Chapter 196

After hanging up, Emma dismissed Lennon from her mind. This was, after all, the Burnson family's affair. As a classmate, she felt she had done all she could. She hoped Lennon would reconsider.

Emma disliked Yenovia's weather. After the competition, she and Liam quickly took a private plane home. In Troln City, autumn had arrived, bringing cool, refreshing air. The sky was clear, punctuated by sparse clouds. Though the temperature had dropped, it was mostly sunny. Looking out the window, wispy clouds drifted by.

Upon disembarking, two familiar figures appeared on the tarmac. Lane and Rielle wore vibrant dresses; Lane even sported a youthful braid. Tiptoeing, she waved enthusiastically, calling, "Miss Wilson! Over here!"

Emma felt a surge of excitement. Turning to Liam, she asked, "Did you call them?"

Liam smiled. "They wanted to welcome you."

The girls' loyalty touched him. He'd anticipated Yenovia might stir unpleasant memories of Justine's death for Emma, so he hadn't hesitated when Lane and Rielle offered to come. Their arrival visibly lifted her spirits.

Lane presented a small cross-stitched pendant. "Ida made this. She drew the pattern herself," she explained.

The pendant depicted cartoon versions of Ida, Lane, and Emma. Emma laughed; it was utterly charming. "Thank you," she said. "Let's invite Ida to dinner next time."

Rielle then asked, "Emma, Erza didn't come back with you?"

Lane's smile faltered. She'd reviewed Erza's file the previous day. Such a heartbreaking experience hidden beneath that carefree exterior, she thought. Erza had never known freedom.

Chapter 190

Lennon had imposed severe physical and mental restrictions on Erza. Beyond training, Erza was allowed almost no freedom. Before eighteen, he was forbidden from watching television or engaging in recreational activities. His diet and reading material were strictly controlled, a life akin to that of a robot.

Lane, whose grandfather Harry had always been supportive, reflected, "If I had a grandfather like Lennon, it would be a nightmare."

Emma exchanged a look with Lane and simply told Rielle, "He has things to attend to; we came back first."

The three girls chatted as they entered the seven-seater MPV Liam had arranged. Dinner was already planned—a private room for four. Afterward, Lane and Rielle, thoroughly satisfied, openly burped.

Lane, her face flushed, exclaimed to Emma, "I understand why Ida bragged for days after eating with you! I thought she was greedy, but it's you guys! Miss Wilson, Mr. Hall spoils you, doesn't he?" The custom-made food was exquisite, she mused, a level of culinary artistry rarely found in restaurants! "Even my favorite spicy shrimp pasta at Charon Military School won't compare," she added.

Rielle, equally pleased, shyly thanked Liam, saying, "Miss Wilson's boyfriend… I mean, Mr. Hall, thank you for your hospitality."

"It's nothing," Liam replied with a polite smile.

After seeing off Rielle, Emma accompanied Lane to the bus stop. Lane, twisting her braid, was lost in thought. Rielle's mention of Erza had stirred a longing within her. She knew Emma had tasked her to uncover Erza's secret informant, but no further instructions had followed. Since reviewing Erza’s background, she’d been overwhelmed with emotion. He had no parents, living only with his grandfather. The Kemp family, of course, couldn't compare to the Burnsons. Lane's childhood was impoverished, yet she felt an inexplicable connection with Erza regarding their shared reliance on their grandfathers. "I thought all grandfathers were like Harry," she pondered. "How could someone like Lennon exist?"

Chapter 190

Lane hesitated, then asked, "Miss Wilson, about Erza…"

"Let's wait and see," Emma replied. "Interference isn't advisable."

"Okay," Lane agreed.

Meanwhile, in the Burnson courtyard, an elderly man in military uniform sat before a large rosewood table, eyes closed.

A uniformed middle-aged man reported, presenting two photographs taken at the airport. "This is Emma Wilson. She excelled at Vark College, participated in Mr. Quinn's summer camp, and earned the sole early graduation qualification in the country, along with Bob Hall." Bob's genius was city-wide renown. The comparison instantly revealed Emma's potential to Lennon.

Lennon, his gaze sharp, tapped the second photo. "And her?"

"Lane Kemp. Not well-off, but excelled at Charon Military School. Her grandfather was saved by Emma; they're close. Emma also seems close to Liam Hall. That private jet belongs to the Hall family."

Lennon dismissed this. "Even with Liam, the Hall family won't intervene for a few students." He felt certain.

His gaze lingered on Lane's picture. "Close to Emma, you say?"

"Yes, sir."

Lennon sneered. "A child who hasn't experienced true loyalty. Bring her to me!"

"Sir?"

"She dared threaten my private contacts," Lennon seethed. "Forty years in the military, and no one dares lecture me! I’ll teach Emma a lesson. No one influences Erza. He's the result of twenty years' work." The thought of Erza seemed to age him. Clearing his throat, he said, "Tell her Erza's grandfather seeks her; no other intention."

Lane was surprised by the call from the Burnson family. Learning about Lennon's treatment of Erza the previous night had complicated her feelings. Disapproval, fear, confusion, and anger warred within her.

She immediately informed Emma. Emma quickly deduced Lennon's motives. "Go," she told Lane. "But if he asks about our activities outside school, don't answer."

Lane nodded. "I understand, Miss Wilson."