Chapter 569

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An elder specialist interjected at just the right moment. “Considering that Aria Saxon became a professor at Kerano Global Health at such a young age, it’s hardly surprising she began learning traditional medicine at three or four. After all, this is between master and apprentice. We outsiders shouldn’t interfere.”
In the end, the specialists departed.
Finlay bowed solemnly to Aria. “Aria, I can’t thank you enough for saving my father. If it weren’t for you, we might never have known he was still alive.”
Gloria, last to leave and standing near the door, overheard those words.
Gloria paused mid-step, Tristan’s words churning in her mind like a raging storm.
There was still so much about Aria they didn’t know. She was a mystery to them.
Beyond what happened in Jamelan, no one knew anything about Aria’s past.
Where had she been during those ten years?
Back in her office, Gloria instinctively reached for her phone to contact the Saxon family’s second branch, but her finger hovered over the contact-she just couldn’t bring herself to press it.
Aria had severed all ties with the Saxon family long ago.
Gloria sighed and rubbed her throbbing temples.
Aria explained Flynt’s situation to Tristan and said, “I’ll personally supervise the whole process.”
Tristan smiled calmly and said, “Don’t worry. I’ve lived a full life-if it’s my time, then it’s my time.”
“Dr. Todd, you’ll live to be a hundred,” Aria said with a gentle smile.
After their conversation, Aria prepared to leave. “I’ll visit again another day. Goodbye, my second master.”
“What did you just call me?” Tristan froze for a moment.
Aria smiled faintly. “Didn’t you just say I was your apprentice?”
Tristan couldn’t suppress a grin. Then, with a teasing tone, he asked, “Why am I your second master? Do you have a first master somewhere?”
Aria nodded, “Yeah.”
Tristan said, “Wait a minute, didn’t I meet you before your so-called first master did?”
That was true.
Aria nodded.
Tristan insisted, “Then I should be your first master, and he’s the second.”
Aria imagined, ‘Mr. Smith’s been my master for so many years-if another master suddenly showed up and tried to take his place, he’d probably go ballistic.
Aria smiled playfully at the thought. “You are my second master,” she said. “I haven’t formally paid my respects to you yet.”
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Aria hesitated and then said, “Well… he’s older.”
Tristan had to give in with a gentle smile. “Being your second master works for me. Head back now, and stay safe on your way home.”
“Alright, goodbye, Dr. Todd,” she said.
“See you,” Tristan said.
On the road, Aria dialed Flynt’s number.
The call connected almost instantly, and Flynt’s voice came through with a warm chuckle. “Ms. Saxon…
Without taking her eyes off the road, Aria said calmly, “The surgery can be scheduled for the week after next.”
Flynt agreed right away, “No problem.”
Aria said, “I need complete documentation on this chip, plus a detailed surgical plan.”
“The chip is part of our classified research-we can’t disclose details to outsiders.” He paused, then lowered his voice conspiratorially. “But… if you join us, Ms. Saxon, we’ll grant you full access to all our core technologies.”
Aria said, “All I need is information about the chip in Dr. Todd’s abdomen. I have no interest in anything else. I need to make sure you’re not taking this opportunity to harm anyone, Mr. Hartley. You should understand that.”
Flynt suddenly chuckled. “Ms. Saxon, you’re being overly cautious. Tristan Todd’s getting old-his memory’s slipping, and his research days are behind him. Honestly, you’re the one we truly want. It wouldn’t benefit us to make an enemy of you.”
“Besides…” he murmured softly, “you’ll be right there during the surgery. If anything seems off, you can just end me on the
spot.”
Aria said coldly, “If we can’t talk, I won’t waste my time.”
She would never risk Tristan’s life.
Flynt chuckled. “Ms. Saxon, you really don’t cut me any slack, do you?”
The line went quiet for a few seconds before Flynt finally relented. “Alright, I’ll meet you in person-but you come alone. Not even him.”
Aria knew Flynt was referring to Owen.
Aria asked, her tone icy, “When?”
“Next Tuesday afternoon.” Flynt said. sounding well-prepared. “You happen to be free then.”