Chapter 775 I Would Love to Meet This Teacher of Yours Julia was in a rare mood to compliment others. âI know she sounds a little too young to be giving lessons, but I think sheâs a good teacher. I actually get way more about piano from her than those teachers and their endless lectures about theories and all that junk!â
A kind smile broke out on Professor Wardâs lips. âFew people could elicit such high praises from my Julia. I really think weâve struck gold this time.â
The girlâs cheeks went a little pink. âI mean, to be fair⦠Iâve been chowing down on the food she makes, too, so itâs not like Iâm gonna bite the hand that feeds me, right?â
âEating her food? Young lady! And here I thought youâd rather buy takeout than eat home-cooked meals!â
Her grandfatherâs comment reminded Julia of the offer she had made.
Deirdre might have rejected her when she asked the former to be her new cook, but maybe⦠if her grandfather was the one talking, Deirdre might relent after all!
Her eyes twinkled. She snuck up to Professor Ward and threw her arms around his shoulders. âOh, you havenât seen anything yet, grandpa. Sheâs an amazing cook, and I mean seriously amazing. Her stuffed eggplants managed to be even better than great-grannyâs, okay?â
Professor Ward was about to reply when a voice suddenly rang from beside them.
âStuffed eggplants?â
Brendan clenched his fists. A young woman in her 20s who was skilled with piano and cooking?
Everything described Deirdre all too well. He just could not see anyone else fitting the description.
Julia espied the severe expression on his face and froze. Hesitantly, she nodded. âUh, yeah? What about it?â
Brendan curled his lips and gave her a bright, chipper smile as though he had not just heard some world-shattering news. He ground his nails against each other. âNothing. I myself am a fan of stuffed eggplants. Since sheâs good at the piano and is such a great cook, I thought maybe I should make new acquaintances today.â
Laughing, Julia teased, âOh no. Youâre not trying to vie for her heart, are you? Brendan! Sheâs taken!
Okay, so he doesnât look as hot as you are, but they are really sweet together, okay? He is always there in the evening when she clocks out to escort her home!â
âJulia!â Professor Ward chided.
âThatâs inappropriate! Brendanâs engaged.â
Julia stuck her tongue out.
Brendan smiled. âNo offense taken, sir. But Iâm pretty curious about your teacher. Can we meet?â
His eyes fell onto the door to the piano room, his gaze darkening. The rest of his face kept up with his friendly facade, however, as he asked, âIs it alright with you?â
Julia blinked. âWell, I could help you ask!â
She hopped onto her feet and realized Brendan immediately rose and advanced before she did. His seeming eagerness threw her off a little, but she said nothing and simply followed.
Brendan did not even wait for her before pushing the door open. Narrowing his eyes, he scanned the room.
His searching expression froze.
Julia, who was right behind him, was surprised to see his face and asked,â Whatâs the matter, Brendan?â
She perked under his arm and let out a questioning âHey!â âWhereâs she? She was inside the last time we talked!â Julia cried out in surprise.
Brendanâs expression darkened as he scanned his surroundings. The piano room did not lead anywhere. The only hiding place available wasâ¦
His eyes rested on a closet in the corner of the room. He stepped inside and began walking toward it, his hand outreached.
His phone suddenly vibrated. Frowning, he answered it before replying,âAlright, Iâm coming!â
âBrendan?â Julia asked questioningly.
The man clapped her on her shoulder, went outside to bid Professor Ward goodbye, and strode out of the door in a hurry.
As soon as the front door closed, Deirdre fell out of the closet. She was bathed in a cold sweat.
Shocked, Julia cried out, âWhat the h*ll!? Why were you inside? He-â
She stopped. Deirdre was tugging on Juliaâs skirt as she willed-and failed â to stop herself from shaking. Her face was ashen and devoid of color⦠like a moribund patient near asphyxiated.