Divorced, But Queen - Chapter 522: Chapter 522

Among this group, aside from Liam, Aria didn't particularly dislike anyone. After thinking for a moment, she agreed, "Alright."
Liam immediately beamed with joy. "I've already reserved a spot. Let's head out now."
Everyone took off their lab coats. Fred led the way at the front.
Mandy walked a few steps behind, next to Aria. In a lowered voice, she said, "Sorry you had to deal with all this."
Mandy had gotten divorced in her thirties and had been raising her child alone since, so she understood why Aria rejected Liam.
Aria replied calmly, "Don't worry. This project is a joint initiative between Mandino University and Heffner Hospital. It has little to do with Liam. I don't feel wronged. I'm just glad I can be of help."
Her expression was mild. She genuinely wasn't bothered by it.
Mandy breathed a small sigh of relief and glanced at Samuel, who was walking silently ahead. She said to Aria, "Mr. Chilton may be a loudmouth and blind at times, but deep down he's upright. He wouldn't intentionally harm anyone."
Aria gave a small smile. "I understand."
She had looked into Mandino University's pharmaceutical department before recommending Mandy and Samuel for the project.
Samuel was a rigid and rather arrogant person who always believed his opinions were right. He was also full of a "sense of justice," disliking what he perceived as backdoor dealings. His straightforward nature made it easy for him to offend others.
However, after so many years as a mentor, Samuel never exploited his students. Instead, he loved showing off his knowledge and teaching without reservation. He hoped all his students would excel so he could proudly say they were his proteges.
Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. From a student's point of view, people generally preferred someone like Samuel. He was flawed but transparent.
He had a bit of a scheming mind, but not much. As long as one learned how to deal with him, there wouldn't be any big problems.
That was also why Martin tolerated Samuel's brashness for so many years.
After chatting with Mandy for a bit, Aria took out her phone and sent a message to Owen: [I won't be home for dinner tonight. There's a gathering. Don't cook too much.]
Owen replied quickly: [Is it because of the project?]
Aria: [Yeah.]
Owen: [Where are you? I'll come pick you up later.]
Aria hadn't driven today, so she sent him her location.
The group walked toward the campus gate.
Fred led with a wide smile. "Mr. Cole, we owe this to you. This collaboration will surely push Mandino University's medical information research to a new level."
Liam wore a tailored shirt with slacks. A luxury watch on his wrist peeked out when he opened the door.
Liam said, "You flatter me, Mr. Gardner. I'm a doctor myself. It's my honor to contribute to medical research."
As he spoke, his gaze drifted past Fred, landing on Aria at the back of the group. His eyes filled with melancholy.
Fred noticed and said, "Misunderstandings take time to resolve. You're such an outstanding person, Mr. Cole. One day, Ms. Saxon will see your sincerity."
Liam certainly hoped so. If he could get back together with Aria, he would never let her down again. He'd cherish her for life.
He had reserved a private dining room in one of Mandino City's well-known restaurants. A large redwood round table, big enough for twenty, sat inside.
Fred warmly invited Liam to sit in the host's seat. Aria sat diagonally opposite him, far enough that they couldn't really converse.
It was Friday, and the semester had just begun. None of the teachers intended to make students work over the weekend, so everyone relaxed and enjoyed the meal.
Fred took the lead in toasting Liam, followed by Samuel. The rest just ate and drank, staying out of the toasting business.
Then Fred stood and faced Aria. "Ms. Saxon, it's an honor for Mandino University to have you. Let me toast you."
Liam said, "Ms. Saxon probably has class tomorrow. I'll drink this one on her behalf..."
Just as Liam began to stand, Aria raised her glass and downed it in one go. "Mr. Gardner, thank you."
The atmosphere turned slightly awkward. Liam silently sat back down and glanced deeply at Aria.
The doctors from Heffner Hospital also stood to toast her. "Ms. Saxon, thank you for everything in Jamelan."
Aria said, "You all put in the effort. You deserved it. No need to thank me."
Thinking of what Hannah had done, Liam felt his cheeks burn. His grip on his glass involuntarily tightened.
Aria clinked glasses with Mandy but didn't drink any more.
Feeling frustrated, Liam unknowingly drank quite a bit.
Outside, the wind howled violently. It looked like a storm was brewing. Aria said, "That's probably enough. The students should head back to campus."
Mandy and Samuel lived in the faculty apartments, so they called a driver and left with the students.
Fred helped the tipsy Liam to his feet. "Mr. Cole, let me call a car for you."
Liam waved him off. "No need. My driver's coming. You all go ahead."
Fred sensed Liam wanted to speak to Aria privately, so he gestured for everyone to leave first.
As soon as they were gone, the rain poured down in sheets.
Liam's assistant hurried over with an umbrella, opened it, and asked, "Mr. Cole, shall we go now?"
Liam took the umbrella and held it over Aria's head. "Let me take you home."
"No need. Owen's picking me up," Aria said curtly.
Aria stepped sideways to put some distance between them.
Liam's grip on the umbrella handle tightened. He wanted to ask, "Are you two together?" He didn't dare hear the answer.
Before long, a black car pulled up outside the restaurant.
Owen spotted Liam standing next to Aria, and his expression turned cold.
He thought Liam really was relentless.
He quickly hid his emotions, got out of the car, opened an umbrella, and walked over.