waking

Chapter 149

aomi panted, her breaths uneven. She’d been taking self–defense lessons from Bell, but her long dress wasn’t exactly battle gear. Facing off against ve guys, she knew she was outmatched. If she could just slip away, she’d call it a win.

ridget had promised that security guards were watching, but so far, no one had shown up.

[aomi never counted on anyone but herself. She looked at John, a fake smile plastered on her face. “Dr. Eaton, take it easy, okay? You and your uddies are cornering a girl like me? That’s not a story you want to spread, right? Let me go, and I’ll keep this hush–hush. You stay the big–shot octor, the top plastic surgeon in town.”

And I’ll owe you one,” Naomi said, scooping up some dirt from the ground.

ohn laughed, leering at her like she was his next meal. “You and Bridget were something on stage, weren’t you? I can’t touch that old biddy, but

‘ou…”

Naomi didn’t flinch, her smile still in place as she nodded. “Yeah, a lone girl like me, what a pushover, right?”

The next second, Naomi made her move. She poked John’s eyes, yanked his hair, and butted his head on the ground. Before he could blink, she had his neck in a chokehold, glaring at the others. “Any of you move, and he’s done for. Dr. Eaton, let’s see who’s faster–your men or my hands.”

It all went down in a flash. John was dazed, his vision blurry, his head pounding, and something sharp digging into his neck—felt like a knife.

‘D–Don’t… move,” John stammered before his guys could say a word. “Ms. Edwards, take it easy.”

Naomi kept her grip, still on the ground, dirt in one hand, as she pulled herself up, dragging John toward the light.

“Dr. Eaton, you’ve been quite the eye–opener today,” she said, her voice icy.

John winced in pain, trying to calm her down. “Ms. Edwards, stay cool. I was just kidding.”

Naomi’s nails dug into his flesh. “Well, I’m just kidding now, Mr. Eaton. You like it?”

“N–No… I don’t like it. I’m sorry, Ms. Edwards,” John said, trying to keep his cool. He signaled to one of his guys and then suddenly grabbed Naomi’s hand, and bent down, trying to flip the script.

However, in a flash, John was kicked aside. The other five guys got taken down by newcomers, flat on their backs.

Before Naomi knew it, she was pulled into a hug. Alfred held her tight, repeating, “You okay? You

okay?”

Naomi, stunned by Alfred’s voice, pushed him away, eyeing him warily.

lawn.

Jessie stepped up, snatching.

Alfred kicked John in the face, his voice turning fierce. “How dare you hurt her? You’re asking for

Alfred’s kick drove John’s head into the

a

coat

to

Naomi shook her head.

toss over Naomi. “You good? That was crazy, huh?”

Jessie snapped her fingers. Then the crew closed in on John and his men like a pack of wolves. “Our bad, we’re late,” Jessie said.

“How did you guys end up here?” Naomi squinted at Jessie and then at Alfred. “And you appeared at my school. That wasn’t a lucky bump, was it, Mr. Edwards?”

Alfred gave a guilty scratch of his nose. “If I told you I just swung by, would you buy it?”

“Mr. Edwards, I’ll take Ms. Edwards aside. You take the stage,” Jessie said, steering Naomi away. Alfred was all protective vibes. If Jessie hadn’t reined him in, he’d have been in the thick of it by now.

But Naomi’s braveness and resilience in the face of danger were a surprise to both Jessie and Alfred.

As they moved off, the muffled growls and scuffles echoed behind them.

Naomi didn’t glance back. For a guy like John, she had zero sympathy and mercy.

What replayed in her head was Alfred’s roar-“How dare you hurt her? You’re asking for it.”

Then she thought about what Shawn had mentioned, Alfred chasing after her. Right then, she’d rather not owe Alfred any favors.

“Don’t sweat it. Anyone would’ve stepped in,” Jessie said, keeping pace beside her. “You’re not in Mr. Edwards’s debt. If it eats at you, just buy him meal.”

173

a

11:06 AM C

Chapter 149

Naomi pressed her lips together. “How did you peg what I’m thinking?”

“Mr. Fischer never clued you in? Your mind’s an open book, all over your face.” Jessie chuckled. “Naomi, sometimes, your stubbornness is kinda cute. You just don’t see it.”

Naomi halted, eyes wide on Jessic.

Jessie reached over, pinching her soft cheek. “You are angry

That got a bright smile from Naomi. “Thanks a ton.”

Jessie grinned, guiding her out of John’s manor and into the van.

“Mr. Edwards… He’ll be okay, right?” Naomi’s voice wavered.

Anyway. I sealed:

big deal for your Naomi Design. Can’t I catch a break?”

“Chill, he’s got this,” Jessie said, a smile playing on her lips. “Worst case, he’ll just give ‘em a bruising.”

Naomi’s eyes bulged.

“Just kidding,” Jessie said, her tone teasing.

0”

か

7

Naomi’s emotions were all over the map with Jessie’s antics. She gave her a sharp look. “Gotta call Ms. Hopper and Coco.”

“Okay, I’ll get out,” Jessie said, hopping out to give Naomi some space, and she went to check on Alfred.

0

Naomi stayed put in the van and dialed Bridget and Coco. She skipped over the John drama and just said she’d bumped into someone and had to

split for other stuff.

Bridget told her to hang tight and that they’d be out in a jiffy.

After ending the call, Naomi waited by the door. Bridget and Coco soon

stepped out, linked arm in arm.

“Naomi, where to? Let’s get the car for you,” Bridget said, hailing the chauffeur. “I’ve called for another ride. Coco and I can just wait for a bit.”

FO 2 4 5 2 3 F 2 2 3 2 5 2 25 A SEDAP 26 2 8 2 2 2 0 9 22 2 2 2 26 2

“Bridget, honestly, I’m all set.” Naomi pointed to the van. “Bumped into some friends from Atopan.”

Bridget relaxed. “Just keep me in the loop.”

“Will do.” Naomi nodded.

After chatting with Bridget and Coco, Naomi asked them to go

from now on.”

back, saying.

“Bridget,

ret, make sure you’re never

alone when you leave, and ditch John

Naomi paused and then added, “He’s got a twisted heart and a fierce jealousy. If he lashes out

Bridget and Coco nodded in agreement. “We got it. Don’t fret!” Bridget said.

“Naomi, watch your back, too,” Coco chimed in.

it won’t be pretty. Keep your guards close, got

it?”

After saying their goodbyes, Bridget and Coco took off. Jessie and Alfred joined Naomi shortly after.

Alfred was cleaning his hands with a tissue, and Naomi noticed some bloodstains on it. “Naomi-” he said._______

“Call me Ms. Edwards, please,” Naomi inted, keeping it t

“Since I’m your hero, can I call you Naomi?” Alfred

me big bro, if you don’t mind?” he asked.

led t

Jessie jabbed Alfred with an elbow, making him wince.

Jessie.

normal. “Mr. Edwards, thanks for stepping in to save me.

push for

“Mr. Edwards!” Jessie replied harshly, and Alfred threw his hands

Sup.

With a friendly smile, Jessie gestured to Naomi. “Ms. Edwards, this

a first–nan

basis.

1

You’re younger than me, Mr. Edwards. How about you call

me big bro

doesn’t

fly? What do you want her to call me then?” Alfred asked

I got it,”

way, please.”

Naomi was making it clear that she wanted space, and Jessie knew pushing it would just set off her alarm bells.

“I’m taking you out for dinner, Mr. Edwards,” Naomi said, tuning out the weird vibes

dynamic than just boss and assistant, but lovers? That didn’t add up, either.

Jessie and Alfred. She sensed there was more to their

“Absolutely, let’s roll. I know this great spot,” Alfred said, hopping into the car. “C’mon, Naomi, sit with me. Big bro’s got your back.” Jessie rolled her eyes, thinking Alfred was acting like a total dork around Naomi

11:06 AM

Chapter 149

Naomi chose a seat as far from him as she could.

“Mr. Edwards, you okay?” Naomi asked cautiously, looking at Alfred. “Aren’t you maybe… getting a bit… too friendly with me?”

Naomi was tiptoeing around the real question–Are you into me, trying to make a move?

6 2 2 2 ⠀⠀ ⠀ 25

But if she asked so bluntly and Alfred said yes, she wasn’t sure if she’d have her.

to

give up on future collaborations. Letting go would be really tough for

In her eyes, Alfred was like a walking, talking treasure trove.

Just as Alfred was about to tell her that he was her big brother, Naomi beat him to it. “Mr. Edwards, do you ask every girl you meet to call you big bro like this?”

Alfred had to swallow his words. “Nah, it’s just that we seem to hit it off.”

3/3