Chapter 21
At that moment, Thiago was on the third floor of Jorendale University’s cafeteria. Unlike the cafeteria on the first and second floors, the third floor was more of a made–to–order bistro with better food, a quieter ambiance, and a classier vibe overall.
Thiago and Hugo sat across from each other in a corner booth, deep in conversation about Altigo Group’s upcoming IPO.
Hugo leaned back in his seat, brimming with confidence, “Relax, Thiago. Once that new enzyme–linked immunoassay analyzer hits the market, the 110’s gonna be a blowout. Going public won’t be a problem at all.”
Thiago smirked, casually spinning a lighter between his fingers. “And whose genius made that possible?”
“You, obviously. You’re the GOAT,” Hugo said, shaking his head in awe. “Seriously, what window do you think God shut on you? Wait…”
He paused, grinning like a jackass, “Don’t tell me… Are you bad in bed?”
Thiago chuckled, cocky and untamed, flipping the lighter open and shut. “You really wanna find out?”
Hugo chuckled and muttered, “Such a flirt,”
As they joked around, a couple hurried past the escalators, heading toward the back exit. They weren’t touching or anything, but there was a spark between them an unspoken tension that hung in the air like static.
Both Thiago and Hugo turned their heads.
Hugo said with a low laugh, “Hey, isn’t that Nigel? And that woman… Wait, Isn’t that the one who got into it with Vivian last time?”
Thiago didn’t say a word,
flicking the lighter open and shut. The metallic click clack echoed, oddly unsettling.
“You’ve got a shot now,” he said flatly.
Hugo squinted. “A shot at what?”
“You’ve been crushing on Vivian, right? Looks like Nigel gave you an opening.”
Hugo brushed his bangs back and scoffed. “Please. I’m not about to play the drama game. I’m just waiting for Vivian to wake up and realize I’m the one.”
Thiago smirked. “And just like that, the bird that was in the bag, flew off
Just as Thiago was about to get up, his phone buzzed with a new message
“Snatched a little cutie and brought her home.”
Thiago stared at the screen. “What the hell…”
Meanwhile, Luciana had followed Aliela back to her high–rise in the heart of downtown Jaxwell–Harthville.
The elevator took them all the way up to the 50th floor. Floor–to–ceiling windows stretched across the room, offering a stunning view of the city and the bustling skyline of Jaxwell in all its glory.
Luciana had never been in a place this upscale before. For a second, she stood there frozen, not sure where to put her hands or feet.
Alicia casually tossed her bag and sunglasses onto the couch. “Chill, pretty girl. Make yourself at home.‘
Luciana blushed. “Ms. Langston, just call me Luciana.”
“Cool Then, you can call nie Alicia.”
Luciana hadn’t expected someone like Alicia–a celebrity–to be this down–to–earth, There wasn’t a hint of arrogance about her. Honestly, that made Luciana even more self–conscious.
Setting her art bag down, she asked timidly, “Ummm… Alicla, where’s your dog?”
Chapter 22
