Chapter 739
The two agents who had caused trouble at Aria’s place raised their hands. “Ms. Langford,” they said, “we should apologize
too.”
Tessa glanced at the two and nodded. “Okay. I’ll take the three of you there myself.”
On their way, Tessa checked in with Aria to confirm the timing, and once they’d agreed, they headed over to her place. They arranged to meet at Aria’s place.
For the first time in seven or eight years, Cassian met with Margery. Cassian’s eyes brimmed with tears. “Long time no see, Margery. I’m sorry.”
After years on the run, Margery had developed streaks of gray in her hair, but fortunately, she’d regained much of her vitality during this period.
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“You didn’t harm me, so no need to apologize,” Margery said calmly. She and Cassian were never particularly close, so her distrust was understandable.
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The two agents also sincerely apologized, “Sorry, Margery.”
Margery looked at them, puzzled, and asked, “Why are you apologizing?”
The two men shifted uncomfortably before admitting, “We went to Aria’s place looking for you earlier.”
Margery turned to Aria. “Sorry for the trouble.”
Aria just shrugged. “Never mind.”
Margery glanced back, and Tessa explained, “Calla didn’t come. She left Arressto, saying she was too ashamed to face you.”
A flicker of disappointment crossed Margery’s eyes. “As long as she’s doing well, that’s all that matters,” she said.
“Tessa, I’m fine; all thanks to Aria,” Margery said. Without Aria, she couldn’t have killed Ethan and escaped.
Tessa smiled at Aria and then said to Margery, “Aria is very kind at first glance. I’m not surprised she helped you.”
Aria replied, “Few people praise me for my kindness. Thank you.”
Tessa said, “Tomorrow’s Saturday, and you have no classes. How about we go to the State Security Bureau together to complete your onboarding?”
Hearing this, Cassian shot Aria with a complicated look. If he hadn’t gotten involved in Margery’s matter, he would be a member of the State Security Bureau. Cassian couldn’t help but feel resentful at how effortlessly Aria had joined, yet he couldn’t say anything.
Aria nodded. “Sure.”
Tessa led the group out. Noticing the defiance in Cassian’s eyes, Tessa calmly added, “Aria is Echohawk.”
“She’s Echohawk,” Cassian said, his pupils dilating in shock. All he knew was that Aria had decent combat skills, was wealthy, and was a professor at Kerano Global Health. Little did he know about her other identity.
“Why else do you think I invited her?” Tessa retorted. “Aria grew up in a poor village, abused by her adoptive parents. How do you think she achieved what she has today? For the State Security Bureau to pass up her would be a loss.”
At first, Tessa planned to bring Aria into Arressto first. That way, if she joined the State Security Bureau later, she would face far less skepticism.
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Chapter 740
But Aria had a poor impression of Arressto, so Tessa had to pursue an alternative. Some skepticism was inevitable, but the State Security Bureau members won’t deliberately target Aria.
Tessa thought Aria had real talent. Sooner or later, she would silence all the doubters. Tessa had faith in Aria.
Tessa said calmly, “My invitation to Aria has no direct bearing on your inability to join the State Security Bureau. Instead of obsessing over others, focus on improving yourself. Cassian, you’re not cut out for the State Security Bureau.”
Tessa’s gaze, calm yet sharp, fixed directly on him.
Cassian averted his gaze, his voice barely above a whisper. “Ms. Langford, I’ve let you down.”
Tessa said, “You’re still young and have a chance to redeem yourself. Once you’ve truly matured, the State Security Bureau will reinstate your eligibility for the assessment.”
“Thank you, Ms. Langford. I’ll work hard to improve myself,” Cassian replied.
“Her Echohawk identity must remain confidential,” Tessa ordered.
Echohawk never took on ordinary targets. She crossed paths with numerous influential figures and organizations over the years. The State Security Bureau had a global membership; some members may have had old grudges against Echohawk. Exposing her identity would bring her nothing but trouble.
Cassian nodded. “I’ll keep it confidential.”
Tessa got into the car and texted Aria: [I’ll get the tickets. Pick you up at Mayen Garden at 8 tomorrow.]