Chapter 160

Turning at the sound , Aria saw Owen approaching in a trench coat that perfectly inatched hers .
He gave her a slight smile before taking his seat in the second row .
Shortly after , Kim entered the hall and sat down beside his younger brother . He let his gaze briefly sweep over Aria , then leaned in and asked quietly . “Are you dating Aria ? ”
Owen shot him a sidelong glance . “ Since when did you get so pedantic ? ”
That remark was a subtle way of explaining that he and Aria wearing trench coats was just a coincidence .
“ This isn’t just any party , it’s a charity gala , ” Kim said . “ As a member of the Shaw family , you should dress more formally ”
Kim believed that format attire signified respect .
Kim was raised by his grandfather , Aiden Shaw . By the time Owen was born , Kim was already six and fully immersed in business training , leaving him little time for childhood play .
Owen had zero interest in business or economics . Aiden barely noticed him , and his parents only wished for his happiness . As a result , Owen grew up free – range , enjoying complete freedom throughout his childhood .
The two brothers spent little time together , but their relationship could be summed up as mutual respect .
“ The whole point of a charity gala is doing good , ” Owen retorted . “ That custom suit of yours costs hundreds of thousands of dollars . You might as well just donate all that money instead . ”
Kim couldn’t find anything to refute . He was used to this way of talking with his brother , fully aware that his brother thought he was too conventional .
Clad in a violet strapless gown , Hannah made her entrance alongside Elena .
Hannah had learned that Martin would be attending today .
If she really took the job at Mandino University , she wouldn’t be able to return to Erenoland anymore .
She was more inclined to stay , her mind was made up .
Ever since that day , Albert hadn’t reached out to her . Perhaps Martin would invite her personally today .
Suppressing the secret thrill within , Hannah let her gaze sweep over Aria , a faint smirk playing at the corners of her lips .
Liam had told her that Aria was a shareholder of the Stars Group . But she didn’t feel jealous . After all , they were from completely different worlds .
Hannah said to Elena , “ Our seats are in the fourth row . ”
Liam , representing the Cole Group , was seated in the second row , separate from them .
The swelling on Elena’s face had finally gone down . Even after applying extra foundation to cover up , the stinging sensation still lingered beneath . Despite her foul mood , she forced herself to maintain the dignified air expected of the Cole family matriarch .
Following the seat numbers , Elena spotted Aria ahead of her . Her expression hardened as she muttered under her breath , “ How on earth did she manage to sneak into the third row ? ”
Elena clenched her fists , the sting of that slap still fresh . One day , she would return it .
Hearing someone call out , “ Professor Schmidt is here , ” Hannah immediately stood up and walked over with a smile . “ Hello , Prof
chmidt , I’m
Hannah Gibson . ”
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Martin replied , “ Hello . ”
He nodded , his gaze sweeping across the room . When he spotted Aria , his face brightened with a smile .
Hannah turned to Albert with a faint smile . “ Professor Clinton . ”
Albert pressed his lips together and nodded , forcing a tight smile .
That day , when Martin arrived , he excitedly said , “ I’ve found Professor Colton ! ” But unexpectedly , Martin simply nodded and said he knew , and that the professor had declined his invitation .
Albert had thought Hannah’s enrollment at Mandino University was a done deal , but unexpectedly , she declined .
He believed that Martin hadn’t given up . This time , he came specifically for Hannah .
Just as Albert was about to speak to Martin , he realized Martin had quietly walked away and stopped deliberately at the third row , saying , “ Ms. Saxon . ”
Aria looked up and recognized the distinguished gentleman from Larkridge High School . With a polite smile , she greeted him , “ Hello . ”
Without another word , Martin walked over and took his seat in the first row .
Albert followed with a puzzled look on his face .
‘ Wasn’t Professor Schmidt here today specifically to persuade Hannah to accept the invitation? Why is he giving her the cold shoulder while being so attentive to Aria instead ? ‘ he wondered .
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