Chapter 22

“If Mia’s referring to the online forum comments, I already texted her back. I don’t need her concern or your consolation.” Luna shook off Russell’s hand, showing no intention of complying.

Russell frowned deeply. “Do you know we’re super worried about you? We can’t control the online comments, but we’re worried you might be hurt. We spent the whole morning discussing how to make you feel better.”

“What’s with that attitude? Are you going to blame the online hate on us and consider us your enemies?”

Of course they were her enemies!

Luna glanced at him. “Russell, what do you think of me after all these years?”

Russell looked taken aback by her tone. She seemed to have reverted to her former self. Had she regretted her actions?

Feeling pleased, he replied, “Luna, you’re a good egg. Everyone knows that. You’re obedient, thoughtful, and you study hard. We adore you!”

“Is that so?” Luna cast him an indifferent look. “I’m surprised you know me that well.”

Russell tried to pull her closer. “That’s for sure. That’s why we ordered all your favorite foods. Hurry up! Wyatt and the others must be impatient.”

“I’ve got an extra plate of pasta here. Do you want it or not?” Rhett suddenly appeared, standing between Russell and Luna, his gaze lowered.

Luna instinctively replied, “Yes,” then walked to the table Rhett indicated. Russell shoved Rhett away. “Yo, Rhett, what’s that supposed to mean?”

“Can’t I treat my junior to lunch? Do you have comprehension issues or what?” Rhett snickered.

Luna turned to stare at Russell. “Russell, I don’t actually love salads. I prefer burgers. And I prefer linguine to spaghetti. I’m also not a fan of leek and potato soup; I like mushroom soup better!”

Kevin needed a lot of energy for basketball, so he mostly ordered meat for lunch. In the past, Luna would exchange her protein for the vegetables on Kevin’s plate. Ethan always ordered spaghetti because his family ate it mostly. He’d never inquired about Luna’s preferences, and over time, everyone assumed she liked spaghetti.

Leek and potato soup was Wyatt’s favorite, but it stank. Every time he had it, he blamed his bad breath on Luna, claiming he’d only ordered it because she did too. He said it was her fault they both smelled bad.

Luna was confused. Why couldn’t he just admit he liked the leek and potato soup? It wasn’t a big deal. Why blame it on her? Wyatt wasn’t an idol; he couldn’t curate an idealized image all the time. It was ridiculous!

Russell watched Luna devour the linguine, ignoring him. He could see she was unaffected by the online comments. Was she dead set on working under Erin?

He wanted to question her about her change. Couldn’t she just enjoy a peaceful lunch with her seniors, happily calling them by name, like before? Why act like a stranger?

Anger bubbled within Russell. However, as he took a step forward, Rhett stopped him. “Do you understand respect?”

“You’d better not interfere in this between Luna and me. Our bond is stronger than yours. Get out of my way!” Russell glared at Rhett.

But Rhett crossed his arms and refused to move. “She’s eaten the food I bought her, so she’ll listen to me! You’ll have to queue for her time now!”

Russell was furious. What nonsense was that? But he knew he couldn’t make Luna leave with him. She was no longer an obedient junior at their beck and call. Now that she was working in another research team, she was Rhett’s junior, not theirs.

Suddenly, Russell felt a pang of panic. He quickly looked for Wyatt.

Afterwards, Rhett sat across from Luna.

“Hey, you ate my plate of pasta!”