Chapter 549
Chapter 549
Austin forced a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Brad, I got here first. You don’t really have a reason to ask me to leave.”
Bradley took another sip of milkshake. “Oh, I’m not asking. I’m waiting.”
Austin narrowed his eyes. “Right.”
Bradley continued drinking. The milkshake was still too sweet, but tolerable after a few more sips. Sugar triggered dopamine. Dopamine made people feel good. He could work with that.
Cameron, still curled up with a pillow, glanced at Austin. “Did you actually come over for something, or just to sit here and make things awkward?”
Austin hesitated. “Cam, it’s just… I haven’t seen you in a while. I missed hanging out.”
A hot shower and a full night’s sleep–that was all she needed. During her period, nothing felt more essential than that.
Bradley remained quiet, sipping his drink beside her.
Austin shifted in his seat, trying to make conversation. “I, uh, took your advice. I accepted my offer from Viremont College of Music. Got the official letter a few days ago. I saw the school posted that you were accepted to Stellanford. Congrats, Cam.”
Cameron looked up, face serious. “Austin, I told you not to treat my words like orders. What school you go to–that’s your life. You should take responsibility for it.”
Austin smiled like it was nothing. “Cam, don’t be so intense. Honestly, does it even matter what school I go to anymore?”
Cameron didn’t respond.
Bradley raised a brow. “So why not skip college altogether and party full–time?”
Austin didn’t answer right away. He pressed his lips together. “Brad, can you give me a little space when I’m talking to Cam?”
Bradley didn’t even glance his way. “Feel free to pretend I’m not here.”
“But you are here,” Austin said. “And your presence is clearly getting in the way.”
Bradley looked directly at him. “Then do you think your presence isn’t getting in my way?”
Cameron didn’t respond.
The tension was thick enough to cut.
She rubbed the pillow against her stomach and said, “Brad, Austin, I really don’t feel well today. Can you both just head out?”
Bradley and Austin nodded.
Seeing how pale and drained Cameron looked, neither of them pushed it any further.
Bradley stood first. “Get some rest.”
Austin rose a second later. “Cam, let me know if you need anything. I’m nearby.”
She nodded, grateful they hadn’t pushed back.
Both of them left together, and the door clicked shut behind them.
Outside, Austin’s four bodyguards and Vincent were already waiting in formation.
1/2
09.30
Chapter 549
The moment he stepped out, Vincent moved toward him. “Sir.”
Austin gave a faint nod.
Behind him, Bradley followed with his usual unreadable smile. “Gotta say, Austin,” Bradley said with an easy tone, “you’ve changed. Guess I should ve expected that.”
Austin looked over, expression cool. “The world’s big, Brad. People grow. Nothing shocking about that.”
Bradley chuckled softly.
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