"Hey, who is that?"

  "Oh my god, I want to be her when I grow up."

  "She's so pretty, do you think she's a school doner?"

  The second Lina stepped out of the car, the whispering began. Lina always wondered who they talked so fondly about. When she looked into the mirror, she barely saw the features that sparked these compliments. Estella used to always complain that Lina needed to have better self-esteem, but Lina would say she was being realistic.

  Taking off her sunglasses, Lina flashed a nearby student a smile. In particular, her gaze swept over the messy clay on her jean pants and the newly dried sculpture of a face with flowers blooming from the features. She was intrigued, but glanced at it for no longer than a second.

  Lina recalled that her gallery could use a few more sculptors. So, she reached into her pocket, took out a name card, and approached the student.

  "What year are you?" Lina asked.

  The student blink, then glanced down at the business card, a soft gasp leaving her mouth. She shakily accepted the business card with two hands, unable to believe her luck today.

  "Second to last y-year of university," the student stammered out.

  "When you graduate, give me a call," Lina mused.

  "Director Lina, there you are!"

  Lina turned at the familiar voice of the President of Ritan Academy of Fine Arts. She gave a final nod to the student and stalked off, leaving a group of murmuring students in her wake. Everyone quickly crowded the student, but Lina was a busy woman.

  "You just made that student's entire month, Director," the President hummed with a humored smile, his white brows crinkling with amusement.

  Lina always enjoyed the President of Ritan AOFA's appearance. He gave off the vibes of Santa Clause, with his large belly, friendly face, and rosy cheeks that always put students at ease.

  "We could always use more sculpturists," Lina explained, glancing at Estella.

  "You should've said so, I would've invited more students to the gallery exhibition today. Everyone showcasing their work is going through their last year of university," the President explained, gesturing for them to begin walking.

  "I've seen a handful of talents, none of them have met the gallery's expectations thus far," Estella explained to Lina. When their eyes met, Estella had enough courtesy to not blush with what happened yesterday.

  "Well, you've insisted on seeing undeveloped first-year talents, now that the Director is here, let us look at the most honed students…"——

  The tour took half the day. Everywhere Lina went, students paused and whispered, nudging each other. Lina paid them no mind, but once she reached the gallery, she found beautiful works, but none satisfactory enough for her gallery. Pressing her lips together, she mentioned the name of her chauffeur's younger sister.

  Unfortunately, the girl's pieces were nowhere to be found. To Lina's disappointment, the girl has nothing to do with an art gallery. Something about pursuing office work to support family, despite her admission to this Academy.

  "You see, her family is struggling due to her mother's cancer treatments and she has many absences," the president explained. "Let us proceed."

  "No need," Lina explained with a slight smile. "Once again, there are many talents in your school, however, none met my eyes."

  "A pity, really," he sighed. "Many are eager to join your art gallery, given your prestigious portfolio of artists and sculpturists. Not to mention your neverending list of clients."

  "Flattery gets you nowhere," Lina responded, chuckling a bit.

  "You know I never flatter, but only speak the truth."

  Lina's eyes flashed at his words, her lips twitching. "Please hand me that student's contact information regardless. An artist's talent shouldn't be wasted on pens over brushes."

  "I'll pass your card along," the President stated.

  Lina respected the student's privacy, thus didn't press anymore. She handed another copy of the business card to the President. Then, Estella leaned close and whispered that the time was pressing.

  "Another meeting, I presume?" the President asked, taking the card and tucking it into his suit pockets.

  "Indeed."

  "With a client?"

  "You should know the answer," Lina vaguely said.

  "Let me show you the way out then," the President responded, guiding her towards the main entrance of the school.

  As Lina walked down the hallways of wonderfully displayed pieces, she couldn't help but admire all the paintings. As her heels clicked upon the tile floors, a familiar voice stopped her in her tracks.

  "Lina?"

  Lina's heart quivered. She slowly turned around, keeping her face as neutral as possible. Fate was wicked. At the sight of who it was, she dug her nails into her palms and forced a smile.

  "It is you!" Mia exclaimed, her eyes lighting up. She practically skipped her way to the Director. "What are you doing here?"

  "Director Lina had a private tour, Miss Mia," the President explained. "She was intrigued by your close friends' pieces. Do convince your good friend to change her mindset."

  "Oh, you're interested in Gwen's art!" Mia chirped, tucking her hands behind her back. "She'll be so happy to hear. I'll let her know immediately."

  Lina realized Mia was as energetic as Isabelle. She wondered what fueled their motivation in the mornings. Lina could barely muster up the same excitement.

  "We'd appreciate that Miss Mia," Estella said. "If you will, President, we must hurry to the next client's meeting."

  "Ah, right away," the President agreed, nodding his head to greet Mia.

  Lina didn't bother glancing at Mia. Lina deemed the more distance she had with Mia, the better. Lina didn't want Atlantis to catch wind that Mia could be Kaden's weakness.

  Lina was terrified something from the past could repeat. Mia's striking resemblance to Prince Kade's younger sister could be seen by anyone who's witnessed the young girl's painting in Ritan's museum. Though… Lina didn't recall seeing the art during her previous tour.

  "He went home later than usual."

  Lina paused. She glanced over her shoulders.

  "You know who," Mia stated. "Do you know where he went?"

  "I have no idea who you're talking about," Lina honestly said. Who could it be?

  "You would, I heard he was with you."

  Lina could feel her resolution shake. Mia made her nervous. Mia's attitude shifted faster than she changed clothes. One second Mia was joyous, the next, serious. Lina continued her departure.

  "Don't hurt him."

  Lina didn't look back. She narrowed down the results to two men. Who else could it be? Whether it was Atlantis or Kaden, she couldn't care less. Keeping her head forward, she could feel Mia's pressuring gaze on her lower back. And then, Lina was out of the academy.

  "Thank you for the tour," Lina said with an amiable smile.

  "Do come again next semester," he encouraged.

  Lina curtly nodded and boarded the car, but in the distance, she saw a quickly advancing figure. Before Lina could close the door, a hand grabbed it.

  "Miss Mia!" Estella gasped, worried that her fingers could be trampled by the car door's force. Not to mention, Director Lina wasn't in the best mood and could easily slam Mia's fingers until it broke.

  "Don't hurt him again," Mia stated to Lina, a dangerous expression on her face.

  "Keep your dogs away from me." Lina yanked the door, but Mia tightened her grip.

  "I know he was with you," Mia said in a low voice that only the two could hear. "I saw him take you home. He's still wrapped around your pinky. It's unfair of you to hurt him again."

  "I don't know who you're talking about," Lina gritted. Before Mia could respond, she forcefully closed the door.

  Mia pulled her hand back before it was crushed. She frowned deeply at Lina's cold treatment, but wasn't surprised. Anyone would be upset upon hearing such threats. Holding back a sigh, she straightened up, adjusted her appearance, and shook her head. Instantly, she raised her head, but froze.

  In the distance, Mia spotted a familiar black car. She could feel her entire body freeze. He was watching them. No. He was watching her. He always was.

  In this entire world, he would watch no one but Lina Yang.

  "This is not going to end well," Mia muttered to herself, stepping away from the car.

  Mia could feel her heart tremble with hesitation when his ruby gaze flickered towards Lina. Even through the tinted car window, she could see his Pure-Blood eyes drip with desire.

  Mia watched as Lina's car departed from the entrance. Then, she saw the black car begin to move as well.

  Kaden Dehaven was gone as quickly as he came.