Ch. 1481..1490

Chapter 1481

Chapter 1481

Chris paused, then embraced her even tighter. Edward chuckled and excused himself to fetch some hot water.

The mountain air had turned a bit chilly, and the desolate surroundings stirred up unpleasant memories deep within Lena.

"I ran away from there after growing up, and I've never dared to return," she whispered. "Even though I came here to teach in this mountainous region, I can never cross that mountain." "It's okay," Chris reassured her, gently caressing her hair. "There's nothing worth missing in that place. Plus, he's not your biological father."

Lena looked up at him. "Chris, can I ever overcome this mountain? Do you think it's possible?"

Chris' heart tightened. As he gazed into her bright eyes, he found himself at a loss for words.

"Lenny, you don't need to conquer everything in life. We won't be staying here, and this mountain won't relocate to Centrolis. This may be the last time you see this mountain in your life. "So, avoiding it isn't a bad thing." He smiled tenderly. "In the battlefield, there's no room for deserters. But here with me, you can escape as much as you want. I can even help you escape."

"Chris..."

"Whether you overcome it or not doesn't matter. I'll be with you every step of the way. It's great if you can conquer this mountain. But if those childhood shadows ever creep back, I won't let them affect you." Lena bit her lip and leaned against his shoulder. After enduring so much hardship in her childhood, perhaps fate had sent someone as wonderful as him to heal her. Maybe she could finally bury those shadows in the past for good.

"Alright, let's not dwell on this," Chris gently changed the subject. "We must prepare to leave with the children in a couple of days. We should do a headcount. Also, my family's private plane has landed at the nearest airport. We have bodyguards coming to pick us up and escort us back to Centrolis."

"Mm." Lena brightened up. "Do we have enough seats on the plane?"

"Yes," Chris replied, checking the list on his phone and studying each child's profile.

Lena joined him, the innocent faces of the children reflecting their thirst for knowledge.

Taking these children out of the mountains for a better education would undoubtedly be a lifelong gift for them. Most of the names on the list were girls, but one boy caught Lena's eye.

She frowned slightly. This boy seemed somewhat unfamiliar. He consistently skipped classes and was often absent from the classroom. Lena felt like she had not seen him much. There was also something strange in his gaze.

While other children initially feared making direct eye contact, this boy always seemed to stay hidden in the shadows with a dark look in his eyes.

Lena scrutinized his photo. A strange feeling grew in her heart, especially when she noticed the sinister expression in his eyes.

"Chris, is he... also on the list?"

Chris carefully reviewed the list. "Yes, he's officially enrolled in this school."

Lena suppressed the odd feeling in her heart. "Alright... so when are we departing?"

"The day after tomorrow," Chris replied with a smile after cross-checking the entire list.

Just then, Bianca returned with her camera. She burst into the room and rushed toward Chris. "Chris!"

Chris smoothly got up, causing Bianca to miss her target and land on the rattan chair he had vacated.

Chapter 1482

Chapter 1482

Bianca struggled to maintain her balance, desperate not to clumsily tumble over.

Lena looked at her in puzzlement, frowning before silently entering the guesthouse. Chris was preparing to follow suit when Bianca abruptly stopped him.

"Chris, can you spare a moment to talk to me?"

Chris sidestepped her touch and kept a respectful distance, his gaze distant. "What's up?"

"W-Why are you treating me this way?" Bianca's eyes welled up with tears. "Weren't we close as kids? But now you're so distant! You-"

Chris interrupted gravely, "Bianca, our childhood is in the past. I'm only being considerate because of our history."

"Chris!"

"I have a girlfriend, who will be my future wife and the mother of my children." Chris's voice held determination. "I'm keeping my distance from other women out of respect for my devotion to her." Bianca froze, disbelief washing over her.

In her mind, Chris had always been like a steadfast tree, never showing interest in anyone. She had assumed they would marry someday-they were that close.

The presence of Lena was entirely unexpected.

Despite her pale face, Bianca took a deep breath. She pleaded, "Chris, I understand your feelings for your girlfriend, but can't you hold onto our years of friendship?"

"I have my boundaries."

"Would you take care of me if I got sick?"

Chris's eyes darkened. "What's going on with you?"

