Chapter 70: A Lie and Dangerous Invitation

Chapter 70: Chapter 70: A Lie and Dangerous Invitation

~Reynold’s POV~

Left with no other option, I turned and walked slowly toward my own car, a heavy knot twisting in my stomach.

How am I supposed to tell Frederick about this? I thought, my mind racing. What kind of lie am I going to come up with to convince him to let me go to Julian’s house?

I couldn’t tell him the truth. I had already lied about my group members, and if he found out Julian was actually part of the group, he would never agree to let me go.

Maybe I should turn off my phone, I thought. Then I could tell the maid I was staying somewhere else and ask her to cover for me.

But I immediately dismissed the idea.

No. The maid would never lie to Frederick for me. He’s the one paying her, and there’s no way she would risk her job just to help me hide something from him.

I stopped beside my car and stared at it, completely lost.

Then what am I going to do?

I let out a frustrated sigh, rubbing my forehead as I tried to think of another way out of the mess I had gotten myself into. When I couldn’t come up with a single solution, I got into my car and decided to head home first. Maybe once I was back at the estate, I’d be able to think of a convincing excuse.

I slipped behind the wheel and drove straight home.

The moment I stepped inside the house and reached my bedroom, I pulled out my phone and sent Frederick a quick message.

I’m home, Mr. Corvin.

His reply came almost immediately.

Alright, little pet. Eat and relax.

Okay, I texted back

Almost immediately, my phone lit up with an incoming call from him. I swiped to answer it.

"Hello, little pet," Frederick greeted warmly. "How did your classes go?"

"It was fine," I replied, trying to sound normal.

He was quiet for a moment, and then his tone changed slightly. "What’s wrong? Your messages feel a little off. You don’t sound happy."

"I’m happy," I lied quickly, forcing my voice to sound lighter.

"You’re not," Frederick said calmly, seeing right through me. "Tell me what’s wrong. What do you need?"

I hesitated, my fingers tightening around the phone. I knew I couldn’t avoid telling him forever, but I still wasn’t sure how to bring it up without making him angry.

"I... there’s something I need to tell you," I started hesitantly.

"I’m listening," Frederick replied. "What is it about?"

"It’s about the group project. My friends want us to start working on it tonight so we can finish everything before Sunday, and..." I paused, swallowing hard. "They want me to stay over tonight and..."

Frederick cut through my hesitation immediately. "You’re trying to figure out how to tell me, aren’t you?"

"Yes," I admitted softly, shrinking back against the mattress. "I know you won’t let me spend the night outside..."

"Yes, I won’t let you spend the night outside," Frederick said firmly, his voice taking on a stern, measured tone. "But this time, I’ll make an exception because it’s related to your studies. Your education is important, and I understand that sometimes you’ll need to work with your classmates. However, I’m going to ask you one question, and I want you to give me the absolute truth."

My stomach flipped. "Okay."

"Is Julian part of your group, or are you grouped with someone else?"

I froze. I hadn’t expected Frederick to ask about Julian again after I had already told him I was grouped with Theron and Victor. Panic rushed through me, but I quickly forced myself to stay calm. I couldn’t let him find out that Julian was actually part of the group.

"I’m not in the same group as Julian. I’m grouped with Theron and Victor," I lied, keeping my voice as steady as possible.

A tense silence followed as Frederick considered my answer.

"Alright," he finally said, his tone softening slightly. "If that’s the case, you can spend the night there. But call me the moment you arrive, and remember why you’re going there. You’re there to work on your assignment, nothing else. Understood?"

"Okay, Mr. Corvin," I breathed, a huge wave of relief washing over me.

We talked for a few more minutes, going over a few casual details before finally ending the call.

I let out a shaky breath, a wide smile spreading across my face. I was so relieved. I had actually gotten permission to go, and I wouldn’t have to worry about hiding it from him.

I quickly changed out of my clothes, took a quick shower, and freshened up in the bathroom. Once I was dressed again, I headed downstairs and grabbed something to eat. Afterward, I settled down to relax while I waited for the time to pack my things and head over to Julian’s house.

As evening approached, my phone buzzed on the coffee table. It was a text from Julian, asking if I was still coming.

I’m on my way now, I replied.

I went upstairs, changed into a fresh set of clothes, and packed a few essentials into a bag. I slung it over my shoulder and headed back downstairs. Just before I reached the front door, I spotted the housekeeper in the hallway.

"I won’t be back until tomorrow," I told her.

She nodded politely. "Alright, sir. Does Mr. Corvin know you’ll be staying out tonight?"

"Yes," I replied.

"Alright, sir. Have a safe night."

I stepped outside, walked over to my car, and placed my bag on the passenger seat before getting behind the wheel. I started the engine, backed out of the driveway, and headed toward Julian’s apartment.

As I drove, a strange heaviness settled in my stomach. Something about leaving the estate made me uneasy, almost as if a part of me was telling me to turn around and go straight back home. But I couldn’t. The group project was real, and my lie depended on me seeing it through.

I took a deep breath, pushed the uneasy thoughts aside, and kept my attention on the road.

A short while later, I arrived at Julian’s apartment complex and pulled into an empty parking spot. After parking the car and switching off the engine, I stepped out.

I walked up to Julian’s apartment and knocked on the door. A moment later, it opened, revealing a guy I didn’t recognize.

"Come in," he said with a friendly smile.

I stepped inside and made my way to the main sitting room, where Theron was already lounging on the couch with two other unfamiliar faces. A few drinks were scattered across the table, and the atmosphere was casual and relaxed.

I looked around, realizing Julian was nowhere in sight.

"Where’s Julian?" I asked.

One of the unfamiliar guys glanced up. "He’ll be here soon. He went out to grab something."

I nodded. "Okay."

Theron immediately raised a hand and gestured toward the table. "Hey, come on in. Grab a drink and join us."

"I’m fine, thanks," I muttered, shaking my head.

I pulled out my phone and quickly sent Frederick a message.

I’m here. I’ve gotten to my friend’s place.

His reply came almost immediately.

Alright. I’ll call you before I go to sleep tonight.

Okay, Mr. Corvin, I replied.

I locked my screen and slipped my phone back into my pocket. Just as I did, the front door clicked open, and Julian walked in.

The moment he spotted me near the living room...