Chapter 171

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171
Martin waved his hand dismissively . “ Don’t worry I’ll handle all the academic matters . You just focus on your research . ”
Aria fell silent .
‘ n’d be rude to refuse again ! She thought .
“ Then , could I have some time to think it over ?” Aria said politely .
Martin could barely suppress a grin . “ Wright be looking forward to your positive answer . ”
With the drama over , the crowd began to disperse
Unable to hold back any longer , Zoe called out to her daughter . Forcing back tears , she managed a smile . “ Aria , sweetheart , next month’s your birthday Will you come home for it ? ”
Aria said flatly , “ Don’t give me that pitiful look , Mom . It makes it seem like I’ve been living in misery since leaving you . I’ve been doing perfectly fine on my own . No need for a birthday celebration . I have my own circle . ”
She turned and walked away without looking back .
Zoe once
once again dissolved into a weeping mess , while Logan’s eyes stung with unshed tears .
After spending a month at her parents house , Aria headed over to the Cole family’s residence .
They had never celebrated her birthday .
In the parking
Hannah sobbed . “ Liam , I’m so hurt . Why doesn’t anyone believe me ? ”
Hannah clung to Liam , her face streaked with tears .
Liam held her in a comforting embrace , his mind filled with questions .
Hannah clearly had no idea Aria was Professor Colton , yet she insisted she couldn’t say anything because she’d signed a confidentiality agreement .
Liam told her the paper didn’t include her name , yet she showed no surprise or anger as if she’d known all along .
And he began to wonder who had actually saved him .
If Aria hadn’t gone to the front lines , he’d be sure it was Hannah who saved him .
But Aria had been there too .
However , Hannah would never use the harsh word to scold him . But Aria would .
Liam closed his eyes , forcing down the doubts swirling in his mind .
There was no turning back now . He was
ready divorced Aria
houldn’t doubt Hannah’s love for him ..
“ it’s okay . You’ve quit , and that’s that , ”
Leaning against Liam’s chest , Hannah’s eyes flashed with malice .
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There were still twenty – two other researchers , yet everyone only remembered Aria .
That so – called “ leading the team was nothing more than giving orders . Arla Had clearly contributed the least .
if she had been able to enter a top – tier labs , she could have developed the inhibitor ton ,
Hannah’s eyes flashed with resentment .
Wiping away her tears , Hannah looked up at Liam and asked softly , “ Do you still want to join Kerano Global Health ? ”
“ Don’t let my quitting change your mind , ” Hannah said gently . “ I’ll stand by whatever you decide . ”
Liam’s expression was troubled . “ I don’t know ”
Joining Kerano Global Health had always been his dream , but now that Hannah had left , everything felt different .
Hannah looked up at him : “ Follow your heart . I’d never want you to regret your choice .”
Hannah was even more afraid that Liam might choose the other path . if he regretted it later , he would definitely blame her , thinking her withdrawal swayed his decision and drove a wedge between them .
Liam hesitated for a couple of seconds before making his decision “ 1stwant to join Kerano Global Health . At most three years , then I’m coming home .
Hannah smiled gently . “ I’ll help you , I’ve already contacted a collector who owns a painting by Mono . ”
“ Thanks , Hannah . ”
Owen lounged on the sofa in his bathrobe , his eyes fixed on the painting hanging on the wall . He stared at it for a long time , lost in thought
“ What if the cleaning maid accidentally damages the painting ? ” Owen worried .
He got up , took down the painting , and hung it in his bedroom instead . It was much better .
As he gazed at the painting , he couldn’t help but think of Aria .
Owen thought , “ What Aria’s up to right now ! ”
Fresh out of the shower , Aria contacted Patrick .
Patrick messaged . [ They saw
by saw your account balance , looks like they’re really tempted ]
Hundreds of billions in assets was an irresistible lure ,
Patrick sent a photo and location
Here’s our current location and the layout .
[ Rhett and I haven’t fully gained their trust yet
Aria replied : [ GotiL ]
She saved the location and the image .
A few seconds later , all of Patrick’s messages vinisher retracted everything he’d just sent her .