The Million-Dollar Heart

In the classroom, Aaron slid into a seat near the back, and Kenneth ambled over to join him, idly flipping through a textbook.

Before long, the pair caught snippets of hushed whispers and the occasional snicker from nearby students.

Turning in unison, they spotted a girl seated behind them. Her face bore a deep scar that seemed to draw the cruel curiosity of their classmates. Aaron's expression remained impassive as he turned away; such sights were hardly a novelty.

But Kenneth could not peel his eyes away, a sense of familiarity nagging at him.

Aaron yanked Kenneth's head back around. "Dude, can you not stare at every girl you meet?"

Kenneth forcibly shifted his gaze back, muttering, "I've only stared at Anna! And this girl, she just looks so familiar. Wait, aren't you Mara?"

Kenneth, who had grown up under the care of Cecilia, naturally recognized Mara, though they were never close.

Mara had once looked down on Kenneth for being adopted, echoing Percival's snooty attitude. It was all rather shameless.

And Kenneth had his own gripes about Mara-her affected airs and constant "big brother" this and "big brother" that had always grated on him.

Although they never clashed openly, there was a silent mutual disdain, with each barely tolerating the other's presence. Without adults around, not trading eye rolls was as cordial as it got. Mara lifted her head, her surprise at seeing Kenneth fleeting before she masked it with indifference. "Kenneth? What are you doing here?"

"That's my line. What happened to your face?"

Kenneth had been away from home and was clueless about the Boyd family's upheaval.

Mara glanced down, her voice soft. "It's nothing. You're studying here too?"

Kenneth, never having heard Mara speak so meekly, was intrigued. "Yeah, you transferred here? Does Aunt Cecilia know?"

"Yeah. I'm here for grad school. My advisor said I've fallen behind, so he recommended I attend some classes to catch up," Mara explained, casting a timid glance at Aaron's back.

found Mara annoying, her current vulnerability softened

an arm around Aaron's shoulder, introducing them. "This is my friend, Aaron.

would allow him to be. During his time in Sea City, the Nine

at Mara.

little room

Kenneth, "Let's focus on class for now. We can talk

hey," only to receive a sharp kick under

his desk,

Hey, Mara,

due to her scar, followed Aaron

finally got the chance to ask

misdeeds and painting herself

listened to Gillian. I deserved what happened to me, but thankfully, Vivienne didn't hold a grudge, allowing me

should be knocking your head on the floor in thanks. If I knew they were having trouble in Sea City, I'd have bolted over there. Who do

eat, irked by Kenneth's newfound affection. "Since when are you so

snatched the last piece of chicken

sizing up

familiar with the university. Elite

discreetly called Vivienne

worry about

her a lesson?" Aaron was eager

had not seen her much, and

was keen to retaliate

family, a leader in the Nine Mystics Society. I gave you that power to enrich yourself, not to squabble with small fry!" Aaron flinched, realizing his mistake. Vivienne would not

had clouded his judgment, making him forget his true

apologized,

has been slipping, and the staff are restless. There are also some power plays happening within the Miller family. As the head of the