Chapter 593

A crimson car glided smoothly into the training base. Mason and Janet sat in the back, while Sean focused on the road ahead. The moment the car came to a halt, Janet grabbed her handbag and stepped out with practiced agility.

Mason watched her, his lips pressed into a thin line of displeasure. This woman certainly knows how to make a quick exit, he thought. I haven’t even managed to get a kiss out of her for days.

Janet glanced back, catching the man’s intense, piercing gaze—a look that rivaled the mid-day sun. She noticed his lips looked dry and a bit menacing. Reaching into her bag, she pulled out a tube of lip balm and applied a fresh layer to her own lips. Then, raising an eyebrow, she gave him a wicked, knowing stare.

Before Mason could react, Janet leaned back into the car. She paused for a heartbeat before pressing her lips firmly against his. She lingered just long enough to ensure his lips were thoroughly coated with the balm before slowly pulling away.

"Your lips are quite dry," she noted, her voice a cool, low rasp. "You should really drink more water."

Mason was momentarily stunned, a flash of desire igniting in his eyes. If they weren't in a place where anyone could walk by at any moment, he would have pinned her down right then and there. He fought to keep his impulses in check. "You've got some nerve, seducing me like that," he murmured, his tone unsettled.

Janet let out a soft laugh at his clearly unsatisfied expression.

Up in the front seat, Sean caught the exchange in the rearview mirror. A chill ran down his spine, and he let out a nervous cough to remind them he was still there.

Janet pursed her lips, reaching back into the car one last time to straighten Mason’s tie. She pressed the tube of lip balm into his hand and said in a soft, teasing tone, "Keep it." With a final chuckle, she turned and walked away.

The car window rolled up slowly. Mason watched her through the glass, teeth gritted in a mix of frustration and adoration. There was absolutely nothing he could do to tame her.

He looked down at the small tube in his palm and a smile tugged at his lips. Lemon scented... how refreshing.

Janet walked back into the training base feeling invigorated. However, as soon as she crossed the threshold, she sensed a shift in the air. The atmosphere was bizarre. Passers-by were peeking at her, whispering and quickly averting their eyes the second she looked in their direction.

Janet was no stranger to being the center of attention, so she didn't take it to heart. She assumed they were simply gossiping about the leave of absence she had taken; but since the instructor had approved it, there wasn't much they could actually complain about. Unbothered, she made her way toward the dorms to drop off her things.

As she passed through the corridor of the female dormitory, the fragments of gossip became clearer.

"Is that really her in the photo? She doesn't seem like that kind of person in real life!"

"You can't judge a book by its cover. Who knows what she’s really like behind closed doors?"

"What’s the point of being a genius with top grades if you're just a savage with no self-control?"

"No wonder the girls in the performing arts school can't stand her!"

"I heard the person who leaked it goes to the same school as her."

"Exactly. The scandal has to be true; otherwise, why would so many people dislike her?"

"Yeah, you've got a point."

Even though no names were spoken, Janet wasn't naive. She knew exactly who they were talking about. Something must have happened while I was away, she thought, a cold curiosity blooming in her mind. How interesting.

She reached her door and reached for the handle. But just as she was about to push it open, her arm froze.