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Derek had to retum to school to prepare for his thesis defense . After sending Derek off , Caleb went back to the office to work overtime , white Are and Owen headed straight home .
As they entered the elevator , a girl stood in the corner , clutching a bag and wearing a face mask .
The girl instinctively shrank further into the corner when they entered .
Aria pressed the button for the 18th floor . Her eyes landed on the lit – up 19th – floor button . A slight frown crossed her face .
The girl looked about the same age as Lily . Lily should have been in high school , but instead , she was always staying with Olivia instead of going to class .
An awkward silence filled the elevator as none of the three said a word .
The girl didn’t let out a sigh of relief until Aria and Owen stepped out of the elevator .
Upon reaching the 19th floor , she stood before the door, hesitating for a full five minutes before finally mustering the courage to knock .
In the living room , Olivia , Russell , and Orlando sat around the dining table , the takeout food still in its packaging , untouched .
“ Come in ,” came a voice from inside . Rachel cautiously pushed open the door and stepped in .
Olivia’s eyes flashed with impatience . She asked , “ What took you so long ? ”
Rachel hurried over and set down the medicine she’d bought . She said , “ Sorry , Olivia . The elevator took quite a while . ”
Orlando unpacked the takeout and gestured for Rachel to sit down . He said , “ The wait wasn’t too long . Thanks for getting that . Have a seat and eat . ”
But Rachel froze , not daring to move .
Not wanting to make a scene in front of everyone , Olivia held back her irritation and kept her tone softened . “ Just sit down when you’re told , ” she said .
Rachel didn’t dare sit until Olivia spoke .
Orlando quietly observed the two of them and felt that something was wrong .
Orlando thought to himself , ‘ Back in Masmubia , everyone was too busy to spend a lot of time together . But now that I’m paying closer attention , why does Rachel seem absolutely terrified of Olivia ? ‘
Orlando decided to keep a closer eye on them from now on .
Olivia took a bite and found the dish quite tasty . Smiling , she served some onto Russell’s plate with her fork . She said , “ Russell , this one’s really good . Try
it . ”
Russell smiled and said , “ You have some too . I’ll help myself . ”
Olivia smiled and nodded , too absorbed in her own happiness to notice that Russell hadn’t eaten the food she’d served him .
Rachel removed her mask . Her long hair hid most of her face as she kept her head down , silently picking at her food .
Orlando suddenly asked , “ Rachel , you’re almost seventeen now , right ? Would you like to go to school ? ”
Russell wouldn’t be leaving Huthailia for the next few years . As long as he stayed , Olivia had no intention of going anywhere either .
Rachel was still so young . It wasn’t good for her to be cooped up indoors all day .
Rachel paused as she instinctively glanced at Olivia , stammering , “ I … I don’t … ”
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Olivia cut her off , “ Going to school might be good for you . Larkridge High School is the closest around here , and Array pataract o
goes there too . I hear she’s top of her class .
“ Rachel , which grade would you like to join ? ”
Rachel clutched her fork , unsure how to respond .
Russell spoke up gently , “ You could start as a freshman to experience Huthailia’s school environment . Making some good friends would be wondered .
Olivia nodded in agreement . “ I think Russell’s right , ” she said .
Rachel nodded . “ Okay . ”
Olivia snuggled up to Russell and said , “ Russell , once Rachel moves into the dorm , I’ll be all alone . I’m scared … Won’t you come back and stay with me ? ”
Russell said , “ There was an accident on set , so we have to rearrange the shooting schedule . Nebula was unhappy . So I need to stay on set to oversee things . I’ll arrange for a few caretakers to look after you . ”
Olivia shook her head . “ I don’t like having strangers around . How about I go to the set with you ? ”
“ The set conditions aren’t great . I just don’t want you to have a tough time , ” Russell said .
“ With you around , everything is fine ,” Olivia said .
Russell nodded slightly . “ Alright , but I might not be able to give you much attention then . ”
Olivia smiled . “ It’s fine . Just focus on your career . ”
After dinner , Orlando cleared the table and left with Russell .
Olivia’s smile vanished as she turned to Rachel . “ Did you remember Aria’s sister’s name ? ”
Rachel nodded . “ Got it . Lily Saxon , in the AP class . ”
“ Befriend her before the SAT , ” Olivia said .
“ Okay , ” Rachel said meekly .