---- Chapter 20 "Eva, what do you think?" Vernon sat in his wheelchair and looked at Eva, who was engrossed in her book and taking notes. From her vantage point, she could easily see Jake lingering hesitantly just outside the courtyard as long as she lifted her head. It had been three days. Jake stood there, sleepless and without food or drink. At first, Vernon was moved by his persistence, but as time went on, he felt rather shocked. "Is he superhuman? How can he go on without food or sleep?" Finally, Eva's calm demeanor changed a little bit. She replied, "Professor, he participates in an intense survival challenge in harsh conditions for a month every summer. It's his way of testing himself and learning how to survive in a harsh environment." With that, she pointed to a particularly obscure section in her book and looked at Vernon. "Since you're here, could you explain this part to me?" "What about him? You still have to deal with him." Eva paused and then said, "He'll leave eventually. No one waits forever, especially when he realizes | am determined and ---- that there's no room for negotiation. Oh, Professor, let's get back to this book." Soon, Eva and Vernon discussed a professional problem. Eva acted as if Jake, who was gazing longingly from a distance, had nothing to do with her at all. After two hours' discussion, Eva glanced up to find that Jake was no longer under the tree. She resumed her reading, uninterested in what Jake was doing. She was well aware of what happened back home. Just as she had anticipated, Jake and Ryann had fallen out. Ryann faced her deserved punishment. She was estranged from her parents, and the former classmates she had bullied sought revenge. Her reputation was ruined beyond repair. Eva had once thought about letting Jake live in misery, to let him suffer the consequences of his choices. After all, he had chosen to fall for Ryann and abandoned his family for her. But she never expected Jake to go to look for her. When she first heard the news, Eva laughed sarcastically. It seemed all men were the same. Even Jake, whom she had loved for so long. He only realized how good she had been after he lost her. But that was too late. Eva massaged her throbbing temples and received a call requesting her to attend a psychology seminar. Eva applied ---- light makeup, dressed in smart and appropriate attire, and headed out. But as soon as she stepped into the courtyard, she saw Jake standing there. His eyes were slightly red, and he wanted to talk to her but finally kept silent: Eva glanced at him briefly before continuing on her way. Jake hastily grabbed her arm. "Eva!" Eva had to stop, but she couldn't shake off his grip. In a voice devoid of emotion, she said, "Mr. Stephens, | have things to do. Please let go." Jake's heart shattered. He couldn't bear the way she looked at him. She was colder to him than to a stranger. At least she would offer a polite smile when facing a stranger. Jake was stunned. A stranger? To Eva, he wasn't a stranger, which meant he still had a place in her heart. He immediately released her and gave a humble smile. "Can | give you a ride?" Eva withdrew her hand and coolly declined before disappearing into the maze-like underground parking lot. Jake felt utterly dejected but had no choice but to give up. Eva called the property management and questioned why they ---- allowed strangers into the villa area. The response was, "Mr. Stephens has an owner. We have no reason to keep him out." Eva was taken aback. She hadn't expected Jake to buy a multimillion-dollar villa just to be near her. "He must be out of his mind!" After the public psychology seminar, Eva didn't want to return to Vernon's villa to face Jake, who was waiting for her, so she stayed at a friend's place. Three days later, Vernon called her. "Eva, you can't solve problems by running away from him."