Chapter 238:

A sudden tension gripped his temples, and Brandon realized a headache was brewing.

Still, with only half a year left for Vivian, he could hardly bring himself to judge her choices too harshly.

Vivian’s gaze stayed fixed on his profile, her mind working behind searching. She needed to come out on top right from the start; it was the only way to show that, even as a newcomer, she could leave the professionals in her shadow. Winning wasn’t just about the trophy for Vivian; her real aim was to outshine Millie completely.

Letting Serena take center stage would rob her of any chance to prove herself. Victory in that moment would make her unassailable—Vivian simply had to come out on top.

Meanwhile, the Bentley cut through traffic, while Millie had already scooped up Ari.

The elaborate mermaid makeup had vanished. Now Millie strolled through an aisle of art supplies, Ari’s small hand clasped in hers.

Ari’s passion for drawing had been the spark—Millie had purchased one of her paintings, and a deep connection blossomed from there.

“Miss Bennett, do you think I could have these?” asked Ari, pointing shyly to a bundle of new paintbrushes.

Millie crouched down to meet her gaze, brushing a stray strand from Ari’s forehead. “Ari, you never need to be shy with me. Whatever your heart wants, I’ll make sure you have it.”

Ari’s eyes sparkled with happiness, savoring the reassurance.

Even so, she stayed mindful, selecting only the art tools she truly needed, not wanting to be wasteful.

Observing this gentle restraint, Millie felt her fondness for Ari grow even deeper.

Behind Ari’s cheerful exterior, there was a challenge—she had VSD, a congenital heart defect.

Seeking answers, Millie had taken Ari to visit Alexia, where she learned that Ari’s condition wasn’t fatal. With surgery and diligent care, Ari could live a healthy life. Despite this, Ari’s parents had given up on her, leaving scars of insecurity and a fear of being unwanted.

No matter what happened, Millie would treat Ari as though she were her own daughter, determined to help her rise above any obstacle.

With the bill settled, Millie kept a gentle grip on Ari’s hand as they stepped into the night.

A leisurely walk followed, with Ari bursting into laughter as she recounted amusing tales from her days at kindergarten. Their shared joy echoed down the block. Just then, a Bentley sped past them, its polished body glinting under the city lights.

Hidden behind the tinted glass, Brandon couldn’t help but notice the easy happiness on Millie and Ari’s faces. An unexpected warmth stirred inside him.

Not long after, Millie found herself at the entrance of the private room Charles had booked for their gathering. Inside, Seville, Alexia, and Sheridan had already arrived, waiting for Charles, who was still on his way.

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