Chapter 454

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He paused momentarily , a radiant smile blooming across his face as he squeezed her hand back , their fingers interlacing . “ When the time is right , I’ll say
it . ”
Caleb watched the scene unfold , a subtle smile touching his lips . Turning to his assistant , Jeffrey , he said , “ No need to stop . Just keep driving . ”
Jeffrey replied , “ Sure , boss . Owen’s a great guy . Miss Saxon will be happy with him . ”
Caleb nodded in agreement . “ Mm – hmm , Owen really is a great guy . ”
After the SATs were over , Orlando showed up at the door with Rachel .
Seeing Owen also present , Orlando frowned and said curtly , “ We’re here to talk about Rachel . Isn’t it inappropriate to have an outsider here ? ”
Rachel quickly cut in , “ If Aria’s my sister , then Owen’s practically family – nothing inappropriate about him being here ! ”
Aria shot Orlando a cold sidelong glance . “ If you can’t talk , you can leave . Rachel stays . ”
Owen smiled but remained silent .
Orlando pursed his lips and pulled several documents from his bag . “ These are the DNA test reports for Rachel and Dominic , Rachel and Alice , and Rachel and Silvia . If you don’t believe it , you can have them tested again . ”
“ No need for another test . I know she’s Pearl , ” Aria said , glancing at the reports before fixing her gaze on him . “ So , what kind of arrangement did you and
Russ
Orlando didn’t answer directly but instead asked her , “ What’s your plan ? ”
Aria glanced at Lily and Rachel , who were sitting together , and said firmly , “ I have more than enough money . If she’s willing , I can take her in . ”
All the kids in Jamelan were afraid of Aria , except for Pearl . Even when Aria wore a cold expression , Pearl would still smile at her .
It was precisely because of this that , sixteen years ago , Aria’s heart softened toward her .
From the very beginning , Aria had altered Pearl’s life path . Now that fate had brought them together again and Pearl needed her help , Aria was determined to see it through to the end .
Rachel beamed , nervously clutching Lily’s hand .
Seeing Rachel’s delight , Orlando felt a pang of frustration . He turned to Aria and challenged , “ Are you sure you can protect her ? ”
Aria’s voice turned icy . “ I don’t owe you any expZoetion . ”
Orlando was about to say something more when Rachel interrupted him , “ Orlando, don’t forget what you promised me . ”
That night , Orlando reached out to Russell and “ revealed ” Rachel’s true identity to him . Naturally , Olivia found out as well .
Terrified her abuse of Rachel would come to light , Olivia insisted Aria had no right to take Rachel away , saying they had no blood relation .
Soon after , Rachel and Olivia spoke privately on the phone .
And Olivia finally agreed .
Orlando asked Rachel what they had discussed , but she refused to say a word ,
Rachel looked at him seriously and said , “ Orlando , no matter what , you guys saved me , and I’m really grateful for that . But I’ve helped you guys toa sa
we’re even
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Having spent years with the Wolfshade Syndicate , Rachel had access to intel they weren’t privy to . She’d had their backs on multiple occasions – this wasn’t her first time .
Orlando gazed at Rachel , a storm of emotions flickering in his eyes . It seemed he and Russell had never truly understood her .
Rachel was decisive . “ Once I’m with Aria , no matter what happens to me — whether I live or die – I don’t want you causing her any trouble . Without Aria , I wouldn’t have survived infancy . No one has the right to blame her for anything . ”
If it weren’t for their negligence , Rachel wouldn’t have suffered all these years , or ended up with scars on her face .
Orlando said , “ Rachel , I’m sorry . ”
Rachel’s eyes welled up . “ Don’t apologize ,” she said softly . “ I’m just trying to be brave .”
Orlando still resented Aria over what happened to Sara , but with Rachel choosing her , he had no choice but to accept it . “ I’ll take care of everything
Rachel looked at Aria , eyes bright with hope , and asked , “ Aria , since you’ve agreed to take me in , can I take your last name ? ”
Looking into her sparkling eyes , Aria nodded . “ Sure . ”
Pearl beamed . “ Then from now on , I’ll go by Pearl Saxon . ”
Aria paused for a moment , then said , “ Yeah , Pearl Saxon . ”
Rachel looked up hesitantly and asked , “ Would it be all right if I stayed here tonight ? ”
Aria smiled . “ Sure . Your room’s ready . You can stay with Lily tonight if you want . ”
Pearl was thrilled . “ Thanks , Aria . ”
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