Whether it was because of Raymond’s words or the physiological reaction to his touch, Angelique’s legs turned weak, and her body trembled uncontrollably.
At the breaking point of her composure, she finally whimpered like a helpless kitten, “Master...”
Every subtle change in her expression was seared into Raymond’s memory. He reveled in this kind of amusement.
“So, what did you come to find me for?” he asked.
Angelique snapped back to reality. She reached into her pocket, only for her face to darken moment by moment.
“Oh no! I think I lost your badge.”
Watching her panic over such a trivial matter, Raymond only found her naivety amusing.
Smiling lightly, he said, “It’s just a badge. If it’s lost, then it’s lost.”
Angelique bit her lip and nodded obediently. That was when she noticed the small droplets of blood splattered on the ground.
“You’re hurt.”
Raymond glanced at the cut on his left wrist, utterly unconcerned. “It’s nothing.”
“That won’t do!”
The innocent little bunny from moments ago suddenly placed her hands on her hips, pouting in dissatisfaction.
Angelique pulled a Hello Kitty band-aid from her pocket and carefully placed it over his wound.
“Make sure you go to the infirmary later to disinfect it. This is just to keep bacteria away for now. If you leave a scar, that delicate skin of yours won’t look as nice anymore.”
Raymond chuckled. “You’re not worried about my safety—just my looks?”
His teasing tone made Angelique’s face flush bright red. She fumbled for an explanation, “The wound isn’t serious enough to affect your health... I just...”
Halfway through her defense, she gave up and pouted. “Fine, I was wrong.”
“Hmm?”
“...Master.”
“Good girl. Go back for now. I’ll give you a little reward tomorrow.”
With his permission, Angelique bolted away in a flustered escape.
To Raymond, though, it looked more like a shy retreat.
—
Before she even stepped into the classroom, Angelique could tell something was wrong.
The curtains were all drawn, the back door was locked, leaving only the front door slightly ajar.
Daphne was even more impatient than she had expected.
Angelique knew what awaited her, yet she still pushed the door open without hesitation.
The moment she stepped inside—a bucket of ice-cold water came crashing down, drenching her completely.
A gust of wind swept through the room, making her shiver violently. Water droplets clung to her eyelashes, blurring her vision.
Before she could react, a sharp slap landed on her cheek.
Daphne grabbed a fistful of her wet hair, yanking her closer.
“You shameless slut!” she spat. “First day here, and you’re already trying to seduce Raymond? And stealing his badge too? Do you even know he’s mine? Who gave you the guts to compete with me for him?”
Tears welled up in Angelique’s eyes as she desperately tried to explain, “No, it’s not like that! I ran into Young Master Raymond in the greenhouse and happened to find it there—I swear I didn’t steal it!”
At the mention of the greenhouse, Daphne’s expression twisted with rage.
“You mean to tell me you set foot in the greenhouse? Do you have any idea it’s Raymond’s forbidden place? Who do you think you are to step in there?!”
Though her words were sharp, Angelique knew the real reason for Daphne’s breakdown—it wasn’t about the greenhouse.
It was the fact that she had encountered Raymond there and had suffered no consequences for it.
Still, she tried to defend herself, “I swear, it was an accident! I didn’t mean to! And Mr. Ainsworthn never said anything about it-”
Just as Daphne’s hand was about to strike again—someone grabbed her wrist mid-air.
Daphne turned in disbelief to see the one who had stopped her. “Daryl, you’re taking this slut’s side too?”
