Chapter 7 Her Student
882 Words
"Your student insists on interviewing you personally."
Franklin's warning still echoed in Ruby's mind. The client was from a prestigious family with extremely high expectations.
Ruby knew she had to secure this job. If she succeeded, she wouldn't have to withdraw from school and could afford long-term care for Laura.
The interview location was at a hillside mansion in the wealthy district. There was no direct public transportation. The nearest bus stop required a twenty-minute walk, but Ruby, unwilling to spend money on a taxi, chose to walk.
The winding mountain road was empty except for her. The sun was relentless, and only the occasional patch of shade provided any relief.
Luxury cars whizzed past, leaving behind clouds of exhaust and swirling dust. When the road was silent, the rustling leaves and birdsong were her only companions.
By the time she reached the gate, sweat had soaked through her hairline. She took a deep breath, smoothed out her clothes, and pressed the doorbell.
After stating her purpose, the gate swung open automatically.
She walked past an expansive lawn and manicured gardens toward the mansion, which stood tall against the golden hues of the sunset like a castle.
Ruby knew she had to get this job—no matter what.
Paul, the butler, led her into the grand hall. A magnificent crystal chandelier illuminated the space as if it were daylight. Several world-renowned paintings adorned the walls, making Ruby inwardly wonder—could they all be genuine?
In one corner, a gleaming antique grand piano sat beneath a stunning painting—Moonlit Night. The serene image of a girl sitting alone on a bench under the stars made Ruby feel as if she had stepped into a dream.
A sudden blast of rock music from upstairs shattered the illusion, followed by bursts of laughter. Clearly, a party was happening on the second floor.
"Ms. Bell, please come this way to the study," Paul said, unfazed, leading her onward.
"Thank you, and please, call me Ruby." As she entered the study, her eyes widened—it was less a study and more a private library.
Before she could fully take in her surroundings, a maid arrived with a steaming cup of coffee.
"Mr. Jones will be a bit late. Please wait here," Paul informed her before bowing slightly and leaving.
Mr. Jones?
Looking around at the luxurious decor and priceless artwork, a suspicion began to creep into Ruby's mind.
The surname Jones. This kind of wealth. Among the people she knew, there was only one possible answer...
Ruby quickly shook her head. 'No way. That's impossible.'
She took a sip of coffee, browsing the towering bookshelves. She pulled out a book, losing herself in its pages.
Before she knew it, three hours had passed.
No one had come to interview her.
Closing the book, she stepped out of the study, intending to find Paul for answers.
Just then, a shrill laugh rang out, followed by a splash of red liquid raining down on her, drenching her white blouse.
The scent of red wine filled the air. Ruby gasped, looking up at her assailant—Kelly. Holding an empty wine glass, she smirked and shrugged. "Oops. Slipped."
It was obvious—this was no accident. It was all deliberate.
However, Ruby barely noticed her. Her gaze locked onto the man standing beside her.
Bill.
Tall, striking, effortlessly captivating—but today, his expression was cold. His eyes held nothing but disdain as he looked down at her.
Why? What had she done?
"What are you doing here?" His voice was as frigid as ice.
"Interviewing for a tutoring job. My friend recommended me." Ruby kept her tone calm despite the humiliation burning inside her.
Kelly let out a mocking laugh. "Oh, Bill, did you hear that? This country girl wants to be your tutor!"
Bill's lips curled in amusement.
Ruby felt as if lightning had struck her.
So... Bill was her student?
Franklin had mentioned the employer was wealthy and particular, but he hadn't told her this.
Clenching her lips, she resisted the urge to flee. Her damp shirt clung uncomfortably to her skin, but the thought of Laura in the hospital anchored her feet to the ground.
She balled her fists, raised her chin, and met Bill's gaze. "What exactly is so funny? I entered Kingston University on a full merit scholarship, maintained a perfect GPA, and was just selected for an elite research program. Tutoring a D-grade student shouldn't be a problem. And from what I've heard, Kelly, if you fail again this year, you're getting expelled. So what right do you have to mock me?"
Her voice was steady, her eyes unwavering. The grand hall fell silent.
Kelly's laughter died instantly. Her face twisted in anger—her own grades were abysmal. If Bill didn't help her sway the professors, she was on the verge of being kicked out herself.
Bill's gaze darkened as he took a step forward. "I don't need a tutor. Especially not you."
Ruby lifted her chin higher, her voice edged with cool indifference. "That's unfortunate. Because your father, James Jones, is the one who hired me—not you."
Bill's expression hardened.
A storm was brewing in his eyes.
'This plain, country girl—how dare she?'
- Writer
