Chapter 26: Stay Away From Me

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

When Evans saw the words above Audrey’s head, a rare look of embarrassment appeared on his face.

This marked the first instance where he found himself in such a predicament. Historically, when women caught sight of him, their minds concocted a myriad of strategies to engage with him. Though this persistent attention was vexing, Audrey, in contrast, wished for him to maintain his distance from her.

“Did I do anything to dissatisfy Miss Audrey?” Evans suddenly asked.

This time, not only Audrey, but the others also looked at Evans in puzzlement.

They looked at Evans and then at Audrey in disbelief.

Audrey felt that the two women had already poked a few holes in her with their gazes.

She smiled and said, “Why would Mr. Hill think that? We’re not familiar with each other. How can I be dissatisfied?”

Despite her outward composure, a tumultuous roar echoed within her heart.

[No. Do you bear a grudge against me? I am begging you. Stay away from me. I don’t want to be prick in those women’s eyes.]

A trace of a smile flashed across Evans’ eyes, but it disappeared in a flash without anyone noticing.

Audrey only wanted to leave this place as soon as possible. She looked at Abner and Evans and said, “Brother, Mr. Hill, I have something to deal with. I’ll take my leave first.”

She originally wanted to retort back at the two women, but now, she didn’t want to think about this anymore. It was more important to leave quickly. These small matters could be put aside for now.

Abner could tell that she was eager to leave. He said, “Go. If you’re tired, go back to your room and rest.”

Audrey nodded. She heaved a sigh of relief and hurriedly walked into the house.

Eric, who had finished dealing with the visitors, saw her rushing into the house. He frowned and walked quickly to her side.

“Why are you walking so fast? Are there ghosts chasing you?” Eric asked.

Audrey didn’t stop walking.

[That’s much scarier than ghosts. If I stay any longer, I’ll be torn apart and eaten by those women.]

Eric was speechless.

He looked in the direction Audrey had come from and could only see Abner and Evans. It was unknown what the two of them were talking about, but their faces were expressionless.

He touched his arm and felt cold.

As expected, birds of a feather flock together.

Amanda had scolded Eric many times because Abner had befriended Evans. She scolded Eric for making friends who were nothing but troublemakers and complained about how he didn’t make friends with individuals of beneficial status, as Abner had done.

The Hills Family stood as the most affluent in the city, making it undeniably advantageous to cultivate a friendship with someone like Evans. However, for Eric, forging such a connection was out of reach. In fact, he felt that he might freeze in place if he uttered even a few more words to Evans.

Eric couldn’t be bothered to feign civility with those people and returned with Audrey.

Even after Audrey departed, the two women remained intent on getting closer to Evans and Abner. It didn’t matter which of the two they managed to connect with; either choice would undoubtedly result in their waking up with joyous laughter in their dreams.

Nevertheless, Abner and Evans displayed no inclination to acknowledge their presence. They seemed utterly disinterested, not sparing a single glance in their direction.

Many people around them were paying attention to this side. They looked at the two of them with mocking gazes. The two of them couldn’t stay any longer and quickly left.

After the two of them left, Abner started scrutinizing Evans.

As Audrey hastily departed, Evans had initially been observing her. Feeling his gaze upon him, he then redirected his attention to Abner. “Why are you staring at me?”

Abner asked, “Do you know Audrey well?”

Evans said, “Didn’t you hear her say just now that we’re not close?”

Abner frowned slightly. “But you knew that she had an audition.”

Evans: “When she went for the audition, I coincidentally had an inspection there. I crossed paths with her and engaged in a conversation.”

Abner didn’t say anything else. He was just a little puzzled.

He was well-acquainted with this close friend of his. The two shared numerous similarities and a general lack of interest in various matters. Neither of them would ever initiate a conversation with a member of the opposite sex they had only encountered a handful of times.

Having been friends since high school, they possessed an in-depth understanding of each other’s personalities. Abner recognized Evans’ inclination towards brevity, prompting him to shift the subject.

“How’s your eldest brother now?” Abner asked.

Evans responded, “Very good. He’s preparing to go on a trip.”

Abner nodded and did not say anything else.

Evans cast a brief glance at him and caught a glimpse of intricate emotions fleeting across his eyes. Yet, those emotions vanished swiftly, disappearing so rapidly that they seemed almost inscrutable.

Evans said calmly, “If you’re worried, you can visit him.”

With a very calm expression, Abner responded, “There’s no need for that. Didn’t you say that he’s very good?”

Evans raised his eyebrows and stopped talking.