Bab 17: Chapter 17: Dangerous Liaisons
Chapter 17: Dangerous Liaisons
"In short, Elena Rivers' father runs Kingston Group, which on the surface appears to be a giant financial enterprise spanning politics and economics, but in reality, it's nothing more than a full-fledged crime syndicate. Many years ago, during a gang war, her mother was shot and killed while shielding her father. Ever since then, Elena Rivers' relationship with her father has been strained, and she harbors a deep hatred for the criminal underworld. Now you know, you idiot. Kingston Group's influence is terrifying, and I advise you not to get involved unless you want to court trouble," Judy explained, her tone dripping with a mix of concern and disdain.
Lydia Moore was stunned. She had never imagined that Kingston Group was a criminal organization. And Elena Rivers… over the years, she must have endured so much pain and pressure. A wave of sorrow washed over Lydia, leaving her breathless. After a moment, she smiled gently at Judy, her eyes clear and resolute. "Thank you, but Elena Rivers is my friend. So, no matter what, I'm going to help her." She released Judy's hand and, without looking back, walked toward the room.
This... fool! Judy's hand fell limply to her side as she stood there, watching Lydia Moore's retreating figure with a helpless smile.
"Elena Rivers, Mr. Su needs to see you," Lydia Moore's sudden appearance caused Elena Rivers to stop struggling. The two bodyguards immediately turned their gaze to Lydia, who stood nonchalantly at the door, showing no sign of fear at the situation before her. "Do you have any business here? Because Mr. Su said you need to see him right away. It's about the upcoming music festival, and it's very important," Lydia said calmly.
The two bodyguards scrutinized her face, as if trying to determine whether this was just an excuse to help their young mistress escape. They searched for any signs of deceit in her expression and tone, ready to deal with her harshly if they detected a lie. But she remained composed, showing no signs of dishonesty, which left them uncertain.
"Have you forgotten that the master said my studies must not be interrupted under any circumstances?" Elena Rivers pushed their hands away and left the room with Lydia Moore. The two bodyguards watched helplessly as Elena's figure disappeared down the hallway, knowing they had failed their mission once again. After all, the master had indeed given them strict orders to never interfere with her education.
The scorching sun blazed in the sky, wilting the leaves on the trees and silencing the birds. Hiding behind a sycamore tree, a girl occasionally peeked out to check on the situation at the girls' dormitory across the street. Only when the black cars finally drove away did she breathe a sigh of relief.
She turned to the girl sitting quietly in the shade and said cheerfully, "They've left." It was a good thing they didn't wait any longer, or who knows how long they would have had to stand there like fools.
Hearing this, Elena Rivers stood up and turned to look at her, maintaining her usual calm demeanor as she asked, "Why did you help me?" Given how Lydia had handled the situation, she likely already knew something about Elena's background. Didn't she realize the severe consequences that would follow if her lie were discovered? Perhaps she didn't understand that in Kingston Group, the one thing that could never be tolerated was deceit.
"Because we're friends. Isn't it natural to help a friend in need?" Lydia replied as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.
But her response struck a painful chord in Elena's heart, as if someone had cruelly torn open an old, festering wound. Friends? When she was ten, her only friend had been exiled overseas with their entire family, never to return, simply because of an accidental slip that led to her falling into the water. She didn't need friends because… to others, she was nothing but a curse.
"You're not my friend. Don't get involved in my affairs ever again," Elena said coldly, her back straight as she walked away. She didn't need anyone to care for her. She didn't need friends. Yet, before she could go far, Lydia suddenly caught up to her and placed a box of cake in her hands. Elena stood there, staring blankly at the cake.
"I made this just for you while I was at work today. Please make sure to eat it," Lydia said quickly before dashing off, as if afraid of being rejected. After running about ten meters, she turned around and waved to Elena, her face beaming with a smile as bright as the sun, her eyes sparkling like stars. Lydia was certain that, no matter what, she and Elena Rivers would become good friends. The crisp sound of birds chirping filled the tree-lined path on campus, and the air was thick with the fresh scent of soil and plants, clear and invigorating.
The summer sky was a flawless blue. It was around eight or nine in the morning, and the bright sunlight painted the leaves along the shaded path with rings of golden and silver light. Occasionally, couples strolled hand in hand, the sunlight filtering through the dense foliage to sprinkle them with playful patches of gold, making their silhouettes seem blissful and serene.
In the center of the campus, the ice-blue lake shimmered with rippling reflections, its waters crystal clear. The surface of the lake mirrored the silver-gray silhouette of the massive academic building and the fluffy white clouds overhead.
The second-floor multimedia classroom had just concluded its first class of the day. After enduring 45 long minutes, the drowsy students, who had been half-asleep, eagerly slumped over their desks, trying to catch a quick nap during the 15-minute break. The young female teacher walked off the platform, but then, as if remembering something, she turned back and smiled. "Julian Reed wants to start a music club at school. If anyone is interested, you're welcome to sign up and participate. This is a rare opportunity, so don't miss out."
As soon as she finished speaking, the students who had been dozing off immediately perked up, sitting straight and excitedly discussing the news with those around them. The once-quiet classroom was now buzzing with chatter, so much so that no one even noticed when the teacher left the room.
Julian Reed? Lydia Moore remembered the name—it was the boy she had met on the bus last week. He must have considerable influence at this school; otherwise, the teacher wouldn't have personally made the announcement and encouraged everyone to join. And judging by the admiration in her classmates' conversations, it was clear that he was a highly talented person with deep musical knowledge. After thinking it over, she turned to ask Ava Blue, who was flipping through a fashion magazine in the back row, "Excuse me, who exactly is Julian Reed?"
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone