With his shiny red sports car, Mason swiftly left Alexander's office and headed towards Aria's house. Aria, engrossed in watching TV, was taken by surprise when Mason walked in.
"Oh, hey! What brings you here?" Aria asked curiously as Mason settled down beside her.
Mason grinned and replied, "I couldn't help but wonder who the girl in the photos you sent me is."
Aria raised an eyebrow suspiciously and questioned, "Why do you want to know?"
Mason playfully rolled his eyes, finding Aria's reaction amusing. He then proceeded to recount the events that had unfolded in Alexander's office.
"He was such a beast," exclaimed Aria.
Mason looked puzzled and responded, "Ehh...Well, you know Alexander... This was the first time he showed any interest in women."
Aria couldn't believe her ears and shouted, "Are you kidding me? Coral is only sixteen!"
"Lord... But her figure looked like..." However, before he could finish his sentence, he was smashed by Aria.
Mason quickly raised his hands in surrender, saying, "Okay, okay, calm down."
Aria's eyes widened in disbelief as she continued, "So, Alexander was interested in a minor? I can't believe it..." The age difference between Alexander, who was twenty-six, and Coral, who was sixteen, was a significant ten years.
A whimsical thought crossed Mason's mind as he imagined Alexander attending school when he was ten years old, while Coral had yet to be born. He chuckled to himself, realizing the absurdity of the situation.
"Let's keep it a secret for now; we need to confirm everything first," Mason suggested.
"You're right," Aria agreed, understanding the need for caution. Little did they know that the girl they imagined as a minor was already worried, as she had reached adulthood.
**
Sofia gently sat beside James, who was engrossed in reading the newspaper.
"What are you reading?" she asked, peering over his shoulder. However, Sofia soon grew bored as she realized it was an article about economics.
Sofia rubbed her head against James' arm and inquired, "Have you arranged for Coral's school yet?"
James nodded and replied, "Yes, but it was a bit late for admission. Only two months are left before the exams."
Sofia smiled warmly and said, "That's going to be a challenge, but I have a feeling she will never fail."
James held Sofia's soft hands and spoke softly, "Honey, I understand that you feel lonely and enjoy the company of younger ones, but what will you do when we find Coral's parents?"
Tears welled up in Sofia's eyes, and she wiped them away with the back of her hand. "I don't know," she whispered.
Suddenly, Sofia heard Coral's voice as she came out of her room to explore the garden. Concerned by Sofia's tears, Coral asked, "Aunty, why are you crying?"
Sofia quickly composed herself and replied, "It's nothing, my dear. I was just reminiscing about something. James," she turned to him, seeking his support.
Smiling, Sofia asked Coral, "By the way, Coral, I want to go shopping. Would you like to come with me?" Coral nodded eagerly.
Sofia's mood brightened at the thought of dressing up Coral in different types of clothes. James handed Sofia a card and whispered, "Love, take this card. The password is your birthday. You can use it as much as you want."
"Thank you, honey," Sofia said, planting a gentle kiss on James' cheek.
**
Meanwhile, Bria, the old maid, was busy tidying up Coral's room. As she went about her tasks, her thoughts turned bitter.
"Why would Madam waste money on that vixen and let her stay here for free? My daughter was beautiful, likable, and hardworking. But no, they prefer vixens who only use their looks and figure to seduce others," Bria muttered as she changed the bedsheets.
She continued, her anger growing, "Once my Nancy becomes Mrs. Li, I'll make sure to ruin that pretty face of hers so she can't seduce any man. Who knows, she might even try to climb into Sir's bed and become his mistress. Such a vixen!"
Lost in her thoughts, Bria didn't notice the pearls that had fallen on the floor. When she finally saw them, she hurriedly bent down to pick them up but found herself unable to do so no matter how she tried to pick.
Eyes widening in fear, Bria exclaimed, "A ghost!" She quickly ran out of the room, clutching her aching waist. "Damn vixen even knows black magic!"