Tristan was discharged from the hospital, with Aria and Owening to pick him up.


    To celebrate Tristan’s return, the Todd family’s ce was decorated from top to bottom-this homing celebration outshone even the grand session ceremony before.


    The group stood waiting at the front gate, with Culver, the thirteenth Head of the Todd School, positioned squarely in the


    center.


    Culver clenched his fists, his heart pounding in his chest.


    Culver had only just learned a few days ago that Tristan was still alive. The news left him on edge for days, anxiously reaching out to Ivy Hospital again and again, but they never responded. It felt as if they had already abandoned him.


    Just yesterday, he had already prepared to flee.


    Someone approached him, iming that Tristan was unaware of his involvement, and urged him to stay with the Todd School.


    Seeing that everyone still treated him the same as before, Culver finally let out a sigh of relief.


    A few ck sedans slowly pulled up.


    The car door swung open, and Aria stepped out first, carefully assisting Tristan as he emerged.


    Owen followed closely behind, keeping protective watch.


    At this sight, Culver’s eyes narrowed in rm, and he hurriedly averted his gaze.


    When that person sought him out, Culver once again stressed Aria’s importance, both directly and indirectly urging them to eliminate her.


    Culver stared in disbelief-she was right there, safe and sound.


    “Wee back, Dr. Todd!” the crowd cheered in unison.


    From the shadows, a figure d in a traditional long gown watched the scene unfold, eyes glistening with unshed tears.


    Tristan seemed to sense something and turned his head to look.


    The figure instantly slipped into the shadows.


    Tristan withdrew his gaze, then looked up at the name que above the entrance. “Just like the old days…”


    Niks supported Tristan, allowing Aria to smoothly release her hold.


    “Thanks for your help, Aria,” Niks said. “Grandpa, it’s cold outside. Let’s go inside.”


    Surrounded by the crowd, Tristan walked inside, never once sparing Culver a single nce.


    Tormented with anxiety, Culver saw Aria lookingpletely unfazed. Gritting his teeth, he forced himself to follow the


    others inside.


    No matter what, leaving the Todd School simply wasn’t an option for him now.


    Ivy Hospital would never let him off the hook.


    At the main hall’s elevated tform, Tristan stood above the crowd, speaking at length before finally gesturing to Aria. “Come here, girl,” he called.


    The chief doctor of Todd School hastily intervened, “Dr. Todd, she’s an outsider. Letting her stand there would profane our rules.”


    “Not a chance,” Tristan stated firmly.


    Aria, however, strode straight up to the stage without hesitation.


    Tristan dered in a booming voice, “This is my second apprentice, Aria Saxon.”


    “If it weren’t for her risking her life to go to Masmubia, I wouldn’t be standing here today,” he dered.


    “Second apprentice?” the chief doctor asked, puzzled. “Dr. Todd, wasn’t Mr. Webster your second apprentice?”


    Called out by name and wishing he could disappear, Culver forced a smile. “Whatever Dr. Todd says goes. Aria is certainly wee here.”


    Tristan gave him a meaningful nce, a subtle smile ying on his lips. “I took Aria as my apprentice many years before Culverver joined us.”


    The chief doctor seemed ready to say more, but Tristan’s expression turned impatient-he clearly had no intention of exining further.


    The others stopped the chief doctor. “We should be grateful Dr. Todd has returned safely—why get hung up on these small matters? After all, Aria Saxon is his lifesaver.”


    The chief doctor, ever the conservative traditionalist, still couldn’t wrap his head around it. He muttered, “Saving someone’s life and taking them as an apprentice are two entirely different matters-they shouldn’t be lumped together.”


    Niks shot a nce at the chief doctor, then exchanged a meaningful look with Fiy.


    At that moment, Tristan scanned the hall and asked, “Where’s Axton? Hasn’t hee back yet?”


    “Dad, Axton might still be upset with you,” Fiy replied.


    Tristan sighed, thinking, ‘Well, these matters can wait.’


    “Help me to my room,” Tristan said, turning to Aria. “Come along with me, girl.”


    Tristan said warmly, “Owen,e along too. We’re all family here–no need to stand on ceremony.”