The Queen Who Fights Back (by Lily Hastings) novel Chapter 28

Chapter 28

Before Ethan even had a chance to respond, Nova abruptly slammed her hand down with surprising force onto his shoulder. The sudden impact was so intense that Ethan felt as though his shoulder might be dislocated from the pressure. He instinctively turned toward her, only to catch sight of Nova already striding purposefully toward the exit of the bar.

“Keep up,” she called back over her shoulder, standing firmly in the doorway as she urged him forward with a sharp glance.

At that moment, Ethan’s mind completely blanked on the times he had swept the classroom floor for Nova or when she had praised him like a child receiving candy. The urge to challenge her, to teach her a lesson, had vanished entirely.

Back when he attended Saint Laurel Royal Academy, Ethan had earned a reputation not only for his striking appearance but also for his impressive skills. Yet now, here he was—reduced to Nova’s personal sidekick.

Her commanding tone left him momentarily stunned. “Huh? Coming,” he stammered, quickly picking up his pace to catch up with her.

Mason was quick to follow, stepping ahead of Nova as if to block her path. “Ms. Blake, are you really leaving already? Aren’t you going to stay for the celebration?” he asked, his voice tinged with surprise.

The rest of the crew echoed Mason’s sentiment, their excitement palpable.

“Yeah, Ms. Blake, you just took the top spot—we were planning to throw you a proper celebration.”

“Let’s organize something tonight to honor your rise.”

“Our boss is barely a teenager. Is there any other city with a leader as young as ours?”

“If word gets out, I’ll be bragging about this for the rest of my life.”

Their voices brimmed with pride and enthusiasm, but Nova’s response was flat and dismissive.

“No need,” she said simply, showing no interest in the idea of a celebration.

She had only agreed to take over Frostwave Bar because she intended to stay in Ravensport for the long haul. Holding influence in this city would bring her countless advantages, but that was all she wanted—no parties, no fanfare.

“If Ms. Blake isn’t into formalities, then forget it. Break it up, everyone, go home,” Mason said with a respectful chuckle.

The crew laughed quietly in agreement, clearly respecting her wishes.

Victor, who had stepped down as the owner of Frostwave Bar, had handed over the title of Ravensport’s underground king to Nova. Yet he remained behind the bar, overseeing its daily operations with a steady hand.

He understood better than anyone that Nova, as a high-ranking member of Crimson Web, wouldn’t bother herself with every minor detail. He respected her decision.

Before they left, Nova handed Victor a way to contact her whenever necessary.

They stepped out into the night air. Though dusk had only just passed, a biting wind swept through the streets, tugging at the thin jackets of passersby and leaving them shivering uncontrollably.

Ethan followed closely behind, immediately shuddering as the cold gust hit him. He rubbed his reddened nose and asked, “If you have powers like that, why didn’t you ever show them at school?”

Nova replied lazily, her tone teasing, “Was there really a need?”

Despite Ethan’s status as the school heartthrob during their teenage years, he had been just as caught up in the usual concerns of boys his age—appearance, reputation, and fitting in.

His voice took on a heavier, more serious tone, as if what he was about to say carried great weight. “Yes, there was. Of course there was.”

He hesitated, then continued, “Do you know what people have been saying about you at school?”

“Many say you’re an abandoned girl from the Blake family, wandering the streets all these years, and they say—”

Ethan’s face flushed a deep crimson—not from embarrassment but from anger on Nova’s behalf.

Nova, unbothered, asked calmly, “They say what?”

Ethan took a deep breath, his voice grim. “They say you were kept by an older man and even claim you were a prostitute.”

“Oh?” Nova feigned surprise, raising an eyebrow as if hearing such rumors for the very first time.

Over the past ten days, he had found every excuse to visit the Freshman Year Class A classroom just to see her.

Though no one knew what the two talked about behind closed doors, the girls couldn’t stop watching.

The female students who disliked Nova and often insulted her behind her back were practically boiling with rage.

Seeing their beloved heartthrob, Ethan, making a beeline for Nova almost made them snort with fury.

The girls gathered, linking arms as they scolded her on the spot.

“Her again? Ethan’s going to her again?”

“What did she do to our heartthrobs? They’re all obsessed with her.”

“Remember when Zane asked her to be his partner in front of everyone? She refused—just like he said, she’s playing hard to get.”

“Why doesn’t she just disappear? She’s probably trying to seduce Ethan again.”

The surrounding girls were convinced Ethan was about to launch a full-on romantic pursuit of Nova.

Indeed, Ethan approached her with a sheepish expression. He scratched the back of his head, cheeks burning with embarrassment.

‘I’m so shy to say this in front of everyone for the first time, but to show my resolve, I have to succeed,’ he thought determinedly.

Under the shocked gazes of Sophia and the other girls, Ethan gathered his courage and spoke loudly to Nova, “I’m serious. Please think about this carefully.

“Nova, please consider taking me as your student. I swear I will become your most outstanding student—this I vow.”