”
They had gotten back late yesterday, and night fell soon after. Cameron hadn’t taken a stroll around the castle yet.
Together, they stepped out of the study.
Pearl sprawled out in the courtyard, soaking up the warm April sun.
Cameron could tell that Pearl was happy here. And it was all thanks to Bradley.
“Pearl,” Cameron called.
Pearl rolled onto its back at their approach and leapt up joyfully, but it stopped short three feet away. It nuzzled Cameron’s gently with its fluffy head.
Bradley asked curiously, “Who named Pearl?”
Cameron said, “Austin’s half-brother, Samuel Fraser.”
Bradley raised an eyebrow. “Half-brother?”
Cameron nodded. “Brad, this is Austin’s private matter, I shouldn’t elaborate. Is there an issue with the name Pearl?”
Bradley didn’t press further. Austin’s family background didn’t interest him. “As Pearl’s new owner, don’t you want to rename it?”
Cameron shook her head. “No need. The name suits it perfectly.” The tiger’s rare white fur made “Pearl” both fitting and memorable.
Bradley smiled, “As you prefer.”
Pearl ambled behind Cameron as she walked, staying close to her. She turned around and reached down to ruffle its fluffy head.
Bradley gave Cameron a tour of the estate. It took nearly half an hour just to cover the basics.
Cameron looked around, satisfied. “Brad, it’s even bigger imagined.”
Bradley nodded. “Yeah. Perfect for Pearl.”
Cameron smiled, “Thanks again, Brad.”
“You’re becoming the spokesperson for gratitude,” Bradley teased.
Cameron said, “Because I genuinely mean it.”
Bradley stared at her.
Cameron changed the subject. “Hey, by the way, did you find your bank account details?”
Bradley nodded. “They’re probably at Noble Vista. I’ll retrieve them when I have time.” That “when I have time” stretched indefinitely into the future.
They eventually sat down by the lakeshore. The water was crystal clear, and fresh green grass lined the banks. Their reflections shimmered on the surface. A soft breeze brushed past.
However, Bradley’s phone rang, interrupting this peaceful time. He frowned slightly, pulled it out, and saw the caller ID.
“Who is it?” Cameron asked.
Bradley tilted his phone toward her. “Xander.”
Cameron asked, “Xander? What does he want with you?”
Bradley shrugged. “Did he notice me earlier?”
“I don’t think so.” Cameron shook her head.
Bradley answered the call before it could go to voicemail. He switched to speaker mode.
“Hey, Brad, you busy?” Xander’s voice came through, slightly panicked.
“A bit,” Bradley replied smoothly. “What’s up?”
“Brad, I need your help. You used to do some hacking stuff, right?”
“What exactly are you planning?”
I need you to locate Cameron.
Cameron and Bradley looked at each other.
Xander continued, “Cameron didn’t come back to Noble Vista last night. You know that, right? He won’t tell me where he is. During our video call earne today, could you help me track his location? I must find him.”
Cameron was speechless.
Bradley, watching her helplessly, replied, “Xander, you’re overestimating me. I can’t do that.”
“You can’t?” Xander slightly raised his voice.
“Yeah.” Bradley confirmed
Xander deflated. “Fine, I’ll find someone else.”
“Good luck.” Bradley hung up and then turned to Cameron, amused. “Xander is pretty attached to you, huh?”
Cameron sighed, “Beyond annoying. I’m just gonna block him on WhatsApp.” Pulling out her phone, she decisively blocked Xander.
Later that afternoon, when Xander tried to message Cameron, he found that he had been blocked.
Xander stared at the screen, completely baffled. He thought, ‘What happened? Why did Cameron block me? We had a video call this morning site. because I didn’t send her the tutoring fee after the lesson? No way. He wouldn’t be that petty.”
Xander tried sending Cameron a few messages, but none of them went through. He sat back on the couch with a huff, tossing his phone aside and rubbing his short hair.
Xander thought, ‘I couldn’t reach Cameron. What should I do this afternoon anyway?’
As dusk draped over the castle grounds, wrought-iron lamps flickered to life.
The weather was perfect, not cold or hot. By the lakeside, a small bonfire had been set up for a barbecue.
Cameron picked up a piece of marinated beef with tongs, placed it on the grill, and flipped it once. Then, she added some chicken wings next to it.
She glanced at the loaded food table beside her and frowned slightly, “Brad, do you think we overdid it? It’s just the two of us.”
Bradley glanced at the table. “This is barely enough for two guys.”
Cameron smiled awkwardly. She wasn’t a “guy”, and her appetite was modest.
