Georgina beamed. "It wouldn't matter to an old woman like me to stay here forever. But seeing you and Sam work so hard outside, I can't be cooped up anymore. "I need to step out, meet new people, learn new things. I can't just be stuck in this small town. Your grandma still has some fight left in her!" She set down the sieve, her face resolute.Aria responded with conviction, "Exactly, Grandma. You're incredible. This is just the beginning. Soon, everyone will know the name Dr. Harris—the exceptional doctor in Southbury."Georgina laughed at her words. "You always know how to make me happy.""I'm not just saying that. It's true." Aria's eyes sparkled. Georgina didn't continue listening to any more of her sweet talk. After placing all the dishes in the sink, she instructed Aria to wash up.The two shared a knowing silence, a tacit agreement not to mention Marshall or today's incident. They chose to let it all pass as if nothing had happened.Georgina felt fortunate that Aria ha
Barry felt like Landon was treating them like they didn't exist.After thinking briefly, Aria answered, "There's actually a question I want to ask you.""Okay. Give me a moment," Landon said, his dark gaze fixed on the nervous man before him. He then said to the man, "You head back first. I want to see the outcome tomorrow." Aria could faintly hear sounds from the other end of the call. It felt like she was listening through a veil of mist, yet somehow, she could still perceive the tangible pressure emanating from the other end of the phone line.The person Landon was speaking to seemed extremely deferential, their voice tinged with fear. "Yes. Mr. L…"Aria didn't catch the name clearly. By the time Aria regained her focus, the voice call had transitioned into a video call.She didn't decline his sudden video call request.Aria was usually carefree and saw no difference between voice and video calls.Soon, Landon's face appeared on the screen. He wore a black suit, his legs
Landon's fingers stilled mid-motion. "Why?"Aria's mole seemed more noticeable than usual. "I feel like he helps you to do everything. Did he owe the Carvers a favor?"Landon answered the latter part of the statement. "Yes, he does owe us a favor."Aria propped her chin up with one hand. "Then, ask him to remove the Guard status."Landon paused for a moment, pretending not to understand. "Guard status?"Thinking he didn't know what it was, Aria explained, "In my livestream, there's a symbol that appears when someone gifts a lot. It doesn't match my aesthetic."A low chuckle escaped Landon's lips. "Why don't you ask the platform to handle it for you? It's your livestream account, after all."Aria, rarely one to outwardly display emotions, gave him a small pout, managing to be both adorable and prideful at the same time. "They keep giving me automated responses, and even the moderators haven't been helpful. Maybe it's because they don't want to offend a high-spending customer."L
Although Georgina didn't care much about others' opinions, she prioritized Aria's education. Other matters could wait, but one's knowledge was for life.Georgina despised those who claimed furthering one's studies was useless. They would advise her to let Aria abandon her studies and start working. However, if Aria performed well in her exams this time, she might get into a prestigious college.Aria hadn't even finished washing up, but Georgina could already envision her bright future. She believed that Aria shouldn't be confined to this small town and be looked down upon by others. Aria should venture out and make herself a name."Aria, listen to me. I can manage the shop, and I won't be soft-hearted toward the Kent family either. Just focus on doing well in your exams and don't feel pressured." Aria could sense how much Georgina cared about her exam.For good luck, Georgina brushed a four-leaf clover over Aria's body. It was said to ward off bad luck and bring success.Aria ha
The highly discussed Aria was still in the cab dealing with her work.She was finalizing the Kent Corporation acquisition. Setting traps and analyzing data, she devised a long-term strategy for maximum profit.Once everything was ready, she contacted Harry. "Go and inform Marshall that Grand Construction Corp. will give him three minutes to state his case."Harry was excited. "It's a foolproof negotiation tactic. I understand!"A company whose market value had plummeted to rock bottom was the perfect acquisition target.By the time Aria completed this task, it was already 9:00 am. The exam was set to start at 9:30 am, but even after getting out of the car, Aria continued to be engrossed in her phone.Moderator 007 also reached out to Aria. Knowing she was released, he sent several messages expressing his regrets on behalf of the platform.Aria smiled. "I need to thank you, too."It wasn't easy for the platform to support her and not ban her account under immense pressure. This
Malcolm felt goosebumps forming over his skin. "Grandpa, I think Aria can manage by herself."He felt the overwhelming sense of pressure again.Aria smiled. "He's right."After saying that, she disappeared into the building. Abraham twisted Malcolm's ear. "What do you mean she can do it by herself? Didn't you see her grades? If she fails this time, I'll kick you out of the Lowe family, you brat!"Not only did Malcolm have to get up early, but he also received a scolding. It wasn't even his exam, yet he'd be punished if Aria didn't perform well. Malcolm began to question whether he was Abraham's biological grandson. Abraham fretted. Cases like Aria's were rare. Though most students knew she was innocent, her release was barely ten hours ago.The official report lacked details as the full investigation was still ongoing. It would take at least five days to understand Aria's involvement clearly. Thus, some students still had some reservations about her."Her being able to cure
Aria didn't need to split her exams into two days. At this pace, she could finish all her papers by 3:00 pm. This unprecedented pace forced the teachers to adjust their grading schedule. They all planned to work overtime that night to get her papers graded promptly.Aria powered through the exams until 12:00 pm.The proctor quickly collected the papers and sealed them in front of the class. This time, even the grading process would be made public to prove Aria's abilities.Aria was starving by the time she finished her morning exams. Malcolm obeyed his grandfather and took her out to eat.When he appeared, there were many onlookers."Is he Aria's boyfriend? He's so handsome."Malcolm's appearance matched the latest trend. He had single eyelids, a high nose bridge, and youthful features. He was only three years older than Aria. He still looked like a student, making them look like peers.Someone already posted their photos on the school forum. "They look perfect together!"
Aria raised her eyebrows, thinking Landon had made quite a dramatic entrance.Landon's good looks and proximity to Aria caused the cafeteria to erupt in wide-eyed stares, especially from Malcolm, who nearly dropped his utensils on the table.Landon, impeccably dressed in a suit, seemed oblivious. He leaned in, tucking a strand of Aria's hair behind her ear with a chuckle. "Could you ask your classmate to scoot over a bit? I brought you lunch."Aria set down her spoon, propping her chin on a hand. "He's not a classmate but a friend from the Lowe family. Why didn't you tell me you were coming back?"Landon sneered when he heard the word "friend". Then, he loosened his collar and smiled brightly. "I just got off the plane and didn't have time to message you."As he spoke, he threw a glance at Malcolm. "Can I have my girlfriend back, please?"The request, delivered in a polite yet unyielding tone, was underscored by a dark, domineering glint in his eyes.Malcolm gulped and relented,