From Villain to Virtual Sweetheart: The Fake Heir's Grand Scheme(BL)
Chapter 177: Needlepoint Jealousy

Chapter 177: Needlepoint Jealousy

Clyde tore his gaze from the woman and glanced at Micah.

The boy was frowning. His eyes were still on Director Allen, but his expression had changed. Then, slowly, he turned his head and locked eyes with Clyde.

For a second, they just stared at each other. Clyde didn’t move. Micah’s eyes stayed steady, blank, unreadable, but then just as calmly, he looked down and lowered his head.

Clyde’s jaw tightened. His back straightened. His hands, tucked loosely in his pockets, curled slightly.

President MacTee stood awkwardly beside him, waiting for Clyde to speak. But the silence stretched too long. It wasn’t a peaceful kind of silence, either. It was thick and heavy.

MacTee glanced nervously between them, then gave a small meaningful look to Director Allen.

Director Allen picked up on it quickly and stepped forward, smiling gently. "Sir, would you like me to show you our newest product samples from the luxury line?"

Clyde turned his head toward her, his eyes unreadable. "I’m more interested in what you were teaching the college students just now."

The intern blinked, her shoulders stiffening. She looked at President MacTee, eyes panicking.

Russell leaned sideways toward Micah. "You really had to flirt with her in front of that guy?" he whispered under his breath.

Clyde’s head snapped in their direction. Russell winced and straightened up immediately. His eyes stared straight ahead like he hadn’t said anything at all.

Micah didn’t react. He couldn’t. His throat felt tight, like a lump had been stuck there since Clyde showed up. He couldn’t even breathe right. He stared at his feet.

Director Allen, thinking the rumour was really true, took a step closer to Clyde, standing completely before him. "We had only planned a short tour for them today. Next week they’ll return to choose fabric for their design tests," she said, her voice smooth and gentle.

Clyde raised a brow. "I didn’t know the director was so free that she could tour the college students. Not to say even offering one-on-one mentorship now." His eyes flicked to Micah, sharp.

President MacTee laughed awkwardly and dabbed sweat from his temples again, feeling the tension. "Of course not. Director Allen was just being polite, answering some questions, I’m sure."

Micah lifted his head. His expression was calm, but too calm. Like he had locked everything away behind a quiet mask.

"I was the one asking," Micah said. His voice was even, polite. "I wanted to know how she reached her position. I thought it would be good to learn something from someone successful."

He glanced at Clyde. "If I caused a delay, I apologise. It’s about time for us to return to campus anyway," Micah said and turned toward Director Allen. "Thank you for today." he nodded and turned around, avoiding making eye contact with Clyde.

Director Allen smiled, though she seemed slightly puzzled.

Russell, Amy, and Mellisa quickly bowed and followed Micah. The hallway echoed with the sound of their fading steps.

Clyde stayed rooted on the spot. He didn’t move. Didn’t call after him. Just watched Micah walk away like he was watching something slipping from his fingers.

Something about Micah’s behaviour gnawed at him.

Micah was too calm. Not like himself. Usually, he had some kind of reaction, smirking, teasing, rolling his eyes. But not this time. His face had gone quiet. No spark. No sass. Just cold polite words. Like he was talking to a stranger.

He didn’t smile. Didn’t seem surprised to see him. Didn’t look the least bit happy. It felt wrong. And that frown...that small, unreadable frown Micah had worn when looking at Director Allen... what did it mean?

Did he misunderstand something?

"Sir," Director Allen’s voice pulled him out of his thoughts. She gestured toward the side hallway. "If you still want to see the new section, I can..."

Clyde glanced at her. But didn’t answer. His shoulders rose with a slow breath. Then he turned around without a word.

Director Allen blinked in surprise.

President MacTee scrambled to catch up. "Sir, is something wrong? Is it because of the college students? If you..."

"No," Clyde replied flatly. "I’ve finished my inspection. The rest can be handled by my assistant."

His pace quickened as he walked to the parking lot. The driver had already opened the door, sending his mood.

Clyde paused before getting in, eyes scanning the lot, searching.

But there were no signs of Micah.

He rubbed his forehead and exhaled. "To the headquarters," he muttered before stepping inside.

Behind him, Director Allen stood frozen. She stared at the space Clyde had been standing in a moment ago. Her fingers fiddled with the cuff of her sleeves, her expression thoughtful.

On the other side of the parking lot, Micah yanked open the car door and got inside without a word. The others followed suit. He started the engine, his fingers gripping the wheel tightly.

They left the factory gates without speaking.

Micah’s knuckles turned pale from how tightly he held the wheel. His jaw clenched, and his lips pressed into a thin line. His eyes stayed glued to the road, but his mind wasn’t on driving.

He was furious. That man, Clyde, had shown his dissatisfaction so clearly. Over what? Micah talking to that director?

If he liked her that much, why had he suggested the fake girlfriend thing in the first place? What was that all for?

Micah’s thoughts twisted like a knot. That sharp stare, the way Clyde rushed over, the silence after... All of it boiled inside his chest. His heart pounded like it wanted to break out. That woman even blushed. Micah saw it with his own eyes. Clyde had looked at her like she was the only one in the room.

If he wanted to show affection, do it outside! Why in the middle of work?

The others stayed quiet, sensing something was off.

Finally, after a few minutes, Amy dared to speak. "Who was that guy? The boss of the whole factory?"

"No," Melissa replied before Micah could. "He didn’t know the staff. I think he’s that big shot they were gossiping about."

"Yeah. He was terrifying. I almost passed out when he glanced my way!" Russell said.

"But why was he so mad?" Melissa asked. "Because we talked to a superior?"

Russell smirked, lowering his voice. "Isn’t it obvious? The rumour was probably true. He came for that director lady. But then Micah was cozying up to her, so he got jealous."

"Really?!" Melissa asked, doubtfully. "But I thought he was glaring at that woman."

"It doesn’t matter. We won’t see him again." Micah said.

They all nodded. Somewhat relieved.

Micah fell into thought. Clyde didn’t seem surprised to see him there. So he knew about them visiting. Maybe even arranged it.

But his behaviour was different from before. When he looked at him, Clyde had always teased him, wearing an amused expression, raising an eyebrow at every little thing. He used to look amused like he was playing along with some private joke.

But today...that wasn’t amusement. That wasn’t neutral. There was something cold behind those eyes. Something sharp. And the voice... Clyde’s voice had held an edge Micah had never heard before. Not even when Dylon talked badly about him. Not even then had Clyde sounded that angry.

Micah didn’t understand. He didn’t know why it bothered him so much. He didn’t know why it hurt.

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