"I... I've been feeling unwell lately," Bianca said, rubbing her temples grimly. "Maybe it's because I'm not accustomed to this place. I'm constantly dizzy and can't sleep in this room!"

Coincidentally, Edward approached with hot water and overheard their conversation. His expression soured, and he slammed the kettle on the table. Hot water splashed, narrowly missing Bianca. "Ah!" Bianca shrieked, jumping back in fear as she stared at Edward. "You..."

"What's this talk about not adapting to the environment?" Edward retorted coldly. "It doesn't seem like an issue of adaptation. It seems like you're intentionally causing trouble."

"And what if I am?" Bianca raised her voice. "I'm just stating the facts! I-"

"People who struggle with altitude sickness don't sound like you," Edward mocked. "Your symptoms don't match."

With that, he walked away.

Chris glanced at Bianca, who protested, "Chris, I really feel unwell!"

"If you're not feeling well, it's best to return home early," Chris calmly suggested. "The bodyguards are here. You can ask them to escort you to the nearest airport." "Can I rest on your private plane before leaving?"

"Absolutely not," Chris replied with a playful smile. "My sister-in-law hasn't had the chance to fly on my private plane yet. Until she does, no one else can have that privilege."

"What?"

"Also, I didn't plan for you to use my private plane this time," Chris stated plainly. "We came here to pick up the children, and there's exactly one seat per child on the plane. No extras." Bianca panicked. "What should I do then?"

"As I mentioned, let the bodyguards take you to the airport. They will purchase a first-class ticket and ensure your safe journey home."

Chapter 1483

Chapter 1483

"But—" Before Bianca could finish, Chris had already walked back into the guesthouse.

Bianca stomped her feet in frustration but couldn't express her anger. Unable to gain an advantage, she decided to visit the school in the afternoon to find a child to replace herself.

When school ended, few people remained, just a few students cleaning the classrooms. Despite the old equipment and basic facilities, these girls cherished them, diligently cleaning every corner.

They chatted excitedly about their upcoming trip. Even though they were heading to a big city, they stayed dedicated. Several girls joined hands and pledged to study hard, promising to change their lives when they grew up.

Bianca impatiently rolled her eyes.

These girls seemed to be the ones at the top of the school's list-the best achievers in this poor school. Replacing them would surely attract Chris and Lena's attention. So, who should she look for?

Bianca wandered around a small, rough cement field that barely deserved to be called a field. It was filled with sharp stones that could hurt someone's feet. Her frustration grew.

Then, she noticed a boy who seemed out of place, vaguely familiar.

Suddenly, she remembered taking pictures of him at the school before. She scrolled through her camera and found his shots. His face lacked the innocence usually found in kids his age.

He must come from a really poor family to the point where he avoided talking to anyone.

Bianca thought for a moment. Kids from such backgrounds typically had low self-esteem, never having seen much money. He should be easy to manipulate.

She smiled and slowly approached him.

The boy sat under the only patch of shade on the field, poking an ant nest with a stick.

Bianca sat on a nearby rock and greeted him with a smile, "Hello."

The boy glanced coldly at her.

Unfazed, Bianca showed him the photos she had taken. "Hey, I've taken pictures of you before! What's your name, and are you eight or nine years old this year?"

As she reached out to pat his head, he slapped her hand away. The momentary malice in his eyes sent shivers down her spine.

"Well..." After a while, Bianca said softly, "I've noticed from the photos you've been watching your teacher, Ms. Harding. Is it because she's pretty?"

The boy raised an eyebrow but stayed silent and continued to poke at the ant nest, stirring up chaos.

Bianca couldn't help but shudder as she watched. However, she wasn't planning to give up.

"Young man, would you like to take a plane ride? It's going to Centrolis, too.

"From what I've observed, you don't get along with your classmates. That's convenient, you won't have to fly with them. I'll buy you a separate ticket, a first-class seat! There will be many flight attendants dedicated to your service, and you can even use the VIP channel—"

"Are you done talking?" The boy finally spoke, his tone cold.

Bianca was taken aback.

Although his voice was youthful, it didn't sound like that of an eight- or nine-year-old child. There was something in his gaze she couldn't quite grasp.

