Edmund rushed forward and grabbed Xavier around the waist, catching him just in time before he copsed onto Scarlett. Meanwhile, Caleb clutched his throat, coughing violently as he scrambled backward, desperate to crawl out of the room.


    It was utterly terrifying. It wasn''t the first time Xavier had choked him during an episode.


    But usually, there were sedatives and anesthetics. Someone was always able to pull him free from Xavier''s grip.


    However, Xavier seemedpletely out of control today. Neither medication had any effect.


    Caleb had been convinced Xavier had killed Scarlett. That was why he hadn''t seen her when he woke up.


    He waspletely innocent!


    But no matter how he tried to exin, Xavier acted as though he''d witnessed it with his own eyes. He was convinced that Caleb was the killer and nearly strangled him to death as some twisted form of atonement for Scarlett''s life. Just then, the medical staff finished quickly tidying up the room.


    Edmund helped Xavier onto the hospital bed, his face full of deep concern. "Ah, this injury has definitely worsened. I don''t know when he''ll ever recover." "Mr. Stroud is either on the road to more injuries or on the road to recovery. His life is so difficult," Scarlett said, her voiceced with concern.


    Scarlett bit her lip, then, after a moment''s hesitation, said, "Mr. Barrett, could you please request a leave of absence for me from school? I''ll stay here to take care of Mr. Stroud."


    Edmund nodded. Right now, Scarlett was the only one who could calm Xavier''s emotions.


    He hadn''t told herst night that after the serious injury Xavier suffered ten years ago, he''d been tracing her portrait every night before bed.


    Only when he was satisfied with his drawing would he put down his pen and lie down.


    Over the years, it had be a habit.


    So, perhaps only Scarlett could give Xavier the sense of security he needed.


    At Yendale Harldon Academy, Edmund had arranged an extended leave for Scarlett and taken her textbooks as well.


    When their homeroom teacher, Mike, heard that Scarlett would be absent for a while, he hurriedly shoved a thick stack of advanced mathpetition papers into Edmund''s hands.


    Herbert couldn''t help but scoff when he saw this. "Taking leave during the crucial preparation period for the Elite Math Tournament? Can''t you see what''s happening here?


    "She doesn''t care about this tournament at all. Honestly, I suggest you give up on her and let my student take her spot."


    With a cold smile, Herbert looked at Mike, his arrogance showing despite his request. "If ites to that, even if the school expels you, I''ll make sure to speak up for you."


    He was clearly the one trying to im thepetition slot, yet he acted as though he were doing Mike a favor while making demands.


    Mike felt a wave of frustration. He frowned and said, "I''m sorry, Mr. Riggs, but since Scarlett agreed to participate in the Elite Math Tournament, I believe, as her teacher, I should trust my student."


    Herbert''s expression darkened.


    "Fine. If you insist on letting a poor student take part, I won''t argue è further. However, when ites to Jonah and Percy''s disciplinary actions, I will make sure to record them fairly in their files, based on their contributions to the school."


    Mike''s heart sank. It seemed Herbert wasn''t going to let Percy''s punishment slide so easily. All he could do now was hope that Percy would perform well in thepetition and clear his name.


    Meanwhile, Percy noticed Scarlett


    wasn''t at school. After asking around, he found out she had taken a long leave. He immediately


    decided to skip ss after the


    two periods and headed straight to


    the inte cafe.


    Lost in the heat of the game, a hand suddenlynded on his shoulder. A voice,


    calm yetced with danger, whispered in his ear, "Having fun?"


    Percy jumped, ripping off his headset and swearing, "What the fuck!"


    His words caught in his throat as he stood abruptly, looking as though he''d seen a ghost. "Edmund? What are you doing here?"


    Without a word, Edmund dragged him out of the inte cafe. "Ms. Quinn has assigned me to supervise your studies. If you skip ss again, don''t me me for what happens next."


    Edmund shed a chilling smile.


    Percy was left speechless.


    Edmund continued, "Ms. Quinn also asked that you take careful notes in ss and give them to her after school. Even though she''s on leave, she doesn''t want to fall behind in her studies."


    Percy immediately protested, "Wait, why should I care if she falls behind? She''s my tutor, not the other way around!"


    "Hmm?" Edmund frowned, displeasure clearly showing on his face.


    Percy fell silent, his shoulders sagging. He mumbled a reluctant, "Oh."


    In his mind, he was filled with


    confusion. Wasn''t Edmund supposed to be Xavier''s loyal


    with Scarlett? Moreover, Edmund didn''t even listen to the head of the Stroud family. Why would he listen to Scarlett?


    That was so strange.