Owen kept his polite smile. “In that case, Mr. Hartley, please go back to Torrenia and sort this out. If you get the key, just mail it over. If there’s another fix, let us know.”

Flynt turned to Aria. “It’d be best if you came with me to Torrenia. We can unlock it quickly at the research base. If Mr. Shaw is worried, he can come along too.”

Owen said calmly, taking Aria’s hand quietly, “Of course I’m willing to go. I just don’t see the need for another trip. Aria has had a rough few days and she needs proper rest.”

“It’ll only take three days at most,” Flynt said.

There was clear tension in their conversation, and everyone around could sense the gossip brewing.

Liz nudged Jocelyn and whispered, “That foreign guy definitely has a thing for Aria.”

Jocelyn shot her a knowing look, saying, “Yeah, he’s clearly targeting Owen.”

They glanced at Aria, who seemed completely oblivious to the tension.

Aria said directly, “No need to make this so complicated. Let’s go back to Mandino City. The Stars Group can get it open.”

Flynt shook his head. “These handcuffs are made of special material. The Stars Group may be working in this area, but their tech isn’t advanced enough yet. If the State Security Bureau couldn’t open them, they likely wouldn’t be able to either.”

“They definitely can,” Aria insisted, cutting him off. “No more arguments.”

Tessa glanced around at everyone and said, “It’s settled then.”

Aria nodded. “We’re leaving.”

Cathy said immediately, “I’ve got two months off. I’ll go back with you.”

Aria glanced at her. “Mike might be coming too. Call him.”

“No problem.” Cathy grinned.

Flynt stood up and said, “My family is in Mandino City too. Do you mind if I join you?”

Owen raised an eyebrow. “Aren’t you supposed to be heading back to Torrenia?”

Flynt smiled. “Since Aria has a solution, there’s no rush. If it’s still not open in three days, then I’ll go.”

Given how conspicuous the handcuffs were, Tessa got them a private ride to the train station and explained things to the administrator. He recommended using a jacket to hide the handcuffs.

Owen and Cathy walked on either side of Aria, carrying her things for her. Mike strolled along behind them, with Flynt keeping his distance.

The four of them were seated together. Aria sat with Owen, while Cathy and Mike took the seats behind them.

Aria pulled out her phone and sent a message to Vanessa. [Ned has been caught by the State Security Bureau. He’s facing at least ten years.]

Vanessa was overjoyed. [Wasn’t the Skills Evaluation supposed to last two weeks? How did you get your phone back so soon?]

1/2

Chapter 828

Aria: [There was a little incident. Flynt brought Ned into the competition venue.]

Vanessa: [Is Flynt switching tactics now?]

Unfortunately, Aria was never swayed by threats or kindness. He was bound to fail.

Aria: [As long as he doesn’t hurt anyone, he can do whatever he wants.]

If he crossed the line, he would be facing the full weight of the Huthailian law.

After sending the message, Aria noticed from the corner of her eye that Flynt, seated in the same row, was chatting with the

person next to him.

Picking up on her gaze, Owen leaned in and asked, “Madelyn, what are you looking at?”

Aria turned her eyes to his face, calm as ever. “I’m looking at you.”

Owen smiled. “I’m pretty sure your eyes weren’t on me a second ago.”

“Now they are,” Aria replied, raising an eyebrow. “Don’t tell me you’re jealous of a foreign guy.”

When Owen heard her call Flynt “that foreign guy”, he somehow felt glad. “Yeah, he’s not even worth my attention.” He took her left hand.

After a while, a train attendant approached and stopped beside Owen. “Excuse me, are you Mr. Shaw?”

Owen nodded. “I am. What’s up?”