Chapter 299

Rosalind had clearly heard the drunken man's slurred insult. Her gaze shifted to Everett, who stood nearby.

The harsh glow of streetlights carved sharp angles across Everett's face, giving him an almost ethereal appearance. Up close, Rosalind noticed traces of youth in his features - mature beyond his years yet clearly her contemporary, just a freshman. So young, yet his demeanor spoke of experience far beyond his age.

His expression remained unreadable, silent as always.

"But why-"

Before Rosalind could continue, Everett released her, his hand slipping from her shoulder. "You left these," he stated, voice as icy as his stare.

He'd collected her gifts.

"No, those are for your mother," Rosalind corrected quickly. "They'll help with her condition. I'm truly grateful for what you did for me."

Everett offered no response. Wordlessly, he took the packages and strode ahead. Rosalind hurried after him.

As they emerged from the dim alleyway, Everett guided her onto the brightly lit street. He hailed a cab, placed her gifts inside, then without meeting her eyes said, "Go home. Don't come back here. And... thank you for these."

A sudden warmth blossomed in Rosalind's chest. Beneath that frosty exterior burned an intensity she couldn't ignore.

When he'd called her his girlfriend earlier, he'd been protecting her.

When he'd led her from the alley and put her in this cab, he was still watching out for her.

This quiet, unspoken protection from a boy to a girl.

Did he really not find her repulsive?

Julian had never shown concern for her safety - probably assuming her ugliness made her immune to trouble.

Rosalind climbed obediently into the taxi. "Goodbye, Everett."

Everett turned and walked away.

She pressed her face against the window, watching until he disappeared around a corner. His silhouette melted into the shadows of the alley, vanishing from sight.

Returning to the Whitmore residence, Beatrice had prepared fresh braised ribs. Rosalind cleaned her plate.

"Beatrice, is there more?" she asked.

"My dear, you've had enough," Beatrice fretted. "Too much rich food will upset your stomach. I've made chicken soup for later."

Finally satisfied, Rosalind set down her utensils. After seeing Everett's braised ribs earlier, she'd been starving. Now her hunger was sated.

Her phone rang - Alistair calling. He'd been away on business in Willowbrook for days.

Rosalind answered. "Hello, Father."

"Rosalind, I heard about that Blackwood boy bullying you. Don't worry - I'll handle it when I return! They'll apologize properly." Alistair's voice brimmed with protective fury. He always shielded her fiercely.

Rosalind felt no anger. Truthfully, there'd never been affection between them.

"Father, Julian never cared for me. There's no point forcing him. I'm over it now. I returned their heirloom bracelet. The engagement's off - we're done." Alistair didn't comment on her decision. "Rosalind, we'll discuss this when I'm back."

Their call ended.

Rosalind decided against returning to the dorm that night. Instead, she indulged in a luxurious milk and rose petal bath.

As she soaked, Everett surfaced in her thoughts again. She'd heard his father died during his middle school years. His mother was blind, he had a younger sister. Had he shouldered his family's burdens that young?

Compared to that, what was a birthmark?

So many girls adored him - but what was his type?

Rosalind recalled how he'd looked at Lillian, his sister. That obvious, deep affection.