Chapter 19
Alaric was the kind of guy who didn’t mind getting his hands dirty, as long as it paid off. Once he set foot in the school, he jumped into all the things Xavier had turned his nose up at–like volunteering and even filling in as a teacher for a bit.
Alaric was a natural at school and had this way of getting people to see things his way. He fit right in as a teacher. But his mom had her worries. She thought he might end up leading some shady group one day.
For now, though, he was the teacher, and the principal, informed by the producers, played along, well aware of Alaric’s background,
“New here?” one of the other teachers asked, checking him out.
Alaric just nodded, meeting their gazes.
“Young, huh? Just out of college? You look even younger. What brings you to teach here? Looking for a bit of adventure?” They were full of questions, curious about the new guy.
He stood out in his fancy clothes, even with a few mud spots. He was good–looking, but in a different way than Xavier’s tough–guy look. Alaric was more approachable, which had some of the ladies blushing
Instead of answering their questions, Alaric said, “There’s who I’m waiting for. Gotta go.”
The bell rang and Yasmine came out with her old bag, running right into Alaric.
Alaric grabbed her collar, stopping her in her tracks. It was clear he was there for Yasmine. Instantly, everyone’s eyes bulged with surprise
The kids didn’t hold back their questions. “Yasmine, who is he?” one of them asked.
“Another brother!” someone echoed.
Edwin, though, backed away, scared. His mind was racing with questions. Another brother? Will he also beat me to defend Yasmine?’ He didn’t stick around to find out, rushing home to avoid more lectures from his family.
The viewers were thoroughly amused.
[Edwin’s a wimpl
Why isn’t Alaric saying anything? Waiting for Yasmine to introduce him?]
Yasmine spoke up, setting them straight, “He’s not my brother.”
Alaric’s eyebrows twitched, indicating his disappointment.
Then who is he?” The classmates were all ears.
Yasmine hesitated, then mumbled, “He’s from the city. A rich guy”
The teachers found it funny. Alaric was so out of place, and it was obvious to them he wasn’t from around here.
Suddenly, Alaric bent down, picked Yasmine up, and smoothly said, “Tm her distant relative.
The class went wild. “Yasmine has a distant relative!” someone exclaimed.
The teachers looked at each other, confused. “A relative from Yasmine’s mom’s side?”
asked.
Alaric confirmed it with a simple nod
ring her mouth and carrying her outside.
Yasmine opened her mouth, trying to correct him, but Alaric was quicker, covering
The viewers were stunned.
What is Alaric thinking? Why he
[On purpose, right? Yasmine is not treating him the same way she treats Xavier, so he’s taking a different approach
TO 08 AM
Chapter 19
Is Alaric trying to win Yasmine over?]
The chatter died down as they left school. Alaric asked, “Does Xavier pick you up after school?” His question was met with Yasmine’s
silence
“Does he carry you?” Alaric kept at it, but Yasmine stayed tight–lipped, ignoring his probing.
[What?]
[Why are you competing?]
Are you two going to compete to the death?]
Alaric said. “I have a younger sister at home.” He paused, then added. Tm a better older brother than Xavier.”
Yasmine wasn’t impressed, thinking to herself. What does that have to do with me?
[Alaric’s charm isn’t working anymore.J
Yasmine doesn’t even leave him an egg, a far cry from how she treats Xavier.]
Can Xavier see the show? I’m looking forward to seeing what expression he will have ]
The audience, loving the drama, switched over to watch Xavier. He was just finishing up checking the items Johnny’s team had bought
This one won’t do. She won’t like it, Xavier said, shaking his head
This one isn’t pretty enough. Get a nicer one,” he continued, handing back the item.
After a careful look at everything, a question popped into his head. He turned to a crew member and asked, “Did Yasmine mushroom hunting on her own?”
The crew member nødded back. “She’s all done”
“And she didn’t even wait for me,” Xavier said, a playful tone in his voice, but no real annoyance on his face. His mind quickly jumped to another question. “She hasn’t sold them yet, right?”
“Nope, not a chance, the crew member reassured him.
Xavier’s face lit up with satisfaction as he grabbed his phone and started tapping out a message.
Johnny strolled over, eyeing Xavier’s actions. “What are you doing?”
“Sending a text to Alaric, Xavier replied, not looking up from his screen.
The room went silent, the audience equally stunned by the revelation.
“You’re texting Alaric?” Johnny’s voice was full of disbelief.
Xavier snorted, “Yeah, can’t have that nitwit messing with h Yasmine. Gotta tell him to stick around when Yasmine’s out picking mushrooms and keep an eye on her when she’s selling.”
Johnny paused, skepticism in his voice. “You think he’ll listen to you?”
Xavier’s brow arched with confidence. “He will.”
Jesura, behind Johnny, was a mess of nerves: Weren’t Xavier and Alaric rivals? How could Xavier be pushing Alaric to look out for Yasmine she wondered, jealousy washing over her.
Johnny, reading his son’s mind, asked, “Playing mind games?”
Xavier, focused on his texting, shot back, “Nah, no games. Alaric’s always been top dog; for him, it’s all about winning. He’d hate to lose
Johnny grinning, let his son’s move slade. After all, the Sanchez family’s golden boy was expected to have a knack for handling people. And right now, he was handling it just fine,
Chapter 19
다
Meanwhile, Alaric and Yasmine, after a four–hour hike, finally made it back home as night fell.
Alaric, never one to show weakness, kept his fatigue under wraps.
“Any chance of dinner tonight?” Alaric asked, his tone casual
Yasmine hesitated before replying, “Sweet potatoes?”
“Hit me up.” Alaric agreed without missing a beat.
Yasmine tossed the sweet potatoes into the stove, and soon they were perfectly roasted. She used a stick to pull them out, peeling back the skin to reveal the sweet, oozing insides,
Alaric took a bite and remarked, “Not bad.”
It was actually delicious, but his upbringing had taught him to keep his cards close. Good or bad, his usual descriptors were “not bad” or “passable.” It was the elite way–never show your hand.
Yasmine shared the sweet potatoes with her grumpy grandpa, who’d been moping since Xavier left.
As she munched on her share, Yasmine pulled something small and precious from her cloth bag, carefully placing it into a chipped tin box
“What’s that” Alaric’s voice startled her from behind
Yasmine clutched the tin box close. “None of your business”
“Food?” Alaric pressed.
Getting no reply, he continued, “Don’t store food in there. The box is rusted.”
Yasmine paused, then quickly removed the item, considering his advice.
“Why not eat it now?” Alaric asked, curiosity peeking through. “Saving it for Xavier?
With a reluctant nod. Yasmine confirmed his suspicion, and Alaric fell silent, a thoughtful look on his face.
ILMAO, talk about a smackdown!
[Xavier got Yasmine gifts, and Yasmine’s been secretly getting one together for him too. Ain’t that the cutest BFF move ever!]
“Mr. Kendrick” Meanwhile, Danny’s voice cut through the quiet, his tone shaky as he informed Alaric of a text message. He was anxious, unsure of the message’s content but hopeful it wouldn’t cause more trouble. Despite his worries, Danny couldn’t deny the thrill of handling the fat sponsorship checks.
Alaric glanced at the phone, his expression unreadable as he read the message from Xavier.
me.]
Xavier: (Ask Yasmine if she misses me.
Is he trying to assert his closeness with Yasmine! Boring, Alaric thought, ready to ignore it. Just then, his phone buzzed again, signaling another incoming message.
