Chapter 76: The Delivery Guy-1
The ringtone cut through the silence, sharp and jarring against the tension that clung to the
air.
Maya wasn’t sure if she was hoping Jamie would answer… or silently begging for it to go to voicemail.
Then the screen flickered-and a second later, Jamie’s face appeared. Sleep-mussed hair, a bowl of cereal clutched in one hand, and a bleary squint that screamed suspicion.
“Harper?” he blinked. “Why are you video calling me during lunch hours? Is Maya okay?”
Maya leaned in quickly, brows furrowing. “I’m fine, Jamie. Sorry-we’re just… having-wait, what are you eating?”
Jamie blinked, caught mid-bite. “Cereal. And chocolate chip cookies. Why?”
Before Maya could launch into big-sister mode, Harper swooped in like a hurricane of
mischief.
“Oh, enough of you, Principal Maya!” Harper teased, snatching the phone and dramatically swiveling it around. “Let the boy enjoy his sugar rush! He’s got a fast metabolism and no bills to pay-he earned it!”
She turned the camera to the table with a flourish. “Say hi to everyone, Jamie!”
Jamie grinned. “Oh-hello everyone! Good afternoon!”
His gaze scanned the screen, casual at first… until it landed squarely on Damien.
His whole face lit up. “Hello, Mr. Blackwood! Nice to see you again!”
Damien, who had been sipping his water, paused mid-motion-just the faintest curve at the corner of his mouth. “Good afternoon, Jamie. You’re looking well.”
“I am! Thank you. I’m doing this independent reading project Maya recommended-I think you’d like it too. It’s about financial crime and business ethics in emerging markets.” Jamie said it like he was talking about his favorite cartoon.
There was a beat of stunned silence at the table.
Harper blinked. “I’m sorry, what now?”
Jamie shrugged. “I like reading. Anyway… what’s going on?”
Cedella
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.