"Heh! Do you think I'm stupid?" The boy sneered. "That's a private jet! Even though I've never left the mountains, I know private jets are incredibly luxurious! Shouldn't it be better than your so-called first-class and VIP?"

Chapter 1484

Chapter 1484

The boy's sarcastic response rendered Bianca speechless. She had always thought that kids in the mountains were sheltered and innocent. But this boy appeared as cunning as a fox from deep in the hills, with sharp eyes that noticed everything.

Bianca took a deep breath and bravely asked, "Could you please give up your seat for me?"

"What did you say?" The boy frowned.

Bianca lowered her voice and implored, "I know it's not a pleasant request, but can you do me a favor? You won't lose out, either. I can take good care of you when we get to Centrolis!"

"Take care of me?" The boy raised an eyebrow. "With money?"

Bianca smiled, satisfied that her expectations were met. 'Children from the mountains often have no concept of money. It all comes down to that,' she thought.

"Of course!" she declared confidently. "I'll give you a substantial amount, enough for you to live a privileged life in Centrolis!"

"How much is 'substantial'?"

"Um, it's..."

"Do you have ten million?"

The boy's question caught Bianca off guard.

His smile was mocking as he said, "Ten million isn't much for you rich folks, right? You said you'd give me a lot of money. Is ten million too much?"

Bianca didn't expect him to say that, nor did she think there would be such a worldly child from the mountains. Ten million might not be much, but she believed these mountain children had no concept of wealth. They had lived hand-to-mouth for generations, and having a million was like a blessing.

"What's wrong?" The boy approached her, his tone intentionally mocking. "Didn't you want to switch seats with me? Isn't that seat worth this much?"

"You..."

"If that's how it is, then I won't switch!" The boy pouted and gazed up at the sky.

Bianca considered momentarily and said, "I can't give you that much money right now. But I promise you'll get the best care in Centrolis! It's a big international city and the cost of living and housing... Well, it's beyond your wildest dreams! If I help you live a good life there, it's almost like having ten million when you think about it!"

"Are you finished?" The boy stood up, brushing dirt from his clothes.

With the sunlight behind him, he looked like a strange creature, giving Bianca an eerie feeling as she looked at him.

"What's your last name?"

"Huh?" Bianca was surprised by the sudden question.

"Is your last name Hamerton?"

Bianca froze, unable to speak.

"That plane belongs to the Hamertons! And that big fellow, he's also a Hamerton!" Now, the boy was teaching her a lesson. "Even in this remote and impoverished place, we've heard of the Hamertons!

"I get to ride on a Hamerton plane once in my life, and it'll probably be the only time I'll ever get to do so. Why should I give it up to you?"

Bianca also stood up, flustered. She couldn't help but shout, "Didn't I say I could give you money?!"

"Then show me!" The boy's gaze was piercing. "Besides, are you richer than the Hamertons?"

Bianca was at a loss for words.

Chapter 1485

Chapter 1485

"Are you trying to deceive me with small favors?" The boy jeered. "I might not know much about the world, but I do know that if you want to achieve something, you should aim high!" He then kicked over the anthill and walked away.

Bianca was shocked by the boy's actions. After standing in the scorching sun for a while, she finally snapped out of her daze and realized it was already evening.

The duty teacher began checking the classroom doors and getting ready to leave. The school principal emerged from a slightly better cottage, immediately spotted Bianca, and warmly greeted her. "You're... Ms. Mosley, right? I remember you. You came with Ms. Harding and took lots of pictures of our children!"

Bianca forced a smile, although her face was pale.

"Ms. Mosley, why are you here at this time?" The people from the mountains were straightforward and honest. The school principal considered anyone who came with Lena-the one who brought the kids to school in Centrolis-as benefactors. She held Bianca's hand and expressed her gratitude profusely.

"If it weren't for all of you, the children wouldn't have the opportunity to leave the mountains! I only went to high school, but high school students are already a rare sight here... Now that the children have this opportunity, it's really..."

Bianca interrupted her. "I came over because... I wanted to double-check the student list."

"Oh?"

"Since we're leaving soon..." Bianca made up a reason. "Ms. Harding asked me to confirm the student list. Could I go over it with you?"

