Chapter 90: Chapter 90: You’re Going Abroad?
Ariana Grant looked at her, confused.
"Are you sure nothing will happen?"
"Rest assured, nothing will happen. Go buy food and then forget about this." She explained as tactfully as she could: "Warren Prescott acted like that towards you probably because he was just being silly. He should get over it soon."
"Oh, oh..."
Ariana Grant looked quite relieved.
"That’s good. I think so too. I mean, I’m pretty chubby, and he probably just finds it novel since he’s never dated a chubby girl and wants a change of taste."
"You’re not that chubby, you just have a bit of a tummy because of digestive issues. Once your digestion improves, you’ll slim down."
"Yeah! I’m off to buy some food! What do you want?"
"Just some porridge for me, I don’t have much of an appetite."
"Alright!"
Ariana Grant hurried out, and Ashley Shaw sighed in relief.
She’d seen enough TV dramas and novels where friendships fall apart over a guy, so she was really afraid that might happen just now.
It would be terrible if, after saving her friend, their friendship was ruined; she would truly hate Warren Prescott for that.
Luckily, Ariana misunderstood the situation but wasn’t actually interested in Warren, so Ashley didn’t bother to explain too clearly, fearing it might hurt Ariana’s self-esteem.
Though she seemed carefree, Ariana actually cared a lot about her appearance.
Back then, she was isolated by the girls in class because she was too chubby.
With this diversion, Ashley finally came to a realization.
Warren Prescott might indeed be interested in her.
But this "interest" was likely just guilt mistaken for affection.
She’d wait and see; if Warren couldn’t figure out what he truly wanted, she would clear things up.
Knowing Warren’s bad temper, if rejected, he would certainly leave without a word.
The next day came quickly, and Ashley Shaw was discharged from the hospital.
Her vision was clear now, but because she had to avoid bright light for a few days, and it was a scorching day, Ariana Grant specially went out to buy her a pair of sunglasses.
Wearing them on her small face, she suddenly exuded a 1.9-meter aura.
Though Ashley was only 1.64 meters tall, she wasn’t particularly tall, her proportions were excellent, with long legs extending from her waist.
Ariana Grant couldn’t take her eyes off her.
"Wow, Ashley, I only realized today you’re such a cool girl."
Ashley Shaw ran her fingers through her hair, unwashed for three days.
"Would a stylish girl have greasy hair?"
"Wet hair is trendy these days."
"Is that really a trend?"
"Would I lie to you? Come on, cool girl, Ms. Grant is waiting for us at the hospital entrance. It’s free food, don’t miss out."
Ashley nodded and took some of the luggage from Ariana’s hand, reminding her, "No spicy or cold food, everything else is up to you."
Ariana Grant’s head dropped.
"Then there aren’t many tasty options left."
"Hmm?"
"No, no, I’ll listen to you. I’ll follow the doctor’s orders!"
Only then did Ashley crack a smile: "Good! Once you’re better, you can eat whatever you like."
When they reached the hospital entrance, Ashley immediately spotted Claire Xavier and Cillian Xavier in the crowd.
It was no surprise to see Cillian Xavier there.
According to their earlier agreement, today was the day for her to give her answer.
Sure enough, halfway through the meal, when Ashley’s sleeve was stained with gravy and the bathroom in the private room was occupied, she headed to the restroom outside.
And on her way back, she encountered Cillian Xavier leaning against the wall, obviously waiting for her.
"Have you thought about the studying abroad decision? I heard from Aunt Tate that Ariana’s condition isn’t that serious and that with treatment, she can fully recover in six months."
Ashley nodded.
"Yeah, we were lucky to see Dr. Tate in time."
"So what do you think? If you’re still worried about Ariana, I can help her apply as well. But her English isn’t that good, so she might not pass the IELTS test, and without passing IELTS, she won’t get into the same university as you. She’ll have to choose a different school in the same city. But I can assure you, whether she goes or not, I’ll have someone take good care of her."
Cillian laid out all the solutions for her concerns, or rather, her only concern.
Ashley stayed silent for a moment, then met Cillian’s gaze.
Her answer had been decided from the start, and she had told him before.
But Cillian insisted she reconsider, so she had to give him her answer now.
"I’ve made up my mind, I..."
"You’re going to study abroad?"
A deep voice suddenly cut in, carrying a hint of sarcasm.
Ashley and Cillian turned their heads towards the sound and saw a figure appear at the men’s restroom.
The sleeves of his white shirt were rolled up to his wrists, as if he’d just washed his hands. He wore black polished shoes and a pair of perfectly ironed slacks, emitting a cold aura as he gazed sharply at Ashley’s face.
It was as if the men’s room had become a famous photo spot just because he stood there.
Yet his shadowed eyes made one’s skin crawl.
It was Warren Prescott.
Both Ashley and Cillian showed varying degrees of surprise.
Warren had not intended to eavesdrop.
He was there to dine with a few project leaders from the construction site.
These were veterans in the business, and while he felt something fishy on-site about them, he couldn’t find anything for the time being.
Time wasn’t on his side for overseeing the project because in two months, he had to go to Aethelgard for school.
Not wanting to waste time on a wild goose chase, he decided to graciously invite these people for a meal.
By drinking with them, he got them to reveal the truth quickly.
Most of the drinking was done by Assistant Lowell, but he drank a fair bit too. He avoided the restroom in the private room to puke outside, hence his face appeared paler than usual.
Unexpectedly, when he walked out from the restroom, he heard their conversation.
He heard Cillian asking Ashley about her decision to study abroad.
And impatient to wait for Ashley’s response, he couldn’t help but speak up.
"Warren, why are you here?"
Cillian broke the silence first.
Warren half-smiled, his gaze still fixed on Ashley.
"Well, I happened to have a meal here, and surprisingly stumbled upon the fact that my dear sister is planning to study abroad. Such a big matter, aren’t you going to discuss even a word of it with Grandpa beforehand?"
He emphasized "dear sister" heavily, almost through gritted teeth.
Yet he put on a smiling facade, slightly curled his lips, his eyes turned downwards, showing a typical cheerful expression.
Mentioning Grandpa Prescott, Ashley had to explain that she wasn’t planning to study abroad.
Otherwise, if Grandpa Prescott heard about it, the old man would probably be upset for a few days.
"I..."