Chapter 552
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After Aria and Owen left, the ward fell silent for a moment.
Leaning against the headboard, Tristan asked thoughtfully, “That young man, Owen-is he dating Madelyn?”
Nikolas paused mid-pour and answered awkwardly, “Well… I’m not quite sure either.”
He set down his glass and, after a moment’s thought, added, “But based on her personality, she wouldn’t get this close to someone unless they shared a special connection. We owe this rescue mission to Owen-he probably only helped out of respect for Aria.”
Tristan stroked his graying beard, his eyes gleaming with approval. “This young man is quite something,” he said.
Tristan thought, ‘He isn’t much of a talker, but every move he makes exudes steady composure.
‘He’s got the height and the looks too.
‘Most importantly, he only has eyes for Madelyn.’
Tristan narrowed his eyes and asked, “What if I hand over the Todd School to Madelyn?”
Nikolas certainly had no objections. “Well, it’s a good idea, but she might not be too keen on it.”
“That girl values her peace and quiet-she really doesn’t like dealing with troublesome matters,” Tristan sighed. “Might as well leave it to you then, kid.”
What reluctance in his tone.
Nikolas grumbled, “Grandpa, just because Aria doesn’t like trouble doesn’t mean I do!”
Tristan rolled his eyes at him. “You don’t get a say in this.”
Nikolas huffed in mock protest, though inwardly he was secretly delighted.
All these years, he couldn’t help but worry about Tristan’s mental state since he had been living under constant surveillance.
Now he could finally rest easy.
Tristan said, “If anyone investigates Madelyn, spread the word that she’s already returned what she had to me.”
Nikolas nodded. “Understood, Grandpa.”
That evening, Aria received a call from Fred. “Ms. Saxon, Laird Duff has been placed on disciplinary probation with a one- year suspension… Will you be coming to teach tomorrow?”
7
Laird’s rumor-spreading didn’t cause major repercussions, but disciplinary probation with a one-year suspension is already quite a harsh punishment.
Aria was satisfied with the punishment and replied, “Sure.”
Fred let out a sigh of relief. “Well… now that the independent lab is ready, Ms. Saxon, if you have some time, maybe you could try out some small research projects or something.”
Aria had signed a three-year contract with Mandino University, but no one could guarantee she’d still be there after that.
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Time was tight-all they could do was hope she’d start soon.
Fred had to discreetly urge her along.
Aria understood what they were hoping for and replied, “No rush. Research depends on the right time, the right place, and the right people.”
Fred immediately caught her drift.
This was the main reason Aria did so little research.
She was great at solving problems, but poor at posing them.
Fred thought for a moment, then asked tentatively, “Ms. Saxon, if the right project comes along, would you consider taking it on?”
Aria said, “Mr. Gardner, you can just treat me like any other faculty member.”
Fred caught on and chuckled. “Well then, if any suitable research comes up, I’ll run it by you first.”
“Sounds good,” Aria replied.
The next day, Aria didn’t drive herself-Owen gave her a ride to campus.
He pulled up by the side entrance of the campus.
As Aria unfastened her seatbelt, Owen reached for her wrist, slid his hand down to clasp hers, and leaned in closer. “I’ll pick you up after work,” he said softly.
Aria shook her head. “My class ends at four. I can get back on my own-no need to pick me up.”
Owen didn’t release her hand. “I’ve got a dinner at five and need to swing by home first. Picking you up at four works out perfectly.”
“Alright then,” she said.
Owen said softly, “Madelyn, give me my good morning kiss.”
The parking spot wasn’t crowded-it was quiet, just right for a private moment.
During the holiday break, they’d both been preoccupied with important matters. Aside from that drowsiness-inducing kiss, they hadn’t shared any intimate moments-not even last night.
It was such a small request-Aria had no reason to say no, and truth be told, she didn’t even want to.
She unfastened her seatbelt and leaned in toward him.