Unmasking Mrs. Newton's Secret Identities novel Chapter 1282

As Sadie sensed Mason's awkwardness, a disdainful smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. With a guise of innocence, she asked, "I hope asking you out doesn't disrupt any plans you have with Madelyn."

At the mention of Madelyn, Mason's eyes betrayed a flicker of panic. "Sades, please don't get the wrong idea," he said hastily. "Madelyn and I aren't involved that way."

"I understand, Mason," Sadie murmured. "There's no need to explain. A great guy like you must have plenty of admirers. I actually envy Madelyn for being so bold."

Sadie pressed her lips together and deliberately lowered her gaze. Her long eyelashes fluttered with each blink, sending Mason's thoughts into a whirl.

He frowned, gazing at Sadie with a look of regret. Did this mean that if he hadn't pursued Madelyn, Sadie might have been interested in him instead?

It suddenly occurred to him why Sadie had always been so warm during the National Quiz Competition—she must have been dropping hints all along.

In hindsight, Mason realized he had been too slow to pick up on them. He regretted missing a valuable opportunity and not recognizing Sadie's interest.

"You're a wonderful person too," Mason said, his voice reflecting regret. "Madelyn and I are just starting to get to know each other, and it's unclear if we'll stay together. We might need to navigate some challenges before I find someone who's truly meant for me."

If Sadie was willing to be patient, Mason promised to resolve things with Madelyn as quickly as he could and give Sadie a clear answer.

Noticing Mason's evident interest, Sadie quickly sought to set the record straight. "Please don't get the wrong idea. I'm not trying to interfere with your relationship with Madelyn. I genuinely hope you two have a happy and lasting future together."

She sighed and added, "Madelyn seems to have all the luck—she's with someone like you and even got a badge from the Calligraphy Association to improve her skills. Meanwhile, it feels like I'm left with nothing."

"You can have that too!" Mason said impulsively. Realizing he might have overstepped, he quickly added, "I mean, there are actually a lot of people who admire you."

Including him.

Sadie's eyes narrowed with a hint of impatience. Was Mason really so oblivious that he couldn't see what she was getting at?

"Look at you, Mason! Making moves with the campus belle!" a passing classmate teased, giving Mason's ego a boost.

This only made Mason more determined to speak with Madelyn right away. He didn't want to keep Sadie waiting or risk letting her down.

…

Helen's popularity was skyrocketing, with endorsement deals pouring in rapidly. As a result, Mia had to bring her work to campus. She found an empty classroom and planned to go over everything with Helen in person.

Despite the intention of having a dialogue, the "discussion" turned out to be quite one-sided—Helen merely had to nod to accept a task or shake her head to decline it.

An hour later, the pile of documents on the table still loomed large, showing no signs of diminishing.

Feeling inexplicably frustrated, Helen slumped over the table. She glanced at Mia, hoping to steer the conversation in a different direction.