Senior year was almost over, and the school often held career talks for the graduating students, inviting successful individuals and business elites. The last time Julian appeared, it was merely to catch Aurora. He never intended to give a speech. Yet, only someone of Julian’s stature could afford to miss such an event without being blacklisted by the school. It was said that he donated a substantial amount of money to the school each year. Even though he bailed on the lecture last time, the principal had found him the best excuse, but even so, most of the female students were greatly disappointed at not having seen the legendary figure.
Aurora had no idea who had been invited to give today’s lecture, and she was not interested in the slightest, choosing instead to sit in a corner. This probably was the neatest gathering of students yet. Aurora spotted some familiar faces. Ivy, who had drugged her three years ago, was wearing the latest Chanel dress, leaving a trail of fragrance as she passed. Ivy was surrounded by a group of stylishly dressed girls, clearly enjoying the status of being the pampered daughter of the Montgomery family.
Aurora’s lips curled into a mocking smile as she adjusted her glasses, knowing Ivy’s peaceful days would soon end. Around her, people were buzzing about today’s lecturer. She wasn’t usually interested in idle gossip, but she ended up listening anyway.
“Did you hear? Today’s lecturer is Hayden Alvarez, the heir to Alvarez Legacy Holdings. He’s quite the heartthrob.”
“Oh, he’s out of our league, and he’s already engaged to Susan Simmons, the popular actress.”
“They’re truly a match made in heaven.”
Where girls gathered, gossip existed. Aurora hadn’t expected Hayden to be the lecturer, but dressed as she was, he surely wouldn’t recognize her. Besides, there were hundreds of people here. No one would recognize her in this disguise.
Amidst the whispering crowd, Hayden entered in a tailored white suit, still the refined and elegant gentleman. Aurora rested her cheek on her hand, watching him. The first time she had seen him years ago, he was in a white shirt. But now, she thought of Julian from a long time ago on the ship, noting how Hayden’s demeanor had resembled his back then. Perhaps that was why her feelings had transferred to Hayden.
Was that the reason? Watching the familiar figure, she remembered that he had called her several times that morning, and she had hung up on him. He didn’t seem to be in great spirits. Undoubtedly, Susan kept making things difficult for him.
The more they quarreled, the happier Aurora felt.
She was uninterested in his lecture. Aurora’s thoughts drifted back through her past. She sighed at how unpredictable life was. If not for the incident three years ago, they might still be together. When the lecture ended, she finally snapped back to the present, and the audience began to disperse.
Indifferently packing her things, Aurora had already called Cameron, who was waiting for her near the school. It was already dark outside. Aurora took a shortcut through the school’s wooded area, knowing it would lead her quickly to the school entrance.
The lighting was sparse here, a popular spot for couples. It was usually quiet at this time, but Aurora heard footsteps behind her. On this tranquil path, the sound of footsteps was normal, but it sounded like several men were following her.
She began to wonder why so many people walking together remained silent. Wasn’t that odd? Aurora felt something was amiss and quickened her pace. The people behind her did the same. It seemed they were after her! As Aurora reached for her phone to call for help, the group suddenly closed in. “Beauty, why don’t you hang out with us for a while?” Five men immediately surrounded her. Aurora, with a cold smirk, retorted, “You want to play, is that it?”
They were clearly not students. Their demeanor screamed street thugs. Despite her low profile and deliberately dowdy appearance at school, she was targeted, which seemed ridiculous. She knew the situation was complex, but at that moment, she had to figure out how to escape. “Well then, come on over. Let’s have some fun.” Aurora took off her glasses and tied her hair back. As the dim light revealed her true face, one of them exclaimed, “She is indeed beautiful! Look at this pretty face. Bros, we are in luck today.”
As they moved closer to Aurora, she seized the moment and fiercely kicked the nearest man. He screamed in pain and fell to the ground. “Are you okay?” The sudden turn of events startled everyone. They rushed to check on him. It was now or never! She swiftly ran away, thankful for her habit of wearing flat shoes instead of heels at school.
Though she had learned some self-defense over the years, facing five thugs was daunting without certainty of victory. Her only option was to flee. “Catch her. That little witch. How dare she kick me?” the man ordered his followers, despite his pain. Fortunately, her running habit gave her the stamina needed, but they were close behind her. Luckily, near a side exit, she saw a car parked and, without thinking, she dashed toward it, fearing the consequences if caught.
The car was expensive, indicating its owner was no ordinary person. She hoped for a stroke of luck to find someone who could protect her for the time being. Exhausted, she plunged into the car, gasping, “Help…”
“Aurora?” The man in the white suit, seeing her suddenly in his car, felt it was a gift from heaven. Aurora didn’t care who he was. She just needed to be saved at that moment. Hayden noticed the men pursuing her. Seeing Aurora in the car, they hesitated, lingering outside and waiting for her to be expelled.
“Go,” Hayden commanded coldly, and the chauffeur drove off without looking back. “Aurora, who are they? Why are they after you?” Hayden, recalling a female student he had seen sitting in a corner, suddenly realized why she looked familiar, yet he could never have connected her to Aurora. How did she come to be at this school? No wonder he had searched many places without finding her. She had been hiding in plain sight at the school.
Aurora collapsed onto the leather seat, exhausted. “I don’t know. I just took a shortcut and realized someone was following me. Thankfully, I can run fast.”
“Have you offended anyone recently?” Hayden asked, concerned about the ominous intent of her pursuers.