**Chapter 9: After School**

[Special character detected: Jennifer Morgan. You can absorb the power of fate to receive a reward!]

Jennifer's voice startled Roy, but he quickly regained his composure.

"I've always been a sentimental person."

Jennifer didn't seem convinced. She rolled her beautiful, almond-shaped eyes at him.

"Is that the same line you used to trick Nidhi?"

"What do you mean, trick? Maybe it's just because you won't let me."

"Ugh, I don't have time for this!"

Jennifer's face flushed slightly as she hugged her books and walked toward the classroom.

"Jennifer, wait up! Did Nidhi come to school with you today?"

Nidhi and Jennifer lived right across from each other, and they usually commuted together.

"She didn't come today."

Roy frowned at her response. It seemed like Nidhi was still troubled by everything that had happened recently. Maybe he should check in on her later.

As soon as Roy stepped into the classroom, he was treated like a celebrity. Both his male and female classmates crowded around him, eager to know what had happened that night.

The incident at the police station had been swept under the rug by the local government, mostly to cover up the police's incompetence. As a result, the townspeople weren't aware of the details.

Given that Americans tend to be skeptical of government cover-ups, the students were naturally curious.

Roy, however, wasn't too keen on sharing, especially since he had signed a non-disclosure agreement. The hefty reward he was getting was reason enough to keep quiet.

Fortunately, the school bell rang just in time. Elizabeth Hale, wearing a red top and a short pencil skirt, entered the room, carrying a stack of books.

Elizabeth was one of the most popular teachers at Oakridge High, rivaling Jennifer in popularity. She was the dream girl of many male students.

After all, who could resist a gorgeous, confident, and generous teacher?

Even Roy found himself struggling to stay focused when Elizabeth walked in wearing a low-cut T-shirt.

"Alright, class, let's get started!"

Roy kept his eyes locked on Elizabeth, but purely out of academic interest. Really.

Then, he heard Jennifer mutter from the front row.

"Hmph! Typical guy. So quick to move on! And these hypocrites—weren't they all calling Roy a murderer just a few days ago?"

She couldn't possibly be talking about him. Roy could swear on his life—he was the most loyal guy ever. He didn't like letting go of any beautiful girl.

Caught up in his own thoughts, Roy didn't notice the peculiar way Elizabeth was looking at him.

The school day passed quickly. There wasn't much to say about it—except that Jennifer kept up her usual hot-and-cold behavior, and Roy spent most of the day feeling like an exhibit in a zoo, with the whole school gawking at him.

By the time afternoon football practice rolled around, Roy decided to skip it.

To be honest, he wasn't really into football anyway. He preferred basketball.

Unfortunately, basketball wasn't that popular in Texas, being considered more of a "Black sport." Oakridge High's basketball team barely had any members and was basically the punching bag of every school league.

"Hey, Jennifer, need a ride?"

Jennifer glanced at Roy, who was leaning out of his second-hand yellow Chevy Camaro, whistling at her. Her eyes twinkled with amusement.

"You don't even live in my direction. Are you offering to drive me home?"

"I was planning to check on Nidhi anyway. It's on the way."

The moment he said that, Jennifer's face turned cold. No girl likes hearing another girl's name from a guy's mouth, even if that girl happens to be her best friend.

After all, best friend or not, there's always a fine line between friend and rival.

Jennifer ignored Roy and kept walking.

Roy, undeterred, drove slowly beside her, honking occasionally.

Annoyed by the sound, Jennifer finally stopped and turned to him.

"Mr. Black, would you quit bugging me?"

Using his last name—that was a clear sign she was mad.

"Jennifer, are you upset? Don't be. If you were ever in trouble like Nidhi, I'd be the first one there to help you!"

Her expression softened a little.

"You really mean that?"

"Of course! If anyone ever tries to hurt you, I'd put a bullet in their head. Now, get in the car, Jennifer."

Jennifer bit her lip and looked at Roy.

"Really?"

"As real as a diamond."

At last, Jennifer smiled and got into the car.

The students who witnessed this scene felt like the sky was falling.

Their crush was in a car with someone else. The only appropriate place for them now was under that car—not standing helplessly on the sidewalk.

Roy pulled up in front of Jennifer's house. She chatted with him for a bit before getting out.

Just then, a gaunt middle-aged man stepped out of Jennifer's house, eyeing Roy darkly.

"Listen up, kid. You'd better stay away from Jennifer, or I'll make sure you regret it."

Roy recognized him. He was Jennifer's adoptive father.

The man's hostility surprised him. Was he really that protective of his adoptive daughter?

Jennifer turned around and shot a glare at her adoptive father.

"Stay out of my business!"

It was obvious there was tension between them. But as an outsider, Roy felt it wasn't his place to interfere—at least, not yet.

Jennifer's adoptive father's face darkened. He grabbed her wrist and started dragging her inside.

"Let go! You're hurting me!"

Jennifer struggled, her eyes darting toward Roy in a silent plea for help.

Something was definitely off. This wasn't normal behavior for a father and daughter.

Roy stepped in, placing a firm hand on the man's shoulder.

"Sir, she said you're hurting her."

As the quarterback of the football team, Roy had strong arms and a solid grip. With just a little pressure, Jennifer's adoptive father winced in pain.

"You little punk! Trying to play the hero? Jennifer is my daughter!"

"Is that so? Because from where I'm standing, it looks more like harassment. I happen to know Sheriff Hughes—should I go ahead and report this?"

Roy had the build of an athlete and an air of authority. Combined with the threat of police involvement, Jennifer's adoptive father immediately backed down. He glared at Roy and Jennifer before retreating into the house.

"Are you okay, Jennifer? Does it still hurt?"

Roy turned to her with concern.

Jennifer rubbed her wrist and gave him a small, bittersweet smile.

"I'm fine now."

Something about that smile didn't sit right with Roy. There was definitely more to this situation.

"Jennifer, I meant what I said earlier. If you ever need help, I'll be there for you."

Her smile shifted from bittersweet to genuinely touched.

"It's okay, Roy. I can handle this."

Roy sighed. Jennifer was too strong-willed for her own good, never willing to ask for help.

Maybe Nidhi would have more insight.

"Alright, I'm heading to Nidhi's place. Take care."

"You too. Bye!"

"Bye!"

(End of Chapter)