Chapter 1102 The Clever Approach of Astute Minds
"Sister, you are absolutely correct; my cousin does fall short of the mark," Audrey confessed with a surge of guilt, her gaze fixed upon Natalie. Deliberately enunciating each word, she inquired, "Nevertheless, I am intrigued—what motivates your extraordinary kindness towards Kevin?"
Each individual operates with their unique motives, much like how Vanessa's initial approach to Kevin stemmed partly from his acquaintance with Angus—a connection Vanessa sought to leverage. Audrey comprehended Vanessa's mindset entirely, considering both their differences and the desire for association.
However, Natalie's wealth and influence detached her significantly from Kevin. Audrey found it baffling that such a poised woman would take an exceptional interest in a high school student like him. Puzzled by this, Audrey harbored a suspicion that Natalie's efforts to please both herself and Bethany were primarily geared towards Kevin. She truly puzzled over what qualities her cousin possessed to captivate such a discerning woman. Without deciphering this mystery, Audrey found herself perpetually unsettled.
"Ah, Audrey, so this is the query that brought you here today," Natalie breathed a sigh of relief, having feared Audrey had uncovered her ambiguous ties with Kevin. With a quick mental calculation of possibilities, Natalie chuckled softly and continued, "This is rather simple. Do you recall our visit to Clearbrook last time?"
"Of course, I remember," Audrey nodded, perplexed by the mention of Clearbrook.
"The county plans to develop Clearbrook, and Governor Armando is spearheading this project," Natalie divulged with a coy smile, a hint of mystery in her expression. "Can you guess how I became privy to these plans?"
"Surely, Kevin didn't disclose this to you?" Audrey exclaimed in astonishment. "But he's just a student; how could he possibly be aware of the county's development plans?"
"So, it seems you truly do not grasp the depths of your cousin after all," Natalie remarked with a wry smile. "He's a frequent visitor in the Armando household, well-acquainted with the Governor's wife. It's not unusual for him to have inside knowledge; in fact, Governor Armando himself shared the development plans with Kevin. Considering the favor Kevin did for me, I felt it appropriate to reward him."
"What? Kevin knows Mr. Armando? That's impossible!" Audrey's expression registered profound shock. While Kevin's acquaintance with Angus was due to familial ties, Armando's stature as a Governor meant that even Sunset Valley High School's principal, Oliver, might not easily engage with him. How could Kevin possibly know Armando?
"Enough, I, too, shared your initial disbelief," Natalie responded to Audrey's incredulity with a gentle laugh. "Yet, do not overlook the fact that Armando's daughter, Fiona, attends your Sunset Valley High School. It appears Kevin and Fiona share a decent rapport; I even spotted them enjoying a barbecue together one evening."
At this revelation, Audrey had a sudden epiphany. Perhaps Kevin met Fiona first, subsequently establishing connections with her parents. Even so, she found Kevin's actions remarkably enigmatic. As he silently navigated through various endeavors, Audrey, his closest cousin, remained unaware of his dealings. She felt an urge to seek Kevin immediately, eager to unearth the depths of his secrets!
"Indeed," Audrey murmured to herself, realization dawning. Natalie's calculated approach to Kevin suddenly made perfect sense. A woman of Natalie's caliber would hardly set her sights on an ordinary young man without reason. A weight lifted off Audrey's shoulders, feeling relieved. Perhaps she had misjudged Kevin entirely. Natalie's efforts to please Kevin might entail subtle intimacies, causing Audrey to feel slightly embarrassed. "Sister, I didn't realize you had taken Kevin to the lakeside for this reason. I was simply concerned about Kevin's young age and its impact on his studies."
"Relax, Audrey, you place too little trust in him. Have you considered that earning the recognition of the Governor's family speaks volumes in his favor?"
While Natalie reassured Audrey outwardly, she silently marveled at Audrey's naïveté, a probable consequence of her extensive tenure as a schoolteacher. Kevin was no longer the innocent young boy Audrey perceived him to be. His experiences in matters of intimacy ran deep. In fact, confronting Kevin's formidable virility might prove a challenge even for Natalie. Regardless, she chose to console Audrey, asserting, "Rest assured, I have no malicious intentions towards Kevin. Merely obtaining information ahead of others is sufficient. I have no intention of impeding Kevin's academic pursuits. His academic excellence serves as a catalyst for earning the Governor's favor, ultimately benefiting me."
"Understood," Audrey acquiesced slowly, contemplating the wealth of information she had gleaned from Natalie. She realized the necessity of reassessing her perceptions of her cousin in light of these revelations.
...
Within the residential area, Kevin pondered his cousin's admonitions while carrying a heavy box towards the front gate. Upon reaching the gate, he encountered a mature beauty elegantly strolling in—clad in a purple ensemble that accentuated her tall, seductive figure. Cinched at the waist, her ample bosom and fair arms accentuated her allure. Revealing a glimpse of creamy thighs shrouded in sheer stockings beneath the garment's slit, she completed the look with black heels, an updo framing her delicately made-up face. Daisy, wife of Sunset Valley High School's principal, Oliver, exuded a regal air befitting a queen among mothers, epitomizing maternal grace. Daisy carried a weighty plastic bag, a clear indication of her recent grocery shopping.
Kevin, struck by Daisy's presence, involuntarily uttered, "Mrs. Daisy!" Witnessing him, Daisy smiled warmly and inquired, "Kevin, what brings you here today?"
"Oh, I... " Kevin stumbled, momentarily at a loss for words. However, as he glanced at the grapes cradled in his arms, a sudden inspiration struck him, and he quipped with a grin, "Mrs. Daisy, with the upcoming festival in mind, I thought of bringing you these grapes as an early treat."
"Is that so? Mid-Autumn Festival is still a month away; you seem rather eager. Nonetheless, I appreciate your gesture; it appears Auntie did not misjudge your character. You are indeed a thoughtful young man," Daisy remarked, her eyes dancing with warmth and maturity that bewitched the senses. In that moment, Kevin couldn't help but mentally compare Daisy to Maurice. In terms of looks and physique, Daisy, as one of the city's four beauties, held a slight edge — her background as a former dancer evident in every elegant movement. Her demeanor exuded grace and sophistication, a vision captivating to behold. On the other hand, Maurice exuded a more assertive air of superiority, his aristocratic bearing commanding respect and authority that Daisy lacked. While the family held a modest reputation in the city, Maurice's family wielded influence across the entire province.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
