After her rebirth

Scarlett seemed a bit miffed with Ethan's introduction, so she added to Katniss, "I grew up with Ethan and know Starhaven like the back of my hand. If you have any questions, just ask me."

Katniss nodded politely, though a bit awkwardly, "Okay, got it. Thanks."

Seeing Katniss's tact, Scarlett didn't push further.

Ethan, oblivious to the tension, went to get the car. "Hang tight, I'll grab the car."

"Sure, Ethan, go ahead. I'll stay with Katniss," Scarlett said, already using Katniss's first

name.

Katniss nodded at Ethan, signaling him to go ahead.

As soon as Ethan left, Scarlett crossed her arms and gave Katniss a once-over. "So, are you close with Ethan?"

"Not really," Katniss replied, shaking her head.

Despite being surprised by Scarlett's sudden shift in attitude, Katniss answered honestly. It was clear she wasn't close to Ethan; she hadn't even heard of him before today.

Scarlett seemed taken aback by Katniss's response. The words she had prepared got stuck, and she didn't know how to continue.

She glared at Katniss, "How can you not be close? Ethan wouldn't be so nice to someone he barely knows! Are you lying to make me let my guard down?"

Katniss felt confused and helpless, "I hadn't heard of Ethan before today, so we really aren't close."

Scarlett's hostility was palpable, and Katniss felt it completely.

"I don't believe you. How could you not have heard of Ethan? He's always the center of attention wherever he goes!"

Scarlett kept refuting Katniss's words.

Katniss fell silent, unsure how to respond.

Scarlett laughed, "No words left, huh? You think I can't see through your intentions? You're just trying to get his attention!"

The mocking tone left Katniss speechless, almost making her want to reveal she was married.

She decided against it.

Not worth it.

Scarlett was about to say more when she saw a car approaching. She immediately changed her expression and linked arms with Katniss, pretending they were close.

Katniss was startled by the sudden change and almost shook her off.

The car stopped in front of them, and Ethan got out, walking around to the passenger side.

"Ethan, you were so quick! Katniss and I barely had time to chat," Scarlett said with a smile.

Katniss thought, thank goodness Ethan arrived, or she'd have to witness Scarlett's mood swings a few more times.

Ethan responded casually and opened the passenger door for Katniss, "Katniss, hop in."

Katniss was about to step forward when Scarlett grabbed her arm and pushed her aside, "I get carsick. I'll sit in the front. Is that okay, Katniss?" Scarlett said sweetly, already seated and looking at Katniss with a pained expression.

Katniss ignored her performance and opened the back door.

Ethan frowned at Scarlett, "Get out."

Scarlett didn't budge, giving Ethan a pitiful look.

Katniss intervened, "Ethan, it's fine. I'll sit in the back."

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She could sense Scarlett's hostility and figured Scarlett had a thing for Ethan, which explained her behavior. But she and Ethan had just met, and there was no mutual interest between them. It was all in Scarlett's head.

Even so, Katniss saw no point in calling it out. Some things, if said outright, would just make everyone uncomfortable.

Katniss chose to stay silent.

She quickly got into the back seat, and Ethan, seeing her settled, glanced at Scarlett before getting in.

The car ride wasn't as quiet as before, with Scarlett constantly asking Ethan about his time in Luminous City.

Ethan responded briefly but politely.

From their conversation, Katniss picked up quite a bit. Scarlett seemed regretful, while Ethan was indifferent.

Apparently, Ethan's move to Luminous City had surprised everyone. Scarlett had cried for a long time and visited him several times, but Ethan was always in the lab and didn't see her.

After a few minutes, Katniss lost interest in listening.

Scarlett's feelings for Ethan were obvious, even to Katniss, who had just met her. Ethan surely knew too. But despite knowing, Ethan had no intention of reciprocating.noveldrama

His handling of the situation was casual and dismissive, which made Katniss, who preferred decisiveness, uncomfortable.

She reminded herself not to get too involved in others' lives and took out her phone to play a game.

Just as she took out her phone, she saw a call from Maximilian. She hesitated but decided to hang up.

After hanging up, he didn't call back immediately but sent a text.

Katniss quickly replied, telling Maximilian she was in a friend's car and couldn't talk.

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They exchanged a few messages, and Katniss felt a sweet warmth just from reading and replying to Maximilian's texts.

She completely tuned out Scarlett and Ethan's conversation.

Maximilian asked about her time at the library and if she was adjusting to Starhaven's weather. She responded patiently to each question.

Maximilian's next message asked if she had eaten dinner.

Katniss thought for a moment and replied that she was on her way back to the hotel

and would probably eat there.

As soon as she sent the message, Maximilian's response came.

He sent: [Wait for me.]

Katniss was puzzled, not understanding what he meant, when the car stopped in front

of the hotel.

She got out and saw Maximilian, looking tired but handsome in his suit.

Katniss hadn't expected him to arrive in Starhaven early.

Seeing him, she immediately ran over and hugged him.

Feeling his embrace, everything felt real.

"Why did you come so early?" she asked, her eyes sparkling, her heart racing.

Maximilian held her, gently rubbing her head and looking at her tenderly.

"I missed you, so I came."

His deep, magnetic voice, as usual, made Katniss blush.