Chapter 8 The Denied Application
820 Words
Isabel had waited until the day before the deadline to submit her application without finding any other solutions. With hesitant steps, she approached Andrei's room.
At that hour, Andrei was surely still in the council hall handling family business.
Isabel didn't know when he would return, so she decided to wait.
However, standing in front of Andrei's room might spark rumors if others see it.
Seeking discretion, she found a dim, secluded corner.
That spot was not only hidden from the passing servants but also offered a clear view of the hall at the entrance on the first floor.
As the darkness made her drowsy and her head nearly met the wall, she heard the enthusiastic voices of the maids greeting Andrei.
"Good evening, Childe Andrei!"
The maids on night duty were still flaunting her charms, hoping to catch the handsome young master's eye.
Yet, Andrei ignored the voluptuous maids, passing them by without a second glance.
"You're finally back."
Isabel breathed a sigh of relief and stepped out of the shadows as Andrei neared his room.
Andrei seemed surprised by Isabel's sudden emergence and inquired with a hint of curiosity, "Were you waiting for me?"
After quickly assessing that Andrei appeared to be in a good mood, Isabel handed him her application form, striving to sound as meek and pitiful as possible in hopes of persuading him to sign it.
"Childe Andrei, Mr. Bernard Howard is temporarily away from the estate. Could you please sign this application for me? I know you are very busy, but you are the fairest person here at Howard Estate, and surely you wouldn't deny such a small request."
Andrei raised an eyebrow at her obsequious tone, remembering her previously defiant demeanor in the study.
That sudden change was intriguing.
"Busy? Well, I always have time for you," Andrei said as he reached for Isabel, noticing her shoulders flinch. He raised an eyebrow as he smoothly extracted the paper from her hands.
"Dormitory application?"
After he scanned it briefly, his piercing gaze turned sharply to Isabel, and his jaw tensed.
Isabel pointed to the guardian's signature spot, clasping her hands together pleadingly. "Please, could you sign here?"
Without another glance, Andrei tore the application into pieces, crushing it into a tight ball in his fist.
Isabel nearly cried out in shock, desperate to rescue her precious application, but Andrei had already tossed the paper ball out the window.
"You!"
Isabel's voice seethed as she glared at Andrei, her words gritted through clenched teeth.
"You cannot move into the dormitory at school."
Andrei's dismissal was both icy and authoritative. He opened the door, gesturing with a slight tilt of his chin for Isabel to enter.
Although reluctant, Isabel knew she needed an explanation from him.
With only a moment's hesitation, she stepped inside.
No sooner had Andrei shut the door behind them than Isabel unleashed her pent-up frustration. "Why did you tear up my application?"
Andrei casually began unbuttoning his shirt, removing his suit jacket with a nonchalant toss onto the sofa. His athletic physique was accentuated by the snug fit of his shirt.
He settled casually on the edge of the bed, fixing Isabel with a steady gaze. "You are a ward of our family, a fact well known to everyone. Have you thought about the scandal it would cause if you moved into a dorm? People would suspect the Howard family of mistreatment."
"I won't bring any trouble to the Howard family! I can explain to everyone that my move is to focus on my studies." Isabel took a couple of steps forward, her expression and tone verging on pleading. "You know what happened in the rose garden. Those men tried to... I don't feel safe here. Please understand."
Andrei raised a hand, halting her mid-sentence. "If you promise to be good, I assure you of your safety."
Internally, Isabel screamed! You are the greatest threat to my safety!
"How can you assure that? You can't watch over me every minute! Is my personal safety so trivial compared to the Howard family's reputation?"
Isabel was incensed, her emotions cresting in waves. Anyone would lose their cool faced with Andrei's arrogant disregard!
Andrei stood and slowly advanced toward Isabel.
His imposing aura was palpable, pressing her backward involuntarily.
She stumbled over the sofa behind her, her legs buckling, sending her sprawling uncontrollably into its cushions.
Andrei braced himself on the arms of the sofa, looming over her.
"It appears you're not as wise as I hoped. Have you already forgotten what I've told you?"
Absolute obedience to Andrei's commands was the ironclad rule of life at Howard Estate.
Isabel managed a strained smile and nodded. "I haven't forgotten. To absolutely obey your commands."
"Good," Andrei replied, satisfied, straightening up and turning to resume unbuttoning his shirt.
As he exposed his muscular back, Isabel averted her gaze with a soft gasp. "Why are you undressing?!"
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