The Heiress Chooses Madness novel Chapter 175

Payton didn’t stop. He just pointed at all the people around them. “You sure? Look at everyone staring. The way you look right now, you’re basically a zoo exhibit. And people are probably thinking I’m the one who beat you up. I’ll be the bad guy here.”

Kayla glanced around. Sure enough, everyone was watching them. Some were even pointing and whispering.

“Alright, thanks then,” Kayla said.

Payton had helped her out. She couldn’t let him take the blame for this mess.

Kayla never even thought about her family worrying. If she came home with these bruises, her mom would worry, sure. But the rest of the Sextons would probably just assume she’d caused trouble again.

Payton gave her a small smile and carefully wiped his hands with a wet wipe. Then he opened the ointment tube and dipped his finger in. The clear gel caught the light.

Payton pulled a chair over and sat down in front of Kayla. Up close, he noticed her skin was almost unnaturally smooth, like she had no pores at all.

His finger touched the red, swollen area on her cheek. The cool sensation made Kayla flinch, but she forced herself to stay still.

Payton was incredibly gentle, like he was handling something fragile. He barely applied any pressure, afraid of hurting her. His heart was pounding for some reason, and his breathing got heavier. ‘Why am I so nervous?‘ he thought.

Kayla noticed how careful he was being and couldn’t help teasing him. “You don’t have to be so gentle. The ointment’s cold, but it doesn’t hurt.”

It did hurt a little, but the cool feeling helped.

Payton managed an awkward smile, trying to play it cool. “Good. You girls have really soft skin. I’m always scared I’ll hurt you if I’m not careful.”

Kayla grinned. “Wow, you really know your way around girls. Had a lot of practice?”

Payton’s expression turned serious. “No, I don’t really know other girls. Your skin is really delicate, and when Davon grabbed your wrist the other day, your skin turned red right away. So I figured I should be extra careful. Don’t get me wrong.”

Payton sounded nervous, like he was worried Kayla might get the wrong idea.

Kayla had only meant to tease him a little, but she hadn’t expected him to get so serious about it. The way he suddenly went all earnest left her feeling awkward.

I’m not that much of a princess, Kayla thought, bristling a bit at the implication. But when she saw how tense and focused Payton looked, she swallowed her protest and let it go.

After Payton finished bandaging her wrist, the waiter showed up with their food. Payton glanced at her, trying

18:09 Thu, Oct 23

Chapter 175

to sound casual. “So, what are you gonna do about today?”

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At the mention of those thugs, Kayla’s eyes went cold and her voice hardened. “They tried to mess with me. I’m making sure they regret it.”

Payton kept his eyes on the burger in front of him, like he was just making conversation. “If you need help with anything, just say the word.”

But he was totally sneaking glances at her from the corner of his eye, looking hopeful, like a puppy waiting for attention.

Kayla’s gaze lingered on Payton’s bandaged arm for a second. “You need to focus on healing up. I can handle this myself. Don’t worry about it.”

This is my fight,‘ Kayla thought firmly. ‘I settle my own scores.‘ Payton had already gotten hurt because of her. She wasn’t dragging him into more trouble.

The light in Payton’s eyes dimmed, disappointment clear on his face. He looked like a kicked puppy, utterly dejected.

Seeing him look so down, Kayla felt a pang of guilt. After thinking for a moment, she said, “Look, we’re in this together now, whether we like it or not.

“What really matters right now is crushing Marianna and Davon in the finals. So just focus on getting better and keeping your grades up, okay? Don’t let anything mess with our scores.”

Something she said must’ve hit the right note. Payton’s eyes, which had just dulled with disappointment, suddenly lit up again. “Got it. Don’t worry!” he said, his voice noticeably brighter.

In this together,‘ Payton thought, unable to stop the grin spreading across his face. ‘She said “we” and “our.”

Maybe I’m not just some random guy to her after all,‘ Payton thought, his heart doing a little flip. Even his burger seemed to taste better after that.

Kayla suddenly felt her stomach twist uncomfortably and got up to head to the restroom.

She’d been so busy dealing with those thugs and then rushing to the hospital that she hadn’t noticed until now. There was a huge red stain on her pants, and even Payton’s shirt tied around her waist had gotten marked.

Kayla covered her face, mortified. ‘Oh gosh, how long have I been walking around like this?‘ Her hand touched the shirt at her waist, and suddenly, Payton’s actions from earlier made perfect sense. Her face went blazing red.

‘Wait, did Payton see? Is that why he…?‘ Kayla thought.

When Kayla came back from the bathroom, she really couldn’t eat anymore. She gave Payton an awkward smile. “Um, I should probably head out. About your clothes, I—”

Payton jumped in immediately. “My hand’s still messed up, so I can’t do laundry. If you don’t mind, could you take them and wash them for me?”

18:09 Thu, Oct 23

Chapter 175

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