Chapter 304

Inside the cramped car, even the air felt thin. The scent of pine from Sebastian clung to the air, flooding into Roxanne's senses as if trying to wrap around her completely and pull her under. Up front sat Aiden and Nathaniel. In the back, Roxanne leaned against the door, doing her best to keep as much distance as possible from Sebastian. A strange, tense silence filled the car. Roxanne didn't look at him, but she could clearly feel the weight of a burning, oppressive gaze pressing down on her like thorns against her back. After half an hour, the car finally reached the busy part of the city. Roxanne quickly spoke up, "Please stop here. I'll catch a cab back to campus from here." She kept her voice and expression composed. "Thank you so much for your kindness, Mr. Hayes. Really, thank you." Without even glancing at Sebastian, she addressed Aiden directly, "Please pull over here. Thanks." But Aiden kept driving, unbothered by her words. The strange silence lingered, and Roxanne