"From now on, you'll answer my questions honestly. Understand?"
Drake immediately agreed. He didn't want to die in an unfamiliar place, even if his life had little value.
Bianca raised her chin, her eyes revealing a cold gleam. "Tell me, who is Krystal Harding?"
"She's a human trafficker," he admitted, unable to lie.
Bianca frowned. "Who was the woman you mentioned earlier?"
"That's her daughter, Lena Harding."
"Lena Harding..." Bianca's mind raced. "Is she the one who brought the mountain kids to study in Centrolis?"
"Yes, that's her." He nodded vigorously. "Krystal used to do business in our town, so she sent her only daughter to
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtme. She paid me regularly."
"So, Lena is your adopted daughter?"
"Yes." His voice grew hoarse. "But she... She ran away."
"Why did she run away?"
He bit his lip and remained silent.
Bianca had a hunch. She had witnessed him brutally beating his biological son that night. What had he done to his
adopted daughter if he treated his flesh and blood so harshly?
However, she had uncovered the secret she had been eager to know. Lena was the daughter of a human trafficker.
She grinned, her face revealing her cunning.
She leaned in and fixed her gaze on him, her voice dripping with malice. "Mr. Dickinson, thank you for sharing this
with me. You mentioned that you'd assist me with anything I require, correct?"
He looked up shakily and nodded vigorously.
"I may need your assistance in the future." She signaled her bodyguards to escort him out. "Find him suitable
accommodation, the best you can!"
It was three months before the final campaign. Harold was confident of victory but remained vigilant until the
results were declared. He worked diligently every day, carefully monitoring the school.
After all, the school project was his brainchild, and the mountain kids' involvement had contributed to his
campaign's success.
Lena also visited the school to check on the kids' progress. As she walked through the halls, she heard lively reading
sessions in one classroom and peals of laughter in an art studio.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm
Approaching the studio, she saw Toph and Arya teaching art. They were covered in paint, but their infectious
laughter filled the room.
She smiled, pleased with the decision to hire them as art instructors. Their vibrant energy brought warmth to
everyone.
"Hey, look who's here—the perfect couple!" A voice suddenly called out from behind.
She turned to see Elijah giggling. He peered into the studio and said, "Is Toph a flame? Because Arya seems to have
found her match."
"What did you just say?"
"Oh, nothing." Elijah chuckled. "I meant they're a 'mermaid' couple, perfect for each other."
Lena didn't know whether to laugh or sigh as she quickly ushered Elijah out of the building.