Chapter 454
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He paused momentarily, a radiant smile blooming across his face as he squeezed her hand back, their fingers interlacing. “When the time is right, I’ll say
it.”
Caleb watched the scene unfold, a subtle smile touching his lips. Turning to his assistant, Jeffrey, he said, “No need to stop. Just keep driving.”
Jeffrey replied, “Sure, boss. Owen’s a great guy. Miss Saxon will be happy with him.”
Caleb nodded in agreement. “Mm–hmm, Owen really is a great guy.”
After the SATs were over, Orlando showed up at the door with Rachel.
Seeing Owen also present, Orlando frowned and said curtly, “We’re here to talk about Rachel. Isn’t it inappropriate to have an outsider here?”
Rachel quickly cut in, “If Aria’s my sister, then Owen’s practically family–nothing inappropriate about him being here!”
Aria shot Orlando a cold sidelong glance. “If you can’t talk, you can leave. Rachel stays.”
Owen smiled but remained silent.
Orlando pursed his lips and pulled several documents from his bag. “These are the DNA test reports for Rachel and Dominic, Rachel and Alice, and Rachel and Silvia. If you don’t believe it, you can have them tested again.”
“No need for another test. I know she’s Pearl,” Aria said, glancing at the reports before fixing her gaze on him. “So, what kind of arrangement did you and
Russ
Orlando didn’t answer directly but instead asked her, “What’s your plan?”
Aria glanced at Lily and Rachel, who were sitting together, and said firmly, “I have more than enough money. If she’s willing, I can take her in.”
All the kids in Jamelan were afraid of Aria, except for Pearl. Even when Aria wore a cold expression, Pearl would still smile at her.
It was precisely because of this that, sixteen years ago, Aria’s heart softened toward her.
From the very beginning, Aria had altered Pearl’s life path. Now that fate had brought them together again and Pearl needed her help, Aria was determined to see it through to the end.
Rachel beamed, nervously clutching Lily’s hand.
Seeing Rachel’s delight, Orlando felt a pang of frustration. He turned to Aria and challenged, “Are you sure you can protect her?”
Aria’s voice turned icy. “I don’t owe you any expZoetion.”
Orlando was about to say something more when Rachel interrupted him, “Orlando, don’t forget what you promised me.”
That night, Orlando reached out to Russell and “revealed” Rachel’s true identity to him. Naturally, Olivia found out as well.
Terrified her abuse of Rachel would come to light, Olivia insisted Aria had no right to take Rachel away, saying they had no blood relation.
Soon after, Rachel and Olivia spoke privately on the phone.
And Olivia finally agreed.
Orlando asked Rachel what they had discussed, but she refused to say a word,
Rachel looked at him seriously and said, “Orlando, no matter what, you guys saved me, and I’m really grateful for that. But I’ve helped you guys toa sa
we’re even
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09:44 Tue, 24 Jun
Chapter 454
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Having spent years with the Wolfshade Syndicate, Rachel had access to intel they weren’t privy to. She’d had their backs on multiple occasions–this wasn’t her first time.
Orlando gazed at Rachel, a storm of emotions flickering in his eyes. It seemed he and Russell had never truly understood her.
Rachel was decisive. “Once I’m with Aria, no matter what happens to me—whether I live or die–I don’t want you causing her any trouble. Without Aria, I wouldn’t have survived infancy. No one has the right to blame her for anything.”
If it weren’t for their negligence, Rachel wouldn’t have suffered all these years, or ended up with scars on her face.
Orlando said, “Rachel, I’m sorry.”
Rachel’s eyes welled up. “Don’t apologize,” she said softly. “I’m just trying to be brave.”
Orlando still resented Aria over what happened to Sara, but with Rachel choosing her, he had no choice but to accept it. “I’ll take care of everything
Rachel looked at Aria, eyes bright with hope, and asked, “Aria, since you’ve agreed to take me in, can I take your last name?”
Looking into her sparkling eyes, Aria nodded. “Sure.”
Pearl beamed. “Then from now on, I’ll go by Pearl Saxon.”
Aria paused for a moment, then said, “Yeah, Pearl Saxon.”
Rachel looked up hesitantly and asked, “Would it be all right if I stayed here tonight?”
Aria smiled. “Sure. Your room’s ready. You can stay with Lily tonight if you want.”
Pearl was thrilled. “Thanks, Aria.”
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