Chapter 2168

The next morning broke softly over the weekend, sunlight pooling across the driveway like warm syrup.

Before Felix had even rubbed the sleep from his eyes, Miranda ushered him into the back seat of a black sedan bound for yet another tutor’s house—another battlefield, another chance to stay ahead.

Felix slumped against the leather seat, lashes fluttering as he drifted in and out of a shallow nap.

During the drive, the smartwatch on his wrist kept chiming, each bright beep slicing through the cramped car like a needle. Traffic was gridlocked, yet Felix still accused the chauffeur of poor driving.

The man swallowed his irritation. He relied on this job to feed his family. Arguing with a child—especially this child—was trouble he couldn’t afford.

“In that case, I can pull over and walk with you,” he offered, grasping for a compromise.

Felix scanned the road ahead. Cars were packed bumper to bumper. There was no shoulder, no alley, nowhere to squeeze the sedan aside. Even reversing was impossible—the vehicle was boxed in on all sides.