Chapter 716
As he watched Aria and Margery walk away. Coby got up, pulled out his phone, and called the first number in his recent calls. “Aria’s super protective of Margery. And she’s got skills,” he reported.
Griffin walked over. “I told you she’s no joke, but you wouldn’t listen.”
Coby replied, “I had to see for myself before telling my cousin anything.”
Ophelia, still a little shaken, asked, “Did Aria actually do something to piss off your cousin?”
Coby shrugged. “Judging by his tone, probably.”
Griffin chuckled. “If your cousin’s as tough as you say, Aria’s in serious trouble.”
Meanwhile, Margery watched as mall staff hauled all of Aria’s shopping bags up to the nineteenth floor. She couldn’t help feeling like she owed Aria even more.
Aria looked over and said, “Don’t stress about it. I couldn’t have taken down Flynt’s lab without you. And I feel better knowing you’re here to keep an eye on Pearl.”
But Margery knew the truth. Aria could’ve pulled it off without her. And now, with Cassian possibly causing more trouble, sticking around might only make things harder for Aria.
“Thanks, Aria,” she said sincerely.
Aria waved it off. “Don’t mention it. It was no big deal.”
Later that night, after showering. Aria laid down feeling relaxed. Owen sat up beside her. “Are you tired? Want a foot rub?”
Aria shook her head. “No need. I didn’t walk much today.” She motioned for him to lie down. “I’ve got something to tell you.”
Owen shifted closer. “What’s up?”
Aria said, “I owe Fryderyk a favor, so I agreed to go to Lexie’s birthday party this Saturday. Want to come with me?”
Owen asked, “As your date?”
Aria nodded. “Yeah.”
His answer came fast. “Absolutely.” He was thrilled.
Then, lowering his voice, he added, “Madelyn, what if people find out we’re dating?”
Aria looked at him. “Does that bother you?”
Owen shook his head. “Nope.”
Aria smiled. “Then let them find out.”
Owen pulled her into his arms, letting out a quiet, contented “Mhm.”
The next day, Aria was heading into the lab when Derek suddenly popped up, looking flustered and pouty like an offended
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Chapter 716
cat. “Aria, did you really say yes to Grandma’s birthday party?”
Aria nodded. “Yeah.”
Derek huffed. “I asked you first and you said nothing. Fryderyk asks once and you’re in? You don’t love me anymore?”
Aria sighed. “He did me a favor. It was part of the deal.”
Derek squinted at her. “So it’s not that he means more to you than I do?”
Aria teased, “Please. Fryderyk’s got nothing on you.”
Derek lit up and handed her two cups of cappuccino. “New shop. Super good. One’s for you.”
Aria took the drink and gave him a look. “You came all the way here just for this?”
Derek beamed. “Of course. I need to make sure I’m still your favorite little brother.”
And honestly, with Wilson now competing for attention, no one could blame him. Then Aria suddenly felt someone staring at her. She turned her head, but saw nothing.
Smirking, she looked back at Derek. “If that’s all, go back to class.”
“Got it,” he said, and trotted off.
As she continued walking, Aria slowed down on purpose. She wanted to see how long her tail would follow. But then, a heavy thud hit behind her.
She spun around just in time to see Nathan crash into a wall, blood running down the corner of his mouth. A figure leapt up and vanished over the wall.
She hadn’t expected Nathan to be there at all. She rushed over. “Are you okay?”
Nathan clutched his stomach, clearly in pain. “Someone was following you,” he said.
Aria kept calm. “Yeah, I know. Next time, don’t get involved.”
Nathan stayed silent. Aria called for an ambulance, and then called Caleb. “Caleb, Nathan’s hurt.”
The ambulance arrived fast. Aria wasn’t planning to ride with them, but the doctor called out to her, “Ma’am, you need to come with us right now.”
