Chapter 3

After much contemplation, there was only one possibility.

Perhaps I had inadvertently glimpsed his photograph?

I thought I had forgotten, but my subconscious held onto it tightly.

Then, it projected into my dreams.

That was the only explanation.

As for the wound on Ethan’s lip,

It must have been an unfortunate coincidence.

Though spring dreams are hard to speak of, as long as I don’t mention it, no one will know.

To avoid dreaming of him again, I forced myself to stay awake until dawn.

At noon, my roommate woke me up with a tap.

“Avy, stop sleeping, someone’s here for you.”

“Who?”

“Ethan Sterling.”

I immediately opened my eyes, meeting my roommate’s gaze filled with gossiping curiosity.

“He’s right downstairs at our dorm, you better hurry.”

I quickly freshened up and rushed downstairs.

Ethan Sterling’s height and demeanor were exceptionally striking, his back straight as a rod.

Even standing in a corner, he drew the attention of most passersby.

He scrutinized me, his deep, magnetic voice resonating, “Didn’t sleep well last night?”

My eardrums seemed to quiver slightly at this familiar yet unfamiliar voice-it was the very voice I had fantasized about countless times in my dreams.

“How did you know?” I asked.

“Your dark circles are quite pronounced.”

“Oh, what do you want?”

“I heard from Allison that you plan to expose her situation online?”

“If the school continues to cover for her, I will.” My stance was firm.

Ethan pondered for a moment, “The group is currently undergoing an important PR project, could you possibly reconsider? Name your terms.”

“No.” I refused decisively, “Once you bow to people like you, you’ll never be able to lift your head again.”

“People like us?” Ethan raised an eyebrow slightly, with a hint of inquiry.

“Yes, people like you, the privileged class, dressing yourselves up glamorously every day, but beneath the facade lies decay, living off the sweat and blood of ordinary people.”

Ethan did not get angry.

But after a moment of silence, he asked an unexpected question:

“Is that how you see me?”

“Of course, you and Allison are family. With a niece like that, what kind of person could you be as her elder?”

With that, I turned to head back upstairs.

Ethan suddenly called out to me again.

“Avila Winters.”

“Anything else?”

He paused slightly, his tone carrying an indescribable warmth:

“Get some rest tonight, have a good sleep.”