Chapter 323 Caught
Ross was holed up in a dingy hotel tucked away in a narrow alley. The place wasn't in great condition, with barely clean bedding and worn-out furnishings. He sat in front of the TV, slurping on instant noodles, the sound echoing loudly as if he were venting his frustrations.
The door opened. Ross didn't lift his head, His eyes were fixed on the video playing on his phone in a loop. Ann stepped in, her fingers lightly covering her nose, trying to mask the unpleasant and impoverished smell in the room.
"Why are you staying here? This place is really beneath you."
"I've already booked a hotel for you. You should stay there."
She dropped a room keycard on the table, her smile gentle and soft.
Ross sneered coldly, suddenly grabbing the paper bowl of noodles and throwing it forcefully at Ann. He cursed loudly, "Are you trying to get me killed?"
Ann seemed to have anticipated his move, lightly sidestepping to avoid it. The noodles hit the wall, leaving a wet stain and spilling everywhere.
"What are you talking about? I don't understand what you mean."
Ross breathed heavily through his nose, a noodle still hanging from his mouth. He spat it forcefully on the ground.
"Ann, there were only a few of us there that day! Besides you, who else could it be? And now you're pretending to be deaf and dumb about that? Do you really think I'm stupid?"
Ann sighed deeply, with a touch of sadness .
"Sir, I thought you were wronged by Myron and wanted to help you vent your anger. They dared to lay hands on you in front of so many people. Imagine how much more they would target you back in the Upper West Side. Releasing the video would make everyone keep Myron in check. If anything really happened to you, those people online would never let him off."
Ross was so furious that it seemed like steam was coming out of his head. He pointed at Ann, a chill running down his spine.
"You're really stupid! Everyone knows how ruthless Myron is! Do you really think those online comments can subdue him? If that's the case as you said, he wouldn't have dared to lay a hand on me that day! Ann, you've really doomed me! How could I have a student like you!"
Ann smiled faintly, her elegance and charm shining through. The dim light above cast shadows on her face, accentuating her pure features. However, her eyes reflected a hidden glint of venom.
"You're wrong. If there's anyone to blame, it's yourself. Who did you think you were provoking Myron? Teacher, you've brought this upon yourself."
Ross looked at her in shock.
"What are you saying? You're going too far! Do you really think Myron is a fool? Do you really think he won't suspect you?"
Ann shrugged lightly, indifferent.
"It doesn't matter. I have no direct conflict with them. Besides, I haven't touched any of their interests or posed any threat to them. Even if they know, so what? You're the one who has a grudge against them, not me. Don't you agree?"
Ross suddenly realized." You uploaded that video on purpose, didn't you? You did it deliberately!" Ross accused, his voice trembling with rage."You wanted to use this opportunity to completely enrage Myron, to have him kill me! Ann, why did you do this?"
Ross stared at the woman standing in front of him, her once familiar smile now making her seem like a complete stranger. 'The student who had always respected him as "teacher," how could she harbor such hidden motives?'
Ann's tone was calm, "Because you are simply too foolish."
'Ross would only drag her down.'Ann thought.
Ross was furious, "You!"
"Instead of wasting your breath cursing at me, you better start considering which city would be a safer option for you. After all, staying in the Upper West Side is probably not an option anymore," Ann remarked, gracefully turning to leave.
She exited the hotel and got into the car. Only then did Ann let out a breath she had been holding.
The driver looked at her with concern,"Are you alright?"
Ann shook her head lightly,"I'm fine, just felt the air inside was very dirty."
"Such a place is not worthy of your presence," the driver said softly.
"Take me home."
"Yes, ma'am."
The suitcase placed in the corner had not yet been opened. Ross gritted his teeth as he booked a ticket, planning to leave the next day. He had originally thought he still had a chance, but he hadn't expected Ann to plot against him!
He definitely couldn't go back to the school now, so he could only send a text to the principal asking for leave. He needed to lay somewhere else until the storm blew over, then sneak back quietly.
"Worst case scenario, I'll retire early!" Ross had already mapped out his escape plan.
"After all, I'm a professor now, a pillar of the academy. My pension won't be small! At worst, I'll leave the Upper West Side and live a happy life in another city!"
Ross booked the earliest flight, deciding to get up at four in the morning to head to the airport and fly out at six. Since making up his mind, he set the alarm, lay on the bed, and slept in his clothes.
In a daze, Ross wasn't sure if he had fallen asleep. The alarm rang. He hurriedly got up, didn't wash his face or brush his teeth, and went downstairs to check out. He even paid a thousand dollars in compensation. Ross knew he was being extorted, but given the current situation, he couldn't afford to quibble over such a small amount.
He stood at the street corner waiting for a car. The weather had started to cool. After a long while, a black sedan finally stopped in front of him. The driver rolled down the window, revealing a simple and honest smile.
"Need a ride?"
Not wanting to waste any time, Ross quickly got in the car. He nodded hastily and settled into his seat. Before he could fully adjust himself, he anxiously said, "To the airport."
"Alright!"
The driver locked the doors, stepped on the gas, and sped off.
"The journey is a bit long. Why don't you rest for a while? I'll wake you when we get there."
"Okay."
Ross had been on edge all night and was indeed a bit tired now. He didn't know how long had passed when he felt someone slapping his face hard.
"Hey, wake up."
Ross groggily opened his eyes, only to find that it was already broad daylight outside. Instantly, he felt a surge of alarm. The surroundings were desolate, with no sign of any other vehicles.
"Where is this? This isn't the airport!"
The driver smiled and tossed a rope over, "Buddy, do you want to tie yourself up, or I do it for you?"
