The Hypnotized Stand-In Has Awakened—the True Heiress Is Terrified Chapter 04

The Hypnotized Stand-In Has Awakened—the True Heiress Is Terrified Chapter 04

Adrian said nothing more.

He turned and headed upstairs. I followed in silence.

On the second floor, he pushed open the door to the game room.

Inside, a teenage boy with a shock of bright red hair sat slouched in a chair, headphones on, cursing nonstop as he played.

“Damn it. A bunch of useless teammates!”

Adrian frowned, walked over, and yanked off his headphones. “Mason.”

Mason turned back impatiently, ready to snap, but the moment his eyes landed on my face, he froze.

Then his eyes went wide, practically sparkling.

“Holy—” He sprang out of his chair and rushed over to me in a few quick steps.

“Are you even real? You’re insanely pretty!” He looked so worked up he was practically vibrating.

“Bro, I want her. She’s the one!”

“I want her as my tutor. I swear I’ll actually study from now on!”

Overwhelmed by his enthusiasm, I deliberately shrank back and put on an uneasy look.

“Um… could you maybe not talk about how I look, Mason?”

Mason blinked, scratching his head.

“Why not? You look good. Why can’t I say it?”

“I…” My voice grew softer and softer. “I’m not good-looking…”

Mason opened his mouth, clearly ready to fire back.

“That’s enough.” Adrian cut him off, then turned to me. “Miss Harrington, he’s all yours.”

I nodded obediently. “Okay.”

After finishing Mason’s first lesson, I had to admit, I was caught off guard.

This so-called troublemaker was unbelievably cooperative.

His foundation was weak, but he listened with intense focus.

His eyes lit up as he looked at me, like he was waiting for approval.

“Elise, you’re, like, a million times better than all my other tutors.”

“Then make sure you pay attention from now on.”

“Does that mean you’ll come every day?”

“That depends on your behavior.”

“Oh, I’ll be good. Definitely!”

After the lesson ended, I packed up my things and headed downstairs.

Adrian was standing by the floor-to-ceiling windows in the living room, backlit by the setting sun. His entire silhouette was bathed in gold.

Hearing movement, he turned around. “Mason didn’t cause trouble?”

“Not at all. He’s actually really bright. He just needs someone willing to be patient with him.”

He studied me for a moment but said nothing.

I dropped my gaze and picked up my bag. “Mr. Whitmore, I’ll be going now.”

“I’ll have someone drive you.”

“Oh, no, that’s okay.” I quickly waved my hands. “I’ll just take the bus.”

He didn’t push it.

I reached the door when his voice came from behind me.

“Elise. Three o’clock tomorrow. Don’t be late.”

The door clicked shut behind me.

I let out a long breath.

I’d finally gotten my foot in the door.