<b>Chapter </b><b>454 </b>


    <b>281</b><b>% </b>


    He paused momentarily, a radiant smile blooming across his face as he squeezed her hand back, their fingers intecing. “When the time is right, I’ll say


    it.”


    Caleb watched the scene unfold, a subtle smile touching his lips. Turning to his assistant, Jeffrey, he said, “No need to stop. Just keep driving.”


    Jeffrey replied, “Sure, boss. Owen’s a great guy. Miss Saxon will be happy with him.”


    Caleb nodded in agreement. “Mm–hmm, Owen really is a great guy.”


    After the SATs were over, Ondo showed up at the door with Rachel.


    Seeing Owen also present, Ondo frowned and said curtly, “We’re here to talk about Rachel. Isn’t it inappropriate to have an outsider <b>here</b>?”


    Rachel quickly cut in, “If Aria’s my sister, then Owen’s practically family–nothing inappropriate about him being here!”


    Aria shot Ondo a cold sidelong nce. “If you can’t talk, you can leave. Rachel stays.”


    Owen smiled but remained silent.


    Ondo pursed his lips and pulled several documents from his bag. “These are the DNA test reports for Rachel and Dominic, Rachel and Alice, <b>and </b>Rachel and Silvia. If you don’t believe it, you can have them tested again.”


    “No need for another test. I know she’s Pearl,” Aria said, ncing at the reports before fixing her gaze on him. “So, what kind of arrangement did you and


    Russ


    Ondo didn’t answer directly but instead asked her, “What’s your n?”


    Aria nced at Lily and Rachel, who were sitting together, and said firmly, “I have more than enough money. If she’s willing, I can take her in.”


    All the kids in Jamn were afraid of Aria, except for Pearl. Even when Aria wore a cold expression, Pearl would still smile at her.


    It was precisely because of this that, sixteen years ago, Aria’s heart softened toward her.


    From the very beginning, Aria had altered Pearl’s life path. Now that fate had brought them together again and Pearl needed her help, Aria was determined to see it through to the end.


    Rachel beamed, nervously clutching Lily’s hand.


    Seeing Rachel’s delight, Ondo felt a pang of frustration. He turned to Aria and challenged, “Are you sure you can protect her?”


    Aria’s voice turned icy. “I don’t owe you any expZoetion.”


    Ondo was about to say something more when Rachel interrupted him, “Ondo, don’t forget what you promised me.”


    That night, Ondo reached out to Russell and “revealed” Rachel’s true identity to him. Naturally, Olivia found out as well.


    Terrified her abuse of Rachel woulde to light, Olivia insisted Aria had no right to take Rachel away, saying they had no blood rtion.


    Soon after, Rachel and Olivia spoke privately on the phone.


    And Olivia finally agreed.


    Ondo asked Rachel what they had discussed, but she refused to <b>say </b><b>a </b>word,


    Rachel looked at him seriously and said, “Ondo, no matter <b>what</b>, you guys saved me, and I’m really grateful for <b>that</b>. <b>But </b>I’ve <b>helped </b><b>you </b><b>guys </b><b>toa </b>sa


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    09:44 Tue, 24 Jun


    81%0


    Having spent years with the Wolfshade Syndicate, Rachel had ess to intel they weren’t privy to. She’d had their backs on multiple asions–<b>this </b>wasn’t her first time.


    Ondo gazed at Rachel, a storm of emotions flickering in his eyes. It seemed he and Russell had never truly understood her.


    Rachel was decisive. “Once I’m with Aria, no matter what happens to me—whether I live or die–I don’t want you causing her any trouble. Without Aria<b>, </b><b>I </b>wouldn’t have survived infancy. No one has the right to me her for anything.”


    If it weren’t for their negligence, Rachel wouldn’t have suffered all these years, or ended up with scars <i>on </i>her face.


    Ondo said, “Rachel, I’m sorry.”


    Rachel’s eyes welled up. “Don’t apologize,” she said softly. “I’m just trying to be brave.”


    Ondo still resented Aria over what happened to Sara, but with Rachel choosing her, he had no choice but to ept <b>it</b><b>. </b><b>“</b><b>I’ll </b>take care of everything


    Rachel looked at Aria, eyes bright with hope, and asked, “Aria, since you’ve agreed to take me in, can I take yourst name<b>?</b><b>” </b>


    Looking into her sparkling eyes, Aria nodded. “Sure.”


    Pearl beamed. “Then from now on, I’ll go by Pearl Saxon.”


    Aria paused for a moment, then said, “Yeah, Pearl Saxon.”


    Rachel looked up hesitantly and asked, “Would it be all right if I stayed here tonight?”


    Aria smiled. “Sure. Your room’s ready. You can stay with Lily tonight if you want.”


    Pearl was thrilled. “Thanks, Aria.”


    G


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