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Novel Catalog
Chapter 99
Sure enough, Harvey was walking toward their table with a calm, measured stride, his gaze fixed on Nicole.
The bustling noise in the cafeteria seemed to fade as everyone watched the interaction unfold, curious about the unexpected attention.
Snow, walking just a step behind, was quiet, her gaze shifting between Nicole and Harvey, though her expression remained composed.
Nicole set her utensils down, wiping her hands on the napkin before looking up at Harvey, who had now stopped in front of her table.
His smile was gentle but his eyes held a spark of something—curiosity, or maybe something else.
Lulu, unable to contain her excitement, glanced between them with wide eyes, whispering, “Do you know him or not? He’s coming right over!”
Nicole glanced briefly at Lulu before focusing on Harvey.
“Can I help you with something?” she asked, her tone neutral but not unwelcoming.
Harvey’s smile widened slightly as he leaned against the back of the chair opposite her.
“I just wanted to say hello.
I’ve heard a lot about you recently, Nicole.
It’s nice to finally meet you in person.”
Nicole raised an eyebrow but didn’t reply immediately.
She could feel the weight of the cafeteria’s attention on her but chose not to acknowledge it.
Instead, she gave a slight nod, indicating he could continue if he wished.
Snow, who had been standing a step behind Harvey, cleared her throat and took a small step forward.
“Harvey’s been quite impressed with you, Nicole.
I’m Snow, by the way.
It’s nice to meet you.”
Nicole nodded at Snow but said nothing, her focus still on Harvey.
“Impressed? I’m not sure what you mean.”
Harvey chuckled softly, sensing her guarded tone.
“I’ve been following the Math Olympiad competition news.
It’s rare to see someone so determined, even with the odds stacked against them.” His gaze softened a little, as if genuinely acknowledging Nicole’s effort.
“I admire your courage.”
Nicole, who had been silently studying him, finally allowed a faint smirk to curl at the corners of her lips.
“Courage is one thing.
Winning is another.”
The tension in the air was palpable, with everyone around them hanging on every word.
Harvey seemed unfazed by Nicole’s blunt response, his smile still present but with a touch of respect in his eyes.
“Well, I think you’ll do just fine,” Harvey said, his voice calm and sincere.
“And if you ever need any support, don’t hesitate to ask.”
Nicole didn’t respond immediately, but there was a flicker of something—perhaps amusement or curiosity—crossing her face.
She finally gave a slight nod and said, “I’ll keep that in mind.”
With that, Harvey straightened up, giving her one last look before turning toward Snow.
They began to walk away, and as the commotion in the cafeteria resumed, Lulu leaned in closer to Nicole, eyes wide.
“What just happened? Did Harvey just talk to you? I can’t believe it!”
Nicole shrugged nonchalantly, returning to her meal.
“Nothing special.
He just felt like saying hello.” But even as she said that, her mind lingered on Harvey’s words.
It was clear he hadn’t come over by chance, and his interest in her, whether genuine or otherwise, was something she couldn’t completely ignore.
Lulu, still buzzing with excitement, went on about Harvey, but Nicole’s attention drifted as she mulled over the implications of their brief exchange.
Something told her that Harvey’s visit wasn’t just casual.
