Trouble in Paradise

I didn't want to make too much of a splash at the class reunion,

I got up, washed up, and chose a vintage, white, linen top with delicate floral embroidery around the neckline and cuffs and paired it with light blue culottes made of the same material.

For accessories, I opted for a pair of small, exquisite diamond stud earrings and a fine platinum chain to add a touch of elegance to my neck.

Standing in front of the mirror, I carefully examined my appearance. I looked well-prepared but not overly extravagant, and I was quite satisfied.

Before leaving, I called Neal to check if there were any updates on the situation.

Since Silas couldn't assist me with the communication with the Hawk family anymore, I had to handle things on my own, even if it meant dealing with Nicholas directly.

I wanted to give myself some closure on this matter, even though Frances' confident attitude was clear and all the evidence seemed to suggest that I could only deal with the scapegoat, Brittany. The phone rang a few times before it was suddenly disconnected. Subsequent attempts were equally futile.

Neal might have been busy, so I had no choice but to give up and head out with my handbag.Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

I took a taxi to the address Yasmine had sent me for the gathering. Just as I was about to call her to ask which private room we were in, I heard someone shouting my name. "Ariana!"

The vaguely familiar voice made me pause. I turned around to see a few men in suits standing at the entrance of the lobby, waving at me.

They were dressed formally as if they were professional lawyers. Due to the distance, I couldn't make out their faces and felt even more confused.

However, Yasmine soon pushed past the men and ran out from behind them, exclaiming, "Oh, Hunter, you're in my way!"

It wasn't until then that I snapped out of my daze. I was so excited I almost clapped my thighs with joy. It quickly headed toward them, and they moved to meet me halfway. "Will Peterson!"

I felt a bit emotional, regretting the first time that I had missed out on our class reunions for four years.

There weren't many law students, let alone female ones. In a class with only two female students, Yasmine and I were definitely the center of attention.

After warmly embracing them and catching up quickly, I noticed that everyone was dressed in work attire, not at all like they were there for a reunion. Even Yasmine was in professional wear. Just as I was about to ask, Yasmine said, "Come on upstairs. Everyone is waiting for you."

Hunter Nolan nodded in agreement. "All our classmates are here!"

+25 BONUS

Everybody was very welcoming, and our relationship hadn't faded despite my silence over the years. The emotional dinner went on smoothly, leaving me with tears of joy.

Later, we moved on to karaoke. Yasmine, having had too much to drink, pulled me into a corner and cried heartbreakingly.

She sobbed, "Ari, the classmates are all very nice. If you need anything, just ask them for help. They're now lawyers in Radiant City, Flaken City, Kingsbury, and even Idlewild.

"Do you know why they're all in suits today? It's to let you know that you have connections all over the country. Don't be afraid!"

I looked around the private room. Hunter was singing Take Me Away" with a microphone, while the others were cheering and clapping. The rest of the group was scattered around the room.

It was hard to associate these people with the brilliant lawyers I'd seen in court, but they were indeed remarkable. I never expected I'd have the chance to practice law again.

I was deeply touched and shaken. It wasn't easy to navigate in the world of adults. There were 41 students in our class back then, and all 41 of us were present.

Gathering so many working adults, each of whom had their own lives, at one location was no easy feat

Yasmine clung to me, not letting go. "Ari, Jay Caldwell & Co. and Mr. Harmon are gone, and so are you... But I still have cases to handle. My conscience won't let me abandon them. They've placed so much trust in me..." She gripped my hand tightly and continued, "Ari, we can't help you anymore. You can only rely on yourself now, I'm sorry."

ously drunk,"

repeated these words in front of me.

At that moment, I was struck with such shock that I couldn't hear anything, and my body felt numb. It wasn't until Will used the microphone to call my name that I came back to my senses. "Ariana, what are you going to sing? I'll find the song for you."

I shook my head in terror. Having been jolted back to my senses, a lingering fear spread through my veins. and seeped into every part of my body.

This was Nicholas' revenge. He hadn't done anything directly to me, but he targeted the people around me! It hurt more than if he had killed me.

Even though my classmates were brimming with enthusiasm, I felt a coldness in my heart deeper than the coldest ice.

I couldn't remember how I spent the next few hours. All I knew was that I kept my mouth shut tightly, not wanting to involve anyone else, and every minute felt unbearable.

I forced myself to endure the party. Knowing that they had come specifically for me, I booked a hotel room a few floors above the karaoke place.

After everything was settled and Yasmine was safely sent home, I finally had time to process the emotions in my heart. Though in a daze, all I could feel was sadness. +25 BONUS

I took a cab to Jay Caldwell & Co. The office building, which had been thriving just two days ago, now seemed covered in dust. Inside, it was empty and completely cleaned out.

So this was what it felt like when people left and the warmth faded away. In the darkness, a lonely figure caught my eye. It was Silas.

"Silas," I called out to him.

He turned around, his eyes dim. The warmth usually found in his gaze was now tinged with only self- mockery.

"Ariana."

He had a faint smile, one that was bitter and didn't seem to reach his eyes. His desolate appearance was painful to see, making my eyes sting.

"I'm so sorry."

His steps were stiff as he approached. I didn't know how long he had been standing there alone.

"You've found out." He adjusted his glasses and deliberately spoke in a casual tone.

He continued, "I knew you were smart. I didn't think I could hide it from you. I invited all your classmates with our professor's help. I thought someone could at least lend you a hand when I couldn't." His voice was hoarse as he spoke.