Elena gave an embarrassed smile. “Can I talk to you alone for a second?”
The whole class turned their eyes on them.
Even Henry froze.
What could Elena possibly want to talk to Colton about?
Colton looked annoyed, but before he could say anything, Elena ducked her head and muttered, “Forget it. I don’t want to anymore.”
She had thought it through.
She and Colton didn’t have any real connection. Why would he help her for no reason?
In fact, Colton always seemed to dislike her.
If her first attempt fell flat with him, the rest of her plan would be dead in the water.
Quietly, Elena turned her eyes to Henry.
Should she start with Henry?
But getting him involved might not be enough either.
Finally, her mind landed on Nolan.
Nolan was the leader of Class Six.
If Nolan put in a word for her, maybe Colton and Lewis would agree to help.
Taking a deep breath, Elena turned around and looked at Nolan expectantly. “Nolan… can I talk to you alone?”
The whole classroom held their breath.
What was going on?
Elena wanted a private talk with their top dog?
Nolan had always been allergic to girls. He never touched them, let alone talked to them.
But under Elena’s gaze, Nolan stood up and said, “Let’s talk outside.”
“He actually agreed?!”
The room buzzed with disbelief.
Elena, surprised but relieved, quickly got up and followed Nolan out of the room.
Once they reached the hallway, she finally worked up the courage to speak. “Nolan, I have something I’d like to ask-“
“Hold on.”
“Huh?”
Elena blinked, confused. He was going to shut her down before she even said anything?
Before she could figure out what was happening, Nolan marched back to the classroom door and yanked it open.
The next second, a few students-Henry included-toppled out onto the hallway floor.
“Ow! Easy! I told you not to crowd the door!”
Henry winced, rubbing his butt, then looked up to find Nolan staring down at him with a cold expression.
Trying to play it cool, Henry said, “The door was dirty, so we were… wiping it down.”
“Yeah, yeah! We were just cleaning! We definitely weren’t eavesdropping!”
Another boy quickly chimed in.
That weird excuse earned him a sharp elbow from Henry. “Eavesdropping? I’ll give you eavesdropping! Get back inside!”
He shoved them all back into the classroom.
Only when they were gone did Nolan speak again. “Now, what did you want to talk about?”
“I was hoping… you could help me talk to Colton. About borrowing some money.”
“Borrow money?”
“I… I need a sum of money.”
“How much?”
Elena silently held up five fingers.
“Five thousand?”
“Million…”
At that, Nolan’s brows drew together.
Fifty million?
Even for an adult, fifty million was a staggering amount-let alone for a student.
“I know this sounds abrupt, but I swear-if you give me two years, I’ll pay Colton back, principal and interest. I can write a promissory note or sign a contract,” Elena said, her voice steady. Then she admitted her biggest hurdle. “But… I’m a minor. I can’t apply for any loans.”
“Do you even know what the interest rate is for two years?” Nolan’s tone was cool. “In two years, you’d owe Gray Corp at least five million in interest. That’s fifty-five million total. Gray Corp reviews a borrower’s qualifications and background before approving any loan. Things like your reason for borrowing and personal profile. Just the fact that you’re underage means they’d never approve you.”
“That’s why I need your help. I have to get that fifty million,” she said firmly, eyes full of resolve.
“At the very least, I need to know what the money’s for.”
“I want to start a business.”
“What kind of business needs fifty million?”
“A large-scale one. Maybe even more than that,” she said quietly, then fell silent. “That’s all I can tell you. This loan is extremely important to me. If you’re willing to help, I swear I’ll pay back every cent in two years.”
“Words aren’t enough. This isn’t pocket change. I need time.”
“I don’t have time. I need the money within two months.”
Three months from now was New Year’s. She needed everything set up before then.
If she waited too long, the flu outbreak would already be in motion, and by then, it’d be too late to start buying.
“One month. Around the time of the math competition. I’ll get it done.”
Nolan agreed on the spot-with no conditions. That surprised Elena.
She’d expected him to push for some kind of unfair deal.
After all, she was the one desperate for money.
Anyone else would’ve taken advantage of her by now.
“Anything else?”
Elena shook her head, still processing it all.
“Then go back to class.”
During the next period, Elena barely touched her test paper. Her eyes kept drifting to Colton.
So that was what the big secret was, Nolan thought. Just borrowing money.
When the two of them walked back into class, all eyes locked onto them.
A few classmates even ducked their heads to stifle their laughter.
“Can’t believe our cold-as-ice boss is finally showing some warmth.”
“Yeah, who would’ve guessed?”
“He’s never been this nice to any girl before.”
…
A few students whispered among themselves.
At school, Nolan avoided girls like the plague. Most of the female students ran the other way the second they saw him.
None of them had ever seen him take interest in any girl.
“Elena, what were you and Nolan talking about? Tell me, just between us.”
Henry could barely contain his curiosity.
He was dying to know what they’d discussed.
Colton didn’t ask anything, but his eyes flicked sideways toward Elena.
“Uh… I was just asking Nolan for a favor,” Elena said.
“What kind of favor?”
“I… I’m short on cash. I asked Nolan for a loan.”
“You need money? Why didn’t you come to me?” Henry asked, puzzled. “How much do you need?”
More Kickass Romance Reads
Dive into irresistible romance stories packed with possessive heroes, forbidden passion, billionaire obsession, mafia intrigue, and heart-stopping twists. One chapter is never enough—your next addiction starts here.