Chapter 509:
Carl Turner emerged, the embodiment of refined elegance, his gold-rimmed glasses lending him a scholarly air.
His polite yet distant voice filled the air.
âMiss Cruz, why on earth are you on foot? Didnât you have a driver arranged?â
Carl, tall and impeccably dressed, exuded a sophistication starkly different from Rhysâ type of charm.
Ettaâs eyes shimmered with intrigue as she recalled Lindsayâs words, describing Carl as the most promising heir of the esteemed Turner family.
âMr. Turner, are you on your way out?â
Etta averted her eyes modestly, a playful giggle escaping her lips while her long eyelashes concealed the calculating twinkle beneath.
With feigned simplicity, she added, âOh, about why I went on foot, itâs rather complicated, actually.â
Before Carl had a chance to speak, she continued with a touch of distress, âI hadnât anticipated the vastness of this place.
I fear I may be late for my classâ¦â
Pausing, she nibbled on her lower lip anxiously.
âMr. Turner, would it be too much to ask for a lift? Just to a spot where I can hail a taxi.
I wouldnât dream of imposing on you to drive me all the way to Baythorn University.â
âHow could I possibly refuse?â Carl, embodying the quintessential gentleman, gestured toward his car, instructing the chauffeur, âPlease, take us to Baythorn University first.â
Etta hesitated, feigning reluctance.
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âOh, thatâs very kind of you, Mr. Turner, but really, itâs not necessaryâ¦â
âNo trouble at all,â Carl responded briskly.
He soon mentioned he had to prepare for an imminent international symposium, subtly hinting at the need to end their discussion.
With a nod, he slipped on his headphones and retreated into a serene silence for the duration of the trip.
Etta sat in quiet reflection, not daring to break his contemplation.
Her eyes remained forward, her presence marked by an air of cultivated composure.
As they arrived at the university, she ventured, âMr. Turner, Iâm deeply grateful.
It would be my pleasure to repay your kindness with lunch at your convenience.â
Carl was initially reluctant to offer Etta a ride, as it had interfered with his schedule and seemed somewhat beneath him.
Now, her tactics were disrupting his peace of mind, causing his calm facade to slip.
In a frosty voice, he declared, âMiss Cruz, donât overanalyze things.
This was nothing more than a minor courtesy, one that anyone else would have gladly extended for a ride to school.â
Despite this, Etta continued to press.
Something she mentioned captured Carlâs attention.
He took off his headphones and asked, âYouâre preparing the meal yourself? Does this mean youâre extending an invitation to the Sanderson estate, Miss Cruz?â
Recalling her abrupt departure earlier, Ettaâs spirits dipped.
She was aware of Carlâs eagerness to visit the Sanderson family, but she had already plotted to have the Sanderson family invite her back on their own terms.
Choosing between pursuing a man and sticking to her carefully laid plans, Etta firmly opted for the latter.
The Turner family, especially the men, were notorious for being untrustworthy.
Given her position as the daughter of a housekeeper, Etta knew well that a prominent family like the Turner family would never embrace her.
Only the Green family, who placed love above status, would consider someone of her modest background.
This fueled her resolve to solidify her role as the Sanderson familyâs goddaughter.
Achieving this would open up a world of possibilities in her romantic endeavors.
Etta shook her head, her expression firm, telling him sheâd cook for him somewhere else.
Carlâs expression briefly hardened into a cold stare, but he soon cloaked it with his customary courteous facade.
With a gentle smile, he replied, âSure, if I can find the time.â
Seizing his meeting as a pretext, Carl quickly returned to his car and left without lingering.
Etta remained steadfast, her resolve unshaken.
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