"Are you trying to deceive me with small favors?" The boy jeered. "I might not know much about the world, but I do know that if you want to achieve something, you should aim high!"He then kicked over the anthill and walked away.Bianca was shocked by the boy's actions. After standing in the scorching sun for a while, she finally snapped out of her daze and realized it was already evening.The duty teacher began checking the classroom doors and getting ready to leave. The school principal emerged from a slightly better cottage, immediately spotted Bianca, and warmly greeted her."You're... Ms. Mosley, right? I remember you. You came with Ms. Harding and took lots of pictures of our children!"Bianca forced a smile, although her face was pale."Ms. Mosley, why are you here at this time?" The people from the mountains were straightforward and honest. The school principal considered anyone who came with Lena—the one who brought the kids to school in Centrolis—as benefactors. She hel
"Ms. Mosley, you're here!" Several bodyguards rushed over to Bianca. Chris had sent them to accompany her.Since this area was in the mountains, Chris wanted to ensure Bianca's safety, even if he didn't hold her in high regard. When the Hamerton bodyguards arrived, he assigned most of them to follow her."Ms. Mosley, it's getting late. Let's head back quickly!""Hey!" Bianca stopped them.They paused and exchanged glances, awaiting her instructions."Although it's getting late, I need to take a few more photos," Bianca explained."Ms. Mosley, what else do you need photos of? We'll accompany you.""Do you have a car?"The bodyguards pointed to the car parked on the road outside the school."Alright, I want to go to the other side of the mountain to take some photos. Drive me there."-Night had fallen, and the mountain road was treacherous. The driver remained intensely focused, controlling the speed as they moved forward."Are you following closely?" Bianca fiddled with her
An elderly man held a dirt broom in his hand, glaring fiercely at Alexander."Is it that little bitch? Is it true?"The man continued. "I heard about it long ago that a Ms. Harding came to the neighboring village. Heh! She even came from Centrolis!"At first, I didn't think much of it. But you've been running over the mountains daily and following her like you're cursed since you went for that one lesson!"It's that little bitch, right? Speak up! Am I right?!"Alexander remained silent, standing there like a statue.Drake Dickinson raised the broom and struck Alexander. The withered broom struck him hard, causing dust to scatter.Bianca widened her eyes as she held her breath, feeling as if the broomstick might fall on her if she made a sound."Enough!" Alexander yelled, turning to glare at Drake. "I want to go to Centrolis. I want to study and attend the best schools. What's wrong with that? My only mistake is being born into this family and being your son!""You—""Not only
Chris sat beside Lena, holding her hand and smiling."Sorry," Lena whispered to him and then looked back at the children with a hint of embarrassment. "This is their first time traveling so far, and they might be overly excited.""Why are you apologizing to me?""Because... this is on your plane.""In the future, it'll be yours, too."He affectionately nuzzled her nose, his eyes filled with warmth.However, at that moment, he felt a sudden chill behind him. He turned to look but noticed nothing unusual—just the silent boy in the corner who briefly glanced at him before turning away.The air attendant approached. "Mr. Hamerton, the plane is ready for takeoff, waiting for clearance.""Alright." Chris nodded. "Is Bianca's ticket purchased?""Ms. Mosley..." The air attendant's expression was troubled. "I heard from the bodyguards Ms. Mosley wants to stay in the mountains for a few more days.""What?" Chris frowned. "Why does she want to stay longer?""She wants to take more phot
"Maybe I just got darker from the sun," Lena said."You must have gone through a lot over there anyway," Lina said.Lena smiled. A worry gnawed at her whenever she wasn't by Lina's side. She feared that Lina might face mistreatment of some sort, akin to how Lina would fret if Lena got bullied in her absence.Zuko and Chris exchanged glances, sharing an unspoken understanding. Those two treated them like they were invisible.Before they could engage in conversation, Zuko and Lina were swarmed and ushered away. Chris couldn't escape socializing either.Lena smiled and returned to her quiet corner.Suddenly, someone handed her a glass of champagne.Lena looked up and saw Elijah standing before her. He had slightly flushed cheeks and a tipsy smile. Adjusting his tie, he nodded toward the balcony.Lena followed him.The balcony was vast and tranquil, a world apart from the bustling banquet hall. The evening breeze brought a refreshing coolness, and the champagne carried a hint of s
Lena stood there in shock. It was as though a floodgate of memories had suddenly burst open. She believed she had distanced herself from her past when she left that place. Yet, this boy seemed like a haunting shadow, drawing her back into a past she desperately wanted to forget.She struggled to calm her racing heart as fragments of memories flooded her mind.'Alexander Dickinson… No, it can't be. Wasn't that child named Leo?'When the boy was born, his father lost a bet in gambling and returned to beat his wife, who had just given birth. He claimed the child was like a lion seeking vengeance, hence the name Leo.'So... Alexander must have come from a different family, right? Yes, that seemed likely,' she thought. Since everyone in that village shared the same last name, he probably belonged to another branch of the Dickinsons.Lena took two steps back, clutching her dress with trembling fingers.Gradually, Alexander's eyes lost their hostility and softened, a stark contrast to
"Hey, do you run away every time you see me now that you think you're all grown up?" Fleur complained."Mom...""You're my son, for heaven's sake! You foolish kid!" Fleur reprimanded.Lena approached with a smile and nodded. "Hello, Mrs. Hamerton."Fleur adjusted her hair with the arrogance of a peacock, taking five seconds before replying with a nonchalant, "Hmm, hello."She soon noticed her hands were empty—no accessories adorned them.Chris quickly grasped the situation and interjected, aware of his mother's scrutinizing gaze. "Mom, it's not that Lena doesn't want to wear the ring you bought her. It's just that it's too big for her slender fingers, and I thought it wouldn't match the occasion. Besides, the ring holds sentimental value for her. She's been keeping it safe in a drawer. She hardly ever takes it out!"Fleur glanced at him and pouted. "I didn't say anything. What are you rambling about?""I...""I know. You young folks don't like the style of the ring!""No, Mrs
Lena opened the door and was surprised to find Alexander standing outside."You?" she exclaimed, her eyes scanning the area. "What are you doing here?"He remained silent, his dark eyes seemingly darker in the night.Lina stepped out, initially stunned to see him. However, she soon smiled and said, "You're the student Lena brought, right? Is this your first time at an event like this? Have you eaten?"Alexander was taken aback, unable to speak. He gazed at Lina, finding her exceptionally beautiful. He had always thought his sister was the most beautiful person in the world, but now...Then, he looked at Lena. Surprisingly, his sister was not any less beautiful. They had different types of beauty, but both possessed kindness."Hey!" Lena waved her hand in front of his face. "What are you staring at?""Nothing..." He quickly looked down, feeling embarrassed. At his age, boys often felt ashamed. He realized he had been rude and felt apologetic.Lena pressed. "You haven't answered