After All the Hurt, She Chose Herself novel Chapter 176

But now, she wanted to fight for it.

“Professor, you’re right. The Evernight family has gone too far! Gideon’s Evercrest Prosperity Holdings was built from the ground up by both of us. Since I married him, I should have a stake in the company! I’m going to take it back!”

With someone in her corner, Aria finally found her courage.

Alden Reaves was a titan in the medical field. Not even the Evernight family could make a move against him lightly.

Moreover, the research into the Evernight family’s genetic disease had always been entrusted to Alden, so the two of them were essentially in the same boat.

“I support you.” A hint of approval flashed in Alden Reaves’s eyes. “This is the woman I know. From now on, don’t hide things from me. I am your mentor, after all. I’ve always cared for you like family, you know?”

Aria’s heart skipped a beat.

“You really don’t mind that I once…”

Alden Reaves waved his hand dismissively.

“I don’t mind that you left medicine for business. Everyone has to make a living, and I understand being driven by financial needs. I was just angry that you claimed to have your reasons but refused to tell me what they were.”

“If I had known it was about thirty million dollars, I could have lent it to you. Then you could have stayed at the institute, working your butt off to pay me back.”

Alden Reaves even chuckled. “After you left, I heard about what you accomplished, helping Gideon build that small company into a publicly traded corporation. I’ve always recognized your talent!”

Aria couldn’t hold back any longer. Tears streamed down her face as she choked out, “Professor, thank you!”

***

Charles had reserved a private room to meet with Caleb.

Caleb could see that something was weighing heavily on Charles’s mind. He raised an eyebrow. “Whatever it is, just ask.”

Charles didn’t beat around the bush. “I want to know about Aria in high school. How did you know that Flora was bullying her?”

Caleb was taken aback for a moment. “You seriously don’t know?”

Caleb’s smile turned even more peculiar. “Aren’t Flora and Lilith best friends?”

Charles’s breathing quickened.

That was right. Flora and Lilith were best friends. So whatever Lilith said, she was naturally siding with Flora.

And he had actually believed her.

He and Aria had been inseparable since they were kids. How could he have so easily believed someone else’s lies about her?

Caleb frowned and patted Charles on the arm. “What’s wrong? You don’t look so good.”

“You shouldn’t dwell on this stuff. From what I can see, Aria’s doing pretty well for herself now. The high school bullying probably didn’t affect her that much.”

“Besides, you’re about to marry Flora, so she has no reason to go after Aria anymore. If you feel guilty, just compensate Aria on Flora’s behalf. Money is always welcome, right?”

Charles covered his face with his hands, his voice strained. “I… I was one of the ones who hurt her, too…”