Chapter 150

Aria Bennett hung up the phone and turned to Damian Cross in the driver's seat.

"What do you think Director Alistair is scheming this time?" She blinked playfully.

Damian's slender fingers tapped the steering wheel. "Knowing him, it'd be strange if he wasn't planning something dramatic."

"Though he probably won't dare go abroad again," he chuckled. "Last time's lesson should last him a lifetime."

Aria burst into laughter. "True enough."

"Let me know if Roman contacts you."

As she reached for the door handle, Damian had already circled to the passenger side, opening her door with gentlemanly grace.

Aria's eyes crinkled with amusement. "Such impeccable service, Mr. Cross."

Damian's lips quirked upward. "The pleasure is mine."

"See you!" Aria waved.

"See you." Damian watched her walk away.

This scene unfolded before Nolan Reed's eyes. His grip tightened on the steering wheel.

"Aunt Evelyn, that Damian is always hovering around Aria. He's definitely up to no good," he grumbled.

Evelyn Bennett watched her daughter's retreating figure with a gentle smile. "Aria knows how to handle herself."

She actually thought Damian seemed quite decent. That considerate gesture just now clearly came from genuine care.

Rebecca Reed sighed inwardly. Her son's emotional intelligence was truly hopeless.

"At least he knows to open car doors for ladies," she pointed out bluntly. "You've never been that thoughtful before."

Nolan: "..." Was this really his mother?

"He's just putting on an act!" he protested with a pout.

Rebecca smacked the back of his head. "Even his act beats your reality. Aria's single now—it's good she has quality suitors."

Nolan: "..." The pain was real.

"How is he better than me?" he muttered. "Just slightly more famous and better at pretending..."

Rebecca glared. "Don't be bitter about what you can't match."

"Go home now," she dismissed him with a wave. "Your aunt Evelyn and I are going upstairs."

Nolan panicked. "I'm coming too! I need to talk to Aria."

"Don't you dare upset her," Rebecca warned.

"As if I would..." Nolan whined.

These days he'd enshrine Aria if he could—upsetting her was the last thing on his mind.

Watching Damian's retreating figure, he suddenly realized how tactless he'd been before.

When parking, he deliberately walked around to open the rear doors for both elders, mimicking Damian's earlier gesture.

Evelyn shook her head with a smile. Too little, too late.

Aria had just changed into pajamas when the doorbell rang.

"Mom, Aunt Rebecca, did you have fun?" she greeted them.

Evelyn's expression softened. "We did. You should join us next time."

Theo Bennett bounded over. "You have to come, sis!"

"Once I'm less busy," Aria ruffled her brother's hair before turning to Rebecca. "You'll join us too, Aunt Rebecca?"

Rebecca beamed. "Absolutely! Family should spend more time together."

Nolan hastily interjected. "I'm coming too! I'll drive and carry bags!"

Aria gave him a skeptical glance. "Yeah right, Mr. Celebrity."

Nolan looked wounded. "I've changed!"

"Your credibility's long gone with me," Aria said mercilessly.

She addressed the others. "Hungry? I'll make some noodles."

Nolan shamelessly followed her into the kitchen. "I'm starving too..."

Aria sighed. "Fine, I'll make extra."

Nolan's eyes lit up as he leaned in. "Knew you'd say yes!"

"Back up. You're in my way," Aria pushed him aside.

Nolan obediently retreated two steps. "I'll just stand here and chat."

After a pause, he ventured: "Aria, Director Alistair contacted my agent today about auditioning for a Republican-era drama's male lead..."