Eager

Raina had spent the entire day meeting with Lucas and then shopping for gifts to bring to Elias. She hadn’t even glanced at her phone, so naturally, she had no idea that Leif had already followed her.

“Oh, wait a second…”

She said that, opened I*******m, and there it was — a little red ‘1’ on her followers tab.

A few taps later, the screen confirmed she had followed him back. Raina also noticed a new message on WhatsApp—just a single dot from Leif.

After adding him, she pressed the phone back to her ear. “Verified. Send me your location on W******p, and I’ll be right there.”

Leif’s tone changed—softer, almost obedient. “Okay.”

After hanging up, his location pinged her phone. Raina glanced at it, didn’t reply, and put the phone away. Then she turned to Elias and Briar.

“I won’t be eating dinner here tonight. Got a last-minute job to run, so I’m heading out... Teacher, Senior Brother, I’ll come see you next time.”

A flicker of disappointment passed through Briar’s eyes, but he quickly recovered. He was always the most understanding one and almost never argued with whatever Raina said.

Briar smiled gently. “That’s good...”

Elias gave Briar a look like he was shaking his head at his stubbornness. “What kind of last-minute job doesn’t even give you time to eat?”

Raina smiled slightly. “A designated driver.”

With that, she slipped her hands into her pockets and left the courtyard.

Briar took a step forward but restrained himself and stopped, his gaze following Raina’s retreating figure until it vanished from sight.

“You… really, Briar, what am I supposed to say about you? You like Raina, you’ve done so much for her, but why don’t you just tell her?”

Elias shook his head, stroking his silver beard.

Briar withdrew his gaze, his face returning to its usual cool detachment. “My feelings for her are mine alone... I don’t want to make things difficult for her, or let her feel burdened. This way is better.”

Elias looked at him and shook his head. “Fine, do as you like. I can’t control you anymore. But…”

He sighed, then said seriously, “Keep a closer eye on the VIREXIN. The situation in Estravia… it might be about to change.”

Briar lowered his head. “Yes, Grandpa.”

Elias waved his hand. “Alright, go on with your business.”

“Yes, Grandpa.”

After Briar left, the courtyard was left with only Elias.

He sat in his chair for a long while, his gaze fixed on the box Raina had sent him. His usually cloudy, aged eyes softened just a bit.

After a moment, he sighed softly and murmured, “I hope… you really didn’t make the wrong choice back then…”

…

Over half an hour later.

At Vexley Group’s headquarters building.

Raina was driving Leif’s car, cruising smoothly without a hitch.

She parked the car and sent Leif a W******p message, but he didn’t reply.

Busy?

She leaned back in the seat, massaging her forehead, then took out her phone and dialed his number.

At the top floor, the CEO’s private conference room.

Subordinates were presenting a marketing plan, while Leif sat at the head of the table, chin resting on his hand, glancing occasionally at his phone.

He had already seen Raina’s message, but if he replied immediately, would that seem too eager?

Besides, he had to keep some dignity since Raina only followed him after he reminded her.

How busy was he? Who in Estravia was busier than him?

But if he kept ignoring her, what if she got upset?

Leif frowned, about to reply, when Raina’s call came through.

He was momentarily stunned.

At the same time, the entire conference room fell into an eerie silence.

The executives exchanged looks and whispered among themselves —

“What’s going on? Mr. Vexley never likes to be interrupted during meetings…”

“Should we keep reporting?!”

“Am I the only one curious who dares to call Mr. Vexley at a time like this? Feels like something big…”

“He looks so conflicted. This isn’t like him…”

Leif cast a cold glance around, and the room quieted again. He picked up the phone. “Hello.”

Everyone else: “…”

Well, that was not what they expected!

On the other end, Raina raised an eyebrow. “Mr. Vexley, I’m downstairs at your company. I sent you a message but you didn’t reply. When will you come down?”

Leif replied calmly, “Just finished the meeting. I’ll be down right away.”

The executives waiting to report: ‘… Mr. Vexley, don’t you feel even a little guilty?’

Raina said, “Okay, I’ll wait for you.”

Leif’s lips curved slightly, his voice soft. “Alright.”

After hanging up, he stood and said, “That’s it for today. No need to revise the plan—just implement it.”

With that, he strode out of the conference room briskly.

“Is it just me, or does it seem like he’s in a hurry? He’s usually so careful about his demeanor…”

Downstairs.

The moment Leif stepped out of the elevator, he saw the black car parked quietly nearby.

The girl was sitting inside, one hand casually resting on the steering wheel, her fair fingers tapping lightly. Her eyes were closed, lost in thought.

Leif swallowed hard, then took quick strides toward the car.

Inside the car, Raina was lost in thought about Lucas and the whole Vireon Labs situation when suddenly she heard footsteps. She snapped her eyes open and instinctively turned her head—just in time to see Leif walking out of the building.

Leif stood tall and straight, with an imposing, noble presence—something about him just radiated this unapproachable, almost sacred dignity. Just looking at him felt like a pleasure, something beautiful and calming.

Raina had once heard someone say that beautiful things in the world are worth appreciating simply because they exist.

Leif was exactly that kind of beautiful thing.

As he approached, Raina snapped back to reality and smiled, “Mr. Vexley, get in.”

He nodded and got in, buckling his seatbelt.

“So, where to?” she asked.

Leaning back in his seat, Leif suddenly asked, “Have you eaten dinner yet?”

Raina had planned to eat at her teacher’s place, but since Leif had called her over, she said, “Not yet. How about you?”

“Well,” he replied. “Let’s go back to Wexford Lane.”

***