No More Waiting, She Chooses Love novel Chapter 230

"No way, Mr. Clark, you just outplayed me, you saw it. I'm just a hobbyist," I said modestly.

"Even hobbyists have mentors. Your technique doesn't look like something Jefferson would teach. Who's been coaching you?" Allen was getting nosy.

My snooker skills were all picked up from watching Conrad play. He never officially taught me; I just watched him play, and eventually started playing myself when I got bored.

Since I learned by watching Conrad, naturally, my playing style mirrored his. Once he noticed I could play, he'd often ask me to join him for a game.

"Since when did Mr. Clark become such a gossip queen, poking his nose into everything?" a familiar voice chimed in.

I didn't need to look back; I recognized that voice instantly.

Conrad had shown up. It was turning into quite the gathering.

He stood by my side and without doing anything more, made everything clear to Allen.

"Heh, I was wondering why this lady's game looked so familiar. Turns out it's..." Allen trailed off, his gaze flitting between me and Conrad.

Then, realization dawned on him. "Don't tell me she's your childhood sweetheart?"

I hadn't heard that term in a long time.

Right after I joined the Wagner family, some classmates found out I was destined to marry Conrad and started calling me his little bride, his childhood betrothed.

The student who started that rumor ended up transferring schools not long after, and nobody dared mention it again.

"If you keep quiet, no one will think you're mute. You wanted to play, right? I'll play with you today," Conrad said, casually tossing his jacket to me.

The gesture was so fluid, just like old times.

He tossed his jacket over so fast, I didn't even get a chance to say no. But I wasn't about to stand around holding his jacket like some servant girl all night.

I approached Jefferson, setting Conrad's jacket aside, signaling that I wanted to speak with him outside.

Once we were outside, Jefferson was the first to speak. "What do you want with Allen's dad? Some people are better left alone."

"Okay," I agreed, just as a loud crash of billiard balls came from inside the room.

Jefferson frowned, probably worried about his pool table.

I took the hint. "Jefferson, I should get back."

"Be careful on your way home, and text me when you arrive," he advised.

I nodded and was about to leave when Jefferson asked, "Where are you living after leaving the Wagner family? Don't tell me you're renting. I have plenty of properties; if you need a place, just say the word. It's always better to stay in a place you can trust."

"No, it's not that," I replied and left.

On my way back, I couldn't shake off what Jefferson said about Grant and the mysterious Mr. Collins.

Although I knew it couldn't be Ernest, the moment I ran into him in the hallway, I couldn't help but exclaim, "Mr. Collins?!"