bChapter /bb18 /b

‘Impossible. She grew up in a backward vige; how would she have connections with someone so impressive?‘ Liam wondered.

He carefully put the paintings back, then took a photo of them, ordering, “Keep these paintings safe. No one is allowed to touch them.”

Although they were just replicas, the artist’s skill was superb, indicating deep familiarity with Mono.

Lucy felt the seriousness in his tone and rubbed her nose, all curious. ‘Are these paintings really that important?‘

It came to her how the madam had casually tossed the paintings onto the sofa when bringing them back, instructing her to have them framed.

She had thought they were just ordinary paintings, paying not much attention while dusting them.

But judging from now, she knew she needed to be more cautious with them in the future.

After sending the photo to someone, Liam went to Hannah’s apartment.

“Hannah, as you guessed, Aria has a violent tendency. Mary has injuries all over her arms, not sure about other ces,” he started.

Mary had been serving the Cole family for the longest time among other servants. If Aria could hurt Mary, she wouldn’t hesitate with others either.

Hannah looked pained, her voice cold. “She’s gone too far. We

iMu /i

U iper /i

true nature

in court.”

Seeing Hannah even angrier than him, Liam calmed down andforted her instead.

‘She is simply too kind–hearted to have risked her life to pull managed to cure my illness,‘ he said inwardly.

me

out from a pile

orpses when I fell into aa from the gue, and she even

Liam’s eyes softened as he pulled her into a kiss, his voice sexy. “Hannah…”

Hannah let out a coquettish moan and pushed him away. “Go take a shower.”

/U%

“Alright, wait for me.” Liam immediately headed to the bathroom.

Hannah sat on the bed, waiting for him with a smile.

On the bedside table, Liam’s phone vibrated twice.

Hannah picked it up casually, only to see a message: [Throw it away.]

‘Is he still in contact with Aria?‘ Hannah wondered. Clicking on the message, she found Liam had initiated the conversation, a faint pang of bitterness welling up within her.

‘If it was just damn jewelry, why not just throw it away directly? Why bother letting here back to pick it up?‘ Hannah frowned, feeling inexplicably annoyed.

After thinking for a moment, she typed: [The jewelry iyou /iwore is dirty. I don’t want to touch it. Since you don’t want it, I’ll have the maid throw it away.]

When Aria saw the message, she scoffed, deleted it, and blocked the sender in one go.

No longer ving away for the Cole Group, Aria was now sleeping and waking up early, herplexion much improved.

bShe /bspent an hour browsing houses online and found amunity with top–notch security and high confidentiality.

Satisfied with itb, /bbthe /bchanged her clothes and headed to the real estate sales center right baway/b.

Since bit /bbwasn’t /bfarb, /bbshe /bopted bto /bbtake /ba taxi.

15:08 Mon, 26 May MTb. /b

As the car started, the driver turned on the device. “Here’s a news update: The police in Mandino City have reported a recent influx of scammers.

“Citizens, please stay alert to online dating. Beware of scams, and don’t believe in financial investments…”

70%

After hearing the news, the driver cursed, “These scammers just won’t stop! They took a break for two years, and now they’re back in Mandino City scamming again.”

Aria listened without saying anything.

At a red light, the driver stepped on the brake and nced at the rearview mirror.

Suddenly, his gaze froze, his tone probing. “Miss, are you from out of town?”

“I’m a local,” Aria replied.

The driver looked skeptical. “You don’t have an ent! Most locals in Mandino City have some ent. It’s easy to tell.”

+20)

Two years ago, a major scam case caused quite a stir. Part of the reason was that the scammers posed as good–looking social elites, making people more likely to lower their guard.

b2/2 /b