Roscoe's eyes were clear and compelling, making Nicole find it hard to stand his gaze.

Sensing his next words, Nicole averted her eyes.

She didn't want to drag anyone else into her turmoil.

Thus, before Roscoe could voice his thoughts, Nicole interjected, "Roscoe, to me, you're Like a little brother. Though I hold no love for him, my bond with him is complex. You've turned out well, and that would please my father. Let's leave it at that..."

With that, Nicole suggested they keep things as they were, effectively rejecting him.

Just as Nicole tried to turn her face away, Roscoe grabbed her arm gently.

He remained silent, gazing at her briefly.

Suddenly, Roscoe bowed his head, halting just before his thin lips met Nicole's.

With a soft grin and a whisper, Roscoe vowed, "Nicole, once I surpass that man, you will be mine."

Left alone, Nicole's mind reeled.

What the hell? In her eyes, Roscoe was still a little boy.

But now, his words somewhat unsettled her.

On a Friday morning, Raegan got a message from Bryce, requesting her address to pick her up.

She sent her location to him. She made her way downstairs after learning Bryce's arrival.

A few paces from the door, she spotted a black off-road vehicle.

Bryce lounged in the passenger seat, beckoning her over with a curled finger.

Raegan pulled open the door and climbed aboard. To her surprise, Eloise was seated in the back, her presence almost tangible with hostility.

Eloise's eyes narrowed at the sight of Raegan. She turned to Bryce, questioning sharply, "Bryce, is she your tutor?"

Bryce merely grunted in response.

The air was thick with tension. Eloise harbored dislike toward Raegan, and Raegan disliked Eloise's presence.