Chapter 255

Chapter 255 Silly Troy

Lane hesitated briefly before continuing his report, “The group plans to invest in several theme parks in Notherny State this year. After preliminary planning, it turns out that the Harrington family is also negotiating for those pieces of land…”

“Anything else? If not, you can go back for now.”

Lane hesitated.

“Very well… Then I’ll head back.” Lane picked up his folder and hurriedly left the room.

Troy stood up, walked to the window, and dialed Ann’s phone number.

After giving instructions, he turned off his phone and put it in his pocket. He then stared into the distance with a distant look.

He couldn’t believe that Imogen could still have feelings for Erik even after what had happened.

Troy stayed in place for a while, then put on his coat and left the hospital room.

After a few steps, someone called out to him from behind, “Hey, Mr. Marshall?”

Troy stopped and turned around. “Mr. Gray.”

“I have reviewed your case, and it appears that surgery is necessary. When would you like to schedule it?” Adam asked.

“I’ve changed my mind. I’ll go for conservative treatment this time,” Troy replied.

Troy intended to undergo surgery, but he hadn’t expected Imogen and Erik to become a couple suddenly.

If he went through the surgery and spent half a month in the hospital, Imogen and Erik might have accomplished everything he didn’t want them to while he was away.

Adam looked slightly surprised but then said, “That’s fine. Conservative treatment is also an option. Furthermore, gastric bypass surgery isn’t ideal considering your age.”

Troy returned to Galaxy Villa from the hospital and discovered Imogen had already left. Troy returned to Galaxy Villa from the hospital and discovered Imogen had already left. She escaped and left a note for Troy: [Did you think I’d obediently stay at home? You fool!]

She had drawn a round, silly egg on the message.

Troy imagined Imogen’s triumphant expression as she drew the silly egg. A hint of a smile flickered in his eyes. But his expression instantly turned grim when he thought about her initiating the hot spring date with Erik.

On the other hand, Imogen lay on her bed at home. She was checking the works and reviews of past students from the photography courses she was considering.

Suddenly, Alex replied to her message; [Hey, Imogen. I checked out your work real quick. After going through the photos, I’ve got some ideas. It would be best to consider going for the People and Nature category. Your photos nail that blend of people and natural landscapes. They complement each other beautifully. I’ve seen a lot of your stuff, and I think adding your little niece would kick it up a notch.]

Imogen followed Alex’s advice.

She decided to enroll in Xavier’s photography course to stick to the theme.

She added Xavier’s team on Facebook and completed her registration. Once Xavier’s team accepted Imogen to their Facebook group, all she had to do was wait for the course to begin at the

12:53

end of the month.

Xavier’s team provided a few recorded lessons before the live classes started. Imogen briefly went through them, finding them to cover rather basic topics.

Students were chatting in Xavier’s Facebook message. Imogen briefly read them and saw one student’s comment: [I remember Xavier had offline classes in Jubilian City last time. Why is it only online this time?]

Another student chimed in: [I was wondering the same thing. I was looking forward to attending the offline classes. It helped me to focus. But then they suddenly canceled the offline sessions!] Someone else teased: [Are you more focused on offline classes? Don’t fool yourself. You have a crush on Xavier. You’re shameless!]

The student replied with a whimper: [Wah, you caught me! But Xavier is handsome! I wish he could be my nude model!]

The assistant joined the conversation: [Xavier has some personal matters to attend to in the three–dimensional world and has to leave Jubilian City for a while. So, we canceled the offline classes. But don’t worry, there should be offline classes again shortly.]

[Alright.]

[I won’t tell you guys I have a photo with Xavier.] An ex–student messaged: [I was too busy staring at Xavier’s beauty in the offline classes the last time I joined. But I promise to focus on learning this time.]

Others: [Quickly share the photo.]

The ex–student posted a picture of herself with Xavier, with a cat head photoshopped over her face, leaving Xavier’s appearance visible.

Imogen clicked on the picture and raised an eyebrow. Xavier seemed like a handsome guy with well–defined features.

However, Imogen felt like she had seen him somewhere before. She searched her memory but couldn’t find any relevant information.

Just then, Mochi leaped onto the bed and nuzzled against Imogen.

As Imogen stroked Mochi’s little head, a sudden realization hit her!

She remembered why Xavier had seemed familiar. It was because his eyebrows and eyes bore a striking resemblance to Troy’s!

It made sense, considering that the Marshall family, including Henry, Aaron, Leo, and Nicolas, were all handsome in their own right. They also shared a standard feature, which is their subdued features.

Leo had a gentler appearance, like the kind–hearted male lead in some novels.

On the other hand, Troy had more striking features, especially in his eyebrows and eyes.

Imogen had seen photos of Thomas, who resembled Leo to some extent.

Troy’s unique features likely came from his mother.

Troy’s mother, whom Imogen knew very little about, appeared mysterious and beautiful.

Even Troy himself did not know what his mother looked like.

Rumors circulated that Thomas had brought Troy home from elsewhere. Neither Henry nor Aaron had seen Troy’s mother or knew whether she was alive.

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2/4

Xavier’s resemblance to Troy was uncanny, except for sharper facial contours. Their eyebrows and eyes bore a striking similarity.

The mediation was successful, but the supplier still needed to pay. Erik was still taking the bus to work.

At three past six in the evening, he got off the bus near his apartment and walked along the sidewalk.

The sky was growing dark, and only a few pedestrians were on the street.

Suddenly, Erik heard someone screaming for help. “Help! Somebody, please help! Help!”

Erik’s expression intensified. He carefully listened to the cries for help, which seemed to be coming from the alley up ahead.

Erik quickened his pace and rushed toward the alley. It was dark inside, and he couldn’t see far. He could barely make out a few shadows and the sound of a woman crying.

Erik called the police while approaching the alley and shouted, “Stop!”

As he got closer, he saw three casually dressed men surrounding a distressed young woman. The clothes of the young woman were messy. She cowered in fear, unable to stop her tears. When she heard Erik’s voice, she looked at him hopefully.

e of the men had a dyed blond hair. He turned to Erik and scanned at him. “You brat! The wise thing to do is to get lost!”

Erik shook his phone and didn’t back down. He retorted, “The wise thing to do is to leave now. I’ve already called the police!”

The three thugs exchanged glances after hearing Erik. One of them sneered. “You’re asking for trouble! You’re dead meat!”

They charged at Erik and quickly pinned him to the ground.

The young woman tried to intervene. But the three thugs kicked her away.

Eventually, one of the thugs finally decided to back off. “Enough, the cops are on their way. Let’s get out of here!”

“Let’s go!”

The three men quickly fled the scene.

Erik, still on the ground, sighed in relief. He got up slowly, ignoring the dirt on his clothes, and extended a helping hand to the woman. “Miss, are you okay? Get up. The police will be here

soon…”

Before he could finish speaking, the woman rolled her eyes and fainted,

Erik panicked.

He had no choice but to pick her up and carry her out of the alley.

As Erik looked down, he caught a glimpse of her face and was stunned. It was her!

He had accidentally bumped into her at the mall and spilled her coffee. Moreover, they had crossed paths near his workplace twice. He remembered those encounters vividly.

He never expected to run into her again.

Erik quietly expressed his gratitude for being present at that moment. He couldn’t help but contemplate the dire consequences if he hadn’t been there to intervene.