Angelique couldn’t help but take another breath, drawing in the faint scent lingering on him.
The body that had encircled Angelique was visibly tense—ironically, he seemed more like the one trapped.
The woman who had called out earlier took a brief glance around the conservatory. Finding it empty, she mumbled something under her breath before quickly leaving.
Only after confirming that she was truly gone did the man finally release Angelique.
This elite academy was established by the Ainsworth family, and the conservatory belonged exclusively to Raymond. No matter how wealthy or powerful the students here were, no one dared to trespass—except, of course, Daphne, who had just been searching for him.
Raymond took his time examining the girl before him, his gaze sweeping over her from head to toe.
A pair of worn-out sneakers. A cheap, textureless coat. But above all that—her delicate, palm-sized face was a masterpiece of striking features. Full, rosy lips. A high, dainty nose. And most unforgettable of all—her wide, doe-like eyes blinking up at him.
Snowflakes clung to her long, thick lashes, melting into droplets that trembled before falling as she blinked.
Raymond had seen countless beautiful women before. In the upper class society, beauty was the least rare commodity.
With a single wave of his hand, thousands of women would throw themselves at his feet. Yet, for some reason, the way this girl looked at him—without any calculation, without any hidden motives—felt different.
'She doesn’t know who I am,' he thought. The realization settled in his chest.
"Are you the new scholarship student?" he asked.
Angelique bit her lower lip, a faint blush creeping up her cheeks. She nodded.
"First year?"
"Third," she timidly answered.
Raymond raised a brow. "You transferred in your third year?"
"My family can’t afford to send me to college," she admitted softly. "If I get accepted here, then I'll qualify for the scholarship—it covers my tuition for all four years of university."
As she spoke, her bright eyes gleamed with quiet determination.
Like a single leaf drifting onto a still lake, sending ripples outward—only to vanish moments later.
An unfamiliar itch stirred in Raymond’s chest.
"What class?"
"A-Class..."
Even among the elite, there were rankings.
A-Class was exclusively for the heirs of old-money families—the absolute top of the hierarchy.
The only exception was the annual scholarship student.
"You’re planning to walk into class dressed like that?"
Angelique glanced down at her out-of-place coat, her expression filled with embarrassment. "A set of winter uniforms costs tens of thousands. I-"
Before she could finish, Raymond—who had always been aloof and untouchable—suddenly grabbed her wrist.
He had already noticed earlier—her arms were frighteningly thin, like a white jasmine swaying in the wind, fragile enough to snap with the slightest force.
And now, with her wrist in his grasp, he confirmed it.
'Does she even eat? Her cheeks still carried a hint of baby fat, yet her body was this frail.'
Of course, Angelique had no idea what he was thinking. From her perspective, all she saw were his sharp, phoenix-shaped eyes—dark and unreadable.
The distant melody of a symphony rang through the air. The class bell.
Angelique’s eyes widened in panic. "Oh no! I’m late!"
She slung her backpack over her shoulder, ready to bolt.
But before she could take a step, Raymond effortlessly grabbed the strap, stopping her in her tracks.
Desperation welled up in her eyes. "Please, I’m begging you! It’s my first day! If I’m late, I’ll lose my perfect attendance!"
