After All the Hurt, She Chose Herself novel Chapter 49

Aria downed the cold medicine and grabbed her bag, heading out without a second glance.

Her steps were still a bit unsteady, and with her car gone, she had to call a taxi.

Charles glanced at Aria's departing figure.

From the way the Evernight staff treated Aria, it was clear her life in the Evernight family was not good. After three years of marriage, she couldn't even come up with twenty million dollars.

Now that she had quit her job at Gideon's company, what kind of trick was she up to, going out at this hour?

"After you find Dawn, what's your plan for Lilith?"

If Gideon and Lilith were truly in love, then when did he plan to divorce Aria?

Gideon's expression was calm. "A woman's reputation is important."

Charles raised an eyebrow.

It seemed Gideon did care for Lilith, considering her reputation above all. As long as he and Aria weren't divorced, Gideon wouldn't publicly acknowledge his relationship with Lilith.

It was a form of protection for her, in a way.

"You always think things through."

They chatted for a little while longer before preparing to leave for the seminar themselves.

—

Aria arrived by taxi and handed her regular invitation to the staff.

She was early, and feeling a bit unwell, so she sat down in one of the lower seats to rest for a moment.

Alden Reaves saw Aria sitting there and walked over. "Are you sick?"

Her face had an unnatural, feverish flush, and her breathing was a little shallow. It was obvious she had a fever.

"I've already taken some medicine."

She was starting to break a sweat, so the fever should come down soon.

"It's not appropriate to go on stage dressed like that."

Alden Reaves motioned for a staff member to come over.

"Help her with some light makeup."

Aria understood the saying, "clothes make the woman."

"Thank you, Professor."

Since it was a medical seminar, there wasn't a wide selection of formal wear available. Aria followed the staff member backstage and picked out a black, backless evening gown.

"This one will do."

She had come in such a hurry that she hadn't prepared anything. When she stepped out in the dress, the staff member's eyes lit up with admiration.

—

Half an hour before the seminar began.

The conference room was almost full.

"Are you also here for Dr. Dawn?"

"Of course! I was so excited thinking about that surgery, I couldn't even sleep! I can't wait to see Dr. Dawn in person!"

"Did you see the research topic Dr. Reaves posted? Do you think Dr. Dawn has been studying genetics all these years?"

"It's very possible!"

Aria listened to the conversations around her, a mix of emotions stirring inside her.

If not for that accident, she wouldn't have disappeared for so many years.

Fortunately, she hadn't given up all these years. It wasn't too late.

"Aria?! You're like a bad penny, always turning up!" Hazel sneered as she took in Aria's evening gown, her expression changing. "What are you doing dressed like that?"

Aria couldn't be bothered to respond. "It's none of your business."

Hazel looked at her strangely. She hadn't seen Aria's name on the invitation list. Why was she here, and looking so composed?