The principal believed her, nodded in agreement, and reopened the door to the principal's office.

"The list and photos are all here." She took out a stack of papers. "Ms. Mosley, please take a look. If you need any help, feel free to ask!"

Bianca took the papers and pretended to inspect them. Suddenly, she saw the photo of the boy.

"Is his name Alexander Dickinson?"

The principal leaned over to look and replied with a smile, "Yes. There aren't many boys here, so Alexander is quite unique."

Bianca perked up and asked, "What makes him unique?"

"He's around 12 years old but looks like he's only eight or nine due to his family's extreme poverty and malnutrition. Also, look at his name-Alexander, like Alexander the Great. Well... that's how people in the village name their children."

"Where is his father from?"

"He's not from our village." The principal shook her head. "He lives in a neighboring village. Do you see that mountain there?" The principal pointed outside the window. "You have to cross that mountain and then take a mountain path to get to his house!"

Bianca gazed at the hazy mountain, and the boy's cold face flashed in her mind once more.

"That village is even poorer and more isolated." The principal sighed. "I heard Alexander's father only got married and had him when he was quite old. He seemed to have a foster daughter before... but he treated her poorly, and she ran away.

"When the foster daughter ran away, she was about the same age as Alexander. I wonder how she's doing now. "These children are fortunate!" The principal wiped her tears. "To meet a group of kind-hearted people like you!"

Bianca frowned and contemplated for a moment. She then asked, "Why did Alexander come to this school?"

The principal explained, "Their village is so poor they don't have a school. Among the nearby villages, only our village has a school."

Speaking of this, the principal wore a proud expression. Despite poverty, only this village emphasized education and had pooled their efforts to build this rudimentary school.

It was finally paying off. The children could all leave now and would never be trapped in these deep mountains like their ancestors.

Bianca did not have the patience to listen to the principal's chatter. She hastily left and contemplated many things on her way back. A strange feeling began to stir within her.

Chapter 1486

Chapter 1486

"Ms. Mosley, you're here!" Several bodyguards rushed over to Bianca. Chris had sent them to accompany her.

Since this area was in the mountains, Chris wanted to ensure Bianca's safety, even if he didn't hold her in high regard. When the Hamerton bodyguards arrived, he assigned most of them to follow her. "Ms. Mosley, it's getting late. Let's head back quickly!"

"Hey!" Bianca stopped them.

They paused and exchanged glances, awaiting her instructions.

"Although it's getting late, I need to take a few more photos," Bianca explained.

"Ms. Mosley, what else do you need photos of? We'll accompany you."

"Do you have a car?"

The bodyguards pointed to the car parked on the road outside the school.

"Alright, I want to go to the other side of the mountain to take some photos. Drive me there."

Night had fallen, and the mountain road was treacherous. The driver remained intensely focused, controlling the speed as they moved forward.

"Are you following closely?" Bianca fiddled with her phone and tossed it onto the seat in frustration when she couldn't get a signal.

"We've been keeping a close eye," the driver replied, "Ms. Mosley, these mountain roads aren't suitable for driving. Walking might be faster. That boy is much faster than us..."

"Quiet!" Bianca glared at him. "Stay vigilant! If you lose him, you'll have to answer to me!"

"Yes, yes!" The driver forced a smile. "But Ms. Mosley, should I turn on the car lights? It's really dangerous this way..."

"If we use the lights, he'll notice us!"

"Without lights, we have to keep a considerable distance!"

"Enough!"

Suddenly, they hit a bump, and Bianca nearly fell off her seat.

They finally reached the neighboring village close to 10:00 p.m.

The bodyguards, all big and imposing, had pale faces. The mountain road was dangerous, and Bianca had forbidden them from using the car lights. They were unfamiliar with the terrain, and a mishap could lead to disaster.

The village was in total darkness, but luckily, the moonlight was strong.

Bianca stepped out of the car, with the bodyguards following suit. She searched for Alexander's trail and forced the bodyguards to assist her.

"Ms. Mosley, that boy seems to have gone in this direction," one of the bodyguards whispered. "I caught a glimpse of a shadow."

Without a word, Bianca sprinted in that direction.

The village was eerily silent, and the mountains appeared even more menacing in the dark night.

