On that day, as she had promised, Shannon Pierce quietly found a seat in the restaurant.
She tasted the delicious milk tea and slowly chewed and swallowed the premium apricot
and carrot cake. It's no wonder that this restaurant has become so popular so quickly.
These products have played a large part, she thought. I heard they were invented by the
owner. That's interesting.
Between mouthfuls, Shannon also found the opportunity to talk to several waiters. When
she heard of Olivia's education, she almost choked on her tea. The waiters were from
Westfield University? How ruthless is this Aiden to get staff like this to work for him?
Shannon had always been indifferent to staff matters, but even she began to wonder.
She spent a whole day in the restaurant learning about how it worked and all about
Aiden. But with this greater understanding, she began to realize the scale of Aiden's
problems. The whole operation of night food seemed simple, but there was much more
to it than what was apparent on the surface.
Aiden's position rose in Shannon Pierce's estimation. She revised her original
conservative investment plan upwards again and again, increasing the amount she
planned to invest. In the next few days, Shannon came to the restaurant promptly every
morning, ordered tea and cake, and sat there for the whole day.
But Aiden had no time to look after this stubborn woman. A week had passed and he was
about to start his own new life as a bodyguard. On Monday morning, Aiden arrived at the
foot of Lovelace Mountain, in the northern suburbs early in the morning, waiting to take
Dora to school.
Soon, Anthony K. would bring Dora with him to meet Aiden there. Dora was delighted
with the plan. When she had heard that her favorite Aiden was going to take her to
school, she was so excited she couldn't sleep all night.
Early that morning, John and Anthony K. had helped her choose what clothes to wear.
Dora wanted to look as pretty as possible for Aiden. After she had hugged him as if she
would never let him go, she asked, Aiden, do you like my skirt? She was dressed in a
white tulle skirt like a princess and a denim jacket with her favorite cartoon character.
Proud of this outfit, she twirled in front of Aiden, looking as delicate and lovely as a doll.
It's lovely, Dora. You'll be the belle of Bayside when you grow up, Aiden answered,
smiling.
Dora was amused and her silver bell-like laugh spread across the valley beneath the silent mountain. Looking at Dora with a broad smile, Anthony K. congratulated himself on
a very astute decision. He looked at Aiden steadily, his heart moved.
Aiden, I'm entrusting Dora to you. Aiden smiled, but noticed the empty space next to
Anthony K. In the past, there had always been a beautiful figure sitting there. And Miss
Gardner? He asked.
Oh, she's not feeling well at the moment. She's staying in the mountains to recuperate.
Dora's school was an innovative primary school, reputed to be the best in Bayside.
It was in the cast of The City, but Anthony K. was traveling to the next county on
business, so they separated at the foot of Lovelace Mountain. Aiden and Dora went
happily on to The City, not noticing that in the shadows behind them, a pair of sullen
eyes were quietly watching them.
The Bayside district is so
small that you can walk almost anywhere, as long as you're not in a hurry.
Thinking that it was still early for class, Aiden took Dora for a walk on the way. The
maple leaves were starting to fall, turning the landscape golden. Looking at Dora's tiny
figure in the fallen leaves, Aiden's mood lightened, and he felt happy.
However, the beautiful scenery disappeared as they approached The City again. They
were surrounded by heavy traffic, smoke, and fumes, as if all of a sudden they had fallen
from Paradise back to Earth. Dora pouted dejectedly and followed Aiden glumly.
Aiden felt for her and suddenly smiled. Dora, he asked, have you ever taken a bus? A
bus? Dora bit her finger and shook her head. She had either traveled with her father in a
chauffeur-driven car or walked with her grandfather.
Other than Anthony K. Silver BMW, Dora had never been in any other vehicle. I'll take
you on the bus today, said Aiden. Goodie, goodie, Dora clapped in excitement.
The bus stop was already crowded with people going to work and school. It was only a
suburban stop, not nearly as bad as The City was. But even so, seeing so many
unfriendly people and feeling the crowds push around her, Dora still felt a little
uncomfortable.
