Chasing the Unexpected

Chapter 735

Sullivan raised an eyebrow. “I’m not escorting you. This just happens to be my way home too. I can’t just avoid this road because you’re on it, right?”

Ruby frowned but couldn’t argue with his logic. After a few moments of silence, she turned and walked off quickly.

Sullivan stayed about four to five meters behind.

This annoyed Ruby, so she quickened her pace, hoping to shake him off. No matter how fast she walked, he kept his distance until she entered her apartment building. Only then did he stop following.

Back in her apartment, she slipped off her shoes and walked to the couch, feeling exhausted.

Her phone buzzed. It was a Messenger message from Nyla.

Nyla: [Hey, I noticed you didn’t seem well today. If there’s anything troubling you, don’t hesitate to talk to me. I’ll help you figure things out. Stay strong!]

Ruby stared at the message for a moment before simply replying: [Okay.]

At a popular seafood restaurant in Saintornia…

Nyla looked at Ruby’s brief response and felt a pang of disappointment. She turned her phone face–down on the table.

Noticing her downcast expression, Damon placed some crab meat he h plate and said, “Let’s eat first. You seem distracted tonight. What’s on y

st picked clean onto her

nd?”

‘Nyla accepted the plate, debating whether to tell him about Ruby, but a familiar voice interrupted her, ” Nyla, Mr. Sumner, you’re here for dinner too?” Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

Turning around, she saw Valarie and looked surprised. “Valarie, you’re here too? And who is this?”

Valarie nodded with a smile. “Yes. Let me introduce you this is my boyfriend, Zayn Updike.”

“Boyfriend?!” Nyla exclaimed.

She clearly remembered Brandon pursuing Valarie not long ago, and Valarie hadn’t seemed entirely indifferent to him either. How did she suddenly have a boyfriend?

“Yeah, we just got together. I planned to wait until things were more stable before telling you, but I didn’t expect to run into you tonight,” Valarie said, her expression calm, not at all like someone in the throes of a new relationship.

Though puzzled, Nyla knew it wasn’t the right time to ask. She turned to Zayn. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Updike.”

“Zayn, this is Nyla Kinsey, my best friend. As for Mr. Sumner, I don’t think he needs an introduction,” Valarie said.

Zayn smiled warmly. “Good evening, Ms. Kinsey, Mr. Sumner.”

Damon squinted slightly but replied calmly, “Mr. Updike, it’s been a while.”

After exchanging greetings, Valarie looked at Nyla. “We have plans later, so we won’t keep you. Let’s catch up another time.”

Seeing Nyla nod, Valarie turned to Mason. “Buddy, what would you like as a present? I will bring it for you next time.”

Mason shook his head. “I don’t need anything. Seeing Aunt Valarie makes me happy enough.”

Valarie pinched his cheek playfully. “Oh, you little charmer! You’re already out–talking your dad by a mile. You’re going to be a hit with the girls when you grow up.

Damon’s face fell.

Seeing him scowl, Nyla had to hold back a laugh. He probably hadn’t expected to be outdone by his own

son.

Valarie and Zayn left soon after.

As they disappeared through the restaurant’s door, Nyla turned to Damon and asked, “Isn’t Brandon still pursuing Valarie? How did she end up with Zayn? And from the way she looked at him, it didn’t seem like she’s that into him.”