Bianca tred lightly on the village's narrow path, surveying her surroundings. She felt her heart racing, uncertain why she had put her life on the line for this pursuit. Nonetheless, the uneasy feeling in her heart persisted until she uncovered the boy's origin.

Suddenly, a roar reverberated throughout the village, sending shivers down spines in the dead of night.

"Are you heading to the city now that you've grown up? You're too good for your old man, huh?!"

Bianca's heart constricted, and she hurried toward the source of the voice.

It was a modest, thatched-roof house with half its tiles missing, replaced by straw. Half of the courtyard wall had also crumbled.

In the pitch-black night, it looked desolate. Bianca wouldn't have believed anyone lived there if not for the commotion from within.

"Speak! Answer me!" The furious shouting persisted. "Are you mute? I'm asking you a question!"

A dimly swaying lamp cast a dirty, half-shadowed glow on the scene.

Bianca squinted and identified Alexander standing at the entrance of the small house.

Chapter 1487

Chapter 1487

An elderly man held a dirt broom in his hand, glaring fiercely at Alexander.

"Is it that little bitch? Is it true?"

The man continued. "I heard about it long ago that a Ms. Harding came to the neighboring village. Heh! She even came from Centrolis!

"At first, I didn't think much of it. But you've been running over the mountains daily and following her like you're cursed since you went for that one lesson!

"It's that little bitch, right? Speak up! Am I right?!"

Alexander remained silent, standing there like a statue.

Drake Dickinson raised the broom and struck Alexander. The withered broom struck him hard, causing dust to scatter.

Bianca widened her eyes as she held her breath, feeling as if the broomstick might fall on her if she made a sound.

"Enough!" Alexander yelled, turning to glare at Drake. "I want to go to Centrolis. I want to study and attend the best schools. What's wrong with that? My only mistake is being born into this family and being your son!"

"You-"

"Not only do you hit me, but you also hit my sister!" Alexander shouted, his voice filled with hysteria. His bloodshot eyes made him look like a young wolf prowling in the dark night.

"Don't think I was too young to understand back then! I remember how you treated her to this day!"

"Alright... She's really instigating this?" Drake pointed at Alexander, his hand trembling slightly. "The daughter of a human trafficker ruining my family's reputation! If it weren't for the money that Krystal Harding gave me every month, I wouldn't let that wretched girl freeload off my food!"

"Krystal gave you money, but you squandered it all on gambling and alcohol! You can't even provide the money for my education. You're not worthy of being a father!"

"You're fucking rebelling?!"

Drake struck Alexander again violently.

Bianca listened to the sounds with her heart pounding.

Alexander, however, remained silent, standing there motionless. He bit his lip tightly, his gaze filled with murderous rage as if he wanted to shred Drake into pieces. Bianca held her breath and tiptoed backward until she was concealed in the shadows. Then, she quickly turned and fled.

The bodyguards followed her and helped her back into the car.

As soon as she got into the car, she yelled, "Go back quickly! Hurry!"

Her heart was about to leap out of her throat, and her mind felt empty.

"Ms. Mosley, can we turn on the car lights now?"

"Whatever!" Bianca's voice quivered. "I just want to leave this place... as fast as possible!"

She trembled all over. Once she calmed down, the name Krystal Harding came back to her.

She wondered, 'Krystal Harding, Lena Harding... And Alexander kept talking about a "sister." Could it be...'

Bianca took a deep breath and leaned back in her seat, calming herself.

The day they returned to Centrolis was sunny and bright.

Several buses brought the children down from the mountains to the nearest city, where a dedicated team took them to catch the Hamerton plane at the airport. For many of the children, it was their first time on an airplane, and their excitement was obvious. They were full of joy and wonder, chatting and talking about everything. Lena observed their happy faces and genuinely felt happiness herself.

But when she glanced at the last row of seats, her eyes unintentionally met Alexander's. Her heart tightened as she sensed something unusual in the boy's gaze. Despite his intimidating appearance, there was a sharpness in his eyes that went beyond his years.

Chapter 1488

Chapter 1488

Chris sat beside Lena, holding her hand and smiling.

"Sorry," Lena whispered to him and then looked back at the children with a hint of embarrassment. "This is their first time traveling so far, and they might be overly excited."

