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
"Why didn't you..." Lena frowned. "Just knock instead of turning the handle?"Alexander was taken aback."That's something you need to learn," Lena said seriously. "No matter where you go, whether it's to the teacher's office or your classmates' dorm, you must knock on the door first instead of opening it right away. It's a matter of courtesy. Do you understand?"His lips moved, but in the end, he chose to hold back what he was going to say.It wasn't him who had done that just now.More than ten minutes ago, he had accidentally found himself in this quiet corridor while trying to escape the noise of the banquet for some fresh air. He had no idea what the room was for, only seeing someone trying to enter it in the dark.He hadn't seen the person's face, and that person had been on high alert, fleeing after failing to open the door.He had approached because he became concerned when he heard Lena's voice asking, "Who is it?" from inside. That's why he knocked."Why aren't you sa
Drake's eyes brightened at the news."Ms. Bianca..." He fumbled, uncertain where to place his hands. Surprise and greed were evident on his face.Bianca reassured him with a smile. "It's alright. You're older than me, after all. Think of it as the young showing respect for their elders."He licked his lips, eager to taste the city's wine.Taking advantage of the moment, Bianca served him food and encouraged him to eat more while smiling. His tension decreased, and his true nature emerged. He consumed his meal with less grace, audibly munching on the dishes.Bianca frowned, her disgust more noticeable.After three rounds of wine, Drake's caution waned. He patted his chest, assuring her, "Ms. Bianca, y-you're my savior! Hehe... I'm not one for fancy words, but I'll be there whenever you need me! I won't hesitate to help!""Really?" That's what she wanted to hear."Of course!" Drake pledged, burping. "You've been so kind to me. If I don't repay you... Hic! Can I still call myself
"From now on, you'll answer my questions honestly. Understand?"Drake immediately agreed. He didn't want to die in an unfamiliar place, even if his life had little value.Bianca raised her chin, her eyes revealing a cold gleam. "Tell me, who is Krystal Harding?""She's a human trafficker," he admitted, unable to lie.Bianca frowned. "Who was the woman you mentioned earlier?""That's her daughter, Lena Harding.""Lena Harding..." Bianca's mind raced. "Is she the one who brought the mountain kids to study in Centrolis?""Yes, that's her." He nodded vigorously. "Krystal used to do business in our town, so she sent her only daughter to me. She paid me regularly.""So, Lena is your adopted daughter?""Yes." His voice grew hoarse. "But she... She ran away.""Why did she run away?"He bit his lip and remained silent. Bianca had a hunch. She had witnessed him brutally beating his biological son that night. What had he done to his adopted daughter if he treated his flesh and blood