Chapter 734
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Owen drove slowly.
Aria tilted her head and glanced over at Owen, her tone softer than before. “I have another question.
“Even someone like Cassian was so nearly one of the State Security Bureaus. Joining it is not that hard, right?”
Cathy had no answer to this. It was no secret that the State Security Bureau’s recruitment was brutal.
She explained, “We were short-staffed, so we brought in some temporary staff. Cassian was inefficient, and as Alaric’s adopted son, he was not qualified to make it through. We didn’t kick him out right away because of our goodwill.
“The State Security Bureau isn’t bad at all. You can think about it. Tessa can help you do what you’re trying to do.”
Aria replied flatly, “I’ll think about it.”
Cathy was not sure if Aria would say yes. She added, “After all Tessa has done for you, are you really not going to join us?”
Aria drawled, “That might not be the case.
“The State Security Bureau wants to cut ties with Arressto. They see me as an opening. I’m not wading into this mess.”
Cathy’s eyes widened.
She thought, ‘How did I not see it? I thought Tessa was risking everything for Aria, even going so far as to offend Arressto’s higher-ups. I actually envied Aria.
‘Turns out, Tessa has something else in mind. Two birds with one stone. What a cunning move. Looks like my negotiation is doomed.’
Cathy said, “Aria, mind if I call Tessa directly?”
Aria replied, “Not at all.”
Cathy called Tessa directly and said, “Tessa, Aria said the State Security Bureau wanted to cut ties with Arressto, and Margery’s case could give you the leverage you needed.”
“Yes, she’s right,” Tessa replied, amusement in her voice.
Tessa continued, “We do have that plan, though we haven’t decided when to put it into action. If Aria is willing to join in, we can start right away.
“Aria, what do you think?”
Knowing Aria was there with Cathy, Tessa said, “Joining us doesn’t mean you lose your freedom.
“If you want to come to the office, go ahead. If you’d rather stay in Mandino City, that’s fine. I’ll arrange it for you. But you need to spend a day completing the onboarding process.
“As for missions, you can take them if you want. It’s all up to you.”
But the truth was, the State Security Bureau never asked someone to take missions. Everyone was scrambling for missions.
Cathy, feeling unfair, grumbled, “Tessa, Aria can stay where she wants to be. Why haven’t I been allowed to go home all these years?”
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“Because you’re brilliant,” Tessa teased.
Cathy was speechless.
Cathy shoved the phone into Aria’s hands and said nothing.
Tessa said slyly, “Aria, if you join the National Security Bureau, you can ask our men for personal missions. You won’t regret
“It was now or never.”
Tessa thought, ‘I kind of feel more like a salesman.’
Aria replied, “I’ll think about it.”
Tessa thought, ‘She didn’t say no right away. There’s still hope!
Tessa smiled. “May I have your number?
“If anyone from Arressto messes with Margery, just let me know.”
“Okay,” Aria replied.
Cathy interjected, “Owen, send me Aria’s contact info and I’ll forward it to Tessa.”
Owen glanced at Aria in the rearview mirror. Only after she nodded did he say, “Okay.”
Seeing what he did, Cathy felt upset. She teased, “Owen, you’re so whipped.”
Owen said, “Yeah, you got me.”
He sounded proud of himself.
The car pulled up at Mayen Garden.
Owen said, “We’ve arrived. Go wherever you want.”
Only then did Cathy realize they’d arrived at Mayen Garden. She stared at him and said in disbelief, “You’re just gonna leave me here?”