Aiden half regretted his plan to take her on the bus, but she was happier once they were
on board and looked around happily, curious at all the new things. Is that man the bus
driver? That's amazing! One person controlling such a big bus? She asked in wonder.
And Aiden, what does that sign mean? Aiden, why are they doing that? Aiden frowned
while answering her incessant questions.
It was crowded on the bus and there were no seats free, so they had no option but to
stand, Aiden holding Dora's hand tight. As he looked around, he was aware of a
commotion not far away. A thin old man was shouting at a beautiful young woman with glasses and a ponytail.
You should offer me your seat! I'm an old man, he spat at her with a string of foul
language. The young woman looked pale and a cold sweat was breaking out on her
forehead. She looked aggrieved as she explained, but I have told you several times that I
am not feeling well today.
How do I know that's true? You're just pretending. Get out of the way or I'll make sure
everyone on the internet sees that you don't respect your elders. Angry and anxious, the
young woman looked around for help, but the crowd were indifferent.
They watched and no one spoke out. Aiden frowned as he watched. Anyone could see
that the woman was unwell, but the old man was being stubborn and unreasonable.
What was worse, his voice was loud and clear, and he looked perfectly healthy. He didn't
need to sit down. He was one of those old people who managed to make everyone feel
guilty.
However, Aiden was not a person who was full of sympathy, so he had no intention of
getting involved.
Dora, though, pulled on Aiden's
sleeve and looked at him imploringly. Aiden, please help Miss Pool! Miss Pool? Aiden
asked, surprised.
Yes, she's my principal and she's very kind. She picks me up when I fall over. The
teacher mentioned by Dora was, of course, the young woman being accosted by the old
man.
Aiden's eyes narrowed, and he pushed through the crowd, soon reaching the two people
who were arguing, with Dora by his side. Sir, you look perfectly healthy. Why are you
trying to take a seat from this sick woman? Lorraine Pool felt very unlucky today.
She didn't know if it was something she had eaten, but as soon as she had gotten on the
bus, her stomach had started to churn. She had managed to find a seat, and then this
horrible man had started to have a go at her. Why did he have to pick on her? She must
look like an easy target.
On any other day, she would have given in and stood up, but she felt terrible today.
Suddenly, she heard a clear, bright voice, like music to her ears. She was surprised when
she looked up, to see it came from a young man, almost a boy.
Her delicate face broke into a smile. She felt a warmth fill her heart, easing the pain in
her body. She was about to express her gratitude to the boy when she saw a familiar
figure holding his hand.
Dora? Good morning, Miss Pool. Lorraine Pool's eyes looked back and forth from Aiden to Dora, wondering, And this is your... I'm Dora's brother, said Aiden firmly. Hello, Miss Pool.
The old man, however, had not been shamed at all by Aiden's words. He glared angrily
at him. Where did you spring from? He snarled.
I see what's going on. You're chasing after this shameless hussy. Be off with you, or I'll
be telling the world about the two of you.
Aiden's brow furrowed, and his eyes flashed coldly. This hateful old man left him with no
option. He drew his fist back, but Miss Pool put out her hand to stop him.
She was the principal of a well-taught school. She couldn't afford to be involved in
violence like this. And if she did appear on the internet as a result, she would be
criticized by all her colleagues.
She shook her head and stood up. Forget it. Let him have the seat.
The old man snorted angrily. You've seen sense at last. He swaggered to the seat and
looked scornfully at Aiden.
Miss Pool's lips turned white, and her body swayed, clutching a handle on the roof of the
bus. The bus turned sharply, and she lost her balance and fell into Aiden's arms. Oh, I'm
so sorry.
I'm sorry. She apologized, her face flushed with shame. Aiden wouldn't have cared.
But the old man was still spitting insults at them. Shameless hussy. But he's as bad as
her.
Look at the two of them. In public, too. Aiden's patience had reached its limit.