Chapter 318
Before entering, Owen smiled politely and said, “I’ll go get some rest, then.”
He’s polite–five more points,‘ Mono thought.
“Mm–hmm,” Mono replied, and Owen stepped inside.
Ara was just keying in the passcode when the door suddenly swung open from inside.
Lily beamed as she bounded over. “You’re back, Arial”
Aria looked slightly surprised. “Weren’t you supposed to stay at school this week? I didn’t even come pick you up.”
“It’s not far at all–just a quick bus ride,” Lily replied cheerfully. But as soon as she noticed Mono and Gael, a hint of shyness flickered across her face.
Aria introduced with a smile, “This is my master, Mono, and that’s Gael.”
Lily smiled sweetly and greeted them politely, “Hello, Mono. Hello, Gael.”
Mono had long known about Aria’s new sister. With an affectionate smite, he pulled out the gift he’d prepared in advance.
Gael also handed her a gift. It was Lily’s first time experiencing all this fuss, and she felt at a loss, instinctively looking to Aria for help.
Aria stepped inside, gently stroked Lily’s head, and whispered, “We’re all family here. Don’t worry, just take it. Mono’s loaded.”
Mono feigned a wounded look and teased, “You little rascal.”
Aria pretended not to hear him and ushered them in, calling out, “Come on in, Mono.”
The four settled onto the sofa as Aria ordered a meal for five, adding a specially prepared egg custard for Owen’s recovery diet.
While waiting for dinner, Lily retreated to her room to do her homework, Gael lounged in the living room watching his shows, and Aria accompanied Mono to the art studio.
Mono took his time admiring the paintings, his eyes brimming with growing delight.
Her paintings still had that dark aesthetic, but the emotions in them had clearly mellowed.
Seized by inspiration, Mono settled in to paint a new piece.
A sudden burst of heavy stomping shook the floor above.
The soundproofing at Mayen Garden was usually excellent, yet the noise from upstairs was clearly audible downstairs, which showed just how loud the commotion must have been.
Mono’s brush never paused, sweeping across the canvas with fluid strokes, completely undisturbed by the noise from upstairs.
Aria’s eyes turned icy as she quietly excused herself and headed straight upstairs.
Aria pressed the doorbell and waited. After what felt like an eternity, the door finally creaked open, slow and hesitant.
Aria was instantly assaulted by blaring, chaotic/music, mixed with the sharp clatter of high heels striking the floor.
The girl who opened the door wore a mask, most of her body still hidden behind it. Only her timid eyes were visible as she stammered, “H–hel
Aria’s frown eased slightly as she said softly, “Could you let your friend know she’s being a bit loud? I could hear it downstairs.”
Chapter 318
The moment her words fell, the music stopped dead.
A woman stormed over in high heels, yanked the door wide open, and looked down her nose at Aria. “What’s your problem? Olevia asen
Aria’s expression darkened. “You’re disturbing the neighbors downstairs. If you want to dance, take it somewhere else?
Olivia let out a cold, derisive snort. “This is my place,” she said with contempt. “I’ll dance however I please. None of your business?
After failing to meet Russell all this time, Olivia was seething with frustration.
Ever since Orlando dropped them off, he’d been brushing her off with “I’m busy” every time Olivia tried to reach him.
She discovered that Russell owned a property in Mayen Garden–that was all she could find out.
Aria could only say, “If you keep making noise, I’ll have to call building management.”
Just as Aria was about to leave, Olivia suddenly called out, her voice sharp and accusing. “What’s going on between you and Russell Nicholson?”
Aria stopped in her tracks and turned to look at her.
Olivia snapped venomously, “He’s my fiance! If you dare sneak around with him behind my back, I’ll tear you to shreds and feed you to the wolves?”
Aria sneered, “If you’re really engaged, then why can’t you even find him?”
Olivia’s expression darkened. “How do you know that?” she demanded sharply.
“Was it that hard to guess? Your face says it all,” Aria said with a mocking smile.
She then smirked. “Try the Aureus Club–you’ll find him there. You’re welcome.”
