<b>Chapter </b><b>430 </b>


    Spotting The man weaving into the crowd, Fryderyk muttered “Excuse me” as he pushed his way through.


    The liquor business was also part of the Saxon family’s holdings. Caleb hade today with an agenda, but since Amanda was still busy, he chose not to disturb her and was content to stay by Aria’s side.


    Silvia also followed closely behind him.


    The three settled into a subtle dynamic–Aria reached for a ss of wine, Caleb followed suit, and after a moment’s hesitation, Silvia did the same, taking a delicate sip as Aria did.


    Someone came to discuss business with Caleb, forcing him to excuse himself.


    Silvia nced between Caleb and Aria, then made up her mind to stay with Aria.


    Ever since Aria returned, Silvia found her friends gradually drifting away.


    At first, Silvia felt deeply hurt. But when she saw the scar on Aria’s back, all she felt was shame and guilt.


    She had gained the status of the Saxon family’s heiress–what more could she possibly be dissatisfied with?


    ‘The one that should feel resentful is Aria, Silvia thought. ‘I stole her life. She should hate me, target me, and trample me into the dirt.


    But none of that happened.


    Aria hadn’t eaten lunch. Spotting an appetizing pastry, she lifted the lid, picked up a small te, and took a bite.


    Silvia nced at Aria, picked up another pastry, and waited until Aria finished eating before tentatively offering it to her. “Aria, I’ve tried this one before. It’s really good.”


    Aria took it. “Thanks.”


    Out of the corner of her eye, Aria caught sight of a figure, her eyes instantly narrowing in alert.


    The man had a clear target–his eyes locked onto Silvia as he reached into his pocket, roughly shoving aside anyone in his way before charging straight at


    her.


    The scene erupted into chaos.


    A chorus of terrified screams erupted from the crowd.


    A heavyset man suddenly pulled out a knife and lunged straight at Silvia.


    He was too fast for Fryderyk to react.


    The bodyguard tried to block him, but the assant broke free.


    Liam had been watching closely. Seeing this, his eyes went wide in shock. “Watch out!”


    With one hand, Aria yanked Silvia out of harm’s way. With the other, she caught the attacker’s wrist mid–strike–and with a swift, brutal twist, snapped his


    arm.


    The man let out a bloodcurdling scream as his wrist snapped,


    The knife ttered to the floor with a jarring metallic ring.


    “Arial” Caleb rushed over urgently.


    <b>23:49 </b><b>Sun</b><b>, </b><b>22 </b><b>JUN </b>


    Fryderyk immediately secured the evidence and was about to speak when Aria snapped her leg up, delivering a brutal kick straight to the man’s gut.


    The man hung suspended for a split second before his legs buckled, mming down hard onto his knees.


    The chaos froze as if someone had hit the pause button, plunging the room into abrupt silence.


    Damn, that was one hell of a kick!


    Silvia stood there frozen in shock, her heart pounding wildly in her chest.


    The attacker wasing straight for her.


    I almost got killed, Silvia thought in shock.


    +28)


    As the grip on her wrist loosened, Silvia nced down at the hand that had just pulled her <b>to </b>safety. Her gaze traveled upward,nding on a calm, almost indifferent face.


    Aria nced at the half–eaten pastry on the floor, irritation flickering across her face.


    Moving mechanically, Silvia bent down, picked up the pastry she’d just called delicious, and, with trembling hands, offered it again. “T–this one<b>…</b><b>” </b>


    Aria nced at Silvia<b>, </b>took the pastry, and under everyone’s watchful eyes, took a deliberate bite, chewed, and swallowed. “This one really does taste


    the best.”


    Caleb’s face had been etched with worry, but as he watched the two exchange the pastry, his voice unconsciously softened. “Aria, are you alright?”


    <b>Aria </b>nodded. <b>“</b>Yeah, I’m fine.”


    He then turned to Silvia. “Silvia, how about you? Are you hurt?”


    Silvia shook her head, her face still wearing the dazed look of someone who had just escaped death. “I’m… I’m fine too.”


    Watching this scene, Liam instantly recalled how Aria had yanked him aside just as a bullet whizzed past where he’d been standing.


    At that moment, Liam’s gaze was fixed solely on Aria, his heart pounding wildly as if it might burst out of his chest.


    He and Hannah were long over.


    Liam thought, ‘Aria is single, and she used to have feelings for me. That means I still have a chance, don’t I<b>?</b>‘


    ‘Making a move doesn’t guarantee sess,<b>‘ </b>Liam pondered, ‘but if I don’t try, I’ll have no chance at all.’