When Hearts Collide: From Ashes to Love

"Maybe wealthy people are just really good at hiding things. Anyway, let's hurry back; the longer we wait, the more of a joke we'll look," Marian said, pulling her to her feet. But when they reached the private room door, Liang Meiqi hesitated.

"Marian, I can't do this. I can't go back in. The thought of Aaron's cold stare is too much," she admitted. "Just make an excuse for me—say I'm not feeling well and went home. My bag and coat are on my seat; take them for me and bring them to the office tomorrow."

Before Marian could react, Liang dashed off like a startled rabbit. With a helpless shake of her head, Marian re-entered the room.

No one in that crowd was naïve; nobody asked why Liang Meiqi disappeared so abruptly.

Soon, the dinner ended, and everyone rose to escort Aaron to the door.

Mao Quan'an was the first to notice the weather. "Ugh, this damned rain—again!"

Marian instinctively checked her bag. Sure enough, she'd forgotten her umbrella once more. She was starting to suspect one day she'd leave herself at home.

Julian looked her way. "It's raining. Taking the subway might be a hassle—let me give you a ride."

Aaron's deep black eyes shifted toward them as well. "You live in the western district, Mr. Zhou?"

Julian nodded. "Yeah, West Uptown."

Aaron gave a slight nod, speaking in an even tone. "Then I'll take Marian; I live nearer."

Several people blinked in surprise, their gazes flicking between Aaron and Marian.

Marian wanted to refuse, but he added, "Sending off an old classmate is the least I can do."

Mao Quan'an's jaw hung open, gaping like a dumbstruck goose.

Old classmates? he wondered. Who's an old classmate with whom?

To keep him from jumping to conclusions, Marian quickly chimed in, "Um, Aaron and I were undergrads together. Julian and Aaron were classmates in grad school."

"Oh, I see." Mao Quan'an understood now.

Julian gave a teasing laugh. "You and Aaron were classmates? Why didn't you mention it? I thought we only won this bid by riding on my reputation."

Marian forced a careful smile. "I'm not really that close to Mr. Fu. It felt presumptuous to call myself his classmate. Given his current status, if I went around saying it, I'd be accused of name-dropping. The reason YuTou chose Xinruan is primarily because our product is solid and fits well with YuTou's business needs."

She handled herself so well that not a drop of tension remained; Julian was pleased, and even Mao Quan'an thought to himself how quick and diplomatic she was.

Only Aaron's expression darkened, like a storm about to break. His voice carried an icy edge. "Manager Marian is certainly dedicated—never missing a chance to promote her own company. Julian is lucky to have a subordinate like you."

Julian spread his hands. "What can I say? My employee is indeed talented. Mr. Fu, if you'd be so kind as to drive her home, I'll owe you coffee another day."

Marian, arms loaded with stuff, intended to sit in the back seat. But she had barely settled in before Aaron, from the driver's seat, gave a curt "Get in front."

Marian craned her neck to protest, "I have too many things—this isn't convenient."

"Use your head for once. Put your stuff in the back, and you sit up front," he snapped, exasperation lacing his tone.

She loathed anyone calling her stupid. Her temper flared on the spot. "No! I'm staying in the back!"

She came from a poor background and wasn't particularly attractive, nor did she have the best figure. The only thing she prided herself on was her sharp mind. She couldn't stand being mocked for stupidity. The moment the words spilled out, she froze, feeling deflated as though all her energy had leaked out. Why does he always rile me up so easily?

Why?

Why him?

For five years, she'd gradually found her footing, boosted her confidence, and left old memories behind—hadn't she?