Lucas noticed Irene's disappointment. His damned compassion prompted him to give her an explanation. "Once you enter college, you can get a job near the mansion. The classes in college are much harder than in high school. If you continue studying by yourself, aren't you afraid that you won't graduate?"
Irene nodded seriously. "Mr. Lucas, you're right, but why don't you take the lessons with me? Aren't you trying to get into college too? If we can get into the same college, then I can continue taking care of you."
"You sure can dream." Lucas doused her dream. "Do you really want to continue as a servant for the Woods family?"
"A job is a job. If I could study, care for you, and earn money at the same time, how wonderful that would be!" Irene was afraid that he might misunderstand her, so she added, "Mr. Lucas, I'm not doing this because I want your family's money. I… like spending time with you. You don't bully me. You even treat me quite well."
Lucas was feeling a little hot from her praises, so he picked up his glass and drank some water.
"Have you seen anyone needing someone to look after them once they enter college?"
"Rich kids need them!" Irene replied without thinking. "Miss Olivia studies abroad, and your father hired a nanny to care for her. If we go to the same college, your father doesn't need to hire another person. Even if your father doesn't pay me, I can take care of you. If I have extra time after work."
Lucas saw that she was serious. He asked, "Which college would you like to go to?"
"Turlington University."
Lucas replied, "No go."
"Mr. Lucas, don't destroy my confidence!"
"I said that I'm a no-go."
Irene was speechless. "Mr. Lucas, are you that far behind in your studies?"
"Take a guess."
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: His Eagle Eyes on Me