Chapter 204

In the private dining room of an exclusive restaurant, Elias Vaughn and Roman Vale had been waiting for some time.

"Damian, Aria, you're finally here!" Roman rose with a cheerful grin. "Hope you don't mind this uninvited guest?"

After being cooped up at home recovering from his injuries, he'd jumped at the chance to join when Elias mentioned dinner plans.

Damian shook his head in mock exasperation. "Now that you're here, it's not like we can kick you out."

Aria offered a warm smile. "You're welcome to join us."

The meal passed with lively conversation and clinking glasses.

As they prepared to leave, Roman suddenly asked, "When are you coming to my company to pick out some pieces? I've been waiting forever."

Their original appointment had been postponed due to his hospitalization, and it had been weighing on his mind.

Aria considered briefly. "How about tomorrow?"

She had live performances to prepare for the day after, followed immediately by filming.

"It's settled then!" Roman's eyes lit up.

He'd been eager to repay Aria for saving his life and hoped she'd select plenty of fine pieces.

After dinner, the group headed to Elias's company.

The raw jade stones Aria had previously chosen still needed cutting. Elias had arranged for his master stonecutter to work overtime.

As each stone was split open, every single one revealed premium jade—several of exceptional quality.

Elias was speechless with shock. In all his years in the business, he'd never seen such precise judgment.

"Aria's talent for spotting jade..." he murmured to Damian in awe.

Damian's lips curved slightly. "Naturally."

"Keep this quiet," he cautioned. "She dislikes drawing attention."

If word got out, it could invite unnecessary trouble.

Elias nodded solemnly. "Understood."

"We must bring Aria to the next jade auction," he suggested.

It would be a waste not to utilize such remarkable skill.

Damian agreed with a smile. "Absolutely."

Aria only took a few of the finest pieces, entrusting the rest to Elias for delivery to the mountain she'd leased. Some mid-to-high grade jade was given to Damian to craft into jewelry.

The next morning, Aria and her brother accompanied their mother on a shopping trip.

Upon returning, they found three people waiting at their doorstep: an elderly man leaning on a cane, a well-maintained woman, and the all-too-familiar Vera Whitmore.

Evelyn Bennett's brow furrowed slightly.

Edgar Whitmore stared at his daughter, momentarily seeing his late wife in her features. The resemblance went beyond mere appearance now—even her demeanor was identical.

A pang of nostalgia struck him.

Remarrying had been a reluctant decision back then, his company demanding too much time to handle his rebellious daughter. His new wife had doted on the girl, yet Evelyn remained cold.

Gradually, his heart had hardened.

Twenty years had passed since they'd last seen each other.

"Is this how you greet your father?" Edgar demanded sternly.

Evelyn scoffed. "I wouldn't dare claim such relations—who knows how I might end up dead."

"You!" Edgar trembled with rage. "Have you forgotten your family name?"

"I changed it to Bennett long ago," Evelyn replied icily.

"Outrageous!" Edgar bellowed. "Who gave you permission?"

Miriam Whitmore quickly soothed him with gentle words. "Evelyn, your father has missed you all these years—"

"Spare me the act," Evelyn cut her off sharply. "We all know exactly what this is about."

She met her stepmother's gaze directly. "Relax, I've no interest in the Whitmore fortune. Save your performance."

A flicker of triumph flashed in Miriam's eyes, though she maintained a wounded expression. "How could you think so poorly of me—"

"Enough!" Evelyn's face twisted in disgust. "Your fake concern makes me sick."

That very same act had driven the wedge between father and daughter years ago. Now, she wanted nothing to do with their so-called family.

Miriam's face stiffened—being called out so bluntly nearly shattered her carefully constructed facade.