Chapter 236

Aria's hand holding the teacup paused slightly, causing tiny ripples in the amber liquid.

"Mom, aside from being a stock trader, you actually know international mercenaries?" Her bright eyes sparkled with poorly concealed curiosity.

Evelyn took a delicate sip, her lips curving in a faint smile. "Yes, I'm acquainted with one of their headquarters' executives. We're on good terms."

"Your father knows them too," she added, her gaze drifting toward the window as if recalling distant memories.

Aria leaned closer, wrapping her arms around her mother's in an affectionate gesture. "You and Dad have been keeping so many secrets from us!"

Evelyn pinched her daughter's cheek playfully. "Just old stories. Nothing worth mentioning."

"Then what exactly did you two do before?" Aria pressed.

"Your father mainly studied metaphysics—you know that." Evelyn set down her cup. "After having you children, I focused on gardening."

She lowered her voice slightly. "Though we did join the Westbridge Academy-IQ Society. Met quite a few interesting people."

"Westbridge Academy-IQ Society?" Aria's eyes widened.

"A rather discreet organization," Evelyn confirmed. "Your father was one of the founding members. I was invited later."

Aria's face lit up. "Mom, you must have been an incredible trader!"

Evelyn chuckled. "I ranked first once. Mostly stayed within the top five afterward."

A nostalgic gleam flickered in her eyes. "But after marriage, I gradually stepped back."

"You're amazing, Mom!" Aria breathed in genuine admiration.

"Want to learn?" Evelyn asked warmly.

Aria shook her head. "Numbers aren't my thing. Theo would be perfect for it, though."

"I'll ask him sometime," Evelyn agreed.

Theo seemed much better today, having gone to paint in the study after breakfast.

When Aria arrived on set, Serena was late—again.

Director Gideon's expression darkened, but he couldn't be bothered to reprimand her anymore.

That afternoon, Aria brought cold drinks and desserts for the crew as thanks.

Serena watched coldly from the sidelines. When the crowd dispersed, she marched straight to Aria.

"You orchestrated that online mess, didn't you?" she hissed.

Aria took a leisurely sip of lemon water. "What mess?"

"Buying trolls to hype me up just to tear me down!" Serena gnashed her teeth.

Aria glanced at Serena's pocket and smirked. "You? Worth my money?"

"Know your place." She stood. "Focus on acting instead of pointless schemes."

Without another glance, Aria walked off set.

Returning home, she found Rebecca having tea with Evelyn.

"Aunt Rebecca," Aria greeted sweetly.

Rebecca beckoned with a smile. "Come here, dear. You can call me godmother from now on."

Evelyn explained, "Your godmother wants to formally adopt you. I agreed."

Aria's face brightened. "That's wonderful! I've always seen you as family."

Rebecca looked touched. "Tomorrow, our families will have dinner together for a small ceremony."

Evelyn suddenly asked, "Did Nolan agree?"

Rebecca's expression turned peculiar. "He had a dream last night and suddenly consented this morning."

Aria's pulse jumped. "What dream?"

"He said he saw you..." Rebecca hesitated. "Jumping off a building. Woke up in tears."

Aria forced calm into her voice. "Dreams are the opposite of reality."

She turned to pour water, her fingers trembling imperceptibly.

How could Nolan have dreamed about her past life?