Chapter 539
Lydia had gathered intel that said Aria was skilled in combat, but she always assumed that no matter how good Aria was, she couldn’t possibly stand up to sheer brute force.
‘However, the man in the restroom was barely conscious, yet she didn’t even have a single wrinkle on her clothes. She’s really something. No wonder Owen wasn’t worried at all, Lydia thought to herself.
Aria tossed the wipe into the trash. “Let’s head back.”
Staring dazedly at their retreating figures, Lydia stood frozen for a long moment before finally calling over a flight attendant. “There’s a man in the restroom,” she said in a hushed voice, “he seems to be having a violent episode.”
With that, she returned to her seat.
Aria pulled a serpent-tail ring from her pocket and handed it to Owen. “Lifted this from that creep. There’s something off about it.”
Owen took it and rubbed it thoughtfully between his fingers. “Looks familiar. I think I’ve seen it somewhere before,” he murmured.
Aria said matter-of-factly, “Just keep it for now. I swiped it anyway, so might as well hold on to it.”
“Okay.” Owen slipped it into his pocket, then his gaze landed on her slender, fair fingers.
Aria noticed his gaze and asked, “What are you doing?”
“Admiring your hands,” Owen said.
Owen gently took her hand. “When we get back home, how about we buy matching rings? What do you think?”
“Sure,” Aria replied without hesitation.
‘Damn, I should’ve brought this up sooner,’ Owen thought, a sudden pang of regret washing over him.
*****
The airport blazed with lights in the early morning hours.
Lydia hurried after them, dragging her suitcase. “Hey, did you guys already book a hotel?”
Owen reinained silent. Aria responded, “We did.”
“That’s good.” Lydia tightened her grip on the strap of her bag, then suddenly thanked Aria. “Thank you for what you did on the plane. That man was actually targeting me.”
Aria said flatly, “You’re welcome.”
“Um…” Lydia hesitated, “May I ask… what brings you two to Masmubia?”
“We’re here for vacation,” Owen replied without missing a beat, casually lacing his fingers with Aria’s.
A flicker of melancholy flashed through Lydia’s eyes before she forced a smile. She said, “Right, it’s the holiday season… perfect time for a trip.”
Someone called out for Lydia, “Miss Yeager, over here!”
Lydia glanced back over her shoulder and offered the two a polite smile. “I’ll get going now. Hope you both have a wonderful
10
time.”
Aria nodded. “Thank you.”
Just as she and Owen got into the taxi, two men in black suits burst out from the building, their sharp gazes sweeping the
area.
The driver was about to pull away when Aria said sharply, “Hold on.”
The man whose arms Aria had snapped was being dragged out, limp and helpless.
The tall leader grabbed him by his blond hair, leaned in, and growled something into his
The man shook his head desperately, only to be brutally kicked in the gut the next second. He collapsed to his knees, howling in agony.
From this distance, Aria couldn’t make out the figures clearly or catch what was being said.
Owen also caught sight of the scene. Exchanging a knowing glance with Aria, he told the driver to go.
After exiting the taxi, Owen and Aria arrived at the hotel with their luggage.
Aria said, “I suspect this ring is a hot potato. It might draw unwanted attention to us. How about I keep the ring?”
Owen reached out and gently tapped her on the nose. “Nonsense. Just let me keep it-who knows, it might come in handy.”
Aria said, “Let me make a call. We need to move to a safer place.”
No sooner had the couple left than the group of black-suited men stormed into the hotel lobby.
The tall man thrust the photo at the receptionist. “Where is she?”
The surveillance footage was too blurry to make out faces clearly, but those who had seen Aria before could recognize her.
The receptionist took the photo with trembling hands. “I-I remember them,” she stammered. “Let me show you the way.”
Staring at the empty room, the tall man’s face darkened. “Damn it!” he cursed through gritted teeth. “Find out this woman’s full identity—now!”
