*Chapter 228
<b>Chapter </b><b>228 </b>
The nest second, Nathan’s message popped up: [u guys at Larkridge Hight At the girls dorm?
Derek ignored himpletely.
Then another notification–Aria had just transferred him a hundred thousand dors. (This month’s living expenses
He clutched his phone, grinning like an idiot, and after a few
or a few seconds, burst outughing.
He took a screenshot and posted it. What’s it like to have a sugar mama by your side!]
Lennox saw the post and was stunned
Aria was really this generous with Derek?
Well, considering she’d made off with thirty million from him, it kind of made sense.
Just the thought of it annoyed him; his brows drew tight, a <b>cold </b>look in <b>his </b>eyes.
With a sheer, he sent screenshots of both posts into the family group chat…
Lennox Aria’s so generous to you, I’m honestly jealous.
Derek, in a great mood, shot back: Too bad, you’re not as lucky.
Gloria<b>: </b>You took money from Aria?)
Arpay: Running away from home and taking handouts? Derek, get your ass back here<b>!</b>]
Derek: [So what if Aria felt sorry for me and sent me money? You’re the one’s who froze my cards!
Lexie: [<b>Arnaw</b>, why’d you freeze Derek’s cards?
Derek: Not just froze my cards–they kicked me out too. Thank God A took me in
Lexie looked at the messages and quietly smiled.
Their housekeeper asked, “Should I bring Derek home?”
Lexie shook her head, “No need, Aria’s <b>a </b>good one. Derek’s happy there.”
But even as she said it, she still sent money to her grandson.
Derek didn’t touch it–he’d already <b>lined </b><b>up </b>a part–time job, ready to support himself.
The usations in the group chat kepting, but Derek had had enough and left the group altogether.
Lennox noticed right away: Looks like Derek left the group.
Amay: [Ungrateful brati]
In his room, Lennox smirked at the screen <b>as </b><b>a </b>call came in.
He answered, “<b>Lennox</b>, Patrick’s started apany–Nimbus Tech. You can intern there <b>over </b>winter break,” <b>said </b>Peyton Maddox.
Lennox knew Patricka PhD student at Kanit University, three–time programmingpetition champ, and Deangelo’s star pupil. Lennox was <b>excited</b>. “Send me Patrick’s WhatsApp?”
“I don’t have it, but I’ll send your
scruber’s contact,” Peyton said,
That cheered Lenox right up.
He DM’d the recruiter, but Peylon soon replied: “We’re full up
Lennox frowned and quickly typed back: [Peyton, this internship’s really important to me. Can’t you kick out the weakest link and let me try? Eknowl could help you guys.
Lennon wasn’tcking in talent or awards, and as a Fletcher, it wouldn’t look great to turn him down.
Peyton: Alright
He had HR bring up the new hires résumés<b>, </b>and bis eyesnded on one. “Derek? Isn’t he a pharmaceutical analyst? What’s he doing at a tech <bpany</b>?“.
“He’s got great hands–on skills,” said the recruiter.
Everyone knew Derek wasn’t valded at home like Lennox was
Peyton made the <b>call</b>. “Not in the right major. Why’d we even hire him? Cut him–bring Lennox in
Seven new hires, <b>all </b>friends <b>or </b>Patrick’s referrals–Derek was the easiest to drop.
“But the offer’s already been sent. He got in through..
“Is what I say useless?”
“Fine”
In the girls‘ dorm, Lily’s five roommates couldn’t stop grinning at the <b>skincare </b>products she brought, international brands, a thousand bucks a set
They tried to y it cool, but, “Aria, you really don’t have to bring us anything next time you pick Lily up!”
“Lily’s helped us all so much with our studies–our whole dorm’s grades improved after the mock exams. The homeroom teacher even gave us all thermoses. We’d feel bad taking your gifts again.”
High school was rough, especially senior year–everyone sacrificing for that one goal, losing sleep, <b>breaking </b>out, looking like death.
Aria’s gift hit right where it counted. Still, they worried they’d <b>get </b><b>used </b>to the good stuff and spoil their skin.
Aria just smiled, “<b>If </b><b>you </b>all get into good universities, I’ll cover your skincare for the next four years. So study hard, alright?”
“Thank you, Arial”
Lily was officially their <b>lucky </b>charm.
Aria waved. “See you next time! We’re heading out.”
“Bye!” The girls waved them off.
Just then, Nathan ran up, only to spot Derek grinning <b>as </b>he took Lily’s books.
“Lily, time to head home,” Derek <b>said</b>.
“Thanks,” Lily replied.
Aria started the car, her gaze passing right over Nathan without a flicker.
13:04 Tue, <b>10 </b>Jun
She pulled away, leaving him standing there, chest tight and aching, watching the car disappear
They were supposed to be the closest in the world–be was the one who’d ruled
Back home, Caleb stood at the door with a bag of ghs, a tired smile on his face. “Wris,
“You’re back,” Aria greeted him.
Caleb had just returned from a two month business trip to Dlund, looking absolutely exhausted. “Weah, the deal went through. I’ll have more time
<b>new</b><b>. </b>
This international partnership had eaten up all his time,
Lily crept up shyly.“Hello”
Aria opened the door and they all headed in. Caleb reached to ruffle Lily’s hair, then paused, remembering he hadn’t washed his hands pet–and held
back
Instead, he handed her a small box. “Agit for Lily. And this one’s for <b>Asia</b><b>. </b>
Derek eyed him. “What about me?”
Caleb tossed him a bag. “Sneakers.”
“Thanks, Cb
nning on staying with me?” Caleb asked<b>, </b>having heard about Derek’s fallout from Glona
Derek shook his head. “Til stick with Aris”
Aria finished texting Owen and turned to Caleb. “Have you eaten?”
“Not yet
Just then, Owen replied. Ania nced at her phone. “Owen says toe over for hot pot tonight–he invited all of <b>us</b><b>.</b><b>” </b>
Caleb raised <b>a </b>brow. “Owen<b>?</b>”
Derek exined, “He lives across the hall. Sis pays for groceries sometimes, and we eat at his ce.”
He lives right across the <b>hall </b>
Caleb had actually considered <b>buying </b>the apartment across from Aria<b>, </b>but if Owen had it,
He nced up at the <b>floor </b>above.
that was probably <b>out </b>of reach.
Derek noticed. “Caleb, the upstairs apartment is taken, I asked about downstairs too–nothing avable. There are still a few left in the building, though. If you buy one, we could be neighbors.”
Caleb shot him <b>a </b>look. “You got money for that?”
Derek hesitated. “You could lend it to me.
Caleb shrugged, “Sure. But only if you ask me nicely tonight in front of everyone.”
Derek scowled, “Why don’t you ask yourself?”
04 Tue, 10 Jun
Imam Caleb <b>gave </b>him a sly grin. “I’m afraid Aria will think I’m a nuisanci
Derck just rolled his eyes.