"Why are you apologizing to me?"

"Because... this is on your plane."

"In the future, it'll be yours, too."

He affectionately nuzzled her nose, his eyes filled with warmth.

However, at that moment, he felt a sudden chill behind him. He turned to look but noticed nothing unusual-just the silent boy in the corner who briefly glanced at him before turning away.

The air attendant approached. "Mr. Hamerton, the plane is ready for takeoff, waiting for clearance."

"Alright." Chris nodded. "Is Bianca's ticket purchased?"

"Ms. Mosley..." The air attendant's expression was troubled. "I heard from the bodyguards Ms. Mosley wants to stay in the mountains for a few more days."

"What?" Chris frowned. "Why does she want to stay longer?"

"She wants to take more photos for a future exhibition."

Chris felt puzzled but didn't pay much attention to it. He didn't care much about Bianca. If she wanted to stay there, she could, given her wealth and bodyguards.

As the plane took off, Lena looked out the window. The ground scenery grew smaller, and she was getting farther away.

Maybe she would never return.

Lena leaned her head on Chris' shoulder, closed her eyes, and smiled faintly.

The success of the charity project brought Harold closer to the mayor's position. As his son-in-law, Elijah fully supported him. They appeared as a loving family at events, with Kasey in Elijah's hand and their daughter in his arms.

Harold achieved an overwhelming victory in the second-to-last election round, partly thanks to children from the mountains who participated in the project.

His competitors viewed him with jealousy and resentment but still congratulated him with a smile, plotting how to bring him down.

After that election round, the celebration of the charity project's success was even grander. Many wealthy businessmen and prominent political figures from Centrolis attended. Even the Irwins of Southeast Aciatic sent their congratulations.

After all, the future mayor hosted the event. Who would dare to offend him?

Zuko and Lina, representing the Hamerton and Thompson families, drew immediate attention when they entered the hall. What caught even more attention was the little princess they held.

People eager to gain favor with the Hamertons and Thompsons rushed over, showering them with praise, whether sincere or feigned.

Lina spotted Lena, not far away, with a faint smile.

Tears welled in Lina's eyes, her heart a mix of emotions. Lena had been away for just over a week, yet it felt like an eternity. After seeing Renee, Lina missed Lena even more.

Lina handed Persephone to Zuko and navigated the crowd to reach Lena. The two women shared a smile and embraced tightly.

"What's wrong with you?" Lena asked. "I've only been gone a few days, but you look like we've been apart for a lifetime."

"You've lost weight..." Lina examined Lena's face carefully.

Chapter 1489

Chapter 1489

"Maybe I just got darker from the sun," Lena said.

"You must have gone through a lot over there anyway," Lina said.

Lena smiled. A worry gnawed at her whenever she wasn't by Lina's side. She feared that Lina might face mistreatment of some sort, akin to how Lina would fret if Lena got bullied in her absence.

Zuko and Chris exchanged glances, sharing an unspoken understanding. Those two treated them like they were invisible.

Before they could engage in conversation, Zuko and Lina were swarmed and ushered away. Chris couldn't escape socializing either.

Lena smiled and returned to her quiet corner.

Suddenly, someone handed her a glass of champagne.

Lena looked up and saw Elijah standing before her. He had slightly flushed cheeks and a tipsy smile. Adjusting his tie, he nodded toward the balcony.

Lena followed him.

The balcony was vast and tranquil, a world apart from the bustling banquet hall. The evening breeze brought a refreshing coolness, and the champagne carried a hint of sweetness. Lena savored this rare moment of serenity. "Why aren't you inside, mingling with the guests?"

Elijah glanced at her, reluctant to answer. In truth, she understood even without his words. Prolonged pretense and performance before many people could be exhausting.

But had he never contemplated a happily-ever-after with Kasey? By all accounts, Kasey was an excellent wife and mother, perfectly matched with Elijah.

After a pause, Elijah said with a faint smile, "This time... thank you very much."

"You're welcome," Lena replied casually. "I had my personal agenda. I wanted those children to receive a better education."

"My father-in-law is extremely grateful to you. He keeps calling you his lucky star. I'll arrange for you to meet him when the opportunity arises."

"I'm pleased I could assist Mr. Patton. However, I also hope he follows through on his campaign promises and takes responsibility for those children."

Elijah chuckled nonchalantly, taking a generous sip of his wine. "It's just a facade. Don't take it to heart! These things are mutually beneficial."

"Much like your marriage to Ms. Patton?"

Elijah's demeanor abruptly changed as he locked eyes with her.

Lena grinned. "Even if it's a charade and mutually advantageous, both parties obtain what they need. People are creatures of emotion. Over time, feelings tend to evolve. I believe that as Mr. Patton spends more time with those children, he will genuinely care for them.

"And you..." Lena turned to him. "You and Ms. Patton are no different."

"Hey!" Elijah was about to request she drop the topic, but he sensed someone observing them.

Apart from the affluent and influential, the most vital guests tonight were the children Lena had brought from the mountainous region.

Elijah had insisted on including all the children for a complete spectacle.

At that moment, he noticed the gaze of a particular boy and nudged Lena's arm. "That boy... Why is he staring at you?"

Lena turned to look.

Alexander didn't avert his gaze as if he had been waiting for this moment.

Lena's heart clenched, and she set down her champagne. She strolled from the banquet hall through the courtyard toward Alexander.

The two silently looked at each other for a prolonged moment.

"You..." Eventually, Lena broke the silence. "What's your name? I'm sorry, but there are so many people here, and I recall you don't often attend classes, so..."

"I'm Alexander Dickinson," the boy replied calmly. "You... truly don't remember me?"

Chapter 1490

Chapter 1490

Lena stood there in shock. It was as though a floodgate of memories had suddenly burst open. She believed she had distanced herself from her past when she left that place. Yet, this boy seemed like a haunting shadow, drawing her back into a past she desperately wanted to forget.

She struggled to calm her racing heart as fragments of memories flooded her mind.

'Alexander Dickinson... No, it can't be. Wasn't that child named Leo?

'When the boy was born, his father lost a bet in gambling and returned to beat his wife, who had just given birth. He claimed the child was like a lion seeking vengeance, hence the name Leo.

'So... Alexander must have come from a different family, right? Yes, that seemed likely,' she thought.

Since everyone in that village shared the same last name, he probably belonged to another branch of the Dickinsons.

Lena took two steps back, clutching her dress with trembling fingers.

Gradually, Alexander's eyes lost their hostility and softened, a stark contrast to his rough exterior. He smiled upon realizing she hadn't recognized him and had erased her little brother from her memory.

It made sense. There was no need to retain an unpleasant past in her memory.

Alexander took a step closer, then hesitated and stepped back. He gazed at her silently, the moonlight reflecting in his eyes. Suddenly, he grinned. "I don't come to class very often. So, it's normal that you don't recognize me."

"Oh..." Lena's fingers slowly relaxed, and she tried to engage him calmly. "Why don't you attend class?"

"We're poor, and the school is far away. Sometimes, I just don't bother coming."

"Now that you have the chance, you should work hard and study."

"I will." Alexander smiled. "I'll do my best to follow your advice."

Lena returned his smile.

Elijah called to her from the balcony, and she waved, gesturing for Alexander to join her in the hall.

"Ms. Harding..." As Lena turned around, Alexander hesitated before saying, "You... should take care."

Lena was surprised and somewhat lost.

Alexander clarified, "We don't have any family here. You're our only family, so you naturally have to take care of yourself!"

"Alright!" Lena nodded and quickly returned to the banquet hall.

Though she still had doubts about Alexander, there was no time to dwell on them now.

The socializing at the banquet continued.

Chris had many friends, and even more people were trying to win the favor of the Hamertons. Everyone was curious about Chris' girlfriend. Lena smiled and gracefully stood by Chris' side.

Chris was slightly surprised since he had expected Lena to keep her distance in such gatherings.

"I'll stand by your side from now on," Lena whispered to him. "Because... I want to stand by your side for the rest of our lives."

Chris held her hand, their fingers intertwined. They looked like the perfect couple, capturing countless admiring gazes.

Just as they were about to sneak away for a moment alone, Fleur approached.

Chris attempted to hide behind a plate, pretending not to notice her. Unfortunately, his mother caught him in the act.