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Novel Catalog
Chapter_69
Yvette didn’t look up from her meal immediately, still savoring the taste of the tender ribs that had been a rare treat. The cafeteria was quieter now, most students finishing their lunch, some exchanging hushed gossip. Bonnie had already shifted her focus back to Jeremiah and Andrew, while John, always the more observant of the group, was fidgeting with his phone.
“Someone’s looking for me in the office?” Yvette finally responded, her voice a little distracted, though her brow furrowed slightly. The mention of the office made her think about the ongoing events, and the last thing she needed right now was more drama or unwanted visitors.
John nodded, a little uneasy. “Yeah, Tobias. He didn’t go into specifics, but he mentioned you should meet him.”
Yvette leaned back in her chair, the cool and composed demeanor she was known for never faltering. Tobias… that name always stirred something in her. She knew him as one of the senior students, and despite the usual cordial relationship they maintained, there were always undertones of rivalry whenever they crossed paths. He had a way of appearing calm and collected, but there was always something calculating behind his eyes.
“Did he sound urgent?” Yvette asked, wiping her mouth with a napkin as she pushed her empty plate aside. She was already thinking ahead, analyzing what this could mean.
John shrugged, trying to sound nonchalant but not quite pulling it off. “Not really. But when Tobias calls, it’s usually for a reason. Should we head over now?”
Before Yvette could respond, Bonnie, ever the chatterbox, piped up, clearly more interested in the dynamic than the potential reason for the office visit. “Tobias, huh? That guy’s got his own little fan club, doesn’t he? Always acting like he’s got everything figured out. If I didn’t know better, I’d think he was a model or something,” she teased, poking at Andrew, who looked slightly uncomfortable.
Yvette chuckled softly, brushing off Bonnie’s teasing. “He’s not that bad,” she said with a shrug. “But I’ll go check it out.”
She stood up and pushed her chair back, already prepared to leave. Bonnie followed quickly, still curious about the office meeting. Andrew and Jeremiah exchanged a quick glance, with Jeremiah remaining cool as ever, seemingly unaffected by the conversation.
“Should we go with you?” Andrew asked, glancing between Yvette and the others, his tone more neutral than before.
Yvette shook her head. “No need. I’ll be fine. You guys can finish up.” She gave him a small smile before turning toward the exit.
As Yvette walked out of the cafeteria, John quickly caught up with her, his pace matching hers as they headed toward the office. There was a certain quiet determination about Yvette’s stride that told him she was already preparing for whatever this was.
When they reached the office building, it was quieter than usual. The halls were nearly empty, the soft hum of the fluorescent lights and distant conversations all that could be heard. Yvette’s mind kept circling back to the last few weeks—between the Art Festival and her unexpected rise in the spotlight, things had been moving faster than she had anticipated. And now, Tobias wanting to meet her?
John hesitated as they reached the office door. “Are you sure you’re okay?” he asked, his voice a little quieter than usual, genuine concern slipping through his usual joking tone.
Yvette gave him a reassuring glance. “Yeah, I’m fine. It’s probably nothing serious.”
As she pushed the door open, the moment they entered, Tobias, sitting behind the desk, looked up from his paperwork. His calm, professional demeanor didn’t mask the underlying intensity in his eyes. It was clear he had been waiting for them.
“Yvette, John,” Tobias greeted, giving them both a polite nod. “Thanks for coming so quickly.” He gestured to the seat across from him. “Please, sit.”
Yvette took a seat, glancing at John briefly before turning her attention fully to Tobias. “What’s this about, Tobias? You didn’t say much over the phone.”
Tobias leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping lightly on the desk as he studied Yvette with a measured gaze. “It’s about the Art Festival,” he began, his voice calm but carrying an air of something more serious. “You’ve been doing quite well in the recent competitions, and there’s been… talk.”
Yvette raised an eyebrow. “Talk?”
“Let’s just say there are a few individuals who have taken an interest in your involvement. It’s not something you need to worry about yet, but I thought I should give you a heads-up.” He paused, his eyes sharp and calculating. “There might be more on the line than just winning the festival this year. I’m sure you’ve already realized that things are shifting around here.”
John, sensing the underlying tension, stood a little straighter. “What exactly are you implying, Tobias? Are you saying this is more than just a school event?”
Tobias leaned forward slightly, his expression unreadable. “It could be. But like I said, it’s not something you need to worry about right now. Just… stay sharp. And be aware that not everyone in this competition is playing by the same rules.”
Yvette didn’t flinch, her gaze unwavering. “So, what do you want me to do about it?”
Tobias gave her a small, almost imperceptible smile. “Nothing. Just be aware. Keep your focus, and things will work out. But if you need help, you know where to find me.”
There was something cryptic in his words, something that told Yvette this conversation was far from over. She stood up, giving him a polite nod. “Thanks for the heads-up.”
John followed her as they left the office, his mind racing with questions. “What do you think that was about?” he asked, his voice tinged with uncertainty.
Yvette’s expression remained calm, but she was deep in thought. “I’m not sure, but I’ll be keeping an eye out. Something tells me there’s more to this than just the Art Festival.”
They walked down the hall in silence, each of them processing the conversation. Something was stirring beneath the surface, and Yvette could feel it—whatever it was, she had no intention of letting it derail her plans.
