Chapter 318

318
Before entering , Owen smiled politely and said , “ I’ll go get some rest , then .”
He’s polite – five more points , ‘ Mono thought .
“ Mm – hmm , ” Mono replied , and Owen stepped inside .
Ara was just keying in the passcode when the door suddenly swung open from inside .
Lily beamed as she bounded over . “ You’re back , Arial ”
Aria looked slightly surprised . “ Weren’t you supposed to stay at school this week ? I didn’t even come pick you up . ”
“ It’s not far at all – just a quick bus ride , ” Lily replied cheerfully . But as soon as she noticed Mono and Gael , a hint of shyness flickered across her face .
Aria introduced with a smile , “ This is my master , Mono , and that’s Gael . ”
Lily smiled sweetly and greeted them politely , “ Hello , Mono . Hello , Gael . ”
Mono had long known about Aria’s new sister . With an affectionate smite , he pulled out the gift he’d prepared in advance .
Gael also handed her a gift . It was Lily’s first time experiencing all this fuss , and she felt at a loss , instinctively looking to Aria for help .
Aria stepped inside , gently stroked Lily’s head , and whispered , “ We’re all family here . Don’t worry , just take it . Mono’s loaded . ”
Mono feigned a wounded look and teased , “ You little rascal . ”
Aria pretended not to hear him and ushered them in , calling out , “ Come on in , Mono . ”
The four settled onto the sofa as Aria ordered a meal for five , adding a specially prepared egg custard for Owen’s recovery diet .
While waiting for dinner , Lily retreated to her room to do her homework , Gael lounged in the living room watching his shows , and Aria accompanied Mono to the art studio .
Mono took his time admiring the paintings , his eyes brimming with growing delight .
Her paintings still had that dark aesthetic , but the emotions in them had clearly mellowed .
Seized by inspiration , Mono settled in to paint a new piece .
A sudden burst of heavy stomping shook the floor above .
The soundproofing at Mayen Garden was usually excellent , yet the noise from upstairs was clearly audible downstairs , which showed just how loud the commotion must have been .
Mono’s brush never paused , sweeping across the canvas with fluid strokes , completely undisturbed by the noise from upstairs .
Aria’s eyes turned icy as she quietly excused herself and headed straight upstairs .
Aria pressed the doorbell and waited . After what felt like an eternity , the door finally creaked open , slow and hesitant .
Aria was instantly assaulted by blaring , chaotic / music , mixed with the sharp clatter of high heels striking the floor .
The girl who opened the door wore a mask , most of her body still hidden behind it . Only her timid eyes were visible as she stammered , “ H – hel
Aria’s frown eased slightly as she said softly , “ Could you let your friend know she’s being a bit loud ? I could hear it downstairs .”
318
The moment her words fell , the music stopped dead .
A woman stormed over in high heels , yanked the door wide open, and looked down her nose at Aria . “ What’s your problem ? Olevia asen
Aria’s expression darkened . “ You’re disturbing the neighbors downstairs . If you want to dance , take it somewhere else ?
Olivia let out a cold , derisive snort . “ This is my place , ” she said with contempt . “ I’ll dance however I please . None of your business ?
After failing to meet Russell all this time , Olivia was seething with frustration .
Ever since Orlando dropped them off , he’d been brushing her off with “ I’m busy ” every time Olivia tried to reach him .
She discovered that Russell owned a property in Mayen Garden – that was all she could find out .
Aria could only say , “ If you keep making noise , I’ll have to call building management .”
Just as Aria was about to leave , Olivia suddenly called out , her voice sharp and accusing . “ What’s going on between you and Russell Nicholson ? ”
Aria stopped in her tracks and turned to look at her .
Olivia snapped venomously , “ He’s my fiance ! If you dare sneak around with him behind my back , I’ll tear you to shreds and feed you to the wolves ? ”
Aria sneered , “ If you’re really engaged , then why can’t you even find him ? ”
Olivia’s expression darkened . “ How do you know that ? ” she demanded sharply .
“ Was it that hard to guess ? Your face says it all ,” Aria said with a mocking smile .
She then smirked . “ Try the Aureus Club – you’ll find him there . You’re welcome . ”