bthan /bbstroked /bhis chin bthoughtfully/b: “bHe’s /bbeen acting bstrange /btely, always bbeing /bsecretive, ignoring bmy /bmindlinksb, /bnot replying to messagesb./b”

Ashley’s expression remained indifferent: b“/bHasn’t he always been like thatb?/bb” /b

Ethan used a deliberately bmysterious tone/bb: /b“A few days ago when we went hunting in the valley, bI /bspecifically asked him when he nned to find an aunt for

Liz. bGuess /bwhat he saidb?/bb” /b

He said excitedlyb. /bb“/bBefore, he would just roll his beyes /bat me and btell /bme to mind my own businessb. /bBut that time, he didn’t say anythingb! /bAnd he didn’t scold me

eitherb!/bb” /b

“Since he hasn’t brought it up himselfb, /bblet’s /bbnot /bspecte wildly.”

Ashley blowered /bher beyes/bb, /bsaying absent–mindedly: “Anyway, I don’t know of any she–wolf he’s interested in.”

Aurora’s bPOV /b

When the banquet bended/bb, /bthe night had grown deep.

The moonlight was cold and clearb, /bspilling over the steps and corridors.

stood at the entrance seeing off bguests/b. They left one by one–some still tipsy, some making light conversation, others reluctantly bidding farewell to randmother.

Adrian stood not far away, having removed his deep ck military–style coat, which he carried draped over his arm.

Noticing my gaze, he walked over with unhurried steps, the moonlight making his tall, elegant figure even more striking.

I have to go,” he saidb.” /b

nodded: “Today… thank you.”

Adrian smiled gently, his eyes warm: “This is what I should do for you.”

le looked at me, falling silent for a moment.

hen he suddenly raised his hand to adjust the shawl on my shoulders: “It’s getting cold. Rest early.”

ooking at the faint concern in his brow, my nose suddenly felt a bit sour.

When… when will youe to Silver Moon again?”

drian paused, saying softly. “bIf /byou’re willing to see me, I’lle.”

didn’t speak, just nodded lightly.

ble /bsuddenly smiled, adding with a hint of self–mockery: “Of course, if you never want to see me, I’ll find ways to create opportunities anyway.”

couldn’t help but smile too, that bit of sourness in my heart gently gathered up by his words.

le didn’t say much moreb, /bbidding me farewell politely and restrainedly.

watched his car disappear into the night, standing in ce for a long time until someone called my name, bringing me back to my senses.

van got out of his car: “Aurora.”

bwas /bsomewhat surprised to see Evan here today, thinking it was a chance encounter. After all, I hadn’t booked the entire hotel today, so it wasn’t impossible or Evan to have business here.

I nodded to Evan as a greeting, then walked toward my own car, preparing to drive home.

Seeing that I still treated him like a strangerb, /bEvan stopped where he was.

I turned to open my car door, only then noticing Evan still standing there looking at me.

Seeing that he seemed to have something to say, I asked with some coldness and distance: “Is there something you wanna say? Spill.”

bChapter /b77