Two Reborn, One Throne novel Chapter 124

Amber made it to school without a hitch. She had fully expected to wipe out at least a few times on the way, but they hadn't slipped once.

Xanthe could hardly believe it herself. From the alleyway all the way to the campus, she had driven as steadily as a seasoned pro.

"Amber, I must have borrowed some of your good luck. That was amazing. Not a single fall!"

She beamed, looking as nurturing and gentle as a mother.

Amber couldn't help but stare, captivated. "No way, that was all your skill, Xanthe. You were incredible! Simply the best."

Amber gave her two enthusiastic thumbs-up.

Xanthe’s eyes welled up with tears. It had been years since anyone had praised her.

Usually, all she heard was how useless she was, how she was a barren hen, or how she should have been strangled at birth.

Amber was her savior and her lucky charm. Even if she was just being polite, Xanthe was thrilled. Everyone loved hearing a compliment.

"Amber, are we really going to ignore Arthur tomorrow, just like you said?"

When they were leaving, Arthur clearly had something he wanted to say, but since Amber was rushing for school and had completely shut down the conversation, he was left standing there. Xanthe felt he definitely wanted to talk things out.

"Don't go soft on him, Xanthe. If we don't push my dad, he'll never grow a spine. Grace is probably thrilled right now thinking I've isolated him, but she doesn't understand him at all. Dad just needs a few days of the cold shoulder, and he'll start realizing what's what."

"Don't worry, it'll be fine. A sharp, quick pain is better than letting it drag out. Plus, with you being so warm and caring right beside him, he's not an idiot. He'll see the contrast and know what he really wants. But, Xanthe, you’re the one working the hardest since moving here. Please don't be mad at me."

Xanthe patted her leg. "Nonsense, Amber. If anything, I'm mad at myself. If I had been of any use, Arthur wouldn't be so easily manipulated by Grace."

Amber handed her the helmet. "That has nothing to do with you. You can't just sever twelve years of habit overnight. This is actually a good start. Grace suggested calling it quits this time. Imagine if she tries that card again? Dad's gonna be thinking differently."

When Xanthe looked confused, Amber elaborated. "Have you ever heard of The Boy Who Cried Wolf? You can fall for it once or twice, but a third time? Grace has been stringing Dad along forever, and he’s been reluctant to let go, which is understandable. But since she threatened to end it this time, the next time she does, it’ll be Dad’s turn to say 'fine, let's end it.' If she refuses to sign the marriage license and just uses it as a threat, a man can only play the fool so many times."

Xanthe understood. "I get it now, Amber. I'll do exactly as you say. Once I get back, I'll strictly stick to the plan." Even so, Xanthe couldn't help but worry. "But what if there is a next time, and she actually goes through with marrying him?"

Better safe than sorry.

Amber burst out laughing. "That would require Grace to actually want to."

"Relax, Xanthe, it's going to be fine. Ride back as carefully as you came. Do you remember how to use the GPS on the phone?"

"Mr. Yates, I owe you one. This is my first time in a place this glamorous. It feels like a palace," she said, feigning shyness. She had no idea who this playboy was, but seeing how the bouncer practically bowed to him, he was obviously wealthy and powerful.

He casually strolled into the same circles as Yvonne Sargent, meaning that even if he wasn't on Sharif Madison's level, he wasn't far off.

Mr. Yates, the CEO of the Yates Group. Running into a VIP like him was pure luck. She wondered if a ladies' man like him would be interested in a fresh, innocent twenty-year-old girl like her.

He probably would. Didn't all men love that?

Otherwise, why would Lucian suddenly be so obsessed with her? Dammit. If she had known she’d run into a billionaire, she would have dressed up and worn her tight leather skirt to show off her figure.

Miles had been with countless women. The moment he pulled up and saw Joanne swaying her hips and calling the bouncer "handsome" just to get inside, he clocked her immediately: a gold digger who thought a pretty face was all it took to seduce her way to the top.

He brought her inside purely because he was curious about the information she claimed to have. Of course, playing around with her was definitely on the table too.

"No need to be so polite, gorgeous. If you ever want to see more of the world, just give me a call. I'll show you around. But, let me warn you, what exactly do you want to tell Ms. Sargent? Her temper is notoriously awful, so don't get scared."

Just as he finished speaking, the sound of smashing glass echoed from an open door up ahead. "Where is Miles?! Wasn't he supposed to pick me up? Where is he?!"