Aria rolled her eyes at him before returning to her book.
Amalia, who had been watching from her seat, clenched her fists in irritation. She hated how calm Aria always looked — no matter what happened, that girl never lost her composure.
Moments later, their homeroom teacher entered the class with a bright smile.
"Hello, class! I believe you've all heard about the upcoming competition between our school and FD High School."
A wave of murmurs swept across the room.
"As you know, FD High is filled with geniuses — their students are top-tier," she continued, her tone both proud and challenging. "But I believe in you all. The students who will represent our school are from this very class."
Every head turned toward Aria and her group.
"Their grades speak for themselves," the teacher said warmly. "I'm counting on you to bring victory home."
Aria simply smiled, while Amalia's heart boiled with envy.
Why her? she thought bitterly. Why not me? My grades are just as good!
After the teacher finished her speech and left, Amalia's glare lingered on Aria like a silent flame.
---
Later that afternoon, After school, Aria saw the familiar black car waiting at the gate.
"Good afternoon, Driver Li," she greeted politely as she entered.
Driver Li, a loyal worker of Adrian's, was a man in his late forties, dressed neatly in a dark suit that almost made him look like a businessman instead of a driver.
He smiled kindly. "Miss Aria, you don't need to greet a servant like me."
"No, no," Aria protested softly. "You're my elder. And please, just call me Aria."
He chuckled and nodded before starting the car.
"Could you drive me to the office today?" she asked.
"No problem, Miss— I mean, Aria," he replied with a gentle tone.
As the car moved, Aria leaned back and closed her eyes to rest. Moments later, her phone beeped. She opened it to read a message from her younger brother:
> I found out that one of Master's students stole the poison under someone's instructions. He said he never met the person, only received calls — the other party used a voice changer. He did it for money. Master already handed him to the police, saying he can't harbor a traitor.
Aria's eyes softened as she typed her reply:
> It's okay. I'll meet him when I have time today. You did well, little brother.
A few seconds later, she received a reply — a blushing emoji. Aria chuckled softly.
Still such a child.
---
At the Office Building
When they arrived, Aria stepped out of the car. Two women stood by the entrance — both looked like secretaries.
"Excuse me, miss. Who are you here to see?" the one in black asked politely.
"I'm here to see your boss," Aria replied calmly.
The second woman raised a brow. "Do you have an appointment?"
Aria shook her head.
"Then I advise you to return home," the first said, almost pitying her. "You're not the first to come looking for him. Those who insisted were… dragged out. Some never came back."
They assumed she would tremble in fear, but instead, Aria's lips curved slightly.
"Why would I be afraid? He's my uncle."
Both secretaries froze. Their eyes widened in disbelief.
Uncle? they thought. Does she even know who she's talking about? That man's a monster! He kills people like swatting flies.
Before they could say another word, Aria took out her phone and made a call.
"I'm downstairs. Please come and get me," she said casually.
Upstairs, Eric looked at the ringing phone, then glanced at Adrian. The man's expression was cold, his jaw tight with irritation. He'd been in a foul mood all morning.
Eric hesitated for a moment, then smiled faintly. Maybe she'll cheer him up.
—---
Downstairs, The two secretaries were about to call security when the elevator doors opened. Eric stepped out, his sharp gaze landing on them.
Their bodies stiffened immediately.
"M–Mr. Eric…" one of them stammered, bowing in fear.
Eric ignored them completely and walked straight to Aria. "Miss Aria," he greeted respectfully.
They entered the elevator together, leaving the secretaries speechless.
She really knows him?!
"Is my uncle in his office or the meeting room?" Aria asked softly.
"In the office," Eric replied.
She nodded. When the elevator reached the top floor, he stepped out and smiled faintly. "I'll leave you here. I have… other things to do."
Aria blinked innocently. "Okay."
He left quickly — he didn't want to be a third wheel especially when he knew Adrian was not In a good mood since today. All he knows is as long as Aria is here everything is going to be good.
---
As he saw him leave, she looked at the office door and smiled.
Aria knocked gently on the heavy door.
"Come in," came the deep, cold voice.
Inside, Adrian was focused on his laptop, typing rapidly. He didn't look up when the door opened.
Aria smiled mischievously and tiptoed toward him, planning to surprise him with a hug — but before she could, Adrian suddenly looked up.
Their eyes met. His expression softened for a split second before he composed himself. Then, without warning, he pulled her into his lap.
Aria gasped, blushing furiously. "Uncle! I came to see you."
Adrian's gaze darkened slightly as he stared at her innocent face — too beautiful, too pure, she looks like a goddess and a seductress, too hard to resist . He leaned forward and kissed her, his lips warm and commanding.
Caught off guard, Aria kissed him back shyly before pulling away. "Uncle, we're in your office," she whispered, embarrassed.
"No one dares to enter without my permission," he murmured against her lips.
Her cheeks turned from red to pink.
After another lingering kiss, he gently placed her on the couch and turned on the television for her.
"Sit here and watch. There are sweets and snacks — and your favorite warm milk," he said softly, handing her the cup. He went back to finish his business.
Aria smiled and nodded. She watched for a while and as she switched to another channel, her expression froze.