My Hot Stepbrother

Chapter 9

CLARA'S POV.

The atmosphere in the cafeteria was still quite lively, but somehow I felt tense. My four friends looked at me with curious gazes.

I smiled a little. "I have nothing to hide."

Kevin laughed. "Oh, come on, Clara. We're your best friends. If there's a problem, we can help."

I just shook my head. "Really, nothing."

We continued our small talk, laughing together as usual. However, my mind was still filled with many things. Leon, Hailey, Nathan, and of course, the weirdness in my room.

After a while, I said goodbye to go to the washroom. I stepped inside and stood in front of the mirror, looking at my face that looked a little tired.

Just as I was about to wash my face, I saw someone's reflection in the mirror. I turned my head and found Hailey standing behind me with a sardonic look. A very different attitude from the one she showed in front of my mom, Adrian and Leon.

I stared at her wordlessly, waiting for her to open her voice first.

"Looks like you're pretty special in Leon's eyes," she said in a cold tone.

I frowned. "What do you mean?"

Hailey folded her arms in front of her chest. "All the way to campus, Leon kept talking about you."

I remained silent, trying to digest everything she said. Honestly, my feelings, which had gotten worse, were now slowly disappearing.

"I don't like hearing it," she continued, her voice lower but full of firmness. "It was Tania and now it's you. Don't let you become the next Tania."

I blinked at Hailey's mention of Tania. Wasn't that Leon's ex-girlfriend who had died six years ago in an accident with Leon.

Hailey is Leon's cousin. She must know Tania. That's not strange.

I looked at her expressionlessly. "So, what do you expect from me?"

Hailey brought her face closer to mine. "I just want to tell you one thing, Clara. Don't try to take Leon's attention away from me."

I stifled a laugh. "Seize his attention? You know, I never asked Leon to do that to me. So, it's a big mistake for you to warn me."

Hailey laughed blandly. "I'm warning you to avoid Leon as much as possible."

"Without you even asking, I already did that, Hailey." I pointed my index finger right in front of Hailey's face with my forefinger. "You should tell Leon to stay away from me."

Hailey instantly removed my index finger from in front of her face. With a face full of annoyance, she turned around and left the washroom, leaving me with many questions in my head.

'She seems so obsessed with Leon? And more importantly, her threat. If I didn't stay away, then I would become the next Tania. Is it possible that Tania... ah, no. I dare not speculate.'

I looked at my reflection in the mirror once more before finally letting out a long sigh. One thing I know for sure, my life is getting more complicated.

***

As the clock struck 11:30pm, the lecturer's voice rang throughout the classroom. "Alright, that's enough for today's material. Don't forget to do the assignments I've given you. We'll discuss it next week. Class is over."

The sound of chairs shifting filled the room, students began to pack up and prepare to leave the classroom. I joined them, putting my books into my bag, and walked out with Vivian and Emily.

"Clara, I don't think I can go to the bookstore," Vivian said.

"Me too. Sorry." Emily looked like she was hesitant to tell me that.

In our group, I was the leader. Although I was only Adrian Lucero's stepson, I was given facilities as well as a sizable allowance every month.

I didn't hesitate to spend money every time we got together. They knew that I was a generous leader.

"It's okay," I replied. I turned to Kevin. "Come with me to lunch."

"Sure," Kevin replied with a twinkle in his eye.

As soon as I stepped out of the classroom building, my steps stopped. Leon was already standing there, obviously waiting for me. By his side stood Hailey who looked as friendly and cheerful as ever. It was as if the incident in the washroom had never happened.

"Clara, let's have lunch together." Leon immediately said without preamble as soon as he saw me. "Hailey herself asked me to ask you to have lunch together."

I was stunned for a moment. Not because of the invitation, but because of who proposed it.

"Leon was right. I suggested it, Clara," Hailey said with a sweet smile. "I want us to get along better, Clara."

Oh, this girl is really manipulative. If I told her what happened in the washroom, no one would believe me. If I had recorded my conversation with her, I would have had proof.

"I'm busy," I replied flatly. "I promised Kevin I'd have lunch with him."

Mentioning Kevin's name obviously upset Leon. He never liked me being around any guy, even if it was just a friend. His face hardened, his eyes glaring at me.

"Clara, don't provoke my anger." His tone sounded cold, like a warning.

Hailey joined in, her voice sweet and gentle. "Come on, Clara. Let's have lunch together. I want to get to know you better."

I snorted softly, knowing that I wouldn't be able to refuse. I was too lazy to argue. I sighed and finally complied.

"Alright," I replied lazily.

The three of us walked to a restaurant near the campus. As soon as we sat down, a waiter came with the menu. Before I could open the menu, Leon had already spoken.

"Let me order," he said casually. "I know all your favorite foods."

I was about to protest, but Hailey spoke up first. "Thank you, Leon. I'm touched," she said with a meaningful smile.

I saw Leon turn to Hailey. "Sorry, Hailey. I was talking to Clara, not you."

I couldn't help but burst out laughing. All eyes were on me, but I didn't care. Hailey's face instantly turned bright red, clearly embarrassed. Unfortunately, Leon didn't see it because he was busy choosing a menu.

Hailey gave me an annoyed glance, but I still didn't care. What can she do?

Lunch was quite awkward, especially after the incident earlier. I just ate in silence, while Hailey occasionally tried to get Leon's attention. After eating, I immediately said goodbye, saying that I had other things to do.

Around 4pm, I arrived home after stopping by the bookstore with Rosalyn and Kevin.

I entered my room and threw my bag on the bed and lay down. I called Evan, my friend who was going to install CCTV in my room.

I put my cell phone to my ear after the call connected.

"Hello, Clara," Evan greeted casually on the other end.

"What about the plan to install CCTV tonight in my room?" I asked without preamble.

Evan chuckled. "I'm ready. What time do I come to your house?"

"11pm and you have to come quietly," I said in a half-whisper.

"Why?" asked Evan, sounding curious.

"It's a secret, Evan. I'm the only one who knows," I told Evan not to ask too many questions. "I'll wait for you at the front gate tonight."

"Okay. I'll let you know when I get near your house," Evan said. "What about my fee?"

"No need to worry. I'll pay you as soon as you finish installing the CCTV in my room. As a bonus, I'll treat you to lunch for three days."

Evan laughed happily. "Deal! Okay, I'm ready for action."

I ended the call with a faint smile. Tonight, I would make sure everything went according to plan.

By dinnertime, my mom and Adrian and I were already in the dining room having dinner together.

"How are your classes, Clara?" asked Adrian.

"Very well. My grades are also quite satisfactory," I replied.

Adrian nodded with satisfaction. Maybe it was worth it to send me, his stepdaughter, to an elite university. "That's good. I'm glad to hear that. My company needs a genius to manage it. Leon will be the CEO while you will be the CMO (Chief Marketing Officer)."

"Awesome," said my mom with sparkling eyes. "Honey, where's Leon? Why isn't he home yet?"

Adrian who was spooning soup turned his head and replied casually, "After the event at the college, Leon will help Hailey pack her things. My cousin left Hailey with me. So Hailey will be staying here."

I froze. "What?!"