Chapter 183 - 182: Project Start
By the time Rex got home, the sunlight had fully bloomed over the city. Golden beams streamed through his windows, catching the corners of his freshly cleaned living room in a warm glow.
He stepped inside, loosened his collar, and let out a breath that felt like shedding the boutique’s refined air. The scent of the boutique still clung faintly to him—oak, citrus, and the kind of fabric polish only places with six-figure price tags used.
Without wasting time, he headed to his room and peeled off his casual jacket. A quick shower followed, short and brisk this time, enough to wash off the city dust and residual cologne.
By 8:20, he was dressed in a clean, crisp outfit: charcoal-grey chinos, a soft cream shirt with rolled-up sleeves, and a slim-fitting dark cardigan. Comfortable, scholarly, and just polished enough to remind people he wasn’t the average campus guy.
He grabbed his bag, checked the time—8:25—and made his way to the underground parking. His black car gleamed under the garage lights, sleek and purring low when he started it. Victor and Kaelan’s vehicle waited near the exit, Kaelan giving a slight nod as their cars moved into traffic, one after the other.
The drive to university was smooth. Morning traffic had thickened, but nothing his instincts—and built-in GPS—couldn’t handle. As he pulled into the university lot, the time blinked exactly 8:49 on the dashboard.
Right on time.
Rex parked in the shaded area near the library, grabbed his satchel, and strode toward the entrance. The campus was alive—students crossing paths, some with caffeine still warming their hands, others speedwalking with overdue regrets. He moved like he belonged. Because he did.
Inside the library, the group study area on the second floor was already half full. Near the back window, a familiar cluster waved at him.
"Look who’s decided to grace us with his presence," teased Sophie, the boldest of the beauty trio. Her hair was tied up today, playful curls framing her smirking face.
Rex raised a brow as he approached. "Didn’t realize punctuality was now considered divine intervention."