Chapter 994

Jasmine Valentine looked directly into Vivian Dempsey's eyes, her voice soft but firm. "Not possibly. Definitely gone. The only reason I came back from the rooftop was seeing the police investigating at school. If you hadn't suggested confronting those delinquents for my money, they wouldn't have shown up."

Vivian's breath hitched as if something heavy had slammed into her chest. Complex emotions swirled in her eyes as she gazed at Jasmine. "I'm sorry."

Jasmine froze, the bitterness on her lips solidifying. "Why apologize?"

She should be the one apologizing. Years ago, Vivian had pulled her back from death's edge, yet she'd lacked even the courage to push open that hospital door and say thank you.

Vivian scratched her head, her ears turning slightly pink. "I thought you kept glancing over because you liked Victor Laurent. I even tried playing matchmaker... Turns out I was projecting."

Jasmine blinked, then suddenly laughed softly. "No wonder you... I thought..." She shook her head, leaving the sentence unfinished.

Sunlight filtered through the leaves, dappling her face with shifting patterns. In that mosaic of light and shadow, she asked quietly, "Do I count as your friend now? Not the kind you introduce to others."

"Of course," Vivian answered without hesitation.

Jasmine took a deep breath. "Then... may I hug you?"

Before the words fully left her mouth, Vivian had already opened her arms, enveloping her in a firm embrace. Jasmine stood half a head shorter, completely encircled by Vivian's hold.

Closing her eyes, Jasmine's lashes fluttered faintly. After a moment, she was the first to release the hug.

An indescribable atmosphere lingered between them.

Watching Jasmine walk away, Vivian's brows unconsciously furrowed.

"You're back from the restroom already? The nearest one's inside the building," Victor Laurent suddenly spoke up, breaking the silence.

Vivian rolled her eyes. "If you ever want to date anyone, never ask women that question."

"Why?" Victor looked genuinely puzzled.

"Restroom trips are private. Either it's urgent or for touch-ups. Which scenario warrants follow-up questions?" Vivian ground out through clenched teeth.

Victor's eyes lit up. "So is this a date now?"

Vivian clenched her fists. "Don't make me ruin my good mood by punching you."

She planted one hand on her hip, the other braced against Victor's chair back, bristling like an irritated cat.

Victor immediately raised his hands in surrender.

Simon Evans, who'd remained silent until now, interjected mildly, "Vivian, stop scaring Victor. He looks about to suffocate."

"I'm not scared!" Victor protested instantly.

Simon smiled gently. "Fear is natural. No rule says men must be brave."

Victor opened his mouth, then realized any explanation would sound wrong.

"He's faking," Vivian said with a disdainful curl of her lip. "Been like this since childhood."

A flicker of envy passed through Simon's eyes. "I envy your long-standing bond. My three years at First High were all study, no close friends."

Vivian's expression softened. "We're getting acquainted now. We're all friends here."

She nudged Victor with her elbow, but he suddenly turned toward the school gate.

A tall, imposing figure strode against the flow of students—Alexander Hamilton returning.

"Mr. Hamilton!" Victor waved like a drowning man spotting rescue.

Alexander approached with long strides, his aura forbidding. "Evelyn was worried. Sent me to check on you."

His gaze swept over the trio, noting Jasmine's absence but asking no questions.