Chapter 494

494
“ Some kid just jumped into the pool out of nowhere . If the staff hadn’t spotted him , he would’ve drowned , ” someone said .
“ That kid’s mother is demanding the manor take responsibility , ” someone else added .
“ Didn’t the cameras show he jumped in by himself ? ” a person asked .
Another one muttered , “ Who knows ? That kid nearly drowned a little girl this afternoon . Probably just karma catching up with him . ”
As Aria and the others left the private dining room after dinner , they happened to overhear the discussion .
Pearl’s hand hanging by her side instinctively clenched , but relaxed a second later ,
The butler wiped the sweat from his forehead and glanced at Aria cautiously , thinking , ‘ How unlucky it is to run into this kind of trouble on Ms. Saxon’s first day here . ‘
He said carefully , “ Ms. Saxon , this was truly an accident . We have no idea why that child suddenly jumped into the pool . Mr. Douglas personally escorted him to the hospital , and fortunately , his condition isn’t life – threatening . ”
After a pause , he added , “ Tonight’s scheduled performance has been canceled and replaced by a fountain show at eight .”
Aria’s gaze swept over the group deep in discussion . As she withdrew her gaze , she inadvertently caught a glimpse of Pearl and paused briefly .
‘ Pearl seems a bit nervous , ‘ Aria thought .
“ So , how about we catch the fountain show at eight ? ” s she asked .
Owen said , “ Sounds good . ”
Lily also agreed , “ Count me in ! ”
The butler held up his iPad . He swiped through the screen to show them pictures and explained , “ The sun is about to set . There’s a breathtaking sunset glow on the west side of the manor , perfect for photos . You can head over there now .
“ There’s a pristine spring in the back hills of the estate , and the water there is crystal clear . That area belongs to the manor and is normally off – limits to guests , but Ms. Song , you could take the two young ladies there tomorrow for some leisure time . There’s also camping and BBQ … ”
Aria looked at Lily and Pearl , asking , “ Would you both like to check it out ? ”
Lily immediately replied , “ Absolutely ! ”
Pearl seemed to snap out of her thoughts . A beat too late , she nodded reflexively . “ Me too , ” she said .
Aria cast a subtle glance at Pearl , then smiled at the butler . “ Let’s go with your arrangements , ” she said .
The butler replied respectfully . “ Okay , Ms. Saxon .”
Owen gave his camera a quick check . “ All set . Let’s go , ” he said .
The sightseeing cart moved slowly along the path , lush trees lining both sides . Dappled shadows shifted with the their faces , bringing a sense of calm .
Lily and Pearl sat up front , while Aria and Owen took the back seats .
acle , and a gentle breeze brushed
Aria rested her chin on her hand , gazing quietly into the distance as Owen raised his camera and captured the moment .
Aria turned at the sound to see Owen lowering his camera with a sheepish smile . “ Forgot to mute the shutter , ” he said .
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Aria rarely took photos of herself . Most of her pictures were group shots with Vanessa , Julia , and Cloe . They would take the photos , sand them to her , and she’d get them printed .
Owen muted the shutter sound , glanced at the photo , then held it out to Aria with a grin . “ Take a look .”
In the photo , the distant sky blazed with the splendor of sunset . Golden – orange light spilled softly across Aria’s face , tracing the delicate curve of her upturned lashes and the clean line of her nose , wrapping her in a dreamy , filter – like glow .
Aria said with genuine appreciation , “ That’s pretty good .”
Owen grinned and said , “ I think so too . ”
After arriving at the western gazebo , Owen told them to explore on their own while he took some candid shots here and there .
After watching the sunset and enjoying the fountain show , Aria dismissed the group and went to find Clayton .
Aria asked , “ How did it go ? ”