want to see me.”
She clenched her fists uneasily as a wave of bitterness surged through her.
Back then, Steven had tried to warn Quinn to be cautious, yet she only had eyes for Nicholas and refused to heed Steven’s advice.
He must have been heartbroken back then. He had devoted many of his years to teaching her, only for her to waste her time, letting him down.
“That’s not true! Grandpa would definitely be happy to see you! Besides, I’m here–I won’t let him punish you! You’ve always
protected me when we were younger, so it’s now my turn to return the favor!” Gabriel patted his chest confidently before taking Quinn’s hand and leading her upstairs.
She wasn’t expecting Steven to come running with a book in his hand as soon as the door opened.
Gabriel immediately hid behind Quinn’s back as soon as he saw what was happening. “Don’t be angry, Grandpa! Look who’s
here.”
Only then did she realize that he was using her as a shield.
Quinn smiled helplessly. She turned to Steven with a guilty and apologetic look. “I’m back, Professor Hartman. I was wrong back
then, I’m sorry for letting you down.”
Steven stared at her in shock with reddening eyes. He started smiling uncontrollably after coming back to his senses, and he
muttered, “It’s good that you’re back-”
Quinn felt a surge of warmth in her heart seeing what had happened. Gabriel had also stepped out from behind her when he saw
that the crisis had been averted.
Just as they reached out to help Steven, each of them was struck with a solid blow. It was evident how hard Steven had hit them
from the loud thud on their heads.
“How dare the both of you come back still! Go stand in the corner and think about what you’ve done wrong!” he snapped with a
face, but his smile returned as soon as he turned around.
Both Quinn and Gabriel sheepishly went to stand in a corner. They exchanged a glance before starting to giggle.
“The last time we stood in the corner together seems to be over ten years ago,” Gabriel spoke first, his gaze lingering on her.
Flustered by h
his direct gaze, Quinn quickly looked down. She said while smiling, “That’s right. The little boy from back then has
2/3
+15 Bonus
grown up so much now.”
She wasn’t expecting Gabriel to lean in closer, looking at her with wide eyes. “You’ve said for yourself that I’ve grown up, so I’m
no longer a little boy. Why aren’t you looking me in the eyes? Are you too shy to look at me?
