A flash of admiration flickered in Herman Hawthorne’s eyes. "Very good. A typical training camp has ten people—four won and six n. Everyone who makes it to the end receives a million-dollar reward."
Nora Ainsworth was about to speak, but her gaze fell on Chloe Marshall. The hope in Chloe’s eyes was surprisingly obvious.
"Chloe, do you want to go too?"
Ethan Ellsworth imdiately replied, "She doesn’t have what it takes."
"Who says I don’t!" Chloe Marshall blurted out excitedly. "Boss Ellsworth, I can do it! If I’m with Nora, I’m sure I can."
Ethan Ellsworth frowned. "No. If you go, wouldn’t I have to find another assistant? What a hassle."
"Boss Ellsworth, think about it. If I go train with Nora, you’ll have a bodyguard and an assistant by your side. Wouldn’t that be great?"
Herman Hawthorne chuckled. "You little rascal. It’s obvious you’re after that million-dollar prize. But, as long as Young Master Ellsworth agrees, it won’t hurt to have one more give it a try."
Ethan Ellsworth snorted. "Fine, give it a try. If you don’t, you’ll probably think I’m a harsh boss who doesn’t give you a chance. Idiot. I’d like to see how you co crawling back."
A smile spread across Chloe Marshall’s face, and her voice was sweet. "Boss Ellsworth, once I get really good, I’ll protect you."
Ethan Ellsworth was dismissive. ", need your protection? Don’t be ridiculous."
Quentin Grant spoke up. "Let Nora co back once every three days. A week at most."
Herman Hawthorne laughed heartily. "No problem."
That evening, everyone enjoyed the hot pot imnsely. When they left, the snow outside had stopped.
Just as they were about to get in their cars, a woman’s voice stopped them in their tracks.
"Brother!"
Quentin Grant turned his head and saw it was Jean Grant.
"Why aren’t you ho yet?" His voice was calm, but his eyes held a hint of reprimand.
Jean Grant said matter-of-factly, "You’re not ho either, and you’re lecturing ? I ca here for hot pot and just finished."
Quentin Grant moved to open his car door. "Then hurry ho. Don’t make Mom worry."
Jean Grant suddenly recognized Nora Ainsworth. "What are you doing here? Aren’t you the stepdaughter who was kicked out by the Ainsworth family? My brother’s wedding was canceled yesterday because your mother jumped off a building and killed herself."
Nora Ainsworth admitted it calmly. "That’s . As for my mother not choosing a better place to commit suicide, I am also deeply sorry."
That last sentence was completely against her true feelings.
Jean Grant glanced around at the group and asked skeptically, "Are you Herman’s woman?"
Nora Ainsworth wished she could find a hole to crawl into. This feeling of being unable to see the light of day felt like a harsh slap to the face.
Herman Hawthorne chuckled and smoothly wrapped an arm around Nora Ainsworth’s shoulder. "Jean, you really have sharp eyes. You saw right through us. We’ll be sure to give you wedding candy when we get married."
Jean Grant’s expression finally softened. "Definitely. My car is over there. I’m heading back first. You guys be careful on the road."
Seeing her walk away, Herman Hawthorne still hadn’t released his arm. Quentin Grant’s expression was unreadable as he snapped at Nora Ainsworth, "Aren’t you getting in the car?!"
Nora Ainsworth gave Herman Hawthorne an awkward look and quickly ran to the passenger seat.
Ethan Ellsworth, enjoying the show, whistled. "I see soone’s face is as black as the bottom of a pot. Still, that was a great excuse. If Herman hadn’t said it, I would have used it myself."
"Even if you had, Boss Ellsworth, Miss Grant wouldn’t have believed you."
Ethan Ellsworth turned back. "Why?"
Chloe Marshall deliberately reminded him, "Because last ti, Boss Ellsworth, you already used the fake story about being your girlfriend. If you claid Nora was your girlfriend this ti, no one would believe you... unless you were bold enough to have two girlfriends at once."
Quentin Grant nodded in agreent. "Ethan Ellsworth knows full well who he really wants as his girlfriend. So, no need for explanations. Explanations are just cover-ups."
Ethan Ellsworth gave two awkward coughs. "Everyone, back to your own hos. Let’s go!"
Quentin Grant chuckled, got in his car, and drove quickly toward ho.
When they stopped at the main gate, he didn’t get out right away. Instead, he looked at Nora Ainsworth. "Between and Herman, who’s more charming?"
Nora Ainsworth’s mind went a little blank. She retorted, "Since when are you so insecure? But fine, you’re more charming."
Only then did he grunt in satisfaction. "I knew I was more charming."
Countless dark lines seed to fall across Nora Ainsworth’s forehead. ’Is this man a little neurotic sotis?’
The two of them lay there side-by-side. Quentin Grant opened the window a crack, and cold air rushed in, bringing a chill with it.
He didn’t hold her. They slept side-by-side.
But in the middle of the night, he unconsciously pulled her closer and closer.
The next day, before dawn, Nora Ainsworth was already up. She was feeling much better. Quentin Grant had soone drive her to Herman Hawthorne’s secret location.
The journey was difficult. They went from the city to the suburbs, then to the edge of the mountains, driving for a long ti on a mountain road before finally reaching the summit.
A large villa was built on a cliff, looking incredibly perilous